View from the Valley: July 2016

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Prayers for those affected by the fire

Roaring Lion fire

Remember in your prayers tonight those fighting the Roaring Lion fire south of Hamilton tonight along with those being affected by this rapidly growing event.

Pastor Charles took a load of supplies to the Red Cross emergency center in Hamilton from the Stevi UMC.

July draws to a close at SUMC

Acolytes at work

Liz reads from Habakkuk

Bob and the children

Liz shares the summer music offering

With the summer heat building outside, the faithful gathered for worship with thankful hearts on this last Sunday in July.

We were blessed by the Longbottoms celebration of their 60th anniversary with twenty-one family members in attendance. We were also blessed by Bob Edgar and the six children who came forward for the children's message!

Liz Goddard shared the summer music offering, the moving "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled." Pastor Charles continued the sermon series on the Twelve Minor Prophets with a look at Habakkuk.

Give Thanks

Lake Junaluska, NC

Psalm 107:1

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever! (Common English Bible)

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. (New International Version)

Oh, thank God—he’s so good! His love never runs out. (The Message)

Erupt with thanks to the Eternal, for He is good and His loyal love lasts forever. (The Voice)

O give thanks unto Hashem, for He is tov; ki l’olam chasdo (for His mercy endureth forever). (Orthodox Jewish Bible)

Living Into Significance: “Life”

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Life”.

Take a moment to consider how this word could bring significance into your life and share your response in the comments or on your own FB page with the hashtags #RethinkChurch and #RethinkSharedExperience.

Learn more at http://bit.ly/29cuzQ8

Saturday, July 30, 2016

the Rebuilding of the Quéssua Mission Station in East Angola

When the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church first formed a partnership with the East Angola Conference in 2004, the country, located on Africa’s southwestern coast, was still recovering from 40 years of devastating civil war after its independence from Portugal. The Methodist mission at Quéssua, near Malange, including its church, schools, and residential buildings, was in ruins.

Read more at this link.

Living Into Significance: “Death”

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Death”.

Take a moment to consider how this word could bring significance into your life and share your response in the comments or on your own FB page with the hashtags #RethinkChurch and #RethinkSharedExperience.

Learn more at http://bit.ly/29cuzQ8

Friday, July 29, 2016

Many U.S. presidents have Methodist ties

They escorted Abraham Lincoln's body to his burial in Illinois. They served lemonade to guests at the White House in an age of temperance. They had roles in inaugurations and extended spiritual advice to presidents on justice issues, ranging from slavery to war.
United Methodists have a long history of ties to U.S. presidencies.

In fact, Methodism began its relationship with the presidency through the general who would become the nation's first elected leader.

After the Revolutionary War, Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury approached George Washington (1789-97) twice, first presenting an anti-slavery petition from Methodist bishops, and later to assure the new president of Methodist support for the new republic.

Read the rest of this story here.

Living Into Significance: “Selfless"

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Selfless”

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Our float idea is taking shape

Great minds at work

Lisa works on history signs

Marcia preps the plywood

Marcia and Lisa cover the bases!

We've been around for awhile

Thanks to Belinda Alkula, Carol Goffe, :Lisa Menery, and Marcia Prather for spending their Thursday afternoon getting our Creamery Picnic parade float preparation underway!

Everyone is welcomed to join the building of the float next Thursday (time tba) at the Gragg's.

Anyone wishing to ride on/walk with our parade entry during the August 6th parade is welcome to join us. Judging of the entries is at 9 am on South Avenue (next to Burnt Fork Market).

The Glad Tider is on the way!

Carol Goffe (R) encourages the ladies in their task

Thanks to Ruth Cleveland, Sheila Hammitt, and Claire Kelly, the August Glad Tider is ready to be mailed this afternoon!

Living Into Significance: “Appreciation”

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Appreciation”

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Farewell celebration for Bishop Elaine

A farewell celebration for Bishop Elaine Stanovsky will be fr. 3-5pm July 31 @ Iliff School of Theology, 2323 E. Iliff Ave., Denver, CO 80210.

If you can't attend, send a card to the Episcopal Office at 6110 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Gifts in her honor may be made to: The Bishop’s Native Peoples Fund. Also go to www.rmcumc.org to donate online.

Living Into Significance: “Humor”

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Humor”.

An invitation to a Face-to-Face encounter

Face to Face is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you for Christian action in your home, church, and community. This short ecumenical course in Christianity will help you become a more effective disciple of Jesus Christ and actively engage in God's mission in the world.

+A four day (two days a week) journey with Christ
+An adaption of the Walk to Emmaus tailored for adults (age 60+).
+Understand more fully the presence of Christ in His body of believers.
+Enjoy in-depth table group discussions.
+Participate in worship and communion.
________________________________
When:
Week #1: Wednesday, Sept. 7 & Friday, Sept. 9 (9 am - 3:30 pm)
Week #2: Monday, Sept. 12 & Wednesday, Sept. 1(9 am - 3:30 pm)

Location: Corvallis United Methodist Church
Eastside Highway @ Cemetery Road in Corvallis

Cost: $50 per person (includes all materials, lunch, and refreshments)

For more information and an application, contact Sandy Hudson, (406) 363-7587 or hudlomamt@gmail.com or see the brochures and application forms on the bulletin board next to the nursery.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Living Into Significance: “Cleanse”.

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Cleanse”.

Take a moment to consider how this word could bring significance into your life and share your response in the comments or on your FB page with the hashtags #RethinkSharedExperience or #RethinkChurch.

Learn more at http://bit.ly/29cuzQ8

Bishops approve plan for sexuality panel

Amid growing concerns for the denomination’s future, United Methodist bishops approved a plan for establishing a commission dealing with church teachings on homosexuality.

The bishops’ executive committee also took a step toward a special session of General Conference, the denomination’s top lawmaking body, in early 2018.

Read the rest of the story at this link.

Read The Commission on a Way Forward here.

Mind, Body, Spirit - Women's Weekend

Camp on the Boulder, Aug. 26-28

This weekend is dedicated to development of the woman’s mind, body, and spirit. The focus is on the health of whole person and living into the life God dreams for each of us. It is open to women of all ages.

Your time begins with an optional dinner on Friday night. Programs begin Saturday morning and the time together continues through Sunday lunch.

All the amenities of camp are available throughout the weekend. Cost is $139. Click here for more information and to register.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Living Into Significance: “Kindness”

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Kindness”.

The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again!

Thirty-seven energetic folk turned out this morning for the annual experience that is the making of apple dumplings.

Each year our United Methodist Women sell these delicious concoctions at the Creamery Picnic, the proceeds from the sale are used to support the many outreach/mission projects of our UMW unit.

Thanks to the following for making this year's dumpling making go so smoothly and quickly:

Kalie Anderson, Pastor Charles, Kory B., Brandy B., Phyllis Daniels, Dean Diers, Bob Edgar, Amy Farrell, Judy Fraser, Trudy Freeman, Carol Goffe, Carol Gragg, Cleo Guenther, Fran Jackson, Linda K. Kauffman, Carole Koval, Lisa Menery, Alexandra Morowic, Don Nelson, Mary Nelson, Lisa Nicholls, Britta Pearson, Cassidy Pearson, Eric Pearson, Pamela Pearson, Skylar Pearson, Sue Pearson, Tristan Pearson, Marcia Prather, Bev Schneider, Hazel Smith, John Soper, Anna Storkson, Carol Varien, Carol Word, Danielle Yetter, and Bonita Ziegler.

This week @ Stevi UMC

Monday:

8:30 am, Apple dumpling making @ Stevi HS
~~6:00 pm, Lectionary study~~

7:00 pm, Living Clean

Wednesday:
8:00 am, WIC
10:00 am, Wired Word

Friday-Saturday: Mission u @ Covenant UMC - Helena

Friday:

10:00 am, Drop-in Bible Study, lesson #8

Sunday:
9:00 am, Church school
9:00 am, New member orientation
10:15 am, Praise singing
10:30 am, Worship service
11:30 am, Fellowship

Scripture lessons for July 31

Our readings this week come to us from the Prophet Habakkuk 1:1-4 and 3:1-2, 17-19.

The lectionary study meets each Monday @ 6:00 pm to discuss the scripture lessons that will be used in the next Sunday's sermon.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Today at Stevi UMC!

Flowers from Carol Gragg

Lots of children today

The Word today

Clay shared his gift today

Fun times

We enjoyed a wonderful morning at Stevi UMC!

Thanks to the brass ensemble (Bob Edgar, Clay Freeman, and David Paul) for bringing a beautiful offertory this morning. Pastor Charles brought the message from the Prophet Nahum.

Sunday prayer

Lord our God, you dwell in unapproachable light, pure Essence and Perfection of being! Self-existent, Necessary, Infinite and Eternal! You comprehend within yourself all nature, all wisdom, all justice, all goodness, all truth and all holiness.

Out of the abundance of our reason we adore you and out of the love of our hearts we magnify and praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Susanna Wesley (1669-1742)

Living Into Significance: “Remembrance”

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Remembrance”.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Saturday meditation

A blessing that can be turned into a personal meditation with Offering the Light of Enfolding Love by Francis of Assisi:

“May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.”

Living Into Significance: “Anticipation”

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Anticipation”.

Take a moment to consider how this word could bring significance into your life and share your response in the comments or on your own page with the hashtags #RethinkChurch and #RethinkSharedExperience

Learn more at http://bit.ly/29cuzQ8

Friday, July 22, 2016

Volunteer Opportunities

Putting our faith into action

"Everyone can be great because everyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't even have to make your subject and your verb agree... You only need a heart full of grace...a soul generated by love." —Martin Luther King, Jr.

United Methodists have believed, from the beginning, that each of us is called to participate in the outreaching ministry of Jesus Christ.

Putting our faith into action is at the very heart of our Christian calling. By volunteering to serve through programs such as United Methodist Volunteers in Mission or the Mission Volunteers program of The General Board of Global Ministries, every person in the church has the opportunity to serve and to live their calling more faithfully.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers embody Christian love in action by bringing their diverse talents to mission programs, local outreach ministries, and emergency response and recovery work around the world.

Living Into Significance: "Love”.

Today’s Living Into Significance word is “Love”.

Election 2016: What United Methodist Women Members Want to Know

Over the past few months, we have invited United Methodist Women members to share critical questions that are essential to voters’ abilities to make informed electoral choices. With the launch of the Republican and Democratic Party conventions, the election now enters its final phase. Therefore, throughout the next four months, until Election Day, we ask you to ACT to ensure we get the candidates to respond to the questions we ask, because United Methodist Women members have a right “to know” their answers.

Read more at this link.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

A Conversation with Bishop Karen Oliveto

*By Dr. Larry R. Hygh, Jr.

"I think of myself as one who has responded faithfully to God's call in my life, which has been affirmed by my brothers and sisters," said Bishop Karen Phyllis Oliveto upon her consecration as a bishop in The United Methodist Church (UMC). "I have always seen my life as a life of service. I'm trying to follow the path God has placed for me."

Bishop Oliveto says, "We are a people rooted in God's grace. In the days to come may we model grace in all our relationships as we seek to understand this new thing God has done." She added, "This is a moment to share the good news of God's love that breaks down all walls."

Last Friday evening, July 15, Bishop Oliveto was elected bishop on the 17^th ballot during the Western Jurisdictional Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, 47 years after she heard a call to ministry at the age of 11. She grew up in Babylon UMC (New York) surrounded by a village that raised her in the faith. "They nurtured the gifts that I had, and encouraged me to use all of my gifts in service and love of God."

"I have been blessed with so many mentors." She says the Rev. Ken White, a pastor and musician at her home church in Babylon, New York has been an influence in her life. "He infused in me a love for the Gospel and God's people."

Bishop Oliveto preached her first sermon at the age of 16 and began working as a student pastor at the age of 18. She was ordained a deacon while in seminary in 1982, and has served churches since 1983.

She has been overwhelmed by responses to her election and consecration. "The outpouring of love from around the world, from Norway, West Africa, South America, literally around the world, and the stories folks have shared with me about their own walk with Christ, I have been gifted by them in ways I had not expected." She added, "It's not about me. The work we do is to build up beloved community, which means it's about all of us."

On September 1, Bishop Oliveto will become the resident bishop of the Mountain Sky Area which includes the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Annual Conferences. The Western Jurisdiction just passed a "Mission Shaped Future" petition that will create a new annual conference out of the two annual conferences during the next quadrennium. "I have already fallen in love with the folks (Mountain Sky area) I have met…I can't wait to meet the rest of the family and all that God has in store for us." She sees an opportunity to, "Help the Mountain Sky area discover ways to share the gospel, and help people transform their lives and communities through the grace of God."

Bishop Oliveto originally came to the California-Nevada Conference to serve as a campus minister at San Francisco State. As she departs the annual conference she reflects, "I've learned how to live into our differences and see that as a gift even when it's hard…these are gifts and help us to understand God is greater than any one of us." She added, "Thank you for helping me grow as a minister and disciple of the gospel."

For the past eight years, she has been the senior pastor of Glide Memorial UMC in San Francisco. Glide is the largest church in the Western Jurisdiction and one of the 100 largest in the denomination. "I have learned (at Glide) that the most important work that we do in this world is to love one another and remain grounded in love no matter what."

Bishop Oliveto has two scriptures that guide her ministry and life, Romans 8:28, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God's purpose," and Deuteronomy 30:19, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live." A favorite song is, "Are Ye Able."

The advice she would give her younger self, "Don’t take yourself too seriously. Live into the joy of this vocation, and that will carry you in ways you hadn't imagined."

In her spare time, Bishop Oliveto enjoys hiking, cooking for friends, and traveling. She plays guitar and drums, and is an amateur magician. She added, "I read a lot. I love the public library. It's my second favorite place on earth, second to the church."
*Hygh is director of communications for the California-Nevada Conference serving the 360 United Methodist Churches and 78,000 congregants in Northern California and Northern Nevada.