Decorah First United Methodist Church; 302 W. Broadway, Decorah, Iowa 52101 Email: [email protected]Website: decorahfirstunitedmethodist.org 563-382-3835 Pastoral Care Reminder: If you or a loved one have entered or plan to enter the hospital or nursing home, and you desire a visit from Pastor Mee, please remember to contact the office or call Pastor at 563-277-1595 Congregational Potluck (Hosted by UMW) Heritage Sunday May 19, 2019 Following our worship service Have an old UMW cookbook? We suggest you make use a recipe from one of the older cookbooks. Bring the recipe with you to share and let ’s reminisce about the person who is no longer with us but she contributed to our cookbooks. Let the office know if you have someone graduating from college this year. We would like to honor them at our Congregational brunch on May 19. 1965 Cookbook 1980 Cookbook
Transcript
Decorah First United Methodist Church; 302 W. Broadway, Decorah, Iowa 52101
The last day of Sunday School for this year is Mother's Day, May 12th. We will
acknowledge our teachers during church that morning. Sunday School will resume in the
fall at 10:30-11:30 on Sunday morning.
Mary Martha Circle met at 1:00 in Fellowship Hall on April 17, 2019. Co-chair Tina Shedinger opened with a poem appropriate for the Easter season entitled “Watered Gardens,” referencing a verse from the book of Isaiah. Eleven members answered roll call; the April meeting minutes were read and ap-proved; and treasurer Ann Duder reported $116 turned in to UMW for a year-to-date total of $221. Co-chair Sherry Schilling read the names of members having birthdays. We signed a card for Merit Olsen and asked for prayers for healing of her infection. Ann read from the Prayer Calendar. Sherry read the circle letter which included sign-ups for the May 19th Heritage Sunday potluck and the June 5th UMW salad luncheon. Lois Roberts presented the program related to Easter. Focusing on the women who discovered Jesus’ resurrection, we found in the Gospels the names of at least six who were among Jesus’ disciples though they’re often not counted as such. The program material then described several leaders and movements in the 150-year history of United Methodist Wom-en, disciples of Jesus in more recent times who have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of women and children everywhere. Next meeting will be Wednesday, May 15th at 1:00 in Fellowship Hall. Claudia Dabbs served a delicious baked potato bar for refreshments. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Dale, Secretary
Women Empowered, (WE) was started with a goal of creating an organization for wom-en to empower each other. Women are social beings and are spending more and more time isolating themselves in a busy, busy life. There is so much tearing down of women in society when it should be our duty to uphold each other. We are a better person to ourselves, and to everyone around us, when we give and receive with people outside of our family. Supporting other women is so rewarding and is the clearest way to receive the support, you need, when you need it.
Women Empowered will bring women together to form a network of support. That support and resources will be offered to support business, family, health and community.
Our next events are: May 13th with the GIA Team (Green Iowa AmeriCorps) June 10th - Girls that Code July - Potluck at Whalen Cabin (Date to be announced) Depending on interest, August 3rd or 10th Common Sense Defense - an outstanding training for all ladies and we were requested to have more after our April 6th training. Absolute must for young ladies heading off to college. Join the fun and allow your confidence to soar. To have you email listed as a contact just
Sarah Circle shares a lovely reading presented by Nancy Lerdall at their April 17 meeting:
The Dusty Bible
I found an old, old Bible tucked away with other books. I felt perhaps a treasure lay within
its pages—-so I looked.
I didn’t find a treasure rare inside the book itself, but, upon the faded pages, were gifts be-
yond man’s wealth.
The words told a wondrous story of a time I’d never see: a cross with blood upon it from the
man Who died for me.
I thought I’d find possessions within that forgotten nook. Instead, I found my Lord and Sav-
ior inside a dusty book. By Marcis K. Leaser
Sarah Circle Minutes of the April 17 meeting:
Circle was held at church hosted by Pam Ransom and Nancy Lerdall. Present were: Pam Ransom,
Nancy Lerdall, Jerri Osenga, Barb Welgos, Janet Allen, Sue Anderson, Ranell Bolson, Joan Lubke,
Nina Taylor and Pastor Mee. The minutes from March 20 were read by Jerri O. The Treasurer
Nancy reported a balance of $6.46. The envelopes for Least Coin and the Legacy Fund were
passed around. Nancy said the pledge can now (and anytime) be given. $20.00 was a suggested
amount. The UMW letter was read. Pam said our Least Coin will go to the Midwest Mission in
Cresco. There will be a potluck brunch on Heritage Sunday, May 19, after worship. It is suggested
we use the recipes from our church’s cook books. Nancy has all of them, back to 1965. Nancy
Lerdall volunteered to set up; Jerri Osenga to help serve. June 5th at noon is our Friendship Salad
Luncheon, another potluck. Joan Lubke volunteered to set up; Pam will decorate 2 tables; Jerri O.
will help clean-up. We are requested to make reservations. Meeting was adjourned. Jerri Osenga,
Secretary.
Back Pack Program
The Decorah Community Schools Backpack Program
would like to thank the entire FUMC congregation for their
support during the 2018-2019 bag/peanut butter collection
drive. Our last packing day is May 14.
Thanks to your generosity we served 78 students this year.
We will NOT be collecting donations of plastic bags or peanut butter over
the summer.
On This Memorial Day
Remember those who served before.
Remember those who are no more.
Remember those who serve today.
Remember them as we eat and play.
Remember our protectors-
who are not home today.
Remember them all on Memorial Day.
By Emily Toma
Church office will be closed on Monday May 27, in observance of Memorial Day
Dear Friends,
We thank you for your concern given in the form of cards, notes, phone calls kind
words on the street, gifts and healing prayers we have received during John’s illness. It
is heartwarming to be members of such a caring group.
It has been a long winter, but John is definitely improving each day. We are grateful for
all the support we have received thus far and ask for continued prayers as the fight goes
on.
Gratefully yours, John and Karen Gipp
Decorah Community Meals
New location is Decorah Lutheran Church
Meal served 5:00-6:15 pm
Decorah Community Meal is free meal
prepared and served for the community by
local restaurants and volunteers.
Meal is open to All.
May 2nd
May 16th
June 6th
Thank you Nancy Lerdall for the
April Table decorations in the lobby
outside the office.
Social Concerns: March 27,2019 Present: Sondy Carver, Michelle Amdahl, Virginia Leidahl, Nina Taylor, Cynthia Peterson 1. Sondy announced that Ken VandeBerg and others from Habitat for Humanity will speak at Sunday Forum on April 28, 2019. 2. Michelle suggested that we have a Forum with Terry Benzow from Winneshiek Co. recycling. This is tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2019. Virginia will contact him and arrange. 3.The Lenten study on “Miracles” is reported to be very successful and has attracted a large group. There have been good discussions each Sunday. 4. Michelle suggested that we establish a consistent location for Sunday forums and announce that location in the Tower. 5. Sondy will be our representative to the Ad Council. 6. Barb Dale presented some new information about members of our denomination grappling with the “Way Forward” in response to the recent general conference decisions. Next Meeting: April 24, 2019 at 6:30 P.M.
The Social Concern’s Committee would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to the congregation. We realize that our occasional speakers, planned by social concerns to educate ourselves about community and social justice issues, interrupt the coffee time. We will always allow 45 minutes (starting at 10:45) before a speaker begins. We hope that will provide ample time for coffee and conversation and still allow the congregation time to join in the education provided by the speakers and the Social Concerns Committee. We appreciate the congregation growing and changing together as we learn about social changes
A note for Merit Olsen
Thank you for being a Beautiful Blessing in my Life! I am honored to attend
and feel at home at First United Methodist Church.
Peace, Love, Blessings,
Merit Olsen
May this new month bring blessings into your days,
As you dwell in the presence of God’s goodness and grace.
Congratulations to our FUMC Buntrock Scholarship recipients of 2019
Micala Folkedahl and Ian Smith
Adult Fellowship Potluck Dinner
FUMC’s Adult Fellowship Potluck dinner will NOT be held in May. Please mark your
calendars for June 9, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Jim and Ann Rhodes
will be your host and hostess.
FUMC Book Club
Will meet on Tuesday, May 21 @ Cheryl Pellet’s home
302 Lief Erickson Drive.
We are reading The History of Bees by Maja Lunde
Norwegian author Lunde puts imagination and research to
work in this message-driven novel set in a gloomy past, a
doomed modernity, and a dystopian future. Nineteenth-
century British shopkeeper William Savage suffers from
debilitating depression but finally gets out of bed when his
children inspire him to try to build a better beehive. In
2007, a stubborn Ohio beekeeper named George desper-
ately tries to interest his more academically oriented son,
Tom, in the family business, even as environmental chang-
es begin to impact its operation. In 2098, a young mother
named Tao labors with her husband and everyone else in
China, standing in the branches of fruit trees pollinating buds by hand. In just three years,
her 5-year-old son will also be funneled into this physically debilitating and mindless
work. She dreams of giving him an education and a better life, but instead, on their one
Day of Rest in six months, he is catastrophically and mysteriously injured, then spirited
out of town by the authorities. Tao’s quest to find her son and understand what happened
to him will ultimately tie the three stories together, as does the theme of the bond be-
May 5 is Native American Ministries Sunday
(A Churchwide special Sunday of the United Methodist Church). Gifts
to Native American Ministries Sunday, fund scholarships for Native
American seminarians and strengthen, develop and equip Native
American rural, urban and reservation congregations, ministries and
communities and annual conference Native American ministries. Your
contribution supports aspiring Native American pastors and enriches
outreach in their communities.
Meals for Ramadan begin in May.
Members of the congregation are again preparing
evening meals to support the Muslim students, and
community members who have been fasting from
food and drink all day. This year, meals will be
served at our church on Tuesdays May 14, 21 and 28 at 8:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The
May 7 and June 4th meal will be at Good Shepard Church. ( All are very welcome at Good
Shepherd too.)
If you would like to participate in this ministry for any or all of the meals, you are welcome
to bring a dish to pass that has no pork in it.
It is an important time to support our friends of different faiths. Questions? Contact Linda
The Decorah Community Food Pantry (located at First Lutheran Church)
Is looking for a few more helpers on Tuesday mornings to help unload food items picked up at area businesses (Fareway, Kwik Star, etc) and arriving on a truck from the Waterloo Food Bank. It involves carrying some heavy items, stocking shelves, and being patient awaiting the Food Bank truck arrival. Traditionally, men have been do-ing this task as boxes can be heavy.
Contact Jeff Tomlinson ([email protected]) if you have questions or are interest-ed in volunteering.
May 3– May Friendship Day at Good Shephard at 9:00 a.m.
May 15– Circles Meet (Program is Women Responding and Serving in Christs Name
pg. 92)
Sarah 9:15 at Church; Nina Taylor hostess and program
Mary/Martha 1:00 at Church; Connie Luenberger hostess; Ann Duder-program
Eve 1:30 at Candace Arp’s home; 1344 Coon Creek Road; Candace- program.
May 19– Heritage Day-Congregational Potluck following worship. UMW hosts.
May Flower chairman is Jean Carter. If you would like to place flowers on the Altar
In honor of or in memory of a loved one this month, contact Jean. On May 26, flow-
ers on Altar will be in Memory of Syd & Ruth McClintock.
Mark your calendars so you do not miss the
June 5 Potluck Salad Lunch.
Diane Rarick will have a program on “Vintage Clothing”.
This will be a time of good food, fun and fellowship for all of the women of
our church.
We would like to ask that you bring a salad of your choice to share.
Beverages, rolls and dessert will be provided.
Thank you Don and Sally Stromseth. Great Job on updating our wall in the lower hallway.
Picture on the left shows the condition of the wall after the tiles were removed. After scraping
and sanding the newly painted wall is the picture on the right.
Sister Parish News
Nine members of the Sister Parish met at Jan Heikes’ home on April 15, 2019.
Sister Parish promotes intercultural and ecumenical understanding by establishing link-ages between churches in the United States and faith-based communities in Central America. The linkages are based on person-to-person contact through ongoing communication and delegation travel.
Our church has had an ongoing relationship with the community of Potrerillos, El Salva-dor since 2003. This has included 7 North to South delegations where we visit El Salvador and 3 South to North delegations as our friends from Potrerillos come to Decorah. In between, our communities communicate through letters, emails, and Skype calls.
Time was spent describing to Pastor Mee the Sister Parish organization and the relation-ship building that has existed between our church and the community of Potrerillos. The group also discussed scheduling adult forums on relevant issues impacting the Sister Parish commu-nity. A plan was developed to offer three adult forum programs on current immigration issues. The project will be discussed at the Social Concerns Committee to identify dates that would be available for these forums. Beth Crawford offered to do a program on her Border Awareness Experience to the communities of El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico in November. An effort will be made to schedule a Sunday for Beth to give this presentation.
The next Sister Parish meeting will be on June 3, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. at Jan’s .
2019
AUTHORIZATION FOR DIRECT GIVING
(Reference: Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization)
I authorize the First United Methodist Church (FUMC), Decorah and the financial institution named below the initiate debits
from my checking/savings account. This authority will remain in effect until I notify FUMC (in writing) to cancel it in such
time as to afford the financial institution or reasonable opportunity to act on it. I can stop payment of any entry by notifying my
financial institution 3 day before the account is charged.
I hereby authorize the withdrawal from the following account as noted below:
Amount Withdrawn: ________________________
Frequency please choose one: ___ monthly -25th of each month
___ weekly – each Monday
Name of Bank: ________________________
Bank Transit No: ________________________
(This is the first set of numbers located at the bottom of your check.)
Account No: ________________________
(This is the second set of numbers located at the bottom of your check.)
Bank Telephone No: ________________________
Bank Contact: ________________________
This shall by your good and sufficient authority for so doing and will remain in effect
until First United Methodist Church receives notification in writing.
Signature: Date: _______________
*Please enclose an unsigned check or deposit slip from the account marked “VOID”.*
Benefits of Automatic Withdrawal Giving
Testimonial by Nancy Ruen
I am speaking on behalf of the Finance Committee.
We felt that it may be beneficial for you to hear about the process that is available
for having your church monetary offering automatically withdrawn from your bank
account.
There are many benefits, not only for me, but for the church as well.
* I don’t have to remember to write a check or remember to bring it along on
Sunday morning. When singing in choir, as I do, I don’t have to remember to put it in
my music folder and then in the offering plate.
* If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, visiting family,
vacationing, or escaping from Decorah winters, you don’t have to worry about sending
your regular donation.
* It is a completely safe withdrawal from your bank account by filling out the
provided form in our newsletter.
* If you feel awkward not putting a donation in when the collection plate is passed
during the worship service, there are convenient little green cards in each pew that you
can use to symbolize your monetary donation.
*It is very helpful for the church treasurer to be able to rely on the monthly
donations at a specific time when paying our expenses.
If you have any questions or concerns about
this process, please feel free to talk to any of
the Finance Committee members.
Nick Rissman, Chairman (382-4547)
Worship Leader Audio Visual Coffee Fellowship
5/5-Diane Rarick Ken Amdahl Staff
5/12 Steve Rarick Gary Mineart Sharon Rossman/Sharon Folkedahl
5/19 Landan Folkedahl Ken Amdahl Nick & Lori Rissman
5/26 Mark Landas Ken Amdahl Karen Gipp/ Norma Bappe
