The United Methodist Church of Burlington

“Sharing God’s

Love with Coffey

County and the

World”

Volume 23, Issue 5

May, 2012

Sharing God’s Love

Sharing Our Story

2

Christ Inc. Youth Report

Christian Education News

3

4

Volunteer Schedule

New Opportunities

5

6

Community Activities

Spring Fling

7

8

Calendar

Council Minutes, Disciple

9

10

11

Inside: “Infinite toil would not enable you to sweep away a mist; but by as-

cending a little you may often overlook it altogether.” A. Helps

“You are the light of the world. . . No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the

house.” Jesus, in Matthew 5.

Caught in the travails of the moment, we often cannot see much into the future. Difficulties can be paralyzing and their effect for those dwell, and sometimes revel in the drama of any event out of the comfort zones of our lives can be damaging. Some even find such times and events entertaining—

television being a good vehicle for this.

But that is television, and our lives are real, not written. When we need to see our way through something we need real answers, not drama. So it is

good to turn to wisdom, and to God.

Not only does a lamp fail to cast any light while under a bushel, it cannot show the way of Je-sus surrounded in the mist of trouble. The lamp must come out; it must rise above the fog of doubt and contention and shine for others. It must glow with love and the belief of possibilities that comes

from the hearts of those who see a better tomorrow.

Lamps must show the way. They are called by God and lit by Jesus. Their fuel is the presence of the Holy Spirit. So if they want they can pierce any fog, any darkness, and reveal what lies ahead. Lamps of God can do what ordinary light cannot; they can overcome and chase away all gloom, all sorrow, and make clear to the world that love is greater than anything the world may

throw in their way.

And you are the lamps. Ascend! Shine!

PE�CIL POI�TS FROM PASTOR PAT

BUMC received eight new members on April 15. Pictured at right are Amy Collins, Izzy Thorp, Maryn Lee, Meghan Thompson, Austin Croll, Owen Jones, Nikolas Alfers, and Teela Burrell. We are excited to officially

welcome these youth into our church family!

Eight Complete

Confirmation

It is not too early to plan for summer! If you would like to provide special music for worship this summer, please contact Bob Culbert-son or the church office.

We’d love to hear from you!

Summer

Music �eeded

P a g e 2

This section is devoted to sharing examples of our congregation acting on our mission of “Sharing

God’s Love with Coffey County and the World.” If you want to recognize someone for sharing God’s love

with you or others, please email the church office at lmasters@umcburlington.org for its possible inclusion in

the newsletter. The deadline for submitting newsletter information is the twentieth of each month.

SHARI�G GOD’S LOVE

Thank you to Judy Stukey for the lovely (and delicious) con-firmation cake pictured at the left. It was a sweet finish to a special

service of confirmation March 15th.

Thank you to Christ Inc. for folding all the newsletters last month during the Lock-In. It helped the newsletter get mailed a day

sooner!

Thank you to Verla Bartholomew for the beautiful flower pots

at the back door. What a nice welcome to our church!

Thank you to Sheree Damashek for always taking care of or-dering Easter lilies, and to Dawn Freeman for always taking care of the palm branches for Palm Sunday. We

appreciate your thoughtfulness and consistency in doing these behind-the-scenes tasks.

Thank you to Larry and Laura Hauth for providing the Easter cross key chains that were shared with members and visitors on Easter Sunday. Thank you to Kathi Bahr and Carie and Amy Collins for organizing the Spring Fling ladies’ salad sup-per. It was a fun fellowship opportunity and they did a beautiful job of putting it together. The tables were beautifully decorated by Dawn Freeman. Thank you to Toni Allen who continues to make creative overhead announcements for us each Sunday.

Toni’s consistency and her artistic touch is a ministry to the church family.

Johnny and Dawn Freeman spent the night with the confirmation class at the class’s spring retreat. Thank you to all involved in the confirmation program—retreat helpers, instructors, parents, mentors, and es-

pecially the students! Confirmation is a precious journey and we appreciate your effort.

Thank you to the Jones family for their hospitality in allowing the confirmation class to use Jones

Cabin. It is a special location for the retreat and we appreciate the Jones’ generosity.

Prayer blankets are a continuing ministry. We appreciate Jan Wideman embroidering them, and also

Carlan Young and Kendra Masters for making blankets.

SHARI�G OUR STORY

This is a new, regular column. Each month we will share something interesting, entertaining, or in-

triguing about the past of some church family members. “Sharing Our Story” will feature these facts, and

give us a chance to guess who they might be. The names will be revealed elsewhere in the newsletter. If you

have something you are willing to share, please email the church office at lmasters@umcburlington.org. It

can be something from your genealogy or from your own personal experience. Join the fun!

Can YOU guess whose stories these are? Answers are posted at the bottom of page 11.

A: My great-great grandmother is a full-blooded Cherokee Indian.

B: My dad was born and raised in the area, but I didn’t live here until I was 40. He only had a 6th grade edu-cation, but all six of his children and twelve grandchildren graduated from college. He was 52 years old when

I was born.

P a g e 3

P a g e 3

CHRIST I�C. YOUTH REPORT

by Director Jenn Lowrey

Thank you for all of your support of the potato lunch fundraiser! The youth group and parents worked really hard to offer a different lunch option to the

Burlington community and you responded so generously!!

Both the senior high and junior high students are working towards their summer trips with the various fundraisers! The senior high students are heading to Puerto Rico in June for one week to help build houses, organize and facilitate VBS for the children there, and distribute food and offer prayer to those who are in

need!

The junior high students will be working hard in Kansas City and visiting Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun for a weekend this summer! We are really ex-cited for these opportunities and we are grateful to you for supporting our desire to

do mission work both abroad and locally! Thank you!

The youth group resumed their separate meetings on Sunday and Wednes-day evenings! It's so nice having the groups smaller and separated by age! It gives myself and Dianne, our amazing sponsor, the opportunity to get to know our youth better and have more meaningful discussions that are focused based on the issues they face as senior and junior high students! It's fun to see them open up, ask

questions and figure their faith out! What a blessing!

The junior high youth filled out a questionnaire so that I could learn about their views regarding and understanding of spirituality, Christianity, morality, and religion. I was really interested in what they had to say about these topics, and based on their responses, we are starting a series to address some of their questions, ideas, and concerns! Our initial conversation about this questionnaire was more interesting than I anticipated and I can't wait to see where our conversations go! Please join me in prayer as we dive in to these discussions that our youth gain clarity and understanding, that they are challenged to grow spiritually and live lives that

are glorifying to God!

The senior high students are starting to prepare for their international mission trip! We have a lot of work to do to prepare spiritually and emotionally for the experiences they are sure to have! They have all signed a covenant and we are talking more in depth about what that means for them on this trip! Please re-member our senior high youth in your prayers that they would be profoundly affected by the service they are

providing, glorifying to God always, and motivated to return home excited about their faith!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support,

Jenn

CHRIST I"C.

YOUTH GROUPS

MEET WEEKLY:

High School:

Sundays, 6:30 pm

Middle School:

Wednesdays, 6:30 pm

For more information

contact Jenn Lowrey,

785-341-1285 or jenni-

ferlenae@hotmail.com

Middle School

Amy Collins Austin Croll Maryn Lee

Izzy Thorp

High School

Kaden Brown Kendra Masters Aubrea Burns Marshall Moore Misty Gilbert Devanee Williams

Rhian Jones

4ote: The Christian Church is hosting a baccalaureate service for graduating seniors at 3 pm on May 6. The

community is invited to attend.

P a g e 4

CHRISTIA� EDUCATIO� �EWS

By Director Jenn Lowrey Happy May!

Thank you to all of you who made the prayer partner program and breakfast a success! this is such a cool ministry for the children in our congregation and I am happy that we were able to continue it this year! i had so many adults and children tell me how rewarding it was to be in prayer and prayed for! As we move forward this year, let's make it a goal to continue to pray for our prayer partner children, encourage, and sup-

port them!

We have several new opportunities to get involved beginning in May! Steve and Jan Wideman will be leading a faithfully fit group that encourages accountability and caring for our bodies! The first meeting will be Wednesday, May 2nd at 6:30 pm! At this meeting, a time will be discussed so that all who are interested

can be a part of this great group!

Cindy Joy will be leading a Bible study on Mondays at noon in the courthouse! She has organized for Meeting Room C in the courthouse basement! This is a great opportunity for you to start your work week

off right! For more information, please check out Cindy Joy's article on page 6 in this newsletter!

A Mission Saturday every second Saturday of the month from 9 am to noon will begin May 12! If you are looking for a way to be more involved in your community, set a great example for your children, and to help others, this is the group for you! We'll see you in Garst Hall! These are just additions to the great op-portunities that are already offered at BUMC! For a complete list and description of these opportunities,

please refer to the "BUMC Connections” pamphlet!

Camp scholarships have been awarded and 13 children will be attending camp Chippewa this sum-mer! This is a fantastic opportunity for our children to grow in their faith while bonding with adults and other children in our conference! Please join me in praying for great experiences and profound growth for our chil-dren! Camp Chippewa is still accepting registrations for some camps. If you have a child interested, it is not too late to get them signed up. Available camps can be found at campchippewa.org or the poster outside of

the sanctuary!

VBS is scheduled for June 22-24. We are trying something new this year; a weekend VBS called "Rocky Point Lighthouse; Shine God's Light!" I hope that this will be helpful for those of you who are inter-ested in volunteering but concerned about the time commitment during the work week! VBS is a huge effort that takes a lot of volunteers! If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, please contact Jenn or sign

up on the tear-off strip so you can be contacted!

BIG Club will meet 3 more times this school year; May 2nd, 9th and 16. We will break during the summer and resume in September when the school year starts! We are looking for volunteers to be a part of this after school program! If you are free on Wednesdays from 3-5:10, this could be a great way for you to contribute to the programming in our church! We follow a curriculum so you don't need to come up with any-thing on your own, just be present, ready to entertain the kids and have a lot of fun! Please contact Jenn if you

are interested in this opportunity!

Summer Sunday School is scheduled to begin May 20th! The kids will all meet together for lessons focused around Bible stories! This is a great opportunity for

your children to gain knowledge of the Bible and have fun with other kids at BUMC!

We are looking forward to a busy, fun-filled summer at BUMC!

Blessings,

Jenn 785-341-1285, jenniferlenae@hotmail.com

MAY WORSHIP VOLU�TEERS

May 6

8:15 Service Video: Lanny Ratzlaff/ Brad Smith

Scripture: Jane Griffith

10:30 Service Video: Whitney Croll Scripture: Bill Scott Ushers: Needed Acolytes: Alice Buckridge, Owen Jones Child. Church: None Nursery: Tyler Burrell

Hospitality: Needed

May 13

8:15 Service Video: Lanny Ratzlaff/ Brad Smith

Scripture: Judy Stukey

10:30 Service Video: Larry Hauth Scripture: TBA Ushers: Needed Acolytes: Meghan & Courtney Thompson Child. Church: Dianne Barrett Nursery: Whitney Croll

Hospitality: Needed

May 20

8:15 Service Video: Lanny Ratzlaff/ Brad Smith

Scripture: Sandy Paxson

10:30 Service Video: Katee Damashek Scripture: Susan Atkin Ushers: Needed Acolytes: Brenden Alfers, Isaac Caldwell Child. Church: None Nursery: Sarah Pearson

Hospitality: Needed

May 27

8:15 Service Video: Lanny Ratzlaff/ Brad Smith

Scripture: Tina Decker

10:30 Service Video: Liz Caldwell Scripture: Bob Culbertson Ushers: Needed Acolytes: Zoe & Elijah Caldwell Child. Church: Kathy Gales Nursery: Deana Pearson

Hospitality: Needed

P a g e 5

MOWI"G VOLU"TEERS

A"D

SIDEWALK EDGER

"EEDED

A registration sheet on the narthex bul-letin board is posted to schedule those willing to mow the church lawn this spring and summer. Volunteers are welcome to

use the church’s riding lawn mower.

If anyone has a sidewalk edger that they would be willing to use at the church or let the church borrow occasionally, it would make a lovely "gift" to the church

three or four times during the summer.

MAY USHERS,

COFFEE A"D COOKIE

SERVERS ARE "EEDED

Do you have a gift for making others feel welcome? BUMC needs ushers to serve at 10:30 service through May. If you are interested or need more information, please contact the church office at 364-

2181.

We also need volunteers to serve coffee and cookies following 10:30 service in May. Remember, the treats to not have to be homemade! Please consider whether this

works for you.

Page 6

A group will meet at the courthouse each Mon-day through lunch hour from May 7 through June 18. “I hope you can join us!” said Cindy Joy, group leader, “Bring your lunch and enjoy conversing about what God does in our lives.” From noon to 1 pm the group will meet in Meeting Room C of the courthouse base-ment to discuss the book What I Learned When I Was

Ten by J. Ellsworth Kalas. No purchase of the book is

necessary.

The author reflects on the tenth year of his life and how that one special year shaped him and his Chris-tian faith in so many important ways. He shares stories about what it was like growing up in Iowa during the days of the Great De-pression, and he remembers the people, places, and events of those times that

continue to have an impact on his life to this day.

Participants will read a chapter (approximately 8 pages) each week for the discussion. Readers are invited to think about their own life journeys and faith stories at the same time; and the author explores several key themes, including the importance of connecting with your past, experiencing salvation, hearing God’s call, living life with urgency, learning self-worth, investing and giving wisely, discovering the richness of the Bible, having confidence in God’s promise, and looking back over your life to make sense

of all the lessons you have learned.

If you have questions please contact Cindy at 620-757-9213 or the

church office at 364-2181.

MO�DAY LU�CH HOUR

GROUP STUDY BEGI�S MAY 7

Have you ever wondered where the nice folks who fill in when the pastor is gone

come from?

Called Lay Speakers, they volunteer their time to help out churches with a morning message on those Sundays when the pastor is on vacation or ill. They are a tremendous blessing to us pastors—one less thing to worry over, and a big thing

at that!

Have you ever thought that God might be able to use you in such a ministry? Training is available and you might find this a fun way to share your faith with others. Most Lay Speakers have a message on hand for the times when an emer-gency call comes, and my policy has been that the fill-in speaker can use any Bible

text they want.

You may choose to fill in at our church, or make your-self available for other churches. Both ways can give to us a unique way to view God’s love and the message is always appreci-ated. If you are interested in becoming a Lay Speaker, give me a call at the office!

—Pastor Pat (364-2181)

BECOME FAITHFULLY FIT A�D

FI�D ACCOU�TABILITY

Did you know that scripture has a lot to tell us about caring for our bodies? A group will begin meeting to provide a fun way to help you carry out that call through fellowship

and accountability as you walk together!

Don’t worry—you do not have to be a marathon runner to join. ALL fitness levels

are welcome!

The initial meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2 at 6:30 pm at the church. At this meeting the group will determine a good time to meet regularly. Please contact Jan or Steve Wideman for more information: 364-

5194 or call the church office at 364-2181.

Lay Speakers

Share Message

Vo l u me 2 2 , I s s u e 1 0

Vo l u me 2 3 , I s s u e 5 Page 7

COME PRAY O� �ATIO�AL DAY OF

PRAYER, THURSDAY, MAY 3

The men’s monthly breakfast meeting is Friday, May 11 in Garst Fellowship

Hall at 6 am.

All men in the commu-nity are invited to attend for fellowship and food. The group meets the second Fri-

day of each month.

Ron Bruce’s cooking

team is in charge!

Men’s

Breakfast is

May 11 The sixty-first annual National Day of Prayer will be recognized at BUMC with the sanctuary open to the church family and the community for prayer. Beginning at 11:30 am, prayer guides will be available for those coming

to share personal prayer time at the same time as millions of people coast to

coast pray at thousands of events across the nation.

This year’s theme is “One Nation Under God” based on Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Since 1952, the National Day of Prayer has been a powerful reminder of how all denominations and cul-

tures can pray together. Be part of this program at BUMC!

21st Annual United Methodist

Family �ight at the “K”

The United Methodist Men of Kansas and Mis-souri are hosting Family Night on Friday, July 13. The Royals vs. Chicago White Sox game begins at 7:10 pm. The $12 tickets and $9 parking passes (these must be paid for with the advanced ticket order as they will not be available at the gate on game day) must be ordered through the church office before June 4. Payment should

be made to BUMC because the order will be sent with one single payment.

This family event features Buck Night where hot dogs, small soft drinks, and peanuts are $1. A game ticket also gives admission into the Roy-als Hall of Fame. There will be a fireworks show after the game, and outfield plaza activities are always fun. For seating information please refer to the poster on the narthex bulletin board. The seats reserved for the United Meth-

odist group are located in HyVee Level, Section 405-403.

COMMU�ITY BRIDAL SHOWERS

MAY 5 A�D 6 Church family members and friends are invited to two community bri-

dal showers for members of our church.

Saturday, May 5 will be a double shower for Keira Masters and An-nelise Masters, daughters of Brian and Luella Masters. The come and go

event and light luncheon will be 11 am-1 pm in Garst Hall.

A shower for Emily Hevel, bride-elect of Trent Freeman, son of Johnny and Dawn Freeman, will be held Sunday, May 6 at the Gridley Com-

munity Center at 3 pm. Friends and family are invited!

Brooklyn K.

Barrett

Events

Planned May 5

Saturday, May 5 is set for activities sup-porting Kabuki Syndrome and Juvenile Arthritis Aware-ness in honor of Brooklyn

Barrett.

The 3 on 3 benefit bas-ketball tournament will be held at the Burlington High school and Middle School gyms. For more informa-tion contact Tim Martin (timartin2225@gmail.com) or the Recreation Center

(364-8484).

A breakfast will also be held. For more information on this contact Mandy Shetler (mshetler@usd244ks.org or

364-3422)

P a g e 8

Ma

y

20

12

Su

n

Mo

n

Tu

e

We

d

Th

u

Fr

i S

at

1 B

-Day

s: Rob

ert

Harkrad

er, M

ary Ann

McA

l-ister; Ann

iv: B

rand

on &

Mon

ique

Hart, Dou

g &

Jean

nie Feldh

ause

n *S

unda

y Activities

SPRC 6:30 pm

2 B

-Day

s: Art N

orman

, Leo

na

Winter

BIG

3:15-5 pm

Cho

ir 6 pm

Faithfully Fit 6:30

pm

Middle Sch

ool Y

outh 6:30

Trustee

s 7 pm

3 B

-Day

: Sue

Gutsch

NATIO

NAL DAY O

F PRAYER

San

ctua

ry O

pen for Praye

r Wom

en’s Study

10 am

Brownies

5-6:30 pm

Ju

niors 5:30

– 7 pm

4 B

-Day

s: Brand

on Bell,

Syd

ney Le

dom

5 B

-Day

s: Trent Freem

an,

Gay

le Lev

ering Ann

iv: K

ent

& Lori H

oyt

Com

mun

ity Brid

al Sho

wer

11-1

6 *Sun

day Activities

Girl Sco

ut Tea

1-4 pm

Bac

calaurea

te 3 pm @

Christia

n Chu

rch

Sr. High You

th 6:30 pm

7 B

-Day

s: Darla D

ees,

Sam

antha La

wso

n, Sav

an-

nah La

wso

n Lu

nchtim

e Study

12-1

OA 7 pm

8 B

-Day

s: Nikolas

Alfe

rs

Ann

iv: M

ike & She

lly Tho

rp

AA & AlAno

n 7:30

pm

9 BIG

3:15-5 pm

Cho

ir 6 pm

Middle Sch

ool Y

outh 6:30

Nurture 7 pm

10 B-D

ay: B

rent Dale,

Josh

ua Bed

good

Wom

en’s Study

10 am

11 B-D

ays: Libby

Cha

nley

, Sus

an C

roll,

Owen

Jon

es

Men

’s Break

fast 6 am

12 B-D

ays: Linco

ln Stuke

y

Ann

iv: R

obert &

Jan

et

Harkrad

er

Mission

Saturda

y 9 am

-12

13 *S

unda

y Activities

MOTHER’S DAY

Sr. High You

th 6:30 pm

14 B-D

ays: Brook

lyn

Barrett, Trevo

r Carlson

, Emile

e Kuh

n Lu

nchtim

e Study

12-1

OA 7 pm

15 B-D

ays: Haley

Burgio,

Pau

la Card, Lois Hills

Ann

iv: R

obert &

Marjorie

Jo

nes; Joh

n & R

oberta

Norman

AA & AlAno

n 7:30

pm

16 B-D

ays: H

arold Petter-

man

, Han

nah Sides

, Marga

ret

Tho

mse

n, M

ildred Truelov

e BIG

3:15-5 pm

, Middle Sch

ool Y

outh 6:30 pm

Witn

ess 7:05

pm

17 B-D

ay: W

endy

Smith

Wom

en’s Study

10 am

18 B-D

ay: M

acy Cha

nley

19

B-D

ay: B

ecky

Van

-no

cker

20 B-D

ays: Jay

Atkin,

Diann

e Barrett

*S

unda

y Activities

Sr. High You

th 6:30 pm

21 B-D

ays: D

avid Erbe, Sco

tt La

wso

n, H

arold Stubb

y,

Sha

nna Bas

sett Ann

iv: G

lenn

& Karen

Ree

ves

Lunc

htim

e Study

12-1

OA 7 pm

22 B-D

ays: Chu

ck Alfe

rs,

Way

ne Kirc

hner, M

ary

Wallin

g

AA & AlAno

n 7:30

pm

23 B-D

ays: G

rant Bus

-sa

rd, M

isty G

ilbert, Lo

vile

Kirc

hner

Outreac

h 5:15

pm

24 Ann

iv: K

evin & Yvo

nne

Rya

n, Bill & Jea

n Parmely

Wom

en’s Study

10 am

25 B-D

ay: J

ohn Truelov

e

26 B-D

ays: Sha

ren Cald-

well, Je

remy Kraft

27 Ann

iv: R

obert &

Sally

Trend

el, T

erry & Lisa

Garrett

*S

unda

y Activities

PENTECOST

Sr. High You

th 6:30 pm

28 B-D

ay: S

teve

Bartholo-

mew

MEMORIAL DAY

OA 7 pm

29

AA & AlAno

n 7:30

pm

30

31 B-D

ay: R

hian

Jon

es

Wom

en’s Study

10 am

Sunday A

ctivitie

s I

nclu

de:

8:1

5 a

m W

ors

hip

;

9:1

5 a

m S

unday S

chool C

lasses;

10:3

0 a

m W

ors

hip

;

11:3

0 a

m C

off

ee &

Cookie

s

Ple

ase J

oin

Us!

Questions?

Conta

ct th

e C

hurc

h a

t 364-2

181

Mark Your June Calendar

for

Rockypoint Lighthouse

Vacation Bible School

June 22-24

Sharing God’s Love with Coffey County and the World!

For additions, corrections, and updates, please contact the church office.

Join us at

BUMC

APRIL 12 CHURCH COU�CIL

MEETI�G MI�UTES

Page 10

Disciple II

Class to Finish

Study in May

Continued on 4ext Page.

The meeting of the Burlington United Methodist Church Council was called to order Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm by Chairman Johnny Free-man with prayer. Those in attendance were: Pastor Pat Buss, Johnny Freeman, Bob Culbertson, Becky Reeves, Larry Hauth, Jenn Lowrey, Luella Masters, Richard Croll, Susan Croll, Linda Hyde, Barbara Merry, Terry Bussard, Nancy

Thompson, Justin Lowrey and Karen Kaufman.

The members present were recognized for what part of BUMC they were representing, and it was noted that all NOW committee chairs are voting members of council. There has been some confusion with this issue and Luella

suggested we check the minutes from previous meetings to confirm.

Special offering from Easter was discussed and since there was none this year, we did not need to make a decision of where that offering would be

used.

Pastor Pat submitted his report which is attached and made a part of these minutes. Highlights include that Confirmation has gone well under the diligent leadership of Kay Scott. Eight confirmands will be recognized on Sunday, April 15th at the 10:30 service. Pat will also be out of the pulpit on

Sunday, May13th for Caitlin’s graduation and he will find a replacement.

Pat also discussed a possible Stewardship Campaign, Cultivate Thank-ful Hearts, a 6 week program that presents giving as a lifelong journey in Christian discipleship. Pledge cards, devotions and small group study group activities are included in this new program from Cokesbury. The DVD starter is $31, but the total cost is not known at this time. Barb Merry offered to pur-chase the DVD for $31 and then Finance and Nurture will make a decision if this if what we want to use for this fall. Likely dates for the campaign are

from mid-September to October 28.

Richard Croll led a discussion on our current fiscal situation. A copy of the giving summary for the previous 3 years is attached to these minutes. Basically, our monthly giving in 2012 has fallen short of our budget by $5,293 and in 2011 we averaged $4,351 in the red each month. We have transferred undesignated memorials into the budget to meet financial needs over the last several months. However, those monies are now exhausted. There are 4 me-morials remaining and those are designated funds not available for operation and maintenance of BUMC. Richard also pointed out that our fixed expenses (payroll, insurance, apportionments and utilities) consume 86% of our budget and our giving is only covering 72% of budgeted items, so limiting discretional spending will not solve this issue. What are the solutions? A long discussion

followed with several good ideas including:

Communication and education is the key. We need to make the con-

gregation aware of the financial challenges and allow for response.

Starting on Sunday, April 15th, Luella will include in the bulletin a summary of giving for the month and the past week in relation to what is needed. This will be expanded to the overhead announce-

ments in the coming weeks.

A BUMC Disciple II class is nearing completion of its 32 lessons. They have focused on Genesis and Exodus in the Old Testa-ment, and Luke and Acts in

the New Testament.

Disciple Bible studies provide an in-depth study of scripture with an opportu-nity to learn new study tech-niques. Participants have about 30 minutes of inde-pendent daily study and a 2 1/2 hour class period once a

week.

Participants are strength-ened in their faith and guided into service and min-istry. Biblically nourished members are encouraged to

live as followers of Christ.

Jane Hartley noted that their study is appropriately timed. “With Pentecost on its way, it is really great reading about the spread of the church—the evangelical Holy Spirit led truth of the

Lord Jesus Christ.”

This Disciple II class in-cludes members Larry Hauth, Jane Hartley, Jane

Douglass, and Sanna Alfers.

Congratulations to these committed students for their dedication to this demanding

and rewarding program!

Page 11

HELP GOD’S STOREHOUSE

PREPARE FOR LOCAL SUMMER �EEDS

COU�CIL MI�UTES, CO�TI�UED Richard recommended that we pay the Organist and Choir Director for a period of 1 year from the Fitch

Memorial Funds that are designated for music. Any new music may also be purchased with these funds. This will be accomplished in the short term by moving money ($6,000) from the Memorials

Cash account to pay for music related salaries.

We will reach out to members who do not attend church on a regular basis via the newsletter to give

them an opportunity to assist.

Johnny, Bob and Karen will draft an informational insert for the bulletin and statements of giving that

are mailed out each quarter.

Richard, as chair of Finance, agreed to make an announcement in church within the next few weeks

alerting the congregation to our financial challenge.

We must communicate that most of the memorial money that is left is not available for operating and

maintaining BUMC. It is our responsibility to give for these needs.

Johnny and Larry both mentioned some of the design of the church that is not efficient for heating and

cooling. The hallway in Garst Hall is of particular interest.

The Fall Stewardship Campaign will be a big part of our long term solution. Pastor Pat, Nurture and

Finance will take the responsibility of leading us in this effort.

Johnny discussed the status of Nurture Group. They have determined the need for a Subcommittee on Education. Nurture responsibility is overwhelming when education is included and it would be of value to have a few people focus on this work. A motion was made by Johnny Freeman to establish a sub-committee of education under Nurture and Larry Hauth be the temporary chair. He would also have authority to sign vouch-

ers as a temporary chair. Seconded by Luella Masters. Motion passed unanimously.

Jane Griffith has also requested to step down as the Representative to Conference. Nominations com-

mittee will fill this vacancy before the upcoming Annual Conference in June.

Larry inquired about the status of unfinished remodeling in Garth Hall, the carpet in the sanctuary and the soundproofing in the basement with the current status of finances. There was lengthy discussion on this item, but it was agreed that these were items already approved and there was memorial money set aside to

complete these needed projects. Larry and the trustees will forge ahead on these improvements.

Apportionment payments were discussed as one way to slow the financial pressure in the next few months as we make other adjustments, communicate our lack of weekly giving and revitalize our budget proc-ess. Larry Hauth moved and Barbara Merry seconded that we suspend apportionment payments temporarily

beginning the first of April and take another look at where we are in the fall. This motion passed unanimously.

Johnny closed us in prayer at 9:00 pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Bob Culbertson.

Children will soon be home from school for the summer. This means homes will have more mouths to

feed, and the need for groceries will increase at God’s Storehouse.

Please remember our local families in need when you are shopping. God’s Storehouse’s shelves depend on our generosity. Their hours at 418 Neo-sho are 9 am to noon on weekdays. If you are unable to drop off your contribu-tions during these hours, please fill the wicker basket just outside the church

office door. Your contributions make a difference.

A�SWERS to

“SHARE YOUR STORY”

Clues on Page 2:

A: Sheree Damashek

B: Lisa Garrett

Burlington United Methodist Church

207 South 6th Street

Burlington, KS 66839

Pastor: Rev. Pat Buss

Phone: 620-364-2181

Office Hours: 8-Noon Weekdays

E-Mail: buss.pat@gmail.com

lmasters@umcburlington.org

Vo l u me 2 3 , I s s ue 5

Address Service Requested

Presorted

U. S. Postage Paid

Burlington KS

Permit No #55

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