GOOD NEWS MESSENGER Prairie View United Methodist Church P.O. Box 143 Oelrichs, SD 57763 605-424-2080 OCTOBER 2015 ****************************************************************************************** WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS for October 4________________________________________________________________________ Greeters: Mike & Patti Schommer Ushers: Irene Beard; Ann Abbott Special Music: Praise Team Acolytes: Kyle Sanders; Ray Sanders Children’s Time: Colleen Bowker Accompanists: Cindy Trent; Ron & Sue Olofson; Lois Putnam Fellowship Hosts: Becky Richardson; Kari Sanders Media: Glen Elshire Flowers: Willie Miller Sunday School: Bethany Whitney; Koryn Hughson; Emarie Hughson WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS for October 11______________________________________________________________________ Greeters: Steve & Colleen Alexander Ushers: Orval & Deb Frahm Special Music: Choir Acolytes: Caleb Rickenbach; Rachel Rickenbach Children’s Time: Joel Rickenbach Accompanists: Ron & Sue Olofson; Lois Putnam Fellowship Hosts: Irene Beard; Patti Schommer Media: Linda Colson Flowers: Sue Olofson Sunday School: Robin Tierney; Rowdy Hughson WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS for October 18_______________________________________________________________________ Greeters: Ron & Cindy Trent Ushers: David Koupal; Colton Koupal Special Music: Praise Team Acolytes: Megan Sanders; Sophia Nathan Children’s Time: Ruth Pourier Accompanists: Cindy Trent; Ron & Sue Olofson; Lois Putnam Fellowship Hosts: Linda Colson; Mindy Rickenbach; Val Nathan Media: Devon Trent; Rita Bell; Linda Colson; Glen & Darla Elshire Flowers: Sunday School: Valerie Nathan; Diane Emick
Transcript
GOOD NEWS MESSENGER
Prairie View United Methodist Church P.O. Box 143 Oelrichs, SD 57763
605-424-2080
OCTOBER 2015 ******************************************************************************************
WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS for October 4________________________________________________________________________
Greeters: Mike & Patti Schommer
Ushers: Irene Beard; Ann Abbott
Special Music: Praise Team
Acolytes: Kyle Sanders; Ray Sanders
Children’s Time: Colleen Bowker
Accompanists: Cindy Trent; Ron & Sue Olofson; Lois Putnam
As the ONE THING for October is a Trunk and Treat which you’re reading about in this newsletter, I thought it might be appropriate to talk a little about the history and nature of this annual event.
The beginning of the story starts with the very early church. Under the rule of numerous emperors, some high profile believers became martyrs for the cause of Christianity. As such, it became a custom to celebrate the life of each of these saints on the anniversary of their martyrdom. But by the early fourth century, during the reign of Emperor Domitian, the number of martyrs became too numerous to celebrate them on individual days. So over time churches began to select one day as an annual of remembrance for all the saints who had passed away. For a time the day commemorated was May 13th, but in the mid 8th century Pope Gregory 3rd moved the date to November 1st. This day known as “All Saints Day” has been referred to in a number of different ways including; “All Hallows”, “Day of All the Saints”, “Solemnity of All Saints” or “Feast of All Saints.”
As with many feasts within Judaism and the early church, the celebration began the evening before. The verb “hallow” means “honor as holy”, which is how we use it in our Lord’s Prayer. But the noun form means “a saint or holy person.” So the festivities of the evening before began to be called “hallows evening”, which later took on a Scottish shortening of the word evening into “een.” And thus our modern day terminology of “Halloween” took hold and began to refer to the entire day before “All Hallows” or “All Saints Day.”
"Souling", the custom of baking and sharing soul cakes for all christened souls, has been suggested as the origin of trick-or-treating. The custom dates back at least as far as the 15th century and was found in parts of England, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Italy. Groups of poor people, often children, would go door-to-door collecting soul cakes, in exchange for praying for the dead; especially the souls of the givers' friends and relatives. Then over the next few centuries the tradition of wearing masks, or “guising”, was added by the Celts. This practice may have had roots in pagan Irish religions, but it was also practiced by Celtic Christians as well. Even as we look at many of our modern day traditions surrounding Halloween, many are still inextricably tied to our early Christian roots; such as the Jack O Lantern, which is itself a symbol representing the souls of the dead.
So let’s have fun with this event this year! And while we’re going through the routines of dressing up and playing games and eating candy, I would encourage you all to pause a moment that evening before going to bed. Remember those saints (all believers) who have gone on before us; and pray for the saints within our church today, that our lives may be used by God in tremendous ways to glorify his Kingdom!
United Methodist Women UMW News. In the month of October, UMW has it annual fundraising Bazaar and Soup and Pie meal. It is planned for Sunday, Oct. 18th right after Church in the fellowship hall. The will be three kinds of soup to choose from and pies, pies, and more pies. There will be bazaar items, baked and canned goods and grab bags. UMW bazaar coordinator is Nancy Hussey if you have any question. The bazaar ladies request that you go though your drawers and see if you have any trinkets to fill grab bags with. Grab bag items are to be wrapped, (as in newspaper) or paper bags and marked as for boy, girl, women or man and priced - $.25. $.50 or $1.00. The children love buying these grab bags for presents for their parents or for items for themselves. All donations of baked goods, canned goods, etc. are very welcomes. See you at the bazaar! The next meeting of the evening UMW is Oct. 21, at 7pm with Cathy Nelson program leader and Kathy Meyers as hostess. All women are invited come see what UMW has to offer.
Upper Room 2016 Subscription
“Upper Room” subscription need to be renewed. If those receiving the “Upper Room” want to continue as the subscription is there is no need to contact me, Debra Frahm. If anyone new would like to receive the “Upper Room” please let me know so I can increase the order, by Oct 18th. The cost for the 2016 subscription is $6.50. Please pay Debra Frahm for the order.
Administrative Council The September 9
th 2015, Administrative Council meeting was called to order at 7:35. Pastor Mark Johnsen opened the meeting with a
prayer. The following people were in attendance Pastor Mark Johnsen, Steve Alexander, Pam Myers, Todd Heck, Ronald Rickenbach,
Willie Miller, Nancy Hussey, and Avis Jennings.
August 12th minutes were presented. Pam Myers moved to approve the minutes. Todd Heck seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report: Nancy Hussey presented the following: General Fund $78,571.99, Parsonage Fund $4,222.73, Capital Outlay
$27,661.47. There was a discussion on the balances of items in the current budget. Willie Miller moved to approve the treasurer’s
report. Ron Rickenbach seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Old Business: The irrigation system in the Bell Garden was discussed.
Committee Reports
Education Committee
Ron Rickenbach reported their committee met September 6 for Sunday school planning. We would like more Sunday school
volunteers. Sunday school will begin September 13th
with pre-k through elementary. High school students are encouraged to help
teach. There was discussing on the need for two new televisions. Steve Alexander made the motion to purchase the two televisions
with Sunday school memorial money. Nancy Hussey seconded the motion, motion carried.
Finance Committee
The committee is working on the budget. There will be another meeting to finalize the budget.
Missions
Nancy Hussey will pick up the school kits this Sunday. Missions will join Nurture & Outreach to hold “One Thing” service
opportunity a month. There will be a joint meeting September 13th
.
Nominating The committee will be meeting to fill committee vacancies to be presented at Church Conference, November 8th.
Nurture & Outreach
Pastor Johnsen reported that there will be “One Thing” service opportunity a month supported by Nurture & Outreach and Missions.
The event will alternate between a mission opportunity and an outreach/invitational affair.
Pastor-Staff Relations Steve Alexander reported they are working with Pastor Johnsen so he has what he needs.
Trustees
Steve Alexander reported they went over the parsonage and things to be done there, dead trees were removed, lawn mowed, worked
on lights out front, working on snow/mowing for next year, stain for the gazebo in the bell garden. They are setting up the budget of
2016. Nelson Oil will provide LP for the year. Pastor Johnsen reported the air conditioner at the parsonage is not working properly. It
has already been recharge once this summer for $98 because of a leak. Both the air conditioner and the furnace are older than the
suggested life of the item. A new furnace would be more efficient. Two furnace bid were presented: Bill’s Plumbing and Heating
$5095 and Nelson’s $5550.00 (heat pump). The purchase of air conditioner/furnace was put on hold until input could be acquired from
the congregation.
UMW
Plans are being made for the Soup and Pie Bazaar on October 18th.
Worship
Pam Myers reported on the Bible fund. There has been a request for big print Bibles. It was suggest to redistribute the Bibles in the
pews and put a hold on purchasing new Bibles.
Youth
There was a parent meeting last week to discuss what we want to do for the youth of our Church. They discuss frequency of meeting
and service project. Plans are underway for the youth group kick-off Wednesday, September 16th
.
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Mark Johnsen reported he is meeting people at intentional times. He is making opportunities to meet new people. Pastor
Johnsen is going to look into a new directory. The Church has new members that are not in the old directory. It would be nice to have
pictures back before Christmas.
Pam Myers moved to adjourn the meeting. Willie Miller seconded the motion. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Avis Jennings, Administrative Council Secretary
Unapproved proceeding of the Administrative Council of the Prairie View United Methodist Church
Prayer Request Cards: Need a special prayer? “Pray Without Ceasing” cards are available at the back of the
sanctuary for your use. Complete a card and place it in the offering plate and we will be sure to pray for you or
your request.
Welcome Visitor Cards: If you bring a guest(s) to a church service, please encourage them to complete a
“Welcome Visitor” card located by the guest book in the Narthex. We would like to send them a “Thank You”
for visiting Prairie View UMC.
October Birthdays 1 Clancy Koupal 4 Nancy Sletto
11 Edie Hooper 12 Lee Rouillard
16 Elijah Tischner 18 Heath Greenough
19 Ed Bowker 29 Rhonda Ortloff
October Anniversaries 23 Ken & Ruth Pourier
26 David & Bonita Anderson
If you would like to add your name to this list, please contact the church office by email: [email protected] or call 424-2080. Worship attendance in September totaled 321, averaging 80. Sunday Worship Offerings in September were $9,332.21, averaging $2,333.05. Amount needed each month: $10,800.
Very Important Reminders If you know of someone who needs a pastoral visit, be sure to let Pastor Johnsen know. Please have items for the newsletter either emailed or in writing to the office by 11:30 pm on October 28th, for distribution on October 29th. All email communications can be sent to the church email address: [email protected] If you bring food items for fellowship, potlucks or church functions, please take them home with you after the function. The refrigerators and freezers should be kept clean and available for the next group to utilize.
JANE COATES will start her 100th year on October 10.
For that 99
th Birthday, we are holding a reception at Pine Hills Retirement Center, from 2:00 PM till 4:00 PM on Sunday,
October 11. We hope you can come! If you prefer to send a card, her address is: APT 219 Pine Hills Retirement Center 2711 Hwy 18 W Hot Springs, SD 57747 OR: Jane Coates 12754 Clubview Drive Hot Springs, SD 57747
FINANCIAL REPORT
As the Finance Committee prepares for the All Church Conference to be held in October, it is necessary to prepare a 2016 Budget.
Our current 2015 budget requires a monthly income of $10,880 of which we have not averaged thus far this year. Taking a serious
look at the line items in the existing budget, most items are based on actual expenditures and do not leave room cuts.
PARSONAGE FUND DRIVE
In the later part of 2014, we implemented a Fund Drive to purchase a much needed parsonage. We received pledges ranging from one-
time donations to donations spread over a period of three years totaling $69,490. To date, we have received $29,377. With the sale of
the Smithwick church and a cash donation we added $7,400 to this fund. Our mortgage on the parsonage is $750/month. Our hope is
to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible from the money pledged which will reduce our required monthly budget.
CHARITABLE DEDUCTION
This is the time of the year when many of us are preplanning for our 2015 taxes. It may be helpful to consider an additional donation
to the Prairie View UMC whether it be your pledge amount or offering as it is very much appreciated and pray fully used.
