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PLAN B

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away

unless I drink it, your will be done.” - Matthew 26:42 (NLT)

Does anyone remember the series I was preaching as 2012 began a year ago? It was a sermon series entitled “Plan B.” God has such a sense of humor, doesn’t he? Why do I say that? Because one year later … your pastor (not to mention all of you) are in the midst of a very real ‘Plan B’—not at all what Rom (or anyone else here) had planned for the end of 2012 … or the beginning of 2013. Let me remind you of the series by drawing your attention to one message in particular that talked about ‘the illusion of control.’ It was stated, during this series, that the greatest of all illusions is the illusion of control! Do you remember the first time you realized you weren’t in total control of your life? That’s a tough one for me and a lot of people—perhaps even you. Lately, I’ve been reminded of several of those times throughout my life, as I’ve entered into yet another Plan B situation. Once the chest pains began a few weeks ago, I was literally set back and reminded that it wasn’t Rom who was in control of my life at all! So, what do you do when you feel your control is slipping away? We all have choices, don’t we? The first thing we need to do is surrender control (which should actually be easy, since we didn’t have it to begin with). But then, there are at least three pretty clear options:

1. We can allow fear, anger, and disappointment to just rage! That’s one option. The problem with this

option is that rage will affect every relationship you touch, every job you have, and every plan you dream. So, that’s a not very good option, is it? ‘At least, not if you care about your relationships, your work, or your dreams for the future…

2. We can keep on trying harder. You can turn yourself inside-out trying to make things happen in the midst of your Plan B—all in your own power of course. You can keep throwing yourself at your problems, only to wear yourself out trying to yank on all those puppet strings. And what do you get with this option? The reality of exhaustion—nothing really being resolved…

3. The final option is truly where we need to go in the midst of our Plan Bs. We need to get to the place where we can say, “Not my will, but your will, God. I’m not in control. You are.” If you come to that point in your life, you can leave the puppet strings in the hands of one who actually knows what he’s doing! Then, you’ll have a lot better chance of surviving your shattered dreams (Plan B)…

It’s the third option that I’m shooting for, even as I write this newsletter. My life is (and really always has been) totally out of my control. Feeling helpless in the physical state that I am in right now, I’ve had to turn my physical life—my heart in particular—over to God. Fortunately, God is the one who loves me more than I can even imagine. And Jesus is ‘the Great Physician.’ Do we believe that, or do we just say that to others who may need to hear it? Speaking for myself, I’m choosing to believe it. And my reward has been the incredible PEACE that I’ve known through these past few out-of-control weeks. It’s the PEACE that Jesus’ promises in John 14—the kind that only he can give. ‘The illusion of control; it can get the better of any of us, if we let it. But, remember: It’s just an illusion. Only God is truly in control. And, why wouldn’t we want it that way? Surrendering to God’s sovereign control of my life,

Pastor Rom

PLEASE NOTE: ADVANCED PREREQUISITE FOR TAKING THE ESSENTIAL TRANSFORMATION (E.T.) CLASS

– FALL 2013!

If you are interested in taking the Essential Transformation (E.T.) Class beginning fall of 2013, a prerequisite to this class—even before you get to the organizational meeting in August—is to have been active in the life of the Dodgeville United Methodist Church (UMC) for at least one year prior to the start of E.T. (i.e. regularly worshiping at one of our Sunday worship celebrations, as well as getting involved in studies/ministry of the church). [If you want to participate in E.T. this fall, since this is a new prerequisite, we will be looking at your activity in the life of DUMC starting in January 2013.] The bottom line is this: If you are seeking either to be confirmed or join the Dodgeville UMC in any way, we need to know that you are serious about living out your baptismal vows in the life of the local church [what membership is all about]. That’s why this prerequisite is so important. Thank you for considering the Dodgeville UMC as your home congregation. We look forward to growing in our knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith with you in the months ahead… Pastor Rom & Beth Schlueter, E.T. Co-Teachers

CHOIR NEWS

The choir will sing at the 9:00 AM services on the following Sundays in January: January 6, 13, and 20 and also at the

annual “Ringing in the New Year” Concert on January 27. We will rehearse at 8:15 preceding the services and we will also

have a rehearsal between services on January 6.

As always new as well as “returning” members are welcome.

HOLIDAY BLESSINGS A big thank you to all my family and friends who have

remembered me the past 3 months at Upland Hills Rehab with cards, visits, phone calls, food, treats, gifts and prayers.

Love to all, Marilyn Liddle.

THANKS! Both Pastor Rom and Jane would like to offer their most

sincere thanks for all of the kindness shown them through cards, letters, and gifts during the 2012 Christmas season. That includes both Christmas greetings as well as 'get well' correspondence during Rom's illness. Thanks too for all of your thoughts and prayers during this time. We especially thank you for prayers for Rom's upcoming bypass surgery on January 4th, as well as the time of recovery to follow...

UMW Meeting in February

Please note that there is no scheduled meeting for UMW in January— also; our February meeting has been moved back to the original date of Thursday, February 7 at 7:00PM. We are planning to hold this meeting at the UHH/NRC meeting room. The new officers for 2013 will be installed at that time. The Circles also do not meet until February.

CURRENT MONTH NOVEMBER, 2012 Monthly Income $ 11,486 Monthly Expenses Paid $ 13,401 Net Income for month $ <1,915> Apportionments Paid 0 Unpaid Apportionments $ 2,162 YEAR TOTALS THROUGH CURRENT MONTH Years Income $132,665 Years Expenses Paid $152,977 Net Income for Year $ 20,312 Apportionments Paid $ 5,405 Unpaid Apportionments $ 20,539 TOTAL APPORTIONMENTS DUE FOR YEAR $25,236 APPORTIONMENTS DUE PER MONTH $ 2,103

January 2013 A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

#285 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; Those who help others are helped. Proverbs 11:26-27 The Message

This is the season for New Year’s resolutions. We want to start out the New Year on the “right foot,” taking care to improve ourselves and our habits. For many people this means starting with two of the top ten resolutions made each year - getting out of debt and saving money.

We also tend to be facing a number of money crunches at this time of year: Why does the car always seem to need a major repair in December or January? How did we end up with so much on the credit card when we vowed to have a “simpler” Christmas? When can we stop worrying about the heating bill? Seriously, you want me to “Think Greater” about generosity?

Yes that seems counter-intuitive, but generosity breeds a positive, “can-do” attitude in us. It’s good to say thank you, even in tough times. Consider making the first payment from your paycheck a “thank you” gift for the many blessings you’ve received. And then saving an equal amount in an emergency savings account you can use when you truly need to overspend your regular budget for medical needs, car repairs, house repairs or emergency family travel.

Some folks find that giving 5% of their income to the church and saving another 5% each week or month in an emergency fund can be a helpful spiritual tool as they take responsibility for their finances.

If you’d like help in meeting your financial New Year’s resolution, sign up today to attend the two-hour Freed Up From Debt Workshop sponsored by the Foundation on January 27th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm OR January 28th from 2:30 – 4:30 pm in Room 305 of the Conference Center in Sun Prairie. Cost is $8.00. Please visit

www.wumf.org to register or for additional information.

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation

750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620

Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620

1-888-903-9863 or wumf@wumf.org

Growing in Generosity with Children

If you’re looking for a good book to share with children to help them learn good money habits from an early age, we recommend Three Cups by Tony Townsley. This is the story of one family’s unique and effective method of teaching personal financial management. For more resources to help you meet your financial goals this year visit:

www.sharesavespend.com - Family Money Talks, Mind Your Money -

for adults, and Money Sanity Solutions Book and DVD www.moneypurposejoy.com – click on “Resources,” “Calculators,” and then “Accelerated Debt Payoff Calculator”

www.threerules.org http://www.willowcreek.com/resources/good_sense.asp

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation 750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620

Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620 1-888-903-9863 or wumf@wumf.org

Eleven year old Hallie sat quietly while the other children in her Sunday School class were talking about their allowances, particularly how low their allowances were in the face of all their expenses. When asked if she thought her allowance was big enough she replied, “Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” When asked how much it was, she replied, “Ten dollars a week.” Even the children who received less than that per week didn’t understand how Hallie could think that was enough. “It’s enough,” she replied stubbornly. “I give one dollar a week to the church, and put three dollars a week into savings. That leaves six dollars a week to do WHATEVER I want with. As long as I don’t want anything that costs more than six dollars, it’s enough.”

Shared by Rev. Heather Brewer

Pastor of the Bloomer and New Auburn UMC’s

2013 Church Leadership

Chairperson………………………………….Dave Huxtable [15] Recording Secretary ……………………….Penny Edwards Lay Leader…………………………………..Julie Piper [13] Lay Member to Annual Conf………………Beth Schlueter [14] SPRC Chair..………………………………..Terry Edwards [14] Trustees Chair…………TBA (always elected Jan. of New Year) Finance Chair………………………………..Scott Godfrey [15] Treasurer…………………………………….Bill James [14] Financial Secretaries..……………………..Sandy Alexander Wills & Memorials Chair…………………...Cathryn Tredinnick [13] Membership Secretary……………………..Jane Pegram [14] Connections Coordinators...……………….Beth Schlueter ………………………………………………..Tammy Leiser Website Administrator……………………..Matt Schlueter Adult Ministries Coordinator………………Gail Ray Youth Ministries Coordinator……………..Craig Brown Children’s Ministries Coordinator…………CEMT UMW President……………………………..Charlene Mingst [13] Youth Representative……………………...Kasey Puckett Members at Large:

Steve Alexander/2013 Marion Reynolds/2014 TBS/2015

REQUIRED BOARDS/COMMITTEES

Staff-Parish Relations Committee: Terry Edwards, Chair Lois Dobson/2013 Howard Rideout/2014 Julia Harman/2013 Jean Leigh/2015 Terry Edwards/2014 Julie Colden/2015

Julie Piper/2013, Lay Leader (D) Leroy Strutt//2014, Lay Leader (R) (Beth Schlueter/2014, Lay Member to Annual Conference) Melva Phillips, Ridgeway Representative Twila Thomas, Ridgeway Representative

(Continued on following page…)

2013 Church Leadership (continued)

Board of Trustees: Jan Aschliman, 2012 Chair

Kevin Kirschbaum/2013 Ken Dobson/2014 Chip Forrest/2013 Jan Aschliman/2015 Ron Butteris/2013 Jeff Starr/2015 Rich James/ 2014 Tonia Puckett/2015 Mary James/2014

Stewardship & Finance Committee: Scott Godfrey, Chair (2015) Jane Pegram/2013

Juanita Starr/2014 Lois McComish/2015 Bill James/2014, Treasurer

Sandy Alexander, Financial Secretaries Cathryn Tredinnick/2013, Wills & Memorials Chair Carla Pustina, Office Manager (Bookkeeper)

Wills & Memorials Committee: Cathryn Tredinnick, Chair

Cathryn Tredinnick/2013 Ken Dobson/2014 Suzanne Tremelling/2013 Charlene Mingst/2015

Rosemary Edwards/2014 Mary Jean Thomas/2015

Bill James/2014, Treasurer

Committee on Lay Nominations & Leadership Development: Pastor Rom Pegram, Chair

Carol Thomas/2013 Dale Mortimer/2014 *Bobbi Butteris/2015

Tammy Leiser & Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinators *Nominated from floor of Church Conference

GENERAL OR MISC. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Pastor……………………………………………………….Rom A. Pegram Pastor of Visitation ………………………………………..Charlene Bennett Office Manager/Administrative Assistant…………….…Carla Pustina Connections Coordinators…………………Tammy Leiser, Beth Schlueter Adult Ministies……………………………………………...Gail Ray Youth Ministries…………………………………………….Craig Brown Children’s Ministries Coordinator…………………………CEMT Custodian…………………………………………………...Merlin Gorsline Stephen Leaders……….Rom Pegram, Gail Ray, Beth Schlueter NOTE: All positions marked ‘TBS’ (to be supplied) are currently in the process of being filled by the Committee on Lay Leadership.

CORNERSTONE

PARTY

Friday, January 25th

Sign up sheets to

serve or provide food

are in fellowship

hall!

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR

CONCERT SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

4:00 PM

BELL CHOIR SENIOR CHOIR

MUSICAL SELECTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND OTHER

GROUPS

Beat the January “blahs” with wonderful music, under the

direction of our own Dan Roble!

A lasagna dinner will be held immediately after the concert in the fellowship hall. Baskets will

be available for a freewill offering. Monies collected will go

to the youth and adults participating in the summer

mission trip.

INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR AN AWESOME EVENING OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AND OUTSTANDING FOOD!

An evening of Reflection and Study

with Bishop Jung:

Thursday, February 7

7:00-8:30 PM

RSVP at office:

935-5451

Mission & Outreach News Thank you for your generous Christmas Offerings!

$1,897.10 was raised to provide well water to refuges in Uganda.

January, February & March loose change will continue

to support this project.

Rock & Worship Road Show

February 7, 7:00 PM

Tickets $10.00 at the door

Alliant Energy Center

January Anniversaries

PLEASE PRAY:

Ernie Aschliman, Newtown CT shooting

victim’s families Jan Roh & Family,

Dorothy Leffler Marilyn Liddle,

229th Military unit in Afghanistan

Zachary Schwalbach Pastor Rom & Jane

1 - Nicholas Houck 2 - Paige Berg 2 - Mark Butteris 4 - Lois Dobson 4 - Chris Ley 4 - Charlene Mingst 4 - Lois Wieland 6 - Betty Richmond 8 - Shane Carroll 9 - Bobbi Butteris 9 - Alex Harman 10 - Steve Colden 11 - Dale Mortimer 12 - Dacotah Starr 19 - Jerry Tremelling 20 - Cory Berg 21 - Zach Tolzman 22 - Penny Edwards 24 - Christy Schlueter 25 - Julie Udelhoven 28 - Judy Strutt 29 - Sandy Huxtable

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

12 - Ron & Bobbi Butteris 21 – Ken & Shirley Lewis

Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every

circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests),

with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known

to God. Phillipians 4:6

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