PLATTEVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

INSIDE THIS ISSUE :

BARELY SENIORS 2

UM WOMEN 2

VACATION BIBLE

SCHOOL

2

CONTACT INFO 3

GARDEN 4

HEALTH & WELLNESS

4

B IRTHDAYS &

ANNIVERSARIES

5

MERGE YOUTH GROUP

6

MINDY’S CORNER 7

CONFIRMATION 8

MISSION COMMITTEE

9

WORSHIP SCHEDULES

10

CALENDAR 11

WAFFLE BREAKFAST

12

Lent was supposed to be a time for me to slow down and spend a lot of time with God, reflecting on my relationship with him. Well, it has been anything but that. I have spent time with him but not in the ways I intended. I was thinking of long retreats of silence, just being still and being with God. As I think over the weeks of lent it definitely has not been a quiet, slow, recharging time, rather a face paced, get everything done, travel here and there kind of weeks. Needless to say I am feeling a little

drained, but it is in the midst of the craziness that I have to rely on God to give me not only strength but time to recharge and relax. He has been so faithful with this.

I was scheduled to attend a youth ministry conference and had many things to get done before leaving for several days out of town. Many people think conferences are relaxing. After going to several, relaxing is not a thought that comes to my mind. Long days, lots of teaching, lots of food, no sleep, no free time, are more of what I think of them as. Conferences are always beneficial otherwise why would we put ourselves through this? This one was no exception. I learned so much about youth ministry, made new friends, and learned more about God. As I arrived at the conference I was feeling a little stressed and the feeling you get when you are too busy and your head is kind of spinning. Luckily, I was there the night before because the conference started at 8 am the next day. I had the hotel room to myself and a really nice hotel and conference center at my fingertips to explore. Plus 6 hours of free time! I first went and explored, watched some TV, worked out in the excellent fitness room , swam in the salt water pool, read in the hot tub, went to the restaurant. I was there by myself so while I was doing all this I was having this conversation with God. It was so relaxing and recharging, just what I needed before the start of a fast paced conference.

After the conference I came back and got to work on planning the kick off for Merge and the Spark retreat for the upcoming weekend. Needless to say I knew there was a lot to be done but I needed sleep. Did I mention we don’t sleep at conferences? God was once again faithful and cleared my schedule with a snowstorm so I could relax with his word by the fireplace and sleep.

The Spark campus ministries retreat was amazing. On Saturday we took a 2.5 mile cross country ski adventure that ended up being mostly in the freezing rain. Three hours later we were inside with warm clothes on, next to the fire, with hot chocolate and enjoying naps. That was one of the most relaxing times.

Why am I telling you all this? Because in our time of need, God gives us what we need. No I’m not lazy and want to relax all the time as that is not pleasing to God either. These times were not only used to relax but to reconnect with God. These were times I could breath and remember that I am not the creator but I am the created. It’s so easy to get caught up in everything that needs to be done that we start to worry and we forget that this life is not about us and what we have to do but rather about God. It is about us being his children and doing the tasks he has given us to do along side him and remembering our place as the created. Without these times I forget God’s place in ministry and start doing it out of my own power. Ministry does not work this way, it needs God, it is his, not mine. In order to lead others to God, I need to be connected to him and if the busyness of life sweeps me away I am worthless.

I’m so thankful for a God that not only wants us to be connected with him but provides us with ways to stay connected and rooted in him.

Message From

Mindy

Mindy

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Barely Seniors Barely Seniors will meet on Thursday, April 11 at 12:00 pm in the fellowship hall with a potluck lunch and program. Table service and beverages are provided. Seniors are asked to bring a dish to pass. Program: James Hibbard, UW-Platteville Archivist, "Detective Stories--Uncovering the Past in SW Wisconsin"

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Vacation Bible School

July 22-26

9:00 am– Noon

MARK your calendars for these dates!

Tuesday, April 2-General Meeting in the Wesley Room @ 1:30PM

Program: Carol Lange Host: Virginia Riter Hope the weather COOPERATES, as this will be our FIRST meeting of the new year. Thursday, April 18-Rebekah Fellowship Group in the Wesley Room 9:00- Coffee 10:00-Program/Meeting. The women have been reading the new books on the Reading List for 2113. One that should be of interest to all the members of the church is IN OUR BACKYARD. It is about human trafficking and slavery where we might least expect it. For a long time we have decided it was overseas. But it is here in the US and in or state (our community?). It is a real eye-opener and should be especially good reading for members with children and grandchildren to help one know what to look for and kelp available.

Our February General Meeting was cancelled due to bad weather. So, the Prayer and Self-Denial Program was given at the Rebekah program on February 21. If you were unable to attend and would like to contribute to the offering, please give/send the contribution to Katie Cottingham, 470 Grandview Ln. The offering will go to organizations that train women, children and youth to master skills such as budgeting, establishing or maintaining credit and any other needed financial skills.

The UMW will give $50 to each camper going to a UM sponsored camp, $200 for a family camp experience at one of the UM sponsored camps. Just let the treasurer of the UMW know when the camp experience if over and the money will be provided. Last year money was given to four(4) campers. It would be great to see more young people going to these camps.

We are looking for volunteers to help at Vacation Bible school this year. Please contact Elizabeth Whitford for more information. 608-482-2303 or whitforde@uwplatt.edu

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Office Hours

9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.; Monday-Friday

Contact Information

Office: 608-348-9508

Fax: 608-348-9509

E-mail: plattevilleumc@centurylink.net

Web: www.plattevilleumc.org

Pastor

Rev. Brenda Whitford

pastorbrenda@centurylink.net

608-482-0021

Administrative Assistant

Jennifer Fiedler

plattevillevilleumc@centurylink.net

Business Manager

Amy Loeffelholz

amyloffelholz@centurylink.net

Youth, College Age & Small Group

Coordinator

Mindy Freiburger

freiburgerm@gmail.com

608-778-4607

Sunday School Superintendent

Ellen Carnahan

ellen.carnahan@yahoo.com

For our retirees who have to take money out of their traditional IRA's this year, the federal government has a program to make a tax-free gift out of the distribution.

For people over 70 1/2 this year, gifts of up to $100,000 made directly to a charity or church from the IRA will be free of federal and probably state income taxes. Though not an itemized deduction, this is a painless way to help reach the goal of giving more to those you cherish. Ask in the church office for details and smile when you give!

While we are enjoying April showers (maybe even another snow fall!) and can't be out in the flower beds or gardens yet, be thinking about a project you might put together for the Christmas bazaar on Dec. 7.

The hand-made crocheted and knitted items, wooden decorations, and quilted items are all things which make our bazaar very attractive to our customers.

Need some fresh ideas? Check out this website:http://crafts.lovetoknow.com or the Pinterest website has some unique items to make.

CHRISTMAS FAIR...Already?

For Your Information…. Tax Deductions

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Yoga for EveryBODY

Taught by Lori Adrian

(Certified Yoga Instructor)

Release tension, stress & anxiety

Increase flexibility, strength, & stamina

Experience total body awareness and breath control

“5 Week Session”

April 4 – May 3, 2013

Thursdays 6:00 – 7:45 pm &

Fridays 8:30 – 9:45 am

Wesley Room

The Garden Committee is up and running. We have had our first meeting to get organized and are anxiously waiting for spring to arrive. We are still looking for people who would like to plant, pick, pull weeds, water if the weather is like last summer and deliver produce to shut

ins and the food pantry. Have you thought about making this a family project? What an amazing thing for young children to see how vegetables grow and that they don't just come off the grocery store shelf. What a wonderful way to teach them to share their efforts with others.

Everyone who participates reaps the benefits of being able to take fresh produce home to eat. If you would like to help in any of these capacities at any time during the summer please let me know. We are looking at group work days of Wed. at 5PM and Sat at 9AM. Watch the bulletin for our first planting date which will depend upon when the ground is ready to till. We are looking at early May.

Susan Schlager, 348-9575

We are taking a new twist on our spring walking program this year. You can see a sample of the program below. There will be a table set up in the narthex to sign up for the program and answer questions April 7th and 14th after both services. The program will start April 15th. We will meet once a month to see how it is going for everyone and have a community walk at the end of the 12 weeks to celebrate our strength and growth in body and spirit! We will have a donation box at our walk and all money will go towards the Sunday School children's Water for Life project.

You, Your Family or a friend picks out the three days you want to do your challenge. Start with a small

prayer: Lord you gave us a body and we thank you for your blessings, please let us get stronger everyday to help us better serve you. Amen

** Run is really a jog or trot until you are able to run**

If you are beyond this challenge, increase your challenge and participate?

Week1 Workout 1 Workout 2 Workout 3 Workout 4 Prayer Prayer Prayer Proverbs 1:3 Walk 6 minutes Walk 5 minutes Walk 6 minutes Proverbs 2:20 Run 1 min, Walk 2 min Run 1, Walk 2 Run 1, Walk 2 Proverbs 3:7-8 Run 1 min, walk 2 min Run 1, Walk 2 Run 2, Walk 2 Proverbs 4 :12 Run 2, Walk 2 Run 1, walk 2 Run 1, Walk 2 Proverbs 4: 26 Walk 10 minutes Walk 7 minutes Walk 10 Minutes Proverbs 4: 27 Week2 Workout 1 Workout 2 Workout 3 Workout 4 Prayer Prayer Prayer Proverbs 10:9 Walk 6 minutes Walk 5 minutes Walk 5 minutes Proverbs 14:20 Run 2, walk 1 Run 2, walk 2 Run 2, walk 2 Proverbs 16: 9 Run 2, walk 2 Run 1, walk 1 Run 3, walk 3 Proverbs 16:17 Run 2, walk 2 Run 2, walk 7 Run 2, walk 2 Proverbs 19: 1-3 walk 10 minutes Walk 5 minutes Walk 5 minutes Proverbs 20: 7

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Anniversaries 1 Mike & Nancy Mair

1 Scott & Cara Nodorft

3 Harlan & Donna Stephens

4 Wayne & Nancy Bottomley

10 Mike & Susan Myers

12 Robert & Kim McCall

21 Chad & Amy Pohle

23 Wayne & Cathy Simmons

1 Donald VanNatta 3 Julie Pluemer 4 Donna Kittoe 4 Randy Karsten 5 Roger Stephens 5 Dan Dunbar 7 Chase Carroll 8 Kjerstin Gronski 9 Chad Adrian 11 Norma Meisel 12 Cole Green 14 Dennis Cardin 14 Robert McCall 14 Nathan Fosbinder 14 Kia Gronski 16 Travis Hromadka 17 Karen Anderson-Carp 17 Alice Clifton 18 Scott Woodworth 19 Peg Meyer 21 John Putnam 21 Steve Chandler 21 Samantha Kuhls 22 Bryan Vargo 25 Dee Gray 25 Pete Mumm 26 Gary Baker 27 Diane VanDeest 27 Helen Napp 27 Helen Cardin 27 Vanessa Woodworth 28 Cortney Fosbinder 29 Marlene Winkers 29 Jill Hasker 30 Jim Olds 30 Bonnie Simmons

Pastor Brenda’s father, Chuck Beecher, passed away on Monday, March 18th. Cards can be sent to:

Dan & Brenda Whitford 2055 Maple Ridge Rd Platteville WI 53818

Congratulations to Gary Lindahl and Xiaohong Wang on the birth of their daughter, Ginahong Wang Lindahl. Gina was born on March 8th.

MISSING!!!

One of the small metal carts from the kitchen is missing. If any one know where it is or what happened to it, please let Jennifer in the office know. Thank you!

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Student Ministries

April 28th

Watch the bulletin and newsletter for more

opportunities to support our youth.

Co

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Mindy’s Community, I am realizing how much I love it. Genuine community is how

we were suppose to live. I had the amazing privilege of going through

college with what I think is probably one of the greatest communities I

will ever be in. It was not the name of the group this was with, the

denomination, but the people. We really, really cared about each other.

The next small group series will be a bible

study. The Bible studies are passages from

the gospels around Jesus ministry and who he

is. It will be a great follow up to “The Way”

study. Please talk to me or a group leader if

you would like to be in this study. Plus you

don’t have to buy anything. Copies of the

study will be available in the narthex.

We also just liked to hang out with each other. One had a need, we could meet it, we wanted to have fun

together. We always did that. Sledding parties, cramming 30 people in a dorm room (yes it was a regular

small one) dance parties, Wal-Mart runs, we enjoyed every moment of it. What a beautiful picture it is

when God’s people come together and form the body that really cares for each other. Think about it if

you injure a muscle all the other muscles in your body work harder to make up for it and allow you to

function as well as possible. This is what community is. It requires self-sacrifice, time, energy, and effort

but it is well worth it.

Want your kids to be part of something amazing - something bigger than themselves? They can… Introducing the Big Day of Serving…a series of one-day events across the nation where neighborhoods are transformed by a swarm of Christian kids eager to help people in need. At the Big Day of Serving, your group will transform a neighborhood in need.

Saturday, May 4th 7:30 am-4:30 pm Dubuque IA

6th grade and older

Mindy Freiburger

608-778-4607 or freiburgerm@gmail.com

Wednesdays from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm for youth

in grades 4-12.

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Merge will continue to meet on Wednesday nights this month. We will be having a

variety of fun events so watch for announcements on the bulletin board downstairs! Come join us for fun, food, and a lesson about God on Wednesday nights starting with drum circle at 5:00 than fun, games, and the lesson 6-7:30 for 4th through 12th grade students.

Spark Campus

ministry enjoyed a

great retreat last

month at Pine Lake. It was relaxing and

we learned a lot about God. Sometimes

its just needed to unplug and get away to

be with God. We are also enjoying the

small group at Dave and Ellen’s house!

Thank you!

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YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sunday, May 19th Noon Featuring Holy Rollers, Redeemer,

Living Proof (Cobb Lutheran Church)

Our beautiful south lawn will be the site for the big sounds of contemporary praise music. Refreshments will be sold. There will be an alternative site in case of rain. Invite all your friends and family to join in a day of loud joyful noise! Free will offering only.

contact Mark Thacher for more information:

thachermark@yahoo.com

608-330-1160

This month, we are blessed to confirm the four wonderful young ladies who are members of our current confirmation class. Laura Hoppe, Kayla Rupp, Sarah Hasker, and Makayla Loeffelholz will all be confirmed at the 11:00am service on Sunday, April 21st. The confirmation class will also be hosting a Fellowship Luncheon on Sunday, April 14th after the 11:00am service. All members of the church are welcome to come and bring a dish to pass!

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Ephesians 4:7

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Adopted Families

Thank you United Methodist Women and everyone who donated food and money for our adopted families' Easter baskets. We provided baskets for 12 area families who are having difficulty providing basic needs for their children. Thank you for your generosity.

Annual Conference In-Gathering Project - Kits for Kids

Each year the mission committee organizes an in-gathering project which is delivered to Annual Conference in June. This year the committee has chosen to gather personal care products and books/crayons for children. This is an UMCOR project and like all other supply kits, the Kits for Kids will help care for the most vulnerable children during times of crisis. The list of needed supplies is as follows:

1 toothbrush 1 wash cloth

1 toothpaste 6 pencils

1 kid shampoo 1 board book

1 coloring book 1 comb

1 flavored lip balm

1 travel-size tissue box

1 pack of party-favor size play dough

6 kids’ adhesive plastic bandage strips

24 count pack of crayons

1 pack of ponytail holders/hairclips

Collection for the kits will begin April 7 and continue through May 31.

Thank you, The Mission Committee

Hearts and Hands is our craft group that meets every Wednesday at 1:00 pm. They crochet our baptismal shawls, knit prayer shawls, do needlework,, work on other projects and best of all they enjoy great conversation. If you have a craft you would like to do, please join them on Wednesday’s. No matter what it is, ALL are welcome!

Do you knit or crochet? If you do and would like to help with our baptismal shawl or prayer shawl ministry, please join us on Wednesday afternoons.

The Power of Camp is...

In a world where it is hard to be a kid, AND it is hard to be a parent, let church camp be your partner in faith and the development of your child.

Lifelong Friendships Outdoor Adventure

Positive Christian Role Models Time to Unplug

Meaningful Conversations Exciting Worship

With over 50 camps to choose from, one will be right for you and your child! Come enjoy a fun, faith-filled

Scholarships are available from

the UMW and the UMC

conference. Please contact

Jennifer for more information.

Usher Schedule

8:30 a.m. Joe Witmer and Harlan Stephens

11:00 a.m. Sheena Rice and Lowell Shinn

Greeters Schedule

April 7 8:30 a.m. Cecile Hoffman

11:00 a.m. Jane Peoples

April 14 8:30 a.m. John & Margaret Ambrosius

11:00 a.m. Steve & Colleen Lozeau

April 21 8:30 a.m. Rita Hoffmann & Dorothy Arndt

11:00 a.m. Confirmation Students

April 28 8:30 a.m. Dan & Elizabeth Whitford

11:00 a.m. Dan & Deb Dunbar

Readers Schedule

April 7 8:30 a.m. Don Shaw

11:00 a.m. Lori Adrian

April 14 8:30 a.m. Lynn Schlager

11:00 a.m. Sally Woodworth

April 21 8:30 a.m. Nancy Fairchild

11:00 a.m. George Krueger

April 28 8:30 a.m. Elizabeth Whitford

11:00 a.m. Deb Dunbar

PAGE 10 PLATTEVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

April 7 Communion Both Services

8:30 TBA 11:00 Blind Faith

April 14 Special Offering:

Native American Ministries 8:30 TBA

11:00 Blind Faith

April 21 8:30 Mallow Ringers

11:00 Blind Faith Confirmation Sunday

April 28 8:30 TBA

11:00 Blind Faith

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Just a friendly reminder of the weekly announcement and newsletter deadlines.

Weekly Announcements

Wednesday morning

Newsletters

3rd Friday of the month

Please have any articles to the office no later than Friday afternoon. This will ensure that your article will get in the newsletter. Dates are posted in the weekly announcements, newsletter and sent out by email.

Reminder ~ If you are unable to read or greet

on your scheduled date, please find a

replacement.

If you would like to be on the readers and

greeters rotation, please contact Jennifer in

the church office.

Name tags: If you need a name tag, please let Jennifer know or

fill out a the sheet in the Narthex. Please include the correct spelling of names.

The name tags have been gone trough. If you notice a name that is missing, please let Jennifer know and we will check the basket of names that were taken out. Also, if you notice someone that no longer attends, please pull the nametag and place in the basket on Jennifer’s desk. Thank you

Church calendar ~ If you are planning any

church related events, please contact Jennifer ASAP to check dates and get it scheduled on the church calendar. Thank you!

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Holy R

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1065 Lancaster Street Platteville WI 53818

Phone: 608-348-9508 Email: platttevilleumc@centurylink.net

PLATTEVILLE UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

W E ’RE O N TH E W EB

P LA TTEV ILLEUMC .ORG

&

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If you would no longer like to receive this newsletter, please contact the church office to take your name off the mailing list. Thank you!

Return Service Requested

Waffle Breakfast

Youth Mission Trip Fundraiser

Sunday, April 28th