UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND October 2016

1200 E Highland Acres Rd ~ 701-223-2915 ~ bisucc@midconetwork.com ~ www.uccbismarck.org ~ Like us on Facebook

OCTOBER 2016

A GLOBAL MINISTRY CHURCH OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Walking, Praying, Living Faith by Rev. Gretchen Deeg, Senior Pastor

This year we are heeding the words of Hebrews 10:24-25 and considering “how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another.”

One of the simplest ways we can do that is through prayer. On September 18th, I gave a challenge to all of us to get out of our normal routines and prayer walk all over Bismarck. Go for a walk around your neighborhood, walk around downtown, walk in a new neighborhood, and PAY ATTENTION to all the people, homes, and creation you see. As you’re walking, pray for whatever you encounter (or if walking is difficult for you, pray as you ride around town). Then come back to church on Sunday and mark your trail on our Prayer Map near the nametags. Let’s see if we can cover all of Bismarck multiple times over with prayers!

This Prayer Walk will be a very important part of our life together this year, because it will hone our abilities to listen for God’s Still-Speaking voice in the world around us and prepare us for reaching out with love. Prayer is a wonderful tool for making room for God to open our hearts and minds so that we can be empowered to stir up one another to even greater works of love than we may have imagined at first.

Here’s a little guide to help you with your prayers:

Pay attention to the world around you

Receive the hurts and joys of the world

Accept the world as it is

Yearn for a better world

Embrace possibility

Reach out with love

I look forward to seeing our Prayer Map of Bismarck become more and more colorful with highlighted trails!

United Church of Christ Bismarck-Mandan Area

Sunday Worship at 10 A.M. Sunday School at 10:20 A.M.

Additional Kid’s Classes New to our 2016 Sunday School program are Wednesday evening VBS-style classes for pre-k to 3rd grade the first Wednesday of every month and 4th to 6th grade every Wednesday. All Wednesday classes begin at 6pm. See page 6.

Mortgage Retired! Celebrate! Thanks to your generous donations, we have retired our church mortgage! See page 3 for details.

Taize Worship – Nov. 1 Save the date for our next Taize Worship service with the Benedictine Sisters at Annunciation Monastery on Nov. 1 at 7:30 PM.

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Where all are unconditionally welcomed, affirmed, accepted and loved;

Where the good in every person is recognized and their talents are encouraged to be shared;

Where children, youth, and adults learn that God is love and all are welcome to freely explore spirituality in a safe and nurturing environment;

Where we can bring our personal needs and struggles and count on support from our church family – which is the loving family we all deserve;

Where powerful messages inspire and challenge us to be caring and compassionate to all – in our church, community, and world, seeking opportunities to put our faith into action with courage to go beyond what we think we can do;

Where we embrace the still-speaking God and live in today’s world.

Vision Statement Adopted January 2016

The Bismarck-Mandan UCC is a thriving church transforming our lives and community:

“Where powerful messages inspire and challenge us to be caring and compassionate to all – in our church, community, and world.”

The Salem Circle Women’s Fellowship held their final meeting on September 6th. This group of women have been an inspiration of generosity and service for almost as long as this church community has been in existence. We are forever grateful for all the lessons they have taught us through their support and dedication to this church. Thank you for being a powerful inspiration to us all!

LIVING OUR VISION HIGHLIGHT

The August Council meeting was held on the 30th. By the time you read this you will have likely heard that our capital campaign has been wonderfully successful and this has allowed us to pay off our mortgage. We hope that you will continue to fulfill your pledges towards the capital campaign as we still have special assessments that need to be paid off. I want to thank all of you for allowing the spirit to work within you making this good news possible.

We had a very good discussion regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAP). The council agreed that we would take time to listen to what our congregation members have to say about this controversial project. At the time of this writing, we have had one discussion and have another scheduled for September 16 at 6:00 pm. I was truly encouraged about the constructive nature of the conversations around this issue. I witnessed people expressing themselves diplomatically and people listening attentively. Conversations were filled with many different opinions and all were appreciated. Our hope is that people will feel empowered to share their thoughts and opinions in our church. After all we are all God’s children and that commonality will never change.

Our Buffalo Supper is scheduled for October 8th. I hope that you will take time from your busy schedule to join in some fellowship and share a meal with friends and family. Proceeds will go to help out with the school in East Timor.

One-word thoughts expressed by Council at the end of the meeting included: thankful, challenging, constructive, engaging, openness and growing.

Council Corner by Kirby Kruger, Moderator

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East Timor Education Foundation $ 529.42 Charles Hall Youth Services $ 1,536.35 Our Church’s Wider Mission $ 1,830.00 One Great Hour of Sharing $ 1,411.92 Strengthen the Church (May 15) $ 105.00 Neighbors in Need (Oct. 2) The Christmas Fund (Dec. 18) $ 20.00 Martin Luther King Celebration $ 149.80 Total Shared Ministry $ 5,582.49

Capital Campaign

We did it The Mortgage is PAID IN FULL!! The Capital Campaign Committee would like

to thank you for answering our calls.

Go and Do the Same by Marcia Patrie, Stewardship Committee

“Go and Do the Same” is the commandment from Jesus as he finished telling the parable of The Good Samaritan. It is also the theme of this year’s Stewardship season! As we begin planning ahead, I hope you find many opportunities to love your neighbor. As a member of the stewardship and mission committee we want each of you to find areas in the church in which you feel called to serve. I know that

often I have to step back and refocus on the things I get involved in and as we look at the upcoming year I hope you will look at your involvement and giving and reflect on ways you can – “Go and Do the Same.”

We will kick-off the drive on Sunday October 16th with our Guest Steward Rev. Barb Archer and will finish the 4 week event on Consecration Sunday with a celebration and brunch on November 6th. We hope you will be there – we’re planning on a big crowd.

We ask that you talk about your giving for the upcoming year with your family and know that your stewardship to the church is more than a dollar amount. It’s your faithfulness in attendance, your participation in events and service to others in our community. It’s the work of loving your neighbor.

I know many people give to the church who do not make a pledge. Yet, it is an important part of our church’s year-long planning process. It makes it difficult to develop a budget if we have no idea of our yearly income. So please think about what you can contribute financially or with your time and talents.

FINANCIAL STATUS

SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION PARTNERS IN 2016

A NOTE FROM STEWARDSHIP

Neighbors in Need

“This we believe-No child should go to bed hungry,”

is a statement of our National church office and is truly one we can all connect with. On October 2, as part of World Communion Sunday, we will be taking a special mission offering to go towards helping this message come true. Neighbors in Need is one of 5 offerings that we take throughout the year in addition to our regular general fund giving making us a 5 for 5 church. This act of generosity is something we should be proud of, but knowing you it isn’t a surprise- we are a congregation with a big heart.

January 1 to August, 2016

Revenue General Offerings Actual = $ 98,494

Other Income (Dedicated, Earned) Actual = $ 52,097

Expenses Actual = $152,852

Total Revenue = $150,591 Total Expenses = $152,852 NET ACTIVITY = $ (2,261)

In early 2015, we kicked off a capital campaign to pay off the church mortgage early with the hope of freeing money for expanding church programs. In addition, we continued to pay the regular monthly mortgage and interest payments of 1713.28 per month.

The response to requests from the Capital Campaign Committee by the congregation has been remarkable. When the campaign began in April of 2015 the mortgage was $156,000. With the church making normal monthly payments and the gifts from church members, the final payment on the mortgage has been made. Since the pledge period for the capital campaign extends to 2017, the Trustees hope you continue to pay your outstanding pledges. This money will be used to retire the special assessment against the church which is around $30,000 as of September 1, 2016.

The savings on interest, on the mortgage and the on special assessment will go directly to fulfilling the church’s vision. The congregation wants to be a transformational church, helping people transform their own lives and the community in which we live. The Capital Campaign Committee is deeply grateful for the generosity of the members of this church. Your giving has been inspirational, from the smallest gift to the largest! The campaign itself has been transformational—helping redefine this church and equip it for the ministry for which we are called.

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Conversations with God

Explore the book “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch, about an uncommon dialogue and encounter with God. This 6 week class meets Thurs, Oct 6th & 13th at 1pm in the church library. Led by Teresa Heupel.

Friday Morning Bible Study

A group for the early risers! This dedicated group meets every Friday at 6:30 am in the church library for Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome.

Modeled after the early church in the book of Acts, this house-based small group meets on Thursdays, at 6:30pm at Shane & Erin Ice’s house for dinner and study. Childcare provided. Contact the church office for location details.

Knitting Group For knitters of all experience levels, including no experience! Upcoming class: Monday, Oct. 24 at 1pm in the church fellowship hall.

Faith Forward For those interested in living their faith through social justice. Next gathering on Thursday, Oct. 20th at noon.

Confirmation This 2-year program is for youth in grades 7-12 interested in being confirmed. Led by Pastor Gretchen, Kirby Kruger, and Katie Mitchell.

United Church Youth (UCY) A group of middle & high school youth. Gathers every other Sunday from 11 – 11:45am and throughout the year for service and fun. See page 6 for upcoming events.

Have an idea for a class? Contact Pastor Gretchen (223-2915) or Howard Etson on Christian Ed with your ideas.

Ongoing Classes

Special Offerings

Ongoing Classes

… Ann Sharp

Quilting Guild by Camille Grothier

It is so exciting to have this opportunity to reach out and touch the lives of others with the hand of Christ. Our new quilting guild is open not only to our church family members, but to those in our community as well.

We will be asking our congregation for aid. Usually when a statement like that is made, people start thinking $ only. However, just like Jack’s Place, there will be specific items which will need to be replenished periodically. Examples of what will be needed are 100% cotton wove material or flannel, sewing machine needles, thread, and batting. A more complete list will be coming soon.

The completed projects are intended to be donated to charitable organizations for those in need as well as articles for our congregation’s use (prayer shawls or lap robes) and possibly articles for sale to fund this guild’s mission.

It is never easy to decide on a day and time to meet. For that reason, after consulting with Pastor Gretchen and our Administrative Assistant, Ann, it was decided the only day we could meet over a prolonged time frame was weekly on Tuesday from 2 pm to 7:30 pm or as long as people wish to stay. This offers the opportunity to participate for both those who work and those who don’t. Participants will be able to come and go as they please.

One of UCC’s sayings is “to believe is to care and to care is to do”. May God bless this new beginning.

Annual Buffalo & Ham Dinner, Bazaar & Bake Sale

by Dawn Archer

Our annual Buffalo Dinner is fast approaching and we are once again given the opportunity to serve together! Proceeds from this year’s event will go to support the children and teachers at the school in East Timor.

We are in need of volunteers to sell tickets, put up posters around town, cook, serve, clean-up, bake cookies, bring baked potatoes to church, donate handcrafted / homemade or vintage /antique items for the Bazaar & Bake Sale, etc. Please check out the information table in the narthex of church and consider helping in some way.

The Dinner is Saturday, October 8, from 4:30 – 8 pm. Hope to see you there!

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Jack’s Food Pantry

by Darcy Avery, Deacons

Jack’s Place Food Pantry held a Back to School Drive during the month of September. Thank you for your donations to help restock our pantry shelves. We continue to provide short term emergency food and supplies for people in need. Donations are needed and welcome. Please check the list of food items and supplies used in each bag.

A Food Pantry Roster volunteer signup sheet will be in the narthex. Volunteers can sign up to fill bags for the panty on a monthly basis. The volunteer checks the pantry weekly to ensure bags and shelves are stocked. About 14 to 15 bags are filled to be distributed by Ann and Pastor Gretchen. Please contact Darcy Avery (258-8181) for more information if you are interested in helping.

14 bags were distributed this past month.

The Bell Choir will start up in October and will meet on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. People of all skill levels are invited to join the bell choir. Ability to read music is helpful, but not required. Director: Danielle Abler.

Ministry & Fellowship Groups UCC Choir

The UCC Choir rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. As always, we are glad to see some new faces or should I say, hear some new voices, along with the familiar ones. Everyone is welcome!! Director: Craig Devos. A reminder that we have a Hymn Suggestion Box in the narthex. Please let us know songs you may want to add at our worship services.

This women’s fellowship group meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 12 – 1 pm. Mayflower Circle leads various ministries throughout the year including funeral luncheons, annual rummage sale, numerous fundraisers, and others. Come to learn more.

Game Nights

Mayflower Circle

Bell Choir

Fellowship Update by Camille Grothier, Fellowship Committee

Fellowship services have certainly been well attended by our committee members for which we all benefit greatly. However, I would like to remind our church family members that all of us on the committee are more than willing to share the joy of serving in this capacity. A sign-up sheet is located on the kitchen counter for church family members’ use in letting the committee know Fellowship will be covered for any particular Sunday so we don’t accidentally double up. In our opinion, serving Fellowship is not an addition to our worship together as a body of Christ, but a continuation of that worship. A big Thank You to those who serve and to those who are served. God bless us all!!

Salem Circle Salem Circle had its last meeting in September. We will miss you! You have been dedicated volunteers and great leaders as a productive fellowship group for many years. The footprints you have left in the church will remain with us forever.

Come out the second and fourth Mondays of October from 6:30 – 8:30 pm to join in the fun of board and card games. Bring your favorite games and a treat to share. Family, friends, and community members are always welcome! The next game nights will be Oct 10th & 24th at 6:30 pm.

CROP, Join the original Walk event in the

United States! Fight hunger globally

and in our local community. The original walk to raise funds for Hunger took place right here in Bismarck over 40 years ago. Our Bismarck UCC has taken part in this event for over 30 years! As you can see we have a strong tradition in supporting this event. The money that has been raised across the United States helps around the globe, but also supports groups right here in the Bismarck-Mandan area. There are 1300 walks across the US and Canada, with over 116,000 participants who have raised around $12,000,000 annually. We will be joined by the Bismarck Inter-Faith group, who we have cooperated with on other community projects.

This year’s walk will take place on October 9th starting on the steps of the Capitol at 1:30. You will see stewardship members after church who will ask if you want to participate by walking or by making a donation. There are 2 routes for the walk one short distance one of about 6 blocks and the other around 5K.

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Thank you to our Sunday School Teachers and Confirmation Leaders for committing to the youth of our Church family!

Teachers Dawn Archer Kerri Kraft Petrea Klein Paulette Whitmore Krista Tolstedt Tove Mandigo

Assistants Confirmation Leaders Bailey Ackerman Kirby Kruger Bergan Ackerman Katie Mitchell Annelise Klein Rev. Gretchen Deeg Karsten Klein

Oct. 9th – CROP Walk, we will be participating in this walk which is an annual event for our church. We will meet at the capitol steps at 1:30 pm.

Sunday School Calendar OCTOBER

Oct 2 SS Oct 5 pre-K – 6th grade Wednesday SS Oct 9 Deliver fliers for Trick or Treat so others can eat Oct 16 Trick or Treat so others can eat food collection Oct 23 Group SS Oct 30 Family Worship

UCY Gathering October Schedule

Sunday, Oct. 2nd 11:15 am – 11:45 am. Sunday, Oct. 16th 11:15 am – 11:45 am.

Youth News

United Church

Sunday Oct. 9th Sunday school classes will be delivering fliers to the neighbors for Trick or Treat so other can eat. Please dress you children for the weather.

Cost $50

Game on!! Christianity &

Fantasy Genre

Gameplay

Hosted by; Zion UCC – Medina ND

Discussions on upcoming events & faith growth

Fun, Study, & Service for Middle & High School Youth Youth Minister: Katie (Patrie) Mitchell 701-426-7906

Oct. 8th - Buffalo Supper, we will need the youth to help in set up and clean up. Sign-up sheet in entry of the church or contact Katie Mitchell (701-426-7906) to find out where help is needed.

Oct. 31s t beginning at 5:30 pm

Halloween candy

handout at the church. Come dressed in a costume, if you would like!

Sunday October 16th, the Sunday school classes will be trick or treating so others can eat. They will go around our neighborhood and collect food for Jack’s Food Pantry. Please dress for the weather.

We also encourage our Church family to bring items for the food pantry on Sunday October 16th to contribute to Trick or Treat so others can eat.

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UCC Northern Plains Conference News

Save the date for the upcoming NPC Women's Retreat November 18-20 at Camp of the Cross in Garrison! All women are invited to this conference-wide retreat. Watch next month’s newsletter for registration details.

If you are interested in providing pulpit supply or possibly becoming a licensed minister, then Authorized Lay Worship Leader Training may be for you. A training session will be held at Bismarck UCC on October 14 & 15. The event will begin with supper at 5:30pm on Friday and will end around 2pm Saturday. This training will concentrate on preaching and sacraments. If you are interested, please contact the Conference Office (secretary@npcucc.org) or talk with Pastor Gretchen.

Continuing Ed for Ministers Our annual continuing education event for all authorized ministers will be held October 28 & 29 at the Valley City UCC (217 4th St NW, Valley City). This year our presenter will be Christopher Grundy, the Associate Professor of Preaching & Worship at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. The event will begin with supper on Friday and will end Saturday at 2pm. All authorized ministers of the Northern Plains Conference are expected to attend.

May God’s gift of life be a blessing to you and may your life be a blessing to others on this special day of your

birth and all year long!

If we are missing your birthday and you would like to be on our birthday list, please contact the church office at 701-223-2915.

1 Doug Klein 2 Christine Prince 2 Teresa Heupel 3 Sally Ritz 12 Isabella McFerran 14 Annelise Klein

16 Zander Scheer

18 Lilian Wilson 19 Kay Royse 19 Katie Mitchell 23 Rachel Patrie 23 Norra Dobitz 23 Gemma Dobitz

25 Cole Stockert 28 Ryker Klein

Mayflower Circle

received a beautiful note

from the family of

Evelyn Dirk for serving

lunch after her

memorial service.

Thank you Lonna Augustadt and Jane Thomson for

representing our church at the University of Mary

community fair.

*Please contact the church office or sign up in the narthex if you would like your birthday listed in the newsletter.