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THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHNEWSLETTER“Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith”SEPTEMBER 2016“Does God Go Too Far”This summer as I was going through my library to weed out books I no longer use I came across Tuesdays With Morrieby Mitch Albom. As it had been several years since I first read it, I decided to refresh my memory and read it again. AsI was reading I got to thinking about a conversation Mitch has with Morrie about God. In a nutshell, Mitch asks Morriehis thoughts about the story of Job. You may remember that God allowed Satan to take everything from Job—hishome, his money, his children, his health. Mitch asks Morrie, “What do you think about that?”, to which Morrie responds, “I think God overdid it.” That question and that response caused me to stop and reflect on Morrie’s response.Does God go too far?If you follow the news, you can’t help but agree with Morrie. Sometimes it does seem like God goes too far, allowingHis children to suffer what seems to be an excessive amount. So I got to wondering what the Bible has to say aboutsuffering.The book of Lamentations is all of five short chapters and, fair warning, it is not an upbeat, encouraging book but filledwith gloom and doom. There is good reason why few pastors ever preach from it.Even the title, Lamentations, means deep grief or mourning. The book was written either during the time of the Babylonian exile or shortly after the Israelite people returned to their broken, destitute land. The author is lamenting thedestruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 587 BC and the desperation that follows. The people had lost their king,their land, and their sanctuary.What is amazing about the laments of Israel is that they proved to be therapeutic as they led to healing. Through thesongs of anger and grief, God’s people found the light of day and their faith was renewed. “The steadfast love of theLord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23With all of the natural disasters around the globe; flooding in the south, wildfires and forest fires in the west, tornadoes in the midsection of the US, mega-storms in so many states, earthquakes in Italy, and terrorist attacks around theworld, I have come to see that Lamentations speaks to our time in history just as much as it did thousands of years ago.And then there is all the individual pain and hardship; lost jobs, lost retirements, cancer, broken families, the loss ofloved ones, and too much more to list. All of this might cause one to wonder, “Does God go too far?”I think what we need to remember is that the first few chapters in Lamentations is not the end of the story. After thepeople work through their anger and grief, healing slowly emerges.Leslie Weatherhead preached in London during World War II. In one of his sermons he wrote, “I can only write downthis simple testimony. Like all men, I love and prefer the sunny uplands of experience when health, happiness, andsuccess abound but I have learned more about God, life, and myself in the darkness of fear and failure than I have everlearned in the sunshine. The darkness, thank God, passes, but what one learns in the darkness, one possesses forever.”When Robert Louis Stevenson was nearing the end of his life his wife came in one morning and said, “I suppose in spiteof all your trouble you will tell me again that it is a beautiful day.” Stevenson answered, “Yes, my dear. I refuse to letthat row of medicine bottles be the circumference of my horizon.”When it seems God has gone too far, perhaps we need to remember these words, “This I call to mind and therefore Ihave hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new everymorning; great is your faithfulness.”May God Bless Us As We Continue the Journey Together,Pastor Kathy
PAGE 2UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016SEPT 5SEPT 3SEPT 4SEPT 5SEPT 6SEPT 8SEPT 9SEPT 10SEPT 11SEPT 12SEPT 13SEPT 14SEPT 15SEPT 17SEPT 18SEPT 21SEPT 22SEPT 23SEPT 24SEPT 26SEPT 27SEPT 28SEPT 29SEPT 30Ann BerryLeyah BaileyCindy ChrisingerBonnie BurnhamJann DahlTom EppsVerland CasperTyler BueBeulah SeversonDavid GjersethPam BjerkeOrville AmbornKyle KostohryzLois EppsCathy WhaleyMaria LeeMarlee SlifkaBrianna KappenAmy WilletteLoretta CharneskiBreanna AmbornNick HagenbrockSue LindahlAnne BoehmMichael FirkinsCheryl DolseyDennis FarnsworthBill PerryEllen FinkEric ChrisingerIris HolderPhyllis NesbittMolly SaavedraJill ProchaskaJim TalleySara BakerSeth HarelsonYOUR CHURCH NEWSLETTER ISAVAILABLE ONLINE atbrfumc.org or it can be sent toyou by email. Call the churchoffice for more information!!!SEPT 7SEPT 8SEPT 15SEPT 16SEPT 17SEPT 19SEPT 21SEPT 23SEPT 27SEPT 30Larry & Sue GaedeDon & Charlene GalstonLarry & Sharon NemecHarley & Kathie BoehmRyan & Kim RansomDarrin & Anne BoehmBob & Anna BeckerDick & Bernice MoldenhauerDon & Janet GilbertsonGlen & Abbi GoldsmithLance & Jennifer LeisgangLarry & Cathy WhaleyOrv & Beth AmbornEric & Cindy ChrisingerKen & LuAnne SchoolcraftJim & Jill KaphengstDerek & Marcie Peterson
PAGE 3UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016United Methodist Women“Growing in Blessedness”It’s time to begin circle meetings again.The temperatures at night have been cool, and the leaves on my black walnut trees are already dropping. I know thatwe will have more hot and steamy weather because there is always a very hot week after school starts, but I am looking forward to the beauty of fall leaves and the personal energy that cooler temperatures bring. I’m eager to reconnect with the women in my circle, to hear about their summer adventures, to plan together for our fall and winter activities.I hope you too are looking forward to rejoining your UMW circles. Let’s make a true effort to invite others to join ourfellowship. We have a good thing going and need to share it.Carol AndersonUMW provides us with many opportunities to grow.UMW provides us with fellowship and friendship. But UMW also gives us many opportunities to grow, ways tostrengthen our faith, studies to challenge our minds and hearts.*Our Reading Program introduces us to current thought on building communities, facing society’s challenges, and creating leaders. Mission u studies for 2016 -- Latin America – People and Faith and The Bible and Human Sexuality –Claiming God’s Good Gifts help us to see others in a different light. If you haven’t begun to read the recommendedbooks, please check out the offerings on the UMW book shelves in the Wesley Room.*Each month at Circle meetings we explore an article from the response magazine and have a program to expand ourknowledge of UMW’s missions in the world around us. Simply attending a Circle meeting can help us to grow. Circleswill meet on September 6 and October 3.Annual Gatherings -- This fall UMW members will have two opportunities to join other UMW women in increasing ourknowledge and in strengthening our faith. On Saturday, Sept. 17, the North Central District UMW will meet at MosineeUMC. Climate Justice is the study focus for the day, and our speaker will be Mike Bruenling, a meteorologist withWAOW Channel 9 in Wausau. Mike is also a UMC lay speaker. Registration and lunch are 15 and due to the churchoffice on Sept. 8.Then on Oct. 22 the Wisconsin Conference UMW Annual Gathering will be held at Lake Street UMC in Eau Claire. Featured speakers will be Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner from Harbor House Crisis Center and Rev. Mary Catherine Pearce.Registration and lunch are 25. Registration forms are due Sept. 27 to the church office.Can you join us at the district or conference Annual Gathering? Come and make new friends, experience worship withwomen of strong faith, challenge yourself with new knowledge. Come and enjoy. Come and grow. Registration materials are on the kiosk in the Gathering Area.Dates to RememberSeptember 17October 22October 23North Central District UMW Annual Gathering at Mosinee UMCWI Conference UMW Annual Gathering at Lake Street UMC in Eau ClaireBRF’s UMW Sunday - Intergenerational tour of the Bible Cranberry Marsh
PAGE 4UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016ALTAR FLOWERSAUG 21Given by Bob & Elaine Ott in honor oftheir 70th Wedding Anniversary on August24.RADIO BROADCASTSAUG 21Sponsored by the United MethodistWomenSPECIAL GIFTA monetary gift has been given to the church by Bob &Elaine Ott in honor of their 70th Wedding Anniversary.MUSIC FUNDIn Memory Of:Larry Anderson from Tom & Lois Epps, Judy & RusSheppard, Warren & Mary Loveland, John & Sue Lindahl,Tad & Marian Millis, and Don & Charlene Galston.Save the Date: Cranberry Marsh TourOn Sunday, October 23, at 1:00 pm you are invited tolearn about and observe the harvesting of cranberries.Jim Bible, from Brockway Cranberry, Inc., will sharehis knowledge and experience with growing and harvesting Wisconsin’s State fruit. This visit will takeplace during the height of harvest time, so we knowyou will not want to miss it. Look for more information in the October Newsletter. Sponsored by UnitedMethodist Women.On behalf of the Jackson County Humane Society, Iwant to express our thanks for your efforts with ourShoes for Shelters Campaign. We collected 4,684pounds of shoes and earned 1,873.00 for our buildingproject. Thank you!Marly DivverPresidentFaith Alive! - Embolden Your ActionsFaith Alive! is a catalyst to embolden participant’s actions as we do God’s will. Become a part of this activeand involved study to discover and use your spiritualgifts, define your ministry and service, explore scripture, and integrate yourfaith into the workplace andeveryday living.Take part in this journey ofbelievers from across thestate of Wisconsin. In ourfirst weekend, we will explore the question “Who is the God who Calls Us?”Over 225 laity and clergy have attended Faith Alive!over the past fifteen years. The study consists of sixweekend sessions from September 2016 to April 2018.All sessions are held at the Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center in Wau6toma, WI. Your first sessionwill be September 16-18.Register now. Go to elong-learning/ll-faith-alivefor a brochure and registration form. Follow FaithAlive! On Facebook. For more information, contactDenise Retzleff at retzleffd@gmail.com or 920-5390336.
PAGE 5UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016EVERY SUNDAYWorship Service:9:00-10:00 a.m.Sunday School:9:20-10:15 a.m.Discussion Group Willbegin September 14The Christians in Conversation DiscussionGroup will begin on Wednesday, September 14,at 6:15 p.m. in the Keefe Room.Pastor Kathy will be leading astudy on prayer beads, usingthe book, “A Bead and APrayer”. During the study,everyone .will learn the historyof prayer beads. how they areused, and will have an opportunity to create their own set ofprayer beads. All materials needed will be provided at no charge. As prayer beads are notjust for women, both men and women are encouraged to attend.Come and join your church family on Wednesday nights starting September 14 for food, fun,fellowship and more. The meal will be servedfrom 4:30-6:00 p.m. Below is the menu for September: (Brochures with menus for the year areavailable at the Information Station)September 14Grilled Ham/Cheese SandwichesTomato SoupDessertsBeveragesSeptember 21Chicken & BiscuitsLettuce SaladDessertsBeveragesSeptember 28MeatballsPotatoes & GravyCornDessertsBeveragesEvery week there will be hot dogs and peanutbutter/jelly also available. A free-will offering of 4.00 per person or a maximum of 10.00 perfamily if possible will be taken to cover the costof the food. You are invited to come whetheryou can pay or not. Don’t let the cost stop youfrom coming.Volunteers are needed for cleaning up thekitchen and Fellowship Hall each week, as wellas for furnishing bars or cookies for desserteach week. Please be willing to take your turnto help continue this program.
PAGE 6UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, “Let the children cometo me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heavenbelongs to those who are like these children.30 children ages 3 years to 11 years attended Vacation Bible School in August! AHUGE THANKS to everyone who contributed items or volunteered their time for Vacation Bible School. Programs like this cannot happen without people like you! It was an amazing week full of music,laughter, crafts, stories, friends, and learning that Jesus is the ultimate treasure!It’s a Carnival! The 1st day of Sunday School will be Sunday, September 11, with registration and a Carnival Extravaganza! Watch your mail for a postcard! Registration forms are also available on our webpage, www.brfumc.org.On September 18 and 25 all children will be combined and participate in Group Sunday.; This will enable the SundaySchool Team and children to get to know each other. Sunday School will begin at 9:20 a.m. and end at 10:15 a.m.(Children are encouraged to attend church with their families at 9:00 a.m. They will be dismissed to go to SundaySchool following the Children’s Message).In October, we will continue the Rotation Model Sunday School. This is a way to teach Bible Stories and conceptsthrough child-friendly, creative, and interactive areas. The name of our rotation is JAM, Jesus and Me. The childrenwill rotate to a different area each week: Creation Station (Art), Sunday’s Diner (Cooking), Godly Games (Games),and Holywood (Stories/Music). They will focus on one story for 4 weeks. Rotation Leaders do not rotate, but stay inone place, preparing one lesson (with some age-appropriate modifications) for the four week rotation. Guides leadthe children to each rotation, helping the rotation leader as needed. All children will begin in the Holywood Room andbe dismissed to their rotation. The Holywood Room is located downstairs by the elevator.FAMILY SUNDAY: The third Sunday of each month has been designated as Family Sunday, our first one is October 16.All Sunday School children will participate in the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service. Pre-K children and 4th graders will receivetheir bibles. Families and children are encouraged to attend this special Sunday and remain in church for the full service. What a great opportunity to involve our younger youth in worship!Like our Facebook page Black River Falls Sunday School to see photos of our activities. You can also go to the church’swebsite, www.brfumc.org for photos and other information.YOUTH BIRTHDAYS:Our Rotation Model Sunday School Team:Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Beth BueHolywood: Beth BueCreation Station: Roxie HostrawserSunday’s Diner: Megan FinchGodly Games: Mike RaveSEPT 2Please continue bringing in your ink cartridges and old cell phones.There are boxes in the front entryway, by the Church Office, and bythe Youth Rooms for the ink cartridges and cell phones.SEPT 30SEPT 3SEPT 11SEPT 21Jaida DecorahIan PhillipsMackenzie DoughertyTyler WoodsElijah ArndtChanning GoldsmithErika Phillips
PAGE 7UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016Don't let anyone look down on you becauseyou are young, but set an example for theBelievers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithand in purity.1 Timothy 4:12*Youth group will meet each Wednesday starting September 14th from 6-7:30pm.*Youth Group is for any youth in grades 6th-12th. Starting this fall, the Sr. and Jr. High youth groups will be combinedinto one group. The rooms have been revamped for our newly-formed group with some great activities planned.*ADULT VOLUNTEERS: We are always looking for adult volunteers that want to come hang out with the youth groupon Wednesday nights. If you are available to and would like to help out on a Wednesday, please give Suzanne a call at715-896-0224.Suzanne GoldsmithYouth Director715-896-0224suziegoldsmith@hotmail.comDo you love to sing?Come and join the UMC Choir!!Whether you sing soprano, alto, tenor or bass, thereis a place for you in the choir!Our practice time has been changed to Sundaymornings at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary, beginningSunday, September 11.Our director, Jeff Woodward, has selected somenew music for us to sing as we make a joyful noiseto the Lord! Come and check the choir out!
PAGE 8UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016PRAYER FAMILIES FOR SEPTEMBERSEPT 4SEPT 11SEPT 18SEPT 25Leroy & Sarah WiersmaJack Traci, Jaryd & Leyah BaileyGertrude BueKaren DevendorfGuy & Sara FosterRich, Suzanne, Erika, Jessie & Ella GoldsmithSusanne HeftyGil HomstadGene & Janet KrohnSharon MelicharMary O’BrienJohn PiotrowskiBeulah SeversonBob UhrigLarry Cathy & Ryan WhaleyGene & Linda AtkinsonThank You to theBRF UMC CongregationThanks partially to the generosity of you, the members and friends of the Black River Falls UnitedMethodist Church, the Mission Outreach Committee was able to provide backpacks loaded with schoolsupplies to 97 area students on Saturday, August 13. Prior to the event, each student was sent an invitationwelcoming him or her to the fellowship hall to select a backpack, “shop” for school supplies that are required for the 2016-2017 school year, and enjoy a snack and beverage along with their parents or guardians. In addition to expressions of thanks coming from the students and parents/guardians, their smiles saidmore than words ever could!Besides the 1,206.50 that was donated by members and friends of BRF UMC, we are grateful forthe 1000 WalMart grant, the 635.33 that was raised at the two bratwurst sales held at Gordy’s, the 500Millis Transfer donation, and the donations of 100 each from Hoffman Construction and Black RiverCountry Bank. The grant and donations totaled 3,541.83.Again, thank you for being so generous and supportive! Many thanks also go to the numerous volunteer workers who so graciously and happily helped with this project!!
PAGE 9UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016UMCOR Assists in Louisiana Flood RecoveryDays of torrential rain inundated the state of Louisiana beginning August 11. Flooding hasimpacted at least 40,000 homes and about 30,000 people and 1,000 pets have been rescuedfrom high water in homes and cars. At least 11 people are known to have died in the disaster. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) issued an emergency grant tothe Louisiana Annual Conference, releasing 2,950 clean-up buckets to United Methodistchurches in LaFayette and Baton Rouge, areas severely affected by the floods, for distribution to affected households. UMCOR stands ready to release another 2,000 clean-up buckets to go to the most vulnerableplaces as identified by the Louisiana Conference, as more clean-up buckets are being assembled to meet more needs. Thestate of Mississippi also was affected by flooding, and UMCOR has readied relief supplies to go there, when the waterrecedes.Work trips with Wisconsin Volunteers in Mission to assist in flood repair and relief are being planned for January andFebruary 2017 for Texas and Louisiana., The exact site locations are still to be determined. Visit wisvim.org for moreinformation on the trips and to sign up. In the meantime, donations can be made to the Wisconsin Annual Conferencewith “#5969 UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response” in the check memo line. (Checks may be made payable to Black RiverFalls United Methodist Church and the funds will be forwarded to Wisconsin Annual Conference.)FILLING THE GAPAs many of you are aware, the Finance Committee has been projecting that the church will have a deficit in the operatingbudget of approximately 25,000 for this year. In previous years when this has occurred, it was often the apportionmentsthat weren’t paid in full or a generous donation that allowed us to get the important bills and payroll covered at the endof the year. This year we want to address this deficit now so that all of our obligations can be met without the last-minutepleas for additional funds. We want to “fill the gap” now.At present we are asking that everyone consider increasing their giving for the remainder of this year by 200. We knowthat there are some whose current circumstances may not allow an additional gift of that amount, but there may be others able to exceed that amount.To that end, a giving card has been included below. Just detach your completed card and return it to the church. Therewill also be cards available at the Information Station in the Gathering Area.The Finance Committee thanks you for your continued I Want To Help Fill The GapAs a reflection of God’s generosity, I/we can increase my/our giving for 2016 by: 50 100 200Other AmountName
PAGE 10UMC NEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2016Van Etta LibraryBOOK REVIEWBeing United Methodist:What It Means, Why It Mattersby J. Ellsworth KalasAuthor J. Ellsworth Kalas was a United Methodist pastor for 38 years, served 5years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council, and was a part of the faculty ofAsbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.In this book, he explores questions such as “Who are these people called UnitedMethodists , Where have they come from, and Where are they going?”A brief history of Methodism's origins is given and the book continues with what Methodists believe, where Methodism is today and what the future holds for our Methodist religion.You might especially enjoy chapter 8, “Singing like a Methodist.” The author contends that Methodists did not invent the idea of including singing in the church to carrythe joy, hope, and convictions of a redeemed people, but no movement was ever morethoroughly shaped by its singing than the Methodists.Hopefully, you will find this to be a thought-provoking book that makes you moreaware of the history of the United Methodist Church and give you a renewed pride in being a part of the moral compass our church provides.Rhoda GulsoSunday School Carnival!!!!HURRY, HURRY COME ONE, COME ALLStep right up and have a ball!For:Date:Time:Place:First day of Sunday SchoolSunday, September 119:20 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.BRF UMC Fellowship Hall
BRF UMC Calendar of Events—September 2016SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 49:00 a.m.—Worship ServicesMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5LABOR DAYCHURCH OFFICE CLOSEDTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 69:00 a.m.—Martha Circle Meeting1:30 p.m.—Circle of Hope MeetingWEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 79:00 a.m.—Prayer Group6:00 p.m.—Bell Choir Practice7:00 p.m.—Spirit! PracticeTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 85:30 p.m.—Women’s Retreat MeetingSATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 108:30 a.m.— UM Men’s Group MeetingSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 119:00 a.m.—Worship Service9:20-10:15 a.m.—Sunday School10:15 a.m.—UMC Choir PracticeMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12CHURCH OFFICE CLOSEDPASTOR KATHY DAY OFFTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 135:30 p.m.—Board of Trustees Meeting5:30 p.m.—Finance Committee Meeting6:15 p.m.—Administrative Council MeetingWEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 149:00 a.m.—Prayer Group4:30-6:00 p.m.—Church Family Night Meal5:00 p.m.—PreCon Orientation Meeting6:00 p.m.—Youth Group6:00 p.m.—Bell Choir Practice6:15 p.m.—Christians in Conversation7:00 p.m.—Spirit! PracticeTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 155:00 p.m.—Mission Outreach MeetingSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 189:00 a.m.—Worship ServiceFAMILY SUNDAY - Communion10:15 a.m.—UMC Choir PracticeMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19CHURCH OFFICE CLOSEDPASTOR KATHY DAY OFFWEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 219:00 a.m.—Prayer Group4:30-6:00 p.m.—Church Family Night Meal5:15 p.m.—PreCon6:00 p.m.—Youth Group6:00 p.m.—Bell Choir Practice6:15 p.m.—Christians in Conversation7:00 p.m.—Spirit! PracticeSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 259:00 a.m.—Worship Service9:20-10:15 a.m.—Sunday School10:15 a.m.—UMC Choir PracticeMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26CHURCH OFFICE CLOSEDPASTOR KATHY DAY OFFWEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 289:00 a.m.—Prayer Group4:30-6:00 p.m.—Church Family Night Meal5:15 p.m.—PreCon6:00 p.m.—Youth Group6:00 p.m.—Bell Choir Practice6:15 p.m.—Christians in Conversation7:00 p.m.—Spirit! Practice
by Mitch Albom. As it had been several years since I first read it, I decided to refresh my memory and read it again. As I was reading I got to thinking about a conversation Mitch has with Morrie about God. In a nutshell, Mitch asks Morrie his thoughts about the story of Job. You may remember that God allowed Satan to take everything from Job—his
