"Through the power of Christ, we are learning to live in simplicity, thankfulness, contentment and
generosity in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana."

(IF YOU CLICK ON A PICTURE, IT WILL GET BIGGER... AND EASIER TO VIEW.)

Friday, October 31, 2014

Trunk or Treat is a hit!


Trunk or Treat is fantastic!
Lisa and Bella enjoy a break
Mickey and Becky have the "Best Trunk"
Lots of activity tonight
Amber has the "Best Costume"
The annual Trunk or Treat event took place tonight in the church parking lot.   Nine trunks, trucks, or vans were present including a tent for refreshments manned by Bill & Carol G. Thanks to all of the generous contributions made by church members of candy for the effort!

The pictures from tonight can be found at this link.

Taking part tonight were: Pastor Charles, Belinda A. and her mother, Sheila H., Mickey & Becky B., joey & Dean D., Bob, Cammie & Mitch E., Bill & Carol G., Woody & Judy I., Dave & Julie M., and Amber M-S

Time-change reminder


Trunk or Treat tonight!


Trunk or Treat tonight at 5 pm at the Stevensville UMC
(corner of Pine & 3rd Streets)

A blessing on Reformation Day

...a prayer of Martin Luther
 
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. 
My Lord, fill it.
I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.
I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.
I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am  unable to trust you altogether. 
O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.
In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.
I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.          
I am a sinner; you are upright.
With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.
Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, 
but to whom I may not give.
Amen

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Time change and safety check

Since autumn is here and cold weather is once again upon us, now is an excellent time to conduct a home safety check of your heating equipment, fireplaces and smoke alarms.

* Check to make sure that all noxious gases vent directly outside by ensuring your furnace flue has no cracks, gaps or blockages.
* Check the firebox and chimney in your fireplace for cracks in the mortar.
* Protect an unlined flue with a fire-safe masonry wall or by installing a stainless steel exhaust duct.
* Note: If you have neither the equipment nor the expertise to accomplish these projects yourself, a reputable, qualified contractor should be hired to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are safe.
* Have a chimney sweep periodically clean out your chimney to remove the creosote. This is typically recommended after burning three cords of wood.

* Replace your smoke alarm batteries twice yearly. A good easy reminder is to always change your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
* Make sure each level of your house and all sleeping rooms have a working smoke alarm and consider installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near any heating equipment that utilizes a 'flame' source. Remember, CO is produced from any combustion process.
* Install multipurpose portable fire extinguishers in your kitchen, near the furnace, and the laundry area.
* Plan escape routes from all rooms in your house and practice "Exit Drills in the Home" (EDITH).

If you have any questions regarding these home fire safety tips, or on any other fire prevention issues, please contact your local fire department.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Choir is Awesome!


Each Tuesday evening at 7 pm the choir gathers to rehearse music for our worship service. We are blessed to have such a dedicated and talented group, led by Brenda, that contribute so much to the worship of our God each week!

They have already begun work on the Hanging of the Greens concert which is scheduled for December 7th at 4 pm.

Trunk or Treat is coming!

Join us in the parking lot (corner of Pine & Third Streets) on Friday for the annual  Stevi UMC "Trunk or Treat!"  This is a terrific way to engage the community and you'll want to be in place well-before the 5 pm start time.

Some candy and treats have been donated and will be available for distribution.  

Pastor Charles promises a prize will be given for the best "trunk" and a prize for the best costume worn by a "trunk-minder." 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Post-bazaar Sunday @ SUMC!

Praise music and 'clapping 101'
Children's time is a great time!
Julie plays during the postlude
Fellowship time was busy today!
Taking advantage of the post-bazaar sale
With the annual UMW bazaar in the books (final tally still be announced) the faithful gathered at SUMC for study, worship, and fellowship.

The congregation was abuzz over yesterday's bazaar and many took advantage of the post-bazaar bargains that were available during the fellowship time. 




Saturday, October 25, 2014

Another successful bazaar!


By all accounts today's UMW bazaar was a rousing success!

A big thank you to everyone who made items, helped with the set-up and clean-up, manned tables, washed dishes, and so much more!  

Items which are left-over from the bazaar will be available for sale following worship on Sunday.

To see photos from Friday's set-up and Saturday's bazaar, please visit this link.

It's time for the Bazaar!

 
The Bazaar will run today from 9 am - 2 pm

Silent Auction will run from 9 am - 2 pm
Lunch area will operate from 11 am - 1 pm

Friday, October 24, 2014

More from Friday's Bazaar set-up

Phyllis, Carol and Olivia LOVE the bazaar set-up
The canners have been busy this year!
YUM!
Marcia and Sheila help out with the pricing
The tables are laden with all manner of crafts, books, collectables, and baked goods.  Everything is stocked, priced, and ready to go.  The signs are up on Main Street and around the church. One night of slumber before the Fall Bazaar 2014 begins!

Bazaar set-up!

Claire and Ben set up tables
Trudy is hard at work in the collectables room
UMW members are busy in the craft area
Taking a "breather!"
We're ready!
UMW members (and a few of the men, thanks Lynn M., Ben L., and Bill L.) were hard at work early this morning (and throughout the day), setting up tables, putting out the treasures, and pricing everything for tomorrow' bazaar.  

 The damp weather outside couldn't touch the warm fellowship taking place inside; there is so much excitement in the air!

One more day...

The excitement is thick at the corner of 3rd & College Streets in Stevensville as the annual UMW bazaar is tomorrow!

A dizzying array of crafts, baked goods, and much more will be available from 9 am - 3 pm.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Two days to go...

Join us tomorrow morning as we begin the set-up for the bazaar.

Items should be brought to the church no later than noon on Friday.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Monday, October 20, 2014

Peace

Photo by Susan Etherton
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

―Teresa of Ávila

Social Principles, pt. 4

We bring our October sermon series on the Social Principles to a close next Sunday with a look at 164, The Political Community:

164 While our allegiance to God takes precedence over our allegiance to any state, we acknowledge the vital function of government as a principal vehicle for the ordering of society.  Because we know ourselves to be responsible to God for social and political life, we declare the following relative to governments:


From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2004. Copyright 2004 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.

Five days to go...

The bazaar is making its annual appearance at Stevi UMC 
on Saturday, October 25th, 9 am - 3 pm.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Six days to go...

Only six days remain before the UMW Bazaar!  

Items for the Bazaar may be brought to the church Tuesday - Thursday (9 am - 2 pm) or on Friday (9 am - noon).

The Bazaar will be held on Saturday, October 25th - 9 am - 3 pm.

Prayers

JOYS:  Thanks be to God for …
Those who serve our country.
Department of Defense’s announcement that there were no combat-related military casualties last week.
Our country.
The beautiful autumn day today.
Yesterday’s service of remembrance and celebration of a life well lived by Earl Clarence Harper.
“Celebration Sunday” today at church – when we have the opportunity to make our giving commitments for 2015.
Celebration Sunday’s lunch party – complete with special music by “Sunrise.”
Excitement/anticipation about next Saturday’s UMW Bazaar.
Visitors in worship today:  Kathy H.’s dear friend Tana who is here to help her move.
All enjoying better health, including Nurse Linda K.’s daughter Colleen, Trudy F., Marsha P., Bev L.
Hazel S.’s granddaughter who has made a good decision about her next step in life.
Tom’s mother Tina H. – who is doing well in Texas.
The joy of the hot-air balloon sighting this morning (Gretchen S.’s balloon).
The joy of seeing “all that pink” at the University of Montana’s football game yesterday – in support of breast cancer awareness.
Gratitude and thanks for the congregation’s prayers for the Inslee family.
Birthday blessings to Mitch E.
The health we enjoy.
Available medical care when/where we need it.  (Belinda A. said that it is reported that there is an average of one local doctor for every 76,500 people in Sierra Leone currently.)
Our youth and those who support them.
The UMM and UMW’s many activities.
The church family’s support of the UMW’s mission projects.
Wonderful Bible studies throughout the week. 
All serving in various capacities for the betterment of the church.
All people who work for peace.
Safe travels.
 
CONCERNS:  Oh, Lord, we humbly pray for … 
All our military Veterans and their families, especially those who are dealing with “the loss of body, mind and/or spirit.”
Healing mercies for Bev L., Dusty S., Olivia S., Don H., Gail F., Marsha P.’s friend who just entered hospice care, Lorraine’s grandson who was involved in a recent automobile accident, Carol’s grandson Nick, Bill and Carol G.’s son Scott, Lisa M.’s sister Kim, Tom B.’s niece Susan, Jane Y. (Pat H.’s sister), joey D.’s aunt Florence, Ed S.’s daughter Cindy and Carol W.’s friend.
Those who care for the sick.
Area families who are dealing with domestic abuse issues.
Travelling mercies and for those not with us today.
All needing God’s mercies.
Unspoken prayers.

Celebration Sunday 2014


Celebration Sunday is here!
Ed Sperry offers a stewardship reflection
Carol leads the children's message
Sunrise livens up the gathering
the Stewardship Committee provided a wonderful feast!
Today was a festive day in the life of Stevensville UMC - Celebration Sunday!  In addition to a busy morning of learning (the Hebrews class had to bring extra chairs) we worshiped together, bringing our commitment cards indicating our support of the ministries of our church for 2015.

Following worship the Stewardship/Finance Committee hosted the annual celebration luncheon.  What a wonderful feast they provided!

Thanks to: Belinda A., Dean & joey D., Dr. Linda, Lisa M., Don & Mary N., Bonita Z., Thanks also to Cleo G., Bill L., and Carole K., for providing the music!

What is our anchor?

What is our anchor?
When ebola fears close schools,
Shut down flights,
Ostracize people.
What is our anchor? . . .

Our strength comes from God,
The maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2)

May we anchor ourselves,
Our hearts, minds, and spirits
In you, Mighty God. Amen.

-Beth A. Richardson

More: http://alivenow.upperroom.org/2014/10/17/what-is-our-anchor/

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Earl Harper Memorial Service

The community gathered this morning to say goodbye to its oldest member, Clarence Earl Harper, who died one month shy of his 104th birthday.

Videos from today's service are available on our church YouTube channel.

Pastor Charles officiated today's service with Rev. Nancy Slabuagh-Hart providing two solos, "Home on the Range," and "Remember Me" and sharing the message with the community.  Hazel S. shared her musical talents on the piano and the organ.

Thanks to those who assisted with the funeral luncheon: Belinda A., Phyllis D., Carol G., Carole K., Ben L., Don N., Olivia S., and Bonita Z., great cooks of SUMC.