March 2016 -...
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Contents: Message from Pastor ........................................... 1 Holy Week Schedule ............................................. 1 Worship Schedule................................................. 2 United Methodist Women ................................... 3 Children & Youth Ministries ................................. 3 Prayers of Joys & Concerns .................................. 4 Birthdays & Anniversaries .................................... 4 Calendar ............................................................... 5 and more! March 2016 He doesn’t talk much about his service experiences, but he was deeply affected. Shortly after his return home for the third time, he tested positive for drugs a second time, and his military career was over, with a General Discharge. A few months later he was involved in a DUI accident that very nearly killed a motorcyclist, and he was charged with vehicular assault and driving under the influence. He was very lucky in that he was diverted into a special Veterans Court process. He lost his driver’s license for 5 years and was required to attend AA meetings and have periodic testing, but, in the end, if successful, may exit the program with charges dismissed. He is clean and sober, and has worked a number of long term temp jobs and things are looking up. After 3 years as a bicycle and bus commuter, he has just gotten an occupational driver’s license that lets him drive to work and to AA meetings, and that is all. His life is finally starting to look up. Why am I telling you his story? He has been posting many Facebook items about dealing with the past and keeping friends who stick with you in bad times. That got me thinking, and calling him, to talk about Easter. Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus’ crucifixion was the all sufficient sacrifice that allowed believers to start life anew, with a clean slate. The Resurrection showed us the power of God, even over death, and gave us permission to begin new lives in Christ. You probably have figured out that I spend time, probably way too much time, looking at Facebook. Lately I have been watching the posts of my nephew. His story is all too common these days. He had a hard time in school and jobs were hard to find, so he enlisted in the National Guard. Not long after finishing basic training, he was sent to Iraq with his unit. He was pleased to find that Army life suited him well. He was in vehicle maintenance supply, so he worked inside one of the major bases. At home after his first deployment he still had difficulties with finding work, so he volunteered to back fill another National Guard unit and returned to Iraq for a second deployment. Still in a supply roll he felt well protected on base, at least until a mortar strike took out the dining facility that was near his warehouse. He lost some good friends and was pretty shaken up, but he “soldiered on.” At home after his second tour things remained difficult on the job front. At one of his regular guard drills he was asked for a routine urine drug test without warning. He tested positive for Meth. With a little counseling and a little string pulling by his grandfather, he remained in the National Guard. He was offered some additional training and an opportunity, if you can call it that, to do a third tour in Iraq. The army was the place he had found the most success in his life, so he volunteered again. Message from the Pastor Palm/Passion Sunday March 20th—Worship, 10:30am at Colby UMC Maundy Thursday March 24th—Worship, 7:00pm at Colby UMC Easter Sunday March 27th Sunrise Worship - 7:00am at Pomeroy Park Celebration of Resurrection - 10:30am at Colby UMC connued on page 2...
Transcript of March 2016 -...
Contents: Message from Pastor ........................................... 1 Holy Week Schedule ............................................. 1 Worship Schedule ................................................. 2 United Methodist Women ................................... 3 Children & Youth Ministries ................................. 3 Prayers of Joys & Concerns .................................. 4 Birthdays & Anniversaries .................................... 4 Calendar ............................................................... 5
and more!
March 2016
He doesn’t talk much about his service experiences, but he was deeply affected. Shortly after his return home for the third time, he tested positive for drugs a second time, and his military career was over, with a General Discharge. A few months later he was involved in a DUI accident that very nearly killed a motorcyclist, and he was charged with vehicular assault and driving under the influence. He was very lucky in that he was diverted into a special Veterans Court process. He lost his driver’s license for 5 years and was required to attend AA meetings and have periodic testing, but, in the end, if successful, may exit the program with charges dismissed. He is clean and sober, and has worked a number of long term temp jobs and things are looking up. After 3 years as a bicycle and bus commuter, he has just gotten an occupational driver’s license that lets him drive to work and to AA meetings, and that is all. His life is finally starting to look up.
Why am I telling you his story? He has been posting many Facebook items about dealing with the past and keeping friends who stick with you in bad times. That got me thinking, and calling him, to talk about Easter.
Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus’ crucifixion was the all sufficient sacrifice that allowed believers to start life anew, with a clean slate. The Resurrection showed us the power of God, even over death, and gave us permission to begin new lives in Christ.
You probably have figured out that I spend time, probably way too much time, looking at Facebook. Lately I have been watching the posts of my nephew. His story is all too common these days. He had a hard time in school and jobs were hard to find, so he enlisted in the National Guard. Not long after finishing basic training, he was sent to Iraq with his unit. He was pleased to find that Army life suited him well. He was in vehicle maintenance supply, so he worked inside one of the major bases. At home after his first deployment he still had difficulties with finding work, so he volunteered to back fill another National Guard unit and returned to Iraq for a second deployment. Still in a supply roll he felt well protected on base, at least until a mortar strike took out the dining facility that was near his warehouse. He lost some good friends and was pretty shaken up, but he “soldiered on.” At home after his second tour things remained difficult on the job front. At one of his regular guard drills he was asked for a routine urine drug test without warning. He tested positive for Meth. With a little counseling and a little string pulling by his grandfather, he remained in the National Guard. He was offered some additional training and an opportunity, if you can call it that, to do a third tour in Iraq. The army was the place he had found the most success in his life, so he volunteered again.
Message from the Pastor
Palm/Passion Sunday March 20th—Worship, 10:30am at Colby UMC
Maundy Thursday March 24th—Worship, 7:00pm at Colby UMC
Easter Sunday March 27th
Sunrise Worship - 7:00am at Pomeroy Park Celebration of Resurrection - 10:30am at Colby UMC
continued on page 2...
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Date Scripture & Highlights
March 6, 2016 4th Sunday in Lent Holy Communion One Great Hour of Sharing
Read: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32 (UMH page 766); 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Message: “Looking for Fairness”
March 13, 2016 5th Sunday in Lent
Read: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126 (UMH page 847); Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8 Message: “Glorifying Christ”
March 20, 2016 Palm Sunday
Read: Message: “A Donkey for a King?”
March 24, 2016 Maundy Thursday
Read: Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 (UMH page 837); 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Tenebrae
March 27, 2016 Easter Sunrise Worship at Pomeroy Park Resurrection Worship at Colby UMC
Read: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (UMH page 839); 1 Corinthians 15:19-26; John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12 Message: “The Gift of New Life”
March Worship Plans
As I have talked with my nephew, that is what we have been talking about, starting fresh. You see, he is stuck looking backward at the past. It is hard to make forward progress when you are stuck looking backwards. He is so loaded with pain and guilt from both his military time where he was a close observer to horrific events, and the traumas he created in himself and others through addiction. Clearly those two things are connected, but the how and why isn’t really important. I am trying to help my nephew feel the forgiveness of the cross, for himself and others, and most of all, the new life offered by the risen Christ Jesus. Easter give us permission to turn our eyes forward, and heavenward.
My nephew is still struggling. When your mind has been dominated by pain for so many years, it is hard to let go. Pain is familiar. I am not asking him to forget. You can never forget the events of your life, but when you accept forgiveness from God and forgive yourself, you can stop focusing on the past and look forward to a new beginning. The hard part is forgiving yourself. Accepting yourself as a child of God, loved and forgiven, unconditionally is incredibly hard. You can look around and see people who cannot do that, they cannot forgive themselves, and as the result choose lives of drugs, drinking and
Message from the Pastor...continued
disconnection from relationships, both with people and with God.
This young man is on a journey. He has not let himself close the book on his past. He feels so much pain, that he cannot imagine life without it. So, together with his parents and the rest of our family, we show him love in every way we can, and support him in every positive step. I pray for him every day, and ask God to let him see the glory of an Easter sunrise, and the beginning of a brand new day.
This Easter, look into your own hearts. Are there things there that keep you from completely giving yourself permission to live a fully committed life with Christ? Are there ways you can share the love you feel with people who need to be loved, no matter how dirty and damaged they may seem? Everyone is worth of a place at God’s table, and the invitation to God’s banquet may be you.
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March UMW Meeting
The UMW will be meeting on March 2nd at 7pm.
The UMW meetings are an opportunity for women at Colby United Methodist to strengthen our community of women and support each other in fellowship.
The purpose of UMW “is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.”
If you have any questions, please give us a call. Phone numbers listed below.
Ledine Wilson Jennifer Sather President Vice President (360)876-3245 (360)871-0244
Youth Group!
Colby’s Youth Group meetings are on Sundays at 12 noon.
Keep an eye on Facebook and check with John Mueller for more details.
Dorcas Circle The Dorcas Circle meeting is
on the last Saturday of every month.
This month it is March 26th 9:30am - 2:00 pm
Bazaar Buddies
What is Bazaar Buddies? A group of women who get together to make things (and have a lot of fun and laughs while working) to sell at our annual November Bazaar.
When & Where do they meet? At church in the upstairs front classroom (unofficial ‘Buddy Room’) on Mondays from 10am-2pm.
What kind of things do they work on? Aprons, potholders, embroidered dish cloths and pillow cases, baby blankets & sweaters, hats, ornaments, jewelry and assorted decorative and kitchen items.
What do they do with the money made at the Bazaar? The money raised in the Bazaar is used to support local, national, and international organizations that help those in need. If you’re not available on Monday mornings, we also have a Tuesday evening group that meets from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
If you have an idea or have seen something in a magazine or on Pinterest, that you think would be a good item, bring it with you and give the group a try. Don’t forget to bring your lunch.
If you have any questions please contact Cindi Irish (871-1376).
Bazaar Buddies, PM
Bazaar Budddies, PM meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm - 8:30pm. If you’ve ever wanted to help make items for the Fall Bazaar, but couldn’t make it on Monday mornings. here’s your chance. Bring an idea that you’d like to work on or come go through the idea folder to see if something appeals to you.
All Church Work Party
Spring Cleaning - Saturday, March 12th
We will be holding an All Church Work Party on
Saturday, March 12th, beginning at 9:30am.
A soup lunch will be provided.
Please bring your work gloves, yard tools, and energy to share! A sign up sheet will be coming soon.
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If you have a prayer request, please contact: Ev Small (360) 871-2045 or
Diane Bishop at [email protected]
Joy and Thanksgiving The gift of friendship
Health Concerns Prayers for Jenny, Debbie Frost’s sister, dealing with health
issues Prayers for Sarah Lange, the Munros’ daughter, undergoing hand
surgery on Monday, February 19th. Nichole Carter (19 years old) who was diagnosed with a tumor in
her pituitary gland Roberta as she recovers from surgery for breast cancer
Wisdom and Courage to seek and do God’s Will All church leaders, here at Colby and everywhere
National & World Concerns Prayers for everyone affected by the cyclone in Fuji Prayers for those affected by pervasive gun violence. Pray for racial, political, and economic tolerance to heal the
divisiveness in this world Wisdom and guidance for our elected leaders
Peace, Strength, and Encouragement Prayers for the family of Connie Fessler’s cousin’s son-in-law,
Eric Van Rhee, who passed away. Prayers of peace and comfort for the family of Connie Fessler’s
cousin Iola Herrick who passed away Prayers of comfort and guidance for Midge Proctor’s friend,
Frances Marsh, whose breast cancer has spread to her bones. Prayers for Charlotte Beltran, her father, and their family. Her
father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and bone cancer.
Prayers for the homeless, for those seeking employment, struggling with addiction, struggling with mental illness, and dealing with domestic violence issues
For all those struggling to find God’s way
Protection All active duty military, including Rusty Hoffman & Aaron Hoff
Ongoing Prayers Continued prayers for Brody, the Leonards’ grandson Prayers for David Hollon’s aunt, Joyce Riley, as she undergoes
chemo for pancreatic cancer. Continued prayers for Janie Hinds as she deals with the pain of
shingles Continued prayers for Ken and Edie Peckham
Birthdays & Anniversaries
March Birthdays 5th Val Minear Vi Regan 10th Ev Small 11th Margaret Nelson 15th Deanna Bedell 16th Russell Hoffman Connor Todd 17th Shirlie Dike 24th Len Hembd 26th Ken Peckham 28th Robin Beaver Gage Todd
March Anniversaries 6th Sam & Susan Bossert 15th Richard & Julie Proctor 29th Len & Mary Hembd
Calls, Cards, and Casseroles
At some time or another, everyone needs some extra care. As a congregation, we seek to support
one another through times of illness, hardship, and grief. Everyone can be a channel of God’s blessing through congregational care.
Jennifer Sather coordinates these effor ts. Please let Jennifer know if she can call on you to offer care. You may specify if you’re able to send cards, make phone calls, offer rides, visits, short respite care, and/or meals.
Contact Jennifer at (360) 871-0244 or [email protected]
Feeding the Low Income and Homeless
Our church helps feed the low income and homeless on the last Friday of the month at the First Lutheran Community Church located at 2483 Mitchell Road SE in Port Orchard. We need volunteers to help out. We start at 2:30pm.
Please contact Bonnie Anderson at (360) 871-3117 for more information.
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 6:30pm Bazaar Buddies PM
2 7pm UMW
3 7pm Trustees
4 5
6 9am Choir Practice
10:30am Worship w/Communion
12pm Youth Group
7 10am Bazaar Buddies
8 6:30pm Bazaar Buddies PM
9 6:30pm Lenten Bible Study
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11
12
13 9am Choir Practice
10:30am Worship
12pm Youth Group
14 10am Bazaar Buddies
15 6:30pm Bazaar Buddies PM
16 6:30pm Lenten Bible Study
17 St. Patrick’s
Day
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19 9am Men’s Breakfast
20 9am Choir Practice
10:30am Worship
12pm Youth Group
21 10am Bazaar Buddies
22 6:30pm Bazaar Buddies PM
23 6:30pm Lenten Bible Study
24 7pm Maundy Thursday Worship
25 Good Friday
26 9:30am Dorcas Circle
27 7am Sunrise Service at Pomeroy Park
10:30am Resurrection Worship
12pm Youth Group
28 10am Bazaar Buddies
29 6:30pm Bazaar Buddies PM
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Pastor Brian will be at Northwest Leadership Institute in Boise, Idaho March 9th-12th
For Emergency Pastoral Care Please Contact: Shirley DeLarme at (360)876-3975 or on her cell at (360) 602-0012
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Colby United Methodist Church PO Box 4299, South Colby, WA 98384 Phone: (360) 871-3365
Pastor’s Email: [email protected] - Office Admin Email: [email protected] - Website: www.colbychurch.org Pastor: Brian Nelson Editor & Production: Duana Dugan
The Staff of Steeple notes reserves the right to edit submitted articles for clarity and to fit available space.
Colby United Methodist Church SE Harvey & Southworth Drive SE PO Box 4299 South Colby, WA 98384
March 2016
March-
2nd Wednesday UMW 7:00 pm 3rd Thursday Trustees 7:00 pm 6th-27th Sundays Choir Practice 9:00 am 6th-27th Sundays Youth Group 12:00 pm 9th-23rd Wednesday Lenten Bible Study 5:30 pm 7th-28th Mondays Bazaar Buddies 10:00 am 12th Saturday All Church Work Party 9:30 am 19th Saturday Men’s Breakfast 9:00 am 8th-29th Tuesdays Bazaar Buddies PM 6:30 pm 24th Thursday Maundy Thursday Worship 7:00 pm 26th Saturday Dorcas Circle 9:30 am 27th Sunday Easter Sunrise Worship 7:00 am at Pomeroy Park Resurrection Worship at Colby UMC 10:30 am
