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PASSIONATE WORSHIP! Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem.

22 You Samaritans know very little

about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews.

23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here

now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.

24 For God

is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” – John 4:21-24 (NLT)

As we get back into our fall schedule and a new school year of activities at the church, things may look a bit different. As most of you already know, we have been going through some transitions with staff this past spring. Since that’s been the case, we’ve also taken this time to take a good look at where we’ve been … and where we feel God is leading us in the future. As we do some reorganizing of staff to meet our ministry needs, we’re also looking at specific areas of ministry that are due some updating, too. Why? Because we are following the Ministry Plan put into place a couple of years ago (2010-2015)—areas of ministry that need our attention if we want to be healthy and grow. Following is an excerpt from our ministry plan that has everything to do with our year ahead: 2011-12 � PASSIONATE WORSHIP

Our primary ministry focus for the school year of 2011-12 will be worship.

“The motivation for enhancing the quality of worship is not only about deepening our own faith but also about allowing God to use us and our congregations to offer hope and life and love to others. God works through us to change the world. Worship is God’s gift and task, a sacred trust that requires our utmost and highest.”

Beginning in September, we will all be experiencing some new directions in worship. According to the opening scripture (above), worship is not to be so much about us and our personal desires … as it is to be about God and the needs of the overall Kingdom. What does it mean to worship God ‘in spirit and

in truth?’ We’re going to learn more about that together, as we make adjustments to our Sunday morning worship so that more & more people can worship in ways that will connect them with the God of spirit and truth. Don’t miss out on these exciting days. And continue to pray for the leadership of the church, that God will continue to lead us as he sees fit … and that we’ll continue to be obedient to whatever direction God chooses to lead… New worship times/formats (beginning Sept. 4, 2011):

9:00 AM – More Traditional Worship 10:45 AM – More Contemporary Worship

Again, continue to keep the ministry of our church in your prayers as we move toward fulfilling our current goal of ‘Passionate Worship!’ See you in the house of worship,

Pastor RomPastor RomPastor RomPastor Rom

BEING DELIBERATE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP PREPARATION By Pastor Rom

Last month, as we continued to talk about the integrity of membership, we left off with the need for clearly defining what membership really means. We also said that currently, in the United Methodist Church, we do not all agree on the definition of membership. Our understanding of membership, however, needs to come from scripture. Scripture needs to be our primary guide for all that we do in life as God’s people, including forming members for the Body of Christ. Suffice it to say that one of the main misunderstandings about membership in the local church today is this: All too many consider membership in the local church a right. Biblically understood, however, membership is not a right … but a privilege. There is quite a difference between the two. How we understand membership, however, has everything to do with our attitude toward membership … and the rubber usually meets the road there at our annual Church Conferences when the membership report comes up. Think about it. Is membership a right … or a privilege? How we handle membership in the local church has everything to do with the answer to that question.

With so many misunderstanding what membership truly is in the Church, there is no question that we need to move toward a more deliberate time of preparation for membership. This preparation should not be taken lightly. We are not becoming a part of a club or service organization. Instead, as we enter into membership in the local church, we are joining into the living Body of Christ on earth! That’s huge. And, we need to be teaching just how huge this privilege is. How do we go about that? How do we teach those coming into the life of the church—as a part of the Body of Christ—that membership in the church is something different from membership in any other organization we know? Let me offer this as a partial answer, from my recent work on initiation…

It may be a matter of us looking back to a time in the Church when there was a more consistent process of preparation for membership in the Church and it was growing. The Church today, in many ways, is not unlike the early Church; our particular time in history, in many ways, is not unlike the time when the Church was young. Wonderful opportunities are before us, if we can learn from the history of the Church. Alan Kreider affirms this when he states: “…now, in post-Christendom, we are in a world with fascinating parallels to pre-Christendom, the first three centuries of Christianity. … In pre-Christendom the church was growing. Today the church is often on the defensive. I propose that if we post-Christendom Christians learn from our early Christian sisters and brothers about just one thing—initiation—we too can experience new life and growth.”

1 Kreider goes

on to further explain: “…when the Christian community is attractive and question posing, and when people are drawn to an initiatory process that is both rigorous and joyful, there will be people from within Christian families and from the hungry world that is watching us who will be attracted, who will want to be initiated into Jesus … to say to him, YES!”

1 And, of course, that should be our focus in preparation—

the transformation of the individual by God, not just information about the Church. If our current process of initiation does not involve, or even attempt, transformation of life, then why are we even involved in initiation? This is what preparation for membership (a continuation of our ‘baptism’) has always been about! Dujarier confirms this when he states: “The catechumenate (process of training for membership) was a period of formation in the Christian faith and morals.”

1 Within the

catechumenate, there were two primary groups of people—those entering into the catechumenate and those almost completed, ready to enter into baptism. There were examinations that individuals went through at the entry to each level. Dujarier continues to explain: “…the two examinations for admission to the catechumenate and to baptism were thus applied very seriously and both involved a transformation of life.”

1 So, it is to that preparation that we need to be deliberately

focused today.

There is no doubt that the church has gotten off-track in past decades

GALILEAN SERVICE On August 14th we will hold our annual Galilean service at Bray

Lake at 10:30. There will be NO early service that day.

(perhaps many). We need to return to a time of deliberate preparation for membership in the church today. If we had this kind of training, there would be far fewer misunderstandings about membership within the church today. As both Kreider and Dujarier confirm above, preparation for membership has to be about life transformation … or something’s missing. When Jesus is involved, folks, it’s always about transformation of life. That’s why he came. That’s why his ministry. That’s why his death. That’s why his resurrection—that we might be transformed and ready for eternal life with God, beginning now. Next month, how all of this deliberate preparation can result in transformation through community. Until then… 1 Alan Kreider, “Initiating Attractive Christians: Insights from the Early Church,”

Anabaptism Today, Issue 36, June 2004, http://www.anabaptistnetwork.com/book/print/245 2 Alan Kreider, “Initiating Attractive Christians: Insights from the Early Church,”

Anabaptism Today, Issue 36, June 2004, http://www.anabaptistnetwork.com/book/print/245 3Michel Dujarier, A History of the Catechumenate: The First Six Centuries, (New York: Sadlier, 1979), p. 62. 4Ibid, 63.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOODIES GONE?

Beginning August 7, the drinks and other goodies for fellowship time will be served in the lobby instead of fellowship hall. We are making this move in an effort to make things more accessible to everyone and less intimidating for guests who typically don’t go into fellowship hall alone. You are welcome to enjoy your goodies in the lobby or, if you prefer, to take them into fellowship hall to the tables.

Beth Schlueter, Connections Ministry

WORSHIP/COOKOUT AT TOM’S CAMPGROUND

A gathering with worship and a hotdog cookout for the Ridgeway and Dodgeville United Methodist Churches will be held on Saturday, August 27th at Tom’s Campground (2751 Cty Rd BB). Worship will begin at 5:00 PM with a potluck and fellowship to follow. Bring your own hotdogs, buns, dish to pass and table service. Lemonade and coffee will be provided along with condi-ments. All are invited to join us for this time of worship and fellowship! For more info contact Bobbi Butteris at 935-2693

LEARNING TO “LIVE IT” The "Live It!" class is in the final month of our study of "Christian Caregiving - a Way of Life". Each week our discussion and exercises yield new insights on how to answer Jesus' call to share His love by caring for others. Here are some of the topics we will be exploring in August:

• Sharing a Blessing • A Cup of Cold Water • Celebrating Results • Hope-Full Caregiving

I have a few extra copies of the book available, if you are interested but could not take the class. Just let me know! -Gail Ray

TORNADO WARNING SHELTER AT DUMC the North and East doors will be open to allow residents to

get to the basement or upstairs women’s bathroom for shelter. This is intended primarily for the residents of the

mobile home community of Dodgeville, but is open to anyone.

7 Minutes Did you know guests visiting a church for the first time will decide within the first 7 minutes whether or not they will return? Not only that, it takes 7-10 personal contacts during an entire visit for a guest to feel welcome. So, let’s see…if a guest comes in one of the main doors of our church building, they should be met by a Greeter. If they go into fellowship hall for fellowship time (this is very rare for a guest who doesn’t know someone there), they might meet 1-2 Café Team members. Going into the sanctuary, they should meet another Greeter. Pastor Rom makes every effort to meet new guests before or after worship. Assuming all of these contacts are made, that’s still only a grand total of 5 personal contacts. Guess who is responsible for the other 2-5 contacts? I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now – they are the responsibility of the whole congregation. That means you and me. Let’s be mindful of the guests among us and do what we can to make them feel welcome!

Submitted by Beth Schlueter on behalf of the 7 Minute Team

Emma Marie Butteris Emma Marie Butteris Emma Marie Butteris Emma Marie Butteris

born June 5, to parents, born June 5, to parents, born June 5, to parents, born June 5, to parents, Matt Matt Matt Matt &&&& GailGailGailGail and grandparents,and grandparents,and grandparents,and grandparents,

Ron Ron Ron Ron &&&& BobbiBobbiBobbiBobbi

UMW notes—August, 2011 There are no local unit events scheduled for August, however, Rosemary Edwards, Marilyn Liddle, and Martha Boyer will be attending the School of Christian Missions conference held in Stevens Pt., August 2—5. We look forward to hearing about this event at our first fall meeting on September 1st. The circles are also on summer break. Looking ahead to September—the Evening Star circle will meet on Monday, September 12 at 7:00PM and the Grace Post circle will meet on Monday, September 19 at 1:30 PM. The details about these meetings will appear in the September newsletter.

Hospitality Team Reminders:

• Your 2011-2012 Hospitality Team Covenants are due

on Sunday, August 14.

• The schedules for September will be handed out at the

training meeting and will be in the September

newsletter. Please read the schedules carefully as

some teams may change!

• For everyone who is continuing on for the2011-2012

program year, there will be a Hospitality Training

Meeting on Wednesday, August 24 at 6:30 PM. We

look forward to seeing you there!

Beth Schlueter Connections Ministry

CURRENT MONTH JUNE 2011

Monthly Income $32,682 Monthly Expenses Paid $14,103 Net Income for month $18,578 Apportionments Paid $2003 (figure included in Monthly Expenses Paid)

Unpaid Apportionments $100 (not included in Monthly Expenses Paid)

YEAR TOTALS THROUGH CURRENT MONTH

Years Income $102,299 Years Expenses Paid $80,902 Net Income for Year $21,397 Apportionments Paid $ 4,006 (figure included in Years Expenses Paid) Unpaid Apportionments $ 8,612 (not included in Years Expenses Paid)

TOTAL APPORTIONMENTS DUE FOR YEAR $ 25,236 APPORTIONMENTS DUE PER MONTH $ 2,103

Lois McComish

Finance Chair

YOUR GENEROUS OFFERINGS TO MISSION & OUTREACH MINISTRY

January through March: Interhope $874.04 April – July 3: UMCOR Japan $741.13 UMCOR Tornado $240 UMCOR Golden Cross Sunday $64 July Homeless Shelter of Iowa County

$324.41 Total Mission & Outreach Giving to date: $2,243.58

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

#269 “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt. 25:21-28)

We’ve often heard that generosity is contagious! On May 22, 2011 an EF-5 tornado, the single deadliest tornado in more than 60 years, struck Joplin, MO killing 150 people and leaving total devastation in its wake. When Andy Steger of Waupun, WI saw the images on the news he said, “It looked like an atomic bomb went off in there. I was sobbing and I’ve never gotten that emotional about an event like that... I think it was God calling out and saying ‘Hey Andy, you need to do something here buddy.’”

Andy and his wife, Amie, were inspired by God’s call to do something for these people. Andy made several arrangements, including finding a relief agency that would accept the various donations they secured. Originally they planned on taking a U-Haul down to Joplin. Instead, they collected enough to fill a full-size semi with clothing, bedding, water bottles, toys, soap, and other supplies as well as $7,500 in cash donations. Andy and Amie never imagined their efforts would result in such a miraculous outpouring of hope. Yet from the beginning they trusted God would bless their gifts and use them to perform miracles of Christ’s love.

How is God calling you to give and serve? What is your passion? What moves you to tears and pushes you to the point of knowing you just have to make a difference?

Never underestimate what Christ can do through you. And if you feel called to give a gift to assist the Joplin Tornado Relief through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (or 2011 Flood Relief), you can make a gift through your church or go to www.wumf.org and click the DONATE button now. 100% of your gifts will go to assist persons in need.

Adult Fellowship

Membership, Confirmation, Spiritual Enrichment Class Offered this Fall:

Essential Transformation (E.T. for short) is a 13-week class for those desiring to explore the basics of the Christian faith. This class is also for any sophomore (or up) who desires to be confirmed, for those exploring membership at Dodgeville UMC, or for anyone who is simply interested in growing in their knowledge of the Christian faith (long-time members are welcome!).

We will be having an informational meeting on Wednesday, August 10, at 6:30 PM in the library. (High schoolers must bring their parents with them to the informational meeting!) Regular classes will be Wednesday evenings from September 14 through December 14, from 6:30-8:00 PM. (Nursery care is possible by prior arrangement.)

For all who have ever felt that the Bible or Bible study is intimidating, this is the class for you! We start at the beginning: We start with how to get around in the Bible itself. Then we start with basic beliefs of our faith - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and how God works in and through our lives in special ways. Along with that, we hope to answer your questions about things like "Why the church?" Won't you pray about joining Pastor Rom and Beth Schlueter as they prepare to lead E.T. this fall?

If interested, please contact the church office at 935-5451 as soon as possible! Also, if you will be bringing children with you during these Wednesday evening classes, please let us know that, too. We hope to see you there!

PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND During the months of June and July, $250 was given to people in our community calling on the church for assistance. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please write PDF in the memo line

of your check or on your offering envelope.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Grace Christian Preschool Grace Christian Preschool is currently accepting enrollment for the 2011-12 school year. Three different programs are offered to best meet the needs of children ages 3-5. The teachers at Grace hold at least a Bachelor degree in education and attend conferences and other continuing education opportunities to stay current in the field of education. Grace is a state licensed preschool serving Iowa county and surrounding communities. For more information please contact Heather Dampf at 935-5718 x4 or gracechristian.preschool@gmail.com or visit http://www.gracelutheran-dodgeville.org/preschool.html

Ice Cream Social and Bazaar

Thursday, August 4th Serving from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Edmund WI

Wyoming Valley Church Hymn Sing Schedule

August 7

September 4 October 2

Time: 2 Pm to 3:30 PM

Church is located on state Hwy 23 Five miles south of Spring Green, Ten miles north of Dodgeville

Dodgeville Community Blood Drive

Friday, August 12 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Dodgeville United Methodist Church

*First name listed is 8:00 service, 2nd name is 10:30

*Worship Assistants AUGUST

7 Dee Dochnahl, Jan Aschliman 14 Cathy Bandyk (10:30 lake service) 21Sarah Godfrey, Merlin Gorsline 28 Julie Piper, Dawn Van Epps

PLEASE PRAY:

Military Dick Strutt

Rose Williams Jake Dickerson Tom Wagner

Harman Family (job) Rose Timbush

Aunt Carol Christine Miller

Susie Norway Victims Lana Withrow

Bill Lorenz Nancy Bilder

Carissa Tolzman Sara & Logan Havens

Bill & Sara Speth Kira & LeRoy

Christine Susie

1 - Camryn Leitzinger 2 - Jacob Colden 7 - Isaac Moen 8 - Jane Pegram 12 - Doreen Dochnahl 12 - Taylor Prochaska 14 - Gail Ray 14 - Sandy Recob 17 - Don Crowe 17 - Virginia Gorsline 21 - Alex Brown 21 - Shawn Phillips 23 - Michael Digman 25 - Bethany Harman 26 - Beau Smith 27 - Ron Butteris 27 - Scott Recob 29 - Emily Forrest 29 - Bill James 31 - Lori Jacobson

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST Anniversaries

August

1 - Ken & Lois Dobson 1 - Scott & Sarah Godfrey 1 – Stu & Karen Miller 2 - Don & Tina Smith 4 - Rick & Colleen Gullickson 12 - Phil & Julie Udelhoven 15 - Don& Jessica Hazlett 17 - Lee & Mary Lou Oxnem 19 - Dr. William Baebler 20 - Jeff & Julie Athey

*Multi-Media 8:00 10:30 August 7 Julie Matt 14 Galilean Service 21 Tom Rays 28 Scott Rays

Greeters

July

8 AM: Clint & Edna Dunham, Susan

Dunham, Steve & Sandy Alexander

10:30 AM: Russell Nelson, Charlie

Price, Dale & Nancy Mortimer

August

8 AM: Chip & Peggy Forrest, Steve &

Julie Colden

10:30 AM: Mary Ellen Schultze,

Merlin Gorsline, Ken & Lois Dobson

August 7 – Tammy Leiser, Beth Schlueter, **Dee Dochnahl 14 – Lake service w/potluck 21 – Tammy Leiser, Beth Schlueter, **Jan Aschliman, **Charlene Mingst 28 – Sarah Godfrey, **Julie James **These people are treat suppliers only

*Acolytes

8:00 10:30

AUGUST 7 Alex & Bethany Harman Lindsey Hazlett 14 Galilean 10:30 service only

Ushers 21 London & Dakota Starr Maggie Piper 28 Diana Dochnahl & Emily Prochaska Zach Tolzman

Café

If you are unable to serve at your scheduled time,

please find a substitute to serve

in your place. Thank you!

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