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833 Third Street
Reedsburg, WI 53959
Reedsburg United Methodist Church
Phone: 608-524-3913
Email: [email protected]
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Weekly giving envelope and Peace with Justice (Sunday, June 7th)
Envelope are enclosed.
COVID19: for the most up to date information please go to our facebook or website.
June 14 we will begin the new sermon series Footprints of Faith. In
this sermon series we will be looking at how our faith can impact
the world, especially as the loosening of restrictions are happening
all around us. We will look at: Revelation’s promise of God mak-
ing all things new; our character at the crossroads; the power of
endurance; and the importance of living with integrity. We will
continue to air services via Facebook and YouTube, so continue to
invite people to join us virtually from their homes. If you are won-
dering when we will resume live and in person worship services, read Pastor
Vicki’s article on pages 3-4.
2 THE U.M.C. NEWS
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1 THE U.M.C. NEWS
ISSUE 1
JUNE 2020
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Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
The following is how to connect with others through ZOOM even if you don’t have a computer, tablet or smart phone:
1. First in order to connect you need to have an invitation. If you are part of a committee/team you should automatically receive an email invite to your next meeting. If you are wanting to participate in the virtual Adult Sunday School or join others in chatting with Pastor Vicki on Wednesday mornings, you need to get ahold of the contact person so they can send you an invite. If you do not have a computer, tablet or smart phone, the contact person can give you a phone number and meeting number to connect via any phone, even landline.
2. If you are coming in via computer, tablet or smart phone, simply click on the link in your email, or copy and paste the link to your browser. If you do not have a computer, tablet or smart phone, simply call the phone number. A voice will prompt you to key in the meeting ID number followed by the pound key, that your contact person gave you. The voice may ask you to enter a pin number followed by the pound key, if you were not given a pin number simply press pound.
3. For those who come in via computer, tablet or smart phone, and this is your first time on ZOOM you will need to download the software as the site prompts you. Once it downloads the needed software will give you the option to open ZOOM launcher or RUN, depending on your device. It will ask you if you want to use the audio using your device, hit yes. NOTE: Some computers such as desktops do not have access to audio; all you have to do is choose the phone option instead. It will give you the meeting code and pin number.
We are advised to exercise social distancing, social distancing does NOT have to happen in total isolation. Let us find new ways of staying connected.
2 THE U.M.C. NEWS
July Newsletter DEADLINE — June 15th
608-524-3913 • [email protected] Mission Statement:
“To build a Christian
community where we
become deeply
committed followers of
our Lord Jesus Christ
who know God with our
heads, love God with our
hearts and serve God
with our hands.”
Our Vision:
“As disciples of Jesus
Christ we will be
transformed by Him to
change lives within
our church, community
and world.”
To help with
FUNERALFUNERAL
LUNCHEONSLUNCHEONS
please contact:
The church office
@
524-3913
or
Kay Daley
@
608-963-6337
Gentle Yoga Update from Judy Martin
Gentle Yoga will be on HOLD. I will let everyone know when we are ready to resume!
Once the church has reopened for services, Gentle Yoga
will continue to be held in the Parlor on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 12 Noon to 12:30 pm. New participants
will always be welcome, and there is no cost. Namaste!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
●Thank you to Bob and Darlene Ciaglo for the spring landscaping and all the clean up on and around the church. It looks beautiful!
●Thank you for your continued support of the church’s ministry as well as the food pantry.
Remember the following in our prayers: As we respond to the news of the Coronavirus, we are encouraged to pray for one another, for our world, for those infected, for those offering medical and other care for those who are infected, and those infected in so many other ways as we deal with this virus.
Please keep Beverly Hirst in your prayers. If you able to send her a card her address is Heritage Lake– 1016 Lake Shore Drive #241 in Rice Lake, WI 54868
Praise God for blessings bestowed:
Cheryl Rhinehart and her husband will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary on June 6th.
3 THE U.M.C. NEWS
With the Stay at Home
Orders being repealed, I imagine
many of you are asking or at
least thinking, “Is it time to go
back to church yet?” We are
called Methodists for a reason,
we are methodical in how we
live out our faith, taking care
that what we do follows three
general rules: do no harm, do
good and stay in love with God.
That is one of the litmus tests
that the Leadership of RUMC will be using
to discern the answer to that question.
Another resource that will be used
is the guidance offered by the Wisconsin
Annual Conference (WAC). Bishop Hee
Soo Jung, has been meeting virtually with
a newly formed task force to help provide
guidance in discerning the answer to that
question as a denomination. They have
provided a four-page document with clear
and detailed guidelines for our church to
use in making our own decision of when
and how to resume worship, live and in
person. (The document can be the found by
going to https://www.wisconsinumc.org/
Resources/Documents/Coronavirus/
WAC-COVID-19-Response.pdf or call
the office (524-3913) and we will mail a
hard copy.) Below* is a table that details 3
suggested phases the task force at WAC is
suggesting to congregations.
As suggested by the table, even
when we do resume live and in person
services, they will likely not look exactly
the same as they did in our last on-site
worship service, March 15. These
suggestions may be reassuring, disturbing,
or no big deal to you, depending your own
experience, vulnerabilities and opinions
about the pandemic and how we have
responded as a country, a state, and a
congregation.
It is for that reason we would also like to
hear from you. We have included a survey
in this newsletter. Please fill out and return
to the church, or go to Survey Monkey at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JP3G
HL9 the link of which is on our website
and Facebook page. The next RUMC
Leadership Board will be meeting,
Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00. We will be
discussing what we need before
relaunching worship live and in-person.
Unfortunately, the newsletter deadline
was before that scheduled meeting, but
know that it is unlikely we will be
meeting for worship live any time in
June. I’m sure the discussion will
continue at the next meeting June 22.
Keep in mind these meetings are
ALWAYS open, and are traditionally
held the fourth Monday of each month.
ZOOM access
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86241399744) will be available for those who
wish to attend while social distancing.
Keep in mind regardless of when
we open back up for worship, you do
NOT have to attend live and in-person
(see “Important Points to Consider as
Individuals Before Reentry” article on
page 4) We intend to continue providing
online worship Sundays at 9:00 am, via
Facebook and YouTube. One of the
beautiful results of this pandemic, is that
we have opened our doors to the world.
We have not only provided worship for
our regular members and guests, we have
provided worship for people across
county and state lines. We are doing
what we need to do, as Jesus said, to
“make disciples of all nations.”
(Matthew 28:19). A perfect example of
how God can take some of the less ideal
situations, we find ourselves in, and
make something new. RUMC has never
been closed, it has been deployed.
A Message From Pastor Vicki
PASTOR VICKI
BRANTMEYER
PASTOR PROCOPIO
ARELLANO
Office: 608-524-3913
Parsonage: 608-524-4485
833 Third Street
Reedsburg, WI 53959
————————————
SCARLET HUFFMAN
Christian Education
Coordinator
Youth Coordinator
ANGELA MILLER
Administrative Assistant
SHELBY LANGE
Treasurer
JUDY MARTIN
Financial Secretary
————————————
2020 CHURCH
COUNCIL
Administrative Council
Chair:
Tom Hirschinger
Finance Committee Chair:
John Deitrich
Recording Secretary:
Judy Martin
Christian Education:
Scarlet Huffman
Evangelism Chair:
Wil Fernandez
Missions Chair:
Ellen Penshorn
SPRC Chair:
Pat Jaquish
Trustees Chair:
Howard Brantmeyer
Worship Chair:
Mary Beth Shear
Lay Leader:
Kent Penshorn
UMW President:
Hispanic Shepherding:
Sue Wittenberger
4 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Wisconsin Annual Conference—Steps for Church Reopening
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
Description 2+ weeks of declining cas-es Widespread testing availa-ble Contact tracing PPE availability
Several weeks of improved conditions
Several more weeks of continuously improving
conditions.
Worship Online Drive-in Pastoral Service
Online Drive-in Pastoral Service
Online Drive-in Pastoral Service In-person Worship Inside
Building <10 people <50 people Possible Capacity Limits
Requirements To lead remote worship service
Face masks & 6ft Distanc-ing
Physical Distancing
65+ /at risk NA Informed of Possible Risks Physicians Guidelines
Programs / Hymnals
NA NO Possible
Singing Online Online otherwise limited Online otherwise Pending
Touching NA NO Discouraged
Food & Beverage NA NO Pending
Important Points to Consider as Individuals Before Reentry into Worship
when we do decide to reboot public worship, please consider the following before reentry.
Consider not attending live and in person if:
Things to consider that may impact your severity of disease:
You traveled in the last 14 days to any area with a high incidence of COVID-19
You’ve been exposed to anyone known to have tested positive for COVID-19
You’ve been in a house of correction, nurs-ing home, meat packing plant or high-
density area with a COVID-19 outbreak. You have a fever, felt feverish or had chills
in the last 24 hours. You feel sick the day of worship
If you are older than 65. If you have an illness listed below for which
you see a it Lung disease
Heart conditions Immunocompromised (including prior
transplant, cancer treatment, or taking steroids.)
Severe obesity Diabetes
Kidney dialysis Liver disease
5 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Faith United Methodist Church
I pray that all of you have remained well and safe. If you get a chance give me a call and let me know how you are. I miss all of you. Our little on-line videos seem to be well received and maybe we’ve even reached some new people. (Even if sometimes my videos have me upside down).
Please pray for not just those who are ill or have lost their jobs, we also need to pray for our nation, which seems to be floundering with no set guidelines or leadership. Also the factions that are determined to rip our country apart and who have gotten more and more hurtful and hateful. Remem-ber too those that are mourning the loss of a loved one.
Gratefully, spring is all around us and keeps us grounded in the love of God, his love for us, his love for all his children. We are reminded that there are many more people who are risking their lives to care for our loved ones, people who are reaching out to one another in love and compassion.
While we are limited by distancing, the church has made some interesting observations:
(12 Hopeful Signs from Worship Leaders During the ‘Safer at Home’ Quarantine-
By Cynthia Wilson, Diana Sanchez-Bushong, Derek Weber, and Carol Ann Smolka)
1. The making of disciples has not slipped to the back burner during this crisis; it remains front and
center.
2. There has been a shift from the church building to kin-dom building, and this time affords us a
unique opportunity to reach out in new ways.
3. Church leaders have found comfort in sharing their ideas and concerns in an online community.
4. Church is wherever people find life. Worship planners and leaders are finding ways of making
the online worship experience engaging, by creating simultaneous rituals: candles, songs, etc.
5. For many local churches ,online worship attendance and giving has surpassed in-house
worship before the Covid-19 pandemic. (260 views Easter Sunday!)
6. Churches discovered the true value of the shepherding role versus the overseeing- preaching
role in local churches AND
7. Churches have been intentional acknowledging and involving existing and new members.
8. Homebound members appreciate being able to see, hear, and somewhat participate in the
worship service.
9. Imperfections in services are more quickly forgiven at this time (like being upside down) giving
is the opportunity to learn and grow in new ways….
12. This time is not a waiting time until we can “return to normal”, but an opportunity to develop new efforts that will continue to drive the church, even after the quarantine has lifted.
We will be looking at CDC guidance for possible opening of our church since we have such small
numbers and feel we can keep everyone as safe as possible.
June Birthdays:
12 Shirley Peterson, 18 Ramon Demaskie, 26 Norma Sonnenberg
NEWSLETTER
June 2020
6 THE U.M.C. NEWS
●Due to connectivity challenges, we have been and will continue “premiering” worship that was previously recorded through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/reedsburgumc/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm55c9m0Q6Uf_F1QKhMMGDw ) at 9:00 on Sundays. The advantage of tuning in when the worship is first aired:
is our live hosts/hostesses, moderating the chat features of these forums you will be tuning in with others, you can post comments and read those of your fellow worshipers who are there live.
●If you absolutely can’t make it to the premier viewing, you can still watch it later or go to our website to download the PDF of the sermon. If you would like to be added to the list of people receiving a paper copy of the sermon call the office (524-3913) and let us know.
●Pastor Vick will be available to meet with you via Zoom on Wednesday mornings 8:33-9:33 in the comfort of your own home. This is for anyone who wishes to join pastor, so it could conceivably be a group of us meet-ing.
●If you would like to meet with Pastor Vicki one on one she will be available on an appointment basis in her office. If you are still not ready to go out in public, you can also meet with her via Zoom, Skype, Messenger or good old fashion telephone. Please limit contacting her on Fridays to emergencies, as that is her day off. Adult Sunday School continues to meet via the video platform ZOOM. The link to get to the meeting is https://zoom.us/j/730238634 . If you want to just phone into the meeting, the phone number is 1 312 626 6799. The class will start at 10:15 on Sunday mornings.
●Some team/committee will begin meeting live at the church, HOWEVER, there will always still be an option to attend, via video conferencing from home. All team/committee members will receive an email which will let you know the ZOOM meeting number whether or not some members decide to attend live. If you are not familiar with ZOOM, see the article, How to connect through Zoom. Note: you can also connect to Zoom by phone, yes, even by landline.
●The Conference Cabinet of the Wisconsin United Methodist Church, graciously provided a respite for clergy and worship leaders, by offering a pre-recorded worship service that could be aired over the internet. RUMC scheduled the recording to play 9:00 am, May 24, via Facebook and YouTube. Apparently so many churches were sharing it Memorial Day weekend, that it became a red flag to YouTube that it might be SPAM. Consequently, many of the churches’ YouTube channels were suspended, including ours. This means if you tried tuning in through YouTube on Sunday, you would not be able to find us, as the entire channel was sus-pended. The suspension has since been lifted, so you are encouraged to check it out again. Bishop Hee Soo Jung preached the important message that God Is with Us. Many other conference leaders helped lead worship, such as our own DS, Scott Carlson, the Assistant to the Bishop, Dan Dick and many more. And it even includes the musical stylings of the Sugar River UMC Praise Band.
●Since the cabinet is providing worship the final two installment of Soul Reset will be May 31 and June 7. REMEMBER: We will be having communion June 7, so save a little bread and beverage from your breakfast to be blessed during communion.
COMING SOON: special NEED PRAYER? signage, to encourage people in the Reedsburg community to contact us for all their prayer needs, via our new prayer email, [email protected]. A team of people passionate for prayer will be checking the email daily, praying and responding. If you feel like God’s Spirit is calling you to serve in this way, contact the office, by phone or email, and you will be contacted with further details.
7 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Special
Sunday’s
●Peace with Justice
June 7
●World Communion
October 4
●United Methodist Student
Day
November 29
●Golden Cross Sunday.
Thank you for your
continued support of our many church missions!
Mission News For the last few years we have received materials for flood buckets, between the pandemic and the tornadoes it seems the buckets might be more appropriately named as disaster relief buckets. At the time of newsletter deadline we’re still not able to meet as a congregation. However, the world is still in need. And we know there are some of you who really have a heart for this mission. So, if you are one of those people who have been waiting to participate, here is what you can do. First of all pray, especially as you see the people impacted by the many disasters. We do not encourage you to go out during this pandemic lockdown, but if you are going out for other things already, you may choose to pick up one or more of the following:
●1 bottle liquid dish soap 16oz to 34oz
●1 pump spray insect body repellent or wipes. 10-20 pack wipes/ 6 to 14oz pump- no spray cans allowed
●1 scrub brush with or without handles
●18 reusable cleaning wipes (Handiwipes type) not terrycloth, microfiber or pa-per towels;
●5 Scouring pad/ scratch resistant or plastic scrub pads-not stainless steel or has any soap in;
●36-to 50 clothes pins; 50 to 100 feet of clothesline-Cotton or plastic ONLY. If you still want to support this mission, but are not leaving your home, you may send a monetary gift to the church, just make sure you identify that it is going to the disaster relief buckets. NOTE: you do not need to bring the items to the church until we are able to gather as a congregation.
Special Sunday PEACE WITH JUSTICE
SUNDAY JUNE 7, 2020
On Peace with Justice Sunday, the First Sunday after Pentecost, United Methodists give generously to enrich ministries of reconciliation in the United States and around the world.
Peace with Justice is a faithful expression of shalom in the Bible. It calls the church to strengthen its capacity to advocate publicly in communities and nations throughout the world.
Kids of the Kingdom
and the middle
school youth group
are also postponed
until further notice.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Our next meeting is postponed at this
time until further
notice.
8 THE U.M.C. NEWS
6/2 Kyle Green 6/5 Steven Horkan 6/6 Sue Wittenberger
6/9 Susan Peterson 6/10 Maria Cristina Olivares 6/12 Shirley Peterson (FUMC)
6/15 Procopio Arellano 6/17 Erma Thompson 6/18 Ramon Demaskie (FUMC)
6/18 Ethel Mobley 6/18 Lee Schroeder 6/22 Lori Klipp
6/22 Harold Van Duser 6/25 James Warn 6/26 Norma Sonnenberg
6/27 Marvalene Pliner 6/29 Carolyn Labansky
As Pastor Vicki has said, while the doors are closed, the church is not empty; it is deployed. While much work is being done from home and online during this pandemic, the parking lot enhancement project is moving forward.
The trustees have approved the work to proceed. It is being done in small teams of physically distanced workers under the direction of Howard Brantmeyer and Dave White. Because the work is out in the fresh air, with a conscious effort to maintain separation, and by known individuals, the risk of Covid-19 contagion is deemed negligible.
If you drive by the church you will see the stamped concrete patio taking shape. Soon the benches will be added and the metal “Open Doors, Open Minds, Open Hearts” sign will be mounted. The “island work” will include paver blocks and stones being removed, overgrown shrubs taken out and the island leveled. A crushed stone fill will surround grasses and small boulders. The new landscaping will be clean and simplified. It will require less maintenance, be more inviting to guests and appealing to all who use the parking lot entrances. As we move forward your input, as well as your support, continue to be welcome If you have the time and energy to physically help with the island renewal project please contact Angela in the office (608)524-3913.
Howard will then connect with you to arrange a time and way for you to serve, showing your love for God. Contrib-
uting to financially support the project is also a valuable service to God and much appreciated.
9 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Rx 1: Leadership and Discipleship-We finalized the final document for moving forward on
the streamlined leadership structure. Next steps include getting a final publish ready copy that
can be distributed to the church. We will also want to have some kind of town hall meetings,
whether in person or virtually to give people the opportunity to ask questions. Rx 2: Unleashing Unpaid Ministry-currently this team is creating a Servant catalogue which
offers various descriptions of how God may be calling people to use the gifts and graces
God’s Spirit has blessed them with through the church’s ministries. Rx 3: Guest Connections-Terry McHugh had met with us via ZOOM and gave us some next
steps: develop a structure for welcoming guests from parking lot to sanctuary and back, evaluating our online presence, and together reading the book Secrets of a Secret Worshiper to
give us further insight. Rx 4: Worship Enhancement-The team has developed a purpose statement and is currently
identifying people to use their gifts and graces in three worship teams (Dream Team, Development Team, and Deployment Team) We have the Dream Team identified and are
looking to our coach for next steps to get them started, as they are what feeds the other two
teams. Rx 5: Making Friends with Our Neighbors- We have a handful of people who have chosen
to use their gifts and graces in this initiative, but not enough for a full team at this point. Pastor Vicki and I did meet with a few of them via ZOOM for a time of prayer and discernment. We are especially wanting to get this team going so we can develop ideas for Triads for when we are able to be more together with our neighbors.
10 THE U.M.C. NEWS
The Reedsburg Area
Food Pantry The Reedsburg Area Food Pantry is experiencing an increased need. Not only is the increase due the rising needs of the pantry’s pre-COVID-19 families, there is a surge in first time guests to the Food Pantry. Certainly with the Governor’s extension to the Stay At Home order, there are bound to be still MORE families of all sizes who will be seeking such help. Feeding those in need has always been a ministry close to Reedsburg UMC’s heart. So starting April 20, the church will have plastic bins at the front entrance of the church (the drive thru entrance) for you to drop off non-perishable items, that will then be delivered to the food pantry regularly.
In this time of increased need, you are welcome to contribute, as you are able. Anything you would eat at your home is a welcome donation, however, if you want specific ideas on what to grab, the following are especially needed at this time: macaroni and cheese, cereal and canned soup or bags of dry soup.
Please, for your safety and the safety of others, do not venture out of your home unnecessarily. However, if you are already shopping for groceries, consider picking up a few things and dropping them off at church, at your convenience, for the food pantry. You may also drop a monetary gift in the mail, indicating that it is for the Reedsburg Food Pantry. Remember in this time we are physically apart, the church is not closed… the church is deployed.
Stewardship By: Ned LeMaster
What if I told you that every time I hear the word Stewardship, that I think of Dinty Moor, Ward Cleaver, and the Mayflower? You’d probably laugh at me wouldn’t you?
But, if you think about it, it kind of makes sense. Dinty Moor Stew can be a nourishing, and wholesome meal sort of feel good soul food. Simple, open a can, heat, and enjoy . . .
The iconic Ward Cleaver, and his moral lectures almost guaranteed to occur in every episode of Leave it to Beaver. Wally and “The Beaver” were so lucky to have such a figure to keep them on track despite their shenanigans. Especially with the influences like Eddy Haskell around.
The Mayflower, a ship that transported people to the new world in hopes of finding a better life.
So, there you have it, Stew-Ward-Ship...Nourishing, simple, feel good soul food—Moral direction.
What does Stewardship mean to you?
11 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Mark 11:24 CEB - “Therefore I say to you, whatever you pray and ask
for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you.”
It has been nearly two years since we became invested in the Missional Church Con-
sultation Initiative and have been joining together daily at 8:33 am and pm with our Break-
throughPrayer. Repeating this prayer not only binds our church family but begs to connect
each of us with God and God’s will that our relationships may flourish. Over the course of time we have shared our connection with God, our God sightings,
with each other in worship, on bulletin boards, during coffee hour and in meetings as well as
in our daily lives with family and friends. We have learned to tune in and focus on how God
is present in our lives. Soooo, how is that going for you now, without our physical connection, during this
unprecedented experience in our lifetime? Are we leaning on God? Have we maintained our
daily Breakthrough Prayer practice. Are we still focused on that connection with God and
taking time to listen and look for those God sightings. The SPRC acknowledges God’s work within the church. The mystery of God’s
timing is apparent with the loss of Scarlet as our Christian Education Coordinator. God was
preparing current Christian Ed servants to step up and keep our children, youth and adult
programs on track. Programs have grown and more adults have joined the servant teams,
sharing their gifts and showing their love for God. The SPRC has recently approved the hiring of Shelby Lange as RUMC Treasurer.
Shelby is one of the guests we have seen during the past two years ( yes, many guests,
another God sighting) and has a servant's heart. With 15 years of accounting experience,
Shelby has the desire to use her gifts and talents to be part of the RUMC vision and accept
this opportunity to share God's work through her. Let’s time-out, tune-in to God and share by texting, emailing, or sending a note with
your God sighting. They will be compiled and reported in the July RUMC newsletter to
bring us closer as we witness God’s presence in our church family.
Text: (608) 856 8790 Email: [email protected]
Mail: Reedsburg United Methodist Church 833 3rd St. Reedsburg, WI 53959
12 THE U.M.C. NEWS
By: Tom Seamonson Growing Generous Givers Committee Member of Reedsburg City Alderman
After employed by Foremost Farms USA as a semi truck driver for 37 years and on the road most of the week. I finally had a chance to give back to the community when I retired. My first opportunity came when the school district had a shortage of bus drivers. I drove for over 10 years for sports, field trips and some routes. Next an opening on the Reedsburg city council. I am now completing my 3rd term. Now I drive blind students to Portage for classes at high school each day and drive for VARC when drivers are ill or need time off. There are many ways to serve with little effort. Delivering meals to the sick and elderly, information booths at the hospital or businesses, food pantries. Joining organizations like the Rotary, Lions and others. Helping Butter fest, Vet fest and many other events in the area. The book of James says: “What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works?“ The church can use many servants. Teaching, Funerals, Ushering, Greeting, Mowing lawn, Kitchen help and many other services.
The Conference Board of Global Ministries is the primary outreach arm of the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin serving persons in need. The need may be the result of natural or man-made disasters, health problems, economic circumstances, social conditions, or the aging process.
. The persons needing assistance may live within the Conference, across our nation, or around the world. To provide the capacity to respond to needs, the Wisconsin Conference and the larger UMC have over more than 200 years developed an array of organizations.
Each of the Health and Welfare Ministries encourages the congregations within their service area to take a Golden Cross offering. The Ministries share the Golden Cross funds received during a calendar year as a result of their mutual effort to raise the fund. This permits 100% of the Golden Cross gifts to directly benefit those persons in need of financial assistance.
Each congregation that takes a Golden Cross offering is expressing support for the service provided persons in need of our Health and Welfare Ministries within the Wisconsin Conference. The congregations are also acknowledging the fundamental UM belief that our Christian faith can only develop when we serve others while practicing personal and collective spiritual disciplines.
As noted in Worship that was provided by the Bishop on May 24, you may support these important local ministries by going to the Conference website; www.wisconsinumc.org and clicking the Golden Cross Donation button.
