FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018 308 345 The Open Door 5 Open Hearts, … · 2018-06-01 · 16 AGE FEBRUARY...

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018 105 EAST E STREET MCCOOK NE 69001 308-345-2445 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 34 McCook NE RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018 On a rainy December day in December 1925, U.S. Army pilot Carl Crane was flying a congressman's son back to Washington, DC, when he became disoriented in a thick expanse of clouds. He was 8,000 feet over Detroit. With no gyroscope on his instrument panel to tell him his rate of turn, he didn't know if he was flying level with the earth or was banking into a free fall. Soon, he had swooped into a spiral dive and had lost complete control of the aircraft. But attempting any rescue move was a gamble. If he tried to level the wings, he was just as likely to roll upside down as right side up. If he tried to raise the nose, he might simply drive the plane more sharply into the ground. Finally, with his altitude shrinking to under 1,000 feet, he caught sight of the sign for the Statler Hotel. He had just missed clipping the top of it. He now had only seconds to pull up. But with the lights of the buildings giving him guidance and perspective, he righted his plane and found his way to the Detroit River, which he followed back home, "shaking all the way." For us, the words of the Scriptures are like the lights of Detroit were to Crane on that misty night. They are divine points of perspective that give us our true bearings in every situation. They explain why we behave the way we do — and which way to turn when we've lost our way. If we will follow the Scriptures like the pilot followed the river, we will be led to a safe landing. The trip may be bumpy. There may be some jostling during the flight. But the way will be made plain. God's Word will guide us home. Pastor Jeff "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130) Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world with Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Your Monthly Newsletter Provided by Memorial United Methodist Church of McCook, Nebraska The Open Door

Transcript of FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018 308 345 The Open Door 5 Open Hearts, … · 2018-06-01 · 16 AGE FEBRUARY...

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

On a rainy December day in December

1925, U.S. Army pilot Carl Crane was flying a congressman's son back to Washington, DC, when he became disoriented in a thick expanse of clouds. He was 8,000 feet over Detroit. With no gyroscope on his instrument panel to tell him his rate of turn, he didn't know if he was flying level with the earth or was banking into a free fall. Soon, he had swooped into a spiral dive and had lost complete control of the aircraft.

But attempting any rescue move was a gamble. If he tried to level the wings, he was just as likely to roll upside down as right side up. If he tried to raise the nose, he might simply drive the plane more sharply into the ground. Finally, with his altitude shrinking to under 1,000 feet, he caught sight of the sign for the Statler Hotel. He had just missed clipping the top of it.

He now had only seconds to pull up. But with the lights of the buildings giving him guidance and perspective, he righted his plane and found his way to the Detroit River, which he followed back home, "shaking all the way."

For us, the words of the Scriptures are like the lights of Detroit were to Crane on that misty night. They are divine points of perspective that give us our true bearings in every situation. They explain why we behave the way we do — and which way to turn when we've lost our way. If we will follow the Scriptures like the pilot followed the river, we will be led to a safe landing. The trip may be bumpy. There may be some jostling during the flight. But the way will be made plain.

God's Word will guide us home.

Pastor Jeff

"The unfolding of Your words gives light; it

gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm

119:130)

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world with Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Your Monthly Newsletter Provided by Memorial United Methodist Church of McCook, Nebraska

The Open Door

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

IN THIS ISSUE:

P3 From the Desk of Pastor Arun

P4 Little Blessings Preschool

P5 Methodist Youth

P6 Bible Studies

P7 YCFG and Special Service

P8 Calendar

P10 SPPRC

P11 Financial Report

P10 Serving In Worship Schedule

P12 UMW

P14 Serving In Worship Schedule

Administration

Lead Pastor Jeff Kelley

Phone (402)873-8190

Email [email protected]

Assistant Pastor Arun Peters

Phone (804)6271153

Email [email protected]

Memorial United Methodist Church

105 East E Street

McCook, NE 69001

Phone (308)345-2445

Email [email protected]

Website www.mccookumc.org

Office Hours Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm

Closed 12pm to 1pm

Office Management Angie Reiners

If you have an event, article, or notice that you would like in our monthly newsletter, please email the information to the church office no later than noon on the 3rd Friday of the month.

Weekly bulletin information is due each Wednesday to insure its posting.

Getting Connected

If you have had a change of address or telephone, etc., please contact the Church

Office so that your information can be updated.

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Serving In Worship

8:15am Service

Ushers……………………….….….Kay Flaska

Tracy Flaska

Ushers……………..………….Kenneth Foster

Marlene Foster

Greeters……………………….....Bernard Hall

Sue Hall

Greeters……………..…………Gary Janousek

Nancy Janousek

Powerpoint……………..……...….Dee Premer

10:30 am Service

Ushers…………………………..….Dirk Gray

Sandra Gray

Ushers……………………..………Ken Keslin

Jessi Keslin

Greeters………………………...Doyle Kasper

Karen Kasper

Greeters………………………...Veda Kemper

Bev Rhea

Sound……………………..……… Eric Olson

Fellowship Host ………...……Darlene Loper

Helen Magee

Transportation ………………Todd Thieszen

Shariel Thieszen

February 18th

8:15am Service

Ushers………………………...….Steve Evans

Steve Fries

Ushers……….………….Randy Goodenberger

Wendi Goodenberger

Greeters……………………......Michael Brown

Bonnie Brown

Greeters……………...……….…... Don Olson

Colleen Olson

Powerpoint……………..……...….Dee Premer

10:30 am Service

Ushers………………………………..Josh Hill

Jill Hill

Ushers…………………...…………..Macy Hill

Brynn Hill

Greeters………………………......Steve Morell

Brenda Morell

Greeters………………………..Garrett Nokes

Laura Nokes

Sound……………………….…… Chuck Trail

Fellowship Host …………...……Kelli Jensen

Transportation …………………Cal Siegfried

Bill Fune

February 25th

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Serving in Worship

8:15am Service

Ushers.……………………...Eugene Anderson

Marilyn Anderson

Ushers.………………………...Michael Brown

Bonnie Brown

Greeters…………………………..Neola Blake

Andrea Bower

Greeters…………………………..…Jeff Crick

Beth Crick

Sound…………………………...Dan Dueland

Powerpoint……………..……...….Dee Premer

10:30 am Service

Ushers…………………….…….Verna Barnett

Brenda McGuire

Ushers…………….………….George Froman

Charlotte Froman

Greeters…………………………...Don Abbey

Delores Abbey

Greeters……………………......Katie Anthony

Carol Berryman

Sound…………………….…… Greg Wolford

Fellowship Host ……..……...…Eloise Farber

Transportation …………………Cal Siegfried

Bill Fune

February 4th

8:15am Service

Ushers…………...……….…….Andrea Bower

Cindy Dame

Ushers…………..…………….….David Eaton

Kathy Eaton

Greeters………………………......Kristi Evans

Donna DeVaughn

Greeters………………..…………Linda Frank

Janet Fritsche

Powerpoint……………..……...….Dee Premer

10:30 am Service

Ushers…………..…………….….Joe Gillespie

Julie Gillespie

Ushers……………….……….Tucker Gillespie

Reese Gillespie

Greeters………………………...…..Cathy Cox

Linda Frank

Greeters………………………….....Dan Funk

Marilyn Funk

Sound…………………………… Mel Holsten

Fellowship Host ……………......Amy Kehler

Transportation ……………...…Clair Hanson

Bill Marshall

February 11th

If your committee, group, organization, etc. has a volunteer schedule of any sort for the year, please send a copy to the office.

Communion For February 4th– Mitch and Shari Lyster

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

From The Desk of Pastor Arun

We all want to be liked, cherished, and appreciated by our peers. But what if I told you that God could care less about these things? Whether we want to admit it or not, it’s how our culture forces us to feel, not to mention it’s how it advises us to feel. The opinions of others do not matter, what matters is God’s opinion.

One of my favorite quotes is by R.J. Palacio: “You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.” We, as Christians, should be different than nonbelievers. This is often easier said than done, of course, but cultivating such “attractively distinct” lives is essential to our public witness.

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Driven by a unique view of humanity and a love rooted in the wisdom of the cross, we can stand out.

So, as Christians, may we take every opportunity to testify to the compassion, generosity, steadfastness, and authenticity of Jesus. And when we, as sinners, inevitably fail at displaying his fullness, may we also be people who are quick to seek forgiveness from others and God, knowing that our righteousness is found in Christ alone.

Pastor Arun

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Little Blessings Preschool

We want to say a Big Thank You to all who have donated to Little Blessings Preschool! We are so very thankful for gifts to our program. Your gifts help keep this ministry going and help children learn about Jesus and prepare for kindergarten. A one time or monthly gift is very helpful, thank you!

We recently invited our Mom’s for “Muffins with Mom” and we had a wonderful time together!

We are getting excited for February activities, especially Valentine’s Day, and learning more letters, numbers, phonics, and patterns.

Blessings,

Traci

Little Blessings Preschool is now accepting registrations for the

2018-2019 school year. Contact Traci in the preschool for your

application form. Forms are also available in the

Church Office

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Sign Up

Register for The Art of Marriage

For married, re-married or engaged couples

Friday, February 16, 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Saturday, February 17, 8:30am – 3:30pm

Cost: $50.00 per couple Price includes materials, snacks and

lunch on Saturday. Forms can be picked up in the Church Office

Make checks payable to Memorial UMC and turn into office along with the registration form.

Sign Up We are seeking to hire a church nursery

attendant beginning immediately. This

position pays $50. The provider needs to

be present for the 8:15 service, the Sunday

school time, and the 10:30 service. Children

range in age from birth to pre-school. The applicant must

be 18 years old, take Safe Gatherings training which takes

about an hour to complete, and pass a background check.

We will also require references. To apply, please contact

Angie at the church office: 105 East E. If you are interested

in being a person who might fill in as needed, please indicate

your interest in this as well.

Position Needed

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

United Methodist Women

HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE

The UMW would like to thank EVERYONE who has volunteered in any way to make our new venture a success. This includes all those who helped us move, aide in construction, volunteers with day to day operations, and who have given their time over the years to keep our mission going.

To show our appreciation, we would like to host a thank you din-ner

on February 24th at 6pm

in the Fellowship Hall.

To help us with food preparation, please RSVP to the Church Office at 345-2445, no later than February 17th.

Once again, thank you for supporting UMW Missions

Help Hands Thrift Store

202 W 1st St, McCook, NE 69001

PH (308) 345-7163

Open Monday –Saturday 1pm to 4pm

Thursdays, 1-6pm

If you would like more information on how you can help or become a part of this mission, please contact Kathy Eaton at 350-0512

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Methodist Youth

United Methodist Church of McCook has many great and fulfilling opportunities for anyone wanting to give of their time and talents. Here are just a few:

Bell Choir

Choral Choir

Ushers

Greeters

Fellowship Hosts

Community Supper

Helping Hands Thrift Store

Sunday School

Faith Weavers

If you would like to find out more, contact the Church Office

Please Note: Faith Weavers, Confirmation Class, and

BL4Y will NOT be meeting on Wednesday, February 14th due to Ash Wednesday Service.

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Bible Study

The Easter Experience – a 6 week Bible Study

Led by Pastor Jeff and Debra The Easter Experience brings the passion and

resurrection of Jesus to life through dramatic storytelling and challenging teaching done in a highly cinematic style. Through six in-depth teachings, you will grow spiritually as mem-

bers paint themselves into the story and trans-form Easter into a life-changing experience.

Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30pm February 15 – March 22

This will also be available as:

Women’s Bible Study-The Easter Experience Led by Debra Kelley

Tuesdays, 8:30 – 10:00am February 20 – March 27

Save the Date: Love and Respect Relationship Conference Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17

More details to come

FYI: If anyone is interested in taking a look at Bible Studies we have on hand at the moment, come by the Church Office.

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

2017 was a very good year financially for Memorial United Methodist Church. Giving was up approximately 15 percent compared to 2016. That, coupled with a strong return on our investments and through our endowment fund, allowed the church to accomplish many things throughout the year.

A few of the improvement made to church properties included replacing wedding candelabras, new accounting software and office computer, preschool flooring, a new shed and washing machine at the parsonage, a new computer to use for worship services, and new picnic tables for the Youth Food booth. Of course, the biggest capital expenditure was the purchase of the former music store to be used for the UMW Helping Hand Thrift Store. The building was purchased and several improvements were made without incurring any debt, thanks to generous contributions, both last year and in previous years.

Possibly more important than the physical improvements accomplished in 2017, Memorial United Methodist Church was able to reach out to the community and beyond in support of mission projects, not only with our time and talent, but also financially. Over $17,000 was given to non-United Methodist benevolent and charitable causes throughout 2017. This figure does not include the donations made to missions by the United Methodist Women with proceeds from the Helping Hand Store. It also does not include the mission support given directly through our annual conference, which totals just slightly under $50,000.

Because of the generosity of our congregation, and a faithful

God who provides for all of us, the Memorial United

Methodist Church is positioned to continue to minister to the

needs of God’s people in 2018 and beyond.

2017 Financial Glance

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Annual Memorial Report For 2017

Memorials received in honor of: Carollee Wallen, Elaine Hartman, Stannis Spencer, Bob Tiller, and Gladys Crocker

Tree

Leaves added to

The Legacy Tree

In Memory of:

Carollee Wallen Robert Tiller

Gladys Crocker Karen Ruff

The Church Office is currently updating our membership information. If you have had a change of address, phone number, etc. within the last 2 years, please call 345-2445 or email: [email protected] so that we can get

Church Office News

As some may already know, our church secretary, Johnathan Berry, and his family have relocated back to Tennessee as of the beginning of the year. We would like to thank him for his service in the office and wish he and his family all the best with God’s blessings.

In his place, Angie Reiners has taken the secretarial position. Angie resides in McCook with her husband, Jon, and their 3 boys; Devin, Spencer, and Nathaniel.

SPPRC

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

YCFG

Ash Wednesday Service

Right in the middle of Jesus' ministry, Luke tells us

"Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,"

(Lk. 9:51)

This is the last time Jesus will travel this path before His

crucifixion. We begin our journey to the cross on

Ash Wednesday, February 14th @ 6p.m.,

with a service of ashes. We remember that we are dust but

the promise is still coming that we will live beyond the

grave. I invite you to this meaningful time of worship.

Special Service

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed

4 Souperbowl Sunday

8:15am-Worship Service

9:30am-Sunday School

9:30am-Dave Ramsey Series, FH

10:30am-Worship Service

5pm-Sign. Light Practice, S

6pm-Jr. High Youth Group

7pm-Sr High Youth Group

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5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

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6:15pm-Faithweaver, FH

6:15pm-Confirmation, YC

6:15pm-BL4Y

6:15pm-WORD

7pm-Choir, S

7:30pm-WORD

8pm-Bell Choir, S

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8:15am-Worship Service

9:30am-Sunday School

9:30am-Dave Ramsey Series, FH

10:30am-Worship Service

5pm-Sign. Light Practice, S

6pm-Jr. High Youth Group

7pm-Sr High Youth Group

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1:30pm-Care Team, L

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5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

14 Happy Valentines!

10am-Brookdale Communion

6:00pm Ash Wed. Service

6:15pm-WORD

7pm-Choir, S

7:30pm-WORD

8pm-Bell Choir, S

8pm-AD Council, L

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8:15am-Worship Service

9:30am-Sunday School

9:30am-Dave Ramsey Series, FH

10:30am-Worship Service

5pm-Sign. Light Practice, S

6pm-Jr. High Youth Group

7pm-Sr High Youth Group

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8:30am-Easter Experience Study, FH

5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

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6:15pm-Faithweaver, FH

6:15pm-Confirmation, YC

6:15pm-BL4Y

6:15pm-WORD

7pm-Choir, S

7:30pm-WORD

8pm-Bell Choir, S

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8:15am-Worship Service

9:30am-Sunday School

9:30am-Dave Ramsey Series, FH

10:30am-Worship Service

5pm-Sign. Light Practice, S

6pm-Jr. High Youth Group

7pm-Sr High Youth Group

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5pm-NOW Meeting, L

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8:30am-Easter Experience Study, FH

2:30pm-UMW Bingo, Hillcrest

5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

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1:30pm-Sarah Circle, FH

2:30pm-Hillcrest Communion

6:15pm-Faithweaver, FH

6:15pm-Confirmation, YC

6:15pm-BL4Y

6:15pm-WORD

7pm-Choir, S

7:30pm-WORD

8pm-Bell Choir, S

FEBRUARY 2018

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FEBRUARY ISSUE 2018

Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

5:30pm-Community Supper, FH

5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

6:30pm-Trustees Mtg., L

2 3

Faithweaver, FH

Confirmation, YC

WORD

WORD

Bell Choir, S

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12:30pm-UMW Exec. Meeting, FR

1:30pm-UMW Meeting, FH

5:30pm-Community Supper, FH

5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

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5pm-YCFG Italian Potluck, FH

Happy Valentines!

Brookdale Communion

Ash Wed. Service

WORD

WORD

Bell Choir, S

AD Council, L

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5:30pm-Community Supper, FH

5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

7pm-Easter Experience Study, FH

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Newsletter Deadline

7pm-Art of Marriage

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8:30am-Art Of Marriage

Faithweaver, FH

Confirmation, YC

WORD

WORD

Bell Choir, S

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1:30pm-Esther Circle, FH

5:30pm-Community Supper, FH

5:30pm-FROG Class, FR

7pm-Easter Experience Study, FH

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6pm–Helping Hands Thankyou Dinner, FH

Sarah Circle, FH

Hillcrest Communion

Faithweaver, FH

Confirmation, YC

WORD

WORD

Bell Choir, S

FEBRUARY 2018