Last Sunday of April

Flowers for Carol Goffe

 

 

 

 

On a chilly, grey morning, the faithful arrived for a wonderful morning in God's house!


The choir's anthem, "Is There Anybody Here?" added to our worship of God. Pastor Charles' sermon, "Walking with Jesus," was taken from Luke 24:13-35.

Carol Goff's retirement from her position as the Stevi UMC Administrative Assistant was recognized with a lovely Hydrangea plant that was placed on sanctuary table.

The community has resumed the tradition of hosting a church potluck in months with fifth Sundays. What a feast we shared this morning! Thanks to Lisa Menery for coordinating the kitchen activities and to Dusty Schrock, and joey & Dean Diers for helping with the clean-up.

Thanks this morning to: Liz Goddard, Belinda Alkula, Mary Hackett, Lisa Nicholls, & Bev Schneider, (children's teachers), Theresa Tripp  (nursery), Dave Lockman (praise music), Hazel Smith (organ), Julie Ludington (piano), Sara Malo (video), Cammie Edgar (overhead slides), Paul Ludington (liturgist), Mitch Edgar (acolyte wrangler),Ava & Ollie (acolytes), Brenda Bolton (choir),  Mary Costello &  Sharon Brown (greeter/ushers), Kathy Wood & Bonita Ziegler (offering counters).

Ruling greeted with confusion, hope

By Kathy L. Gilbert
April 30, 2017 | UMNS

At the end of the day, Bishop Karen Oliveto remains bishop of the Mountain Sky Area even after The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled consecrating a gay bishop violates church law.

Judicial Council said in Decision 1341 the bishop would still be in “good standing” until an administrative or judicial process is completed.

“It has been a very stressful time of waiting — waiting for clarity. And I’m very excited that I get to continue to do the job God has called me to do and that the community has affirmed — and that we get to return to the Mountain Sky Area to work with clergy and laity there,” Oliveto told United Methodist News Service. She was at the Council of Bishops’ meeting in Dallas.

The decision is being greeted with confusion, but also with hope that the Commission on a Way Forward has time to do its work on finding a path to unity.

Read more at this link.

Further reflections from Bishop Oliveto

Praying for the clergy and laity of the Mountain Sky Area as we prepare to gather for worship. Oh, how weary I am but yet my heart is filled with love for you and the ministry we share. It has been an emotional week, waiting for the decision from the Judicial Council. I am grateful that I am your bishop and we get to continue the work God is calling us to do. There will be challenges, but for now we roll up our sleeves, pray without ceasing, and work hard!

I know the breadth of emotions present in our congregations tomorrow will be as wide as the Big Sky of Montana. Discouragement, anger, joy, confusion, dismay...Make space in worship for the expression of the feelings. God is waiting to hear and heal.

Once, I was asked to discuss the religious right to a government agency. I did my homework and when I arrived at the hearing room, seated in the galley was one of the top religious conservatives in California. He came up to me after and said, "You spoke about me, but you don't really know me." He was right. How dare I speak ABOUT someone else and not allow them to speak for themselves the truth of their life and faith?

There is a lot of that going on in our churches. We are talking about one another, without opening our hearts to each person's life story and experience of God. Our eyes are closed to each other.

We are not unlike those disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. Someone came and walked along side them, but their eyes were closed to the reality that the person who was with them was their beloved Teacher.

Who is it that your eyes and hearts are closed to? Stop a minute, right here, and picture them in your mind.
Now, see the Christ within them. How does that change how you feel about them? Can you see them? Really see them in their precious human self?

Tomorrow, look around the church. Jesus is going to show up in the person you least expect.

Blessings,
Bishop Karen

Don't forget...

We're having a church potluck following worship on Sunday!

Statement from Bishop Oliveto regarding the Judicial Council ruling

Dear friends, thank you for your deep care of Robin Ridenour and me throughout this time of waiting. We are exhausted, but our hearts are filled to overflowing from all your prayers and support.

There is much more to say but for now remember these words from Ephesians 4:2 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Let our love for each other (which is a good and holy thing) and the love of God (which never fails us) be our guide in these days.

With much love,

Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Area of The United Methodist Church

President of the Council of Bishops: Statement regarding Judicial Council decision 1341

April 28, 2017

TO:  All United Methodists

FROM:  Bishop Bruce R. Ough, President Council of Bishops

RE:  Judicial Council Decision 1341 (see this link)

Grace to you and peace from God our Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, the Judicial Council released its decision on a request for a declaratory decision from the South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ) in response to the Western Jurisdiction’s (WJ) nomination, election, consecration and assignment of Karen Oliveto as a Bishop of the United Methodist Church.

In its decision, the Judicial Council ruled that the consecration of a gay bishop violates church law but also said Bishop Oliveto “remains in good standing,” until an administrative or judicial process is completed.

This decision means Bishop Oliveto will continue as a Bishop of the church until such process is completed.

The Council of Bishops expresses our appreciation for the Judicial Council’s careful and deliberate consideration of this matter and for the thoughtful and considerate participation of all parties to the case.  The Judicial Council has a distinct and critical role in the governance structure of the denomination.  We recognize and respect the Judicial Council as the body responsible for deciding complex questions of church law, including the right to declare jurisdiction.  We implore all within the United Methodist structure and family to honor the Judicial Council ruling.

Yet, we acknowledge that the decision does not help to ease the disagreements, impatience and anxiety that permeates The United Methodist Church over the matter of human sexuality, and particularly this case.  Our compassion and prayers of intercession extend to all those who are hurt, relieved, confused or fearful.

The decision does not change the Book of Discipline. The Judicial Council’s actions are specific to the cases that they are requested or required to consider.  Only the General Conference speaks for the church and has the authority to change the Book of Discipline. The Council of Bishops will continue to exercise temporal and spiritual oversight support of the church’s mission.

The Council of Bishops remains committed to the unity of the church and the flourishing of its mission. We are confident of the work that the Commission on a Way Forward has begun and we believe the Holy Spirit is working through the Commission and Council to accomplish God’s purposes.

I am encouraged by the relationships that are developing within the Commission.  The distinct and diverse opinions among its members reflect the richness and vitality of The United Methodist Church. The Commission is committed to its task. I believe that their work will bear fruit as we meet for a Special Session of the General Conference in February 2019.

We continue to urge the entire church to stay focused on the Commission’s work as our best opportunity to determine God’s leading for a way forward. We believe the God who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). We are strongest when we remain in connection with each other.

We urge you to join your bishops in daily prayers for all United Methodists and for the denomination as we tenderly hold the unity and mission of the church in our hearts and hands.

Just as Jesus’ disciples were patient in waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit after the ascension of Christ into heaven, we too are being called to wait for the revealing of what God has in store for our church. In this Easter Season, let us hear one another, let us understand one another, let us maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Where do we go from here?  We put our trust in God to strengthen us even as we hold differing views about human sexuality. We must continue to love one another just as Christ instructed us to do. It is by loving one another fully that the world will know we are Christians (John 13:34-35).  It is through this incarnational love that we go forth to make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world.

Nearly every day, I hear an inspiring new story of how the people of The United Methodist Church are at work in the world transforming and enriching people’s lives. This is what we’re about. This is our calling. This is the work we do together, no matter our differences. May we continue to do so for the greater glory of God.

Media contact:
Diane Degnan ddegnan@umcom.org
Director of Public Relations
615.483.1765 (cell)

Rev. Maidstone Mulenga mmulenga@umc-cob.org
Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
202-748-5172 (office) or 585-455-5683 (cell)

Thanks, Carol Goffe

Carol Goffe's last day in the office of Stevi UMC was today, and with it, begins a second retirement for her. Carol has been a wonderful partner in ministry and her absence will be felt. 

Dusty Schrock is our now our Administrative Assistant and will bring her own style to the day-to-day operations of our church.

A prayer for Arbor Day

Creator God,

Out of chaos You brought order. 

Out of nothingness You brought life. 

In the middle of all life stands the tree.

Trees provide the air that nurtures all Your creation. 

Birds make them their homes. 

Cats climb them for protection.  

Trees recycle life that has come before.

Bless the trees of this word, loving God. 

Remind us to serve as their caregivers and protectors. 

Give them long limbs and long life.
The gift of their breath is as special to us as the

breath of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.
(The Rev. Chuck Currie, Portland, OR)

Fifth Sunday Potluck

We're having a Fifth Sunday Potluck this coming Sunday! 

Come and be a part of this tasty tradition! 

There's always plenty to share so come one, come all!

Casualty Report

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. 

They died April 27 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of small arms fire while engaged in dismounted operations. Both soldiers were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. The incident is under investigation.

Killed were:
 Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers, 22, of Bloomington, Illinois.
 Sgt. Cameron H. Thomas, 23, of Kettering, Ohio.

Native American Ministries Sunday (Apr.30)

One tribe in North America has told this story for centuries: when people “pale as birch” crossed the great water in large canoes, they brought with them “The Black Book.”  However, the bringers of the physical Book could not have known what it would mean and look like to be Native and a follower of Jesus.  

Today Native Americans—with many unique languages, many unique cultures—honor their heritage, and live as Jesus-followers, led by a rotation of primarily Native American pastors.

Supporting the Ministry of Christ Among Native People

Most Americans today recognize that the history following the arrival of the large canoes bore little resemblance to the one all Christians identify as Creator. That’s why the people of The United Methodist Church, Native and non-Native, are creating a new history. Through Native American Ministries Sunday, we’re able to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus.

As a member of The United Methodist Church, your gift, on this day, equips Native congregations—like New York’s Onondaga Nation UMC and Nebraska’s Native American Sacred Winds congregation—to worship and serve as only they can.

This work, and hundreds of other ministries, are possible because you give.

Read more at this link.

In the time of waiting

Dear brothers, sisters, and siblings in the Mountain Sky Area,

Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagle...s,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.

- Isaiah 40:31 (NRSV)

This has been a tense week for United Methodists, particularly for us in the Mountain Sky Area, as the Judicial Council is deliberating on the question of law regarding the validity of my nomination, election, and assignment last July.

Emotions vary from all perspectives; however, there is one emotion we all share: anxiety. Anxiety is high as we await the decision of the Judicial Council. This anxiety is exhausting and distracts us from essential truths of our faith: God continues to love us and call us to build up the realm of God.

We anticipate the Judicial Council decision sometime this weekend. As soon as we receive word of it, we will be in direct contact with you, the people of the Mountain Sky Area. We will give you as much information as we can, with our understanding of the implications for our area. I ask that you be in prayer for the Judicial Council as they deliberate and for our beloved church.

In one of his sermons, John Wesley said, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.”

This is why I love Methodism – we have never allowed our difference of opinion threaten our unity, because our unity is grounded in something much deeper: our love of God and God’s people, which is what Jesus asks of us.

May we be tenderhearted toward one another during this waiting time. May we continue to hold each other in love.

Blessings,

Bishop Karen Oliveto

A rousing night of WOW!

The fellowship shared tonight around a table in the fellowship hall is a sure reminder of the value we receive and give as part of the family of God.

Dean Diers and Lois Hansen contributed two amazing soups which were very much appreciated by the quiet diners at the table.

Dean also shared the reflection, a consideration of the value small groups have in nurturing disciples of our Lord. Scripture readings included a portion of the Prologue to John and Act 17:10-11. Paul concluded his time with a reading from "Step into the unknown," the April 6, 2016 entry of Alive Now.

Bishops set date for special 2019 General Conference

Photo of some of the UM bishops at GC2016

by Heather Hahn
April 25, 2017 | UMNS

The Council of Bishops announced the call to a special General Conference on Feb. 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis, Missouri.

The special meeting of The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly will be limited to acting on a report by Council of Bishops, based on the proposals from the Commission on the Way Forward. The 32-member commission, appointed by the bishops, has the charge of finding ways for the denomination to stay together despite deep differences around homosexuality.
General Conference, which usually meets every four years, is the only body that can speak for the denomination.

“The Council of Bishops encourages the entire church to continue in deep, unceasing prayer for Holy Spirit breakthroughs for the Commission on a Way Forward and the Special Session of General Conference,” said Dakotas-Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce Ough, the president of the Council of Bishops, in a letter released Tuesday, April 25.

Read more at this link.

Pastor Charles in Bozeman

Blooms at Bozeman UMC

closing communion

Pastor Charles has been in Bozeman this week taking part in the Board of Ordained Ministry interviews for those seeking ordination through the Yellowstone Conference.

It was a lot of work for everyone involved but we are looking at three exceptional pastors who will be recommended for commissioning and/or ordination to the clergy session of Annual Conference in Billings in June.

Western Jurisdiction Post-Judicial Council Hearing Press Conference Remarks

Bishop Karen Oliveto

My name is Karen Oliveto and I am the Bishop of the Mountain Sky Area of The United Methodist Church. I stand here with my colleagues of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops, the cabinet of the Mountain Sky Area and delegates and leaders from the Western Jurisdiction as well as my siblings in Christ, the Queer Clergy Caucus of The United Methodist Church. Also standing with me today is the childhood pastor who helped me hear my call into ministry, Rev. Ken White, my mother, Nellie Oliveto and my wife, Robin Ridenour.

I want to thank Rich Marsh for his hard work as counsel over these past many months, for Llew Pritchard for his assistance as co-counsel, and for the prayers from across the connection and around the world, that have sustained Robin’s and my souls.

I love being a bishop in The United Methodist Church. I have been moved by the faithful ministries within the churches of the area I serve. I love the relationships we have formed and the vision for our future that has prayerfully emerged in these nine months. It is as if everything I have done throughout my vocation has brought me to this position where I can best serve God as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

What is fascinating about today’s hearing is that no one questioned the gifts and graces I possess for ordained ministry and specifically for the episcopacy. And no one has looked at my work and said my abilities for this task are lacking.

In the Gospel of John it is written:

John 15:16  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name God will give you.

This is a pivotal moment in the life of The United Methodist Church as the Judicial Council deliberates on those whom God has called to bear fruit in the world-- specifically, the role gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people have in ordained ministry.

In fact, lgbtqi people have been serving faithfully as ordained ministers and yes, even as bishops, in The United Methodist Church since it was created in 1968. And we have done it at great personal cost, serving in the silence of closets, in order to be faithful to God’s call.

Making heterosexuality a requirement for ordained ministry instead of asking whether someone possesses the gifts and graces for ministry denies God’s infinite imagination that is evidenced through the lives of God’s diverse children. One part of Christ’s body cannot say to the other, “We have no need of you.”

Since 1972, The United Methodist Church as a human institution has been divided about homosexuality. We are not of one mind. What we know is that God loves us all unconditionally. We’ve come to an impasse. The legislative process and the decisions we’ve made have not allowed us to get to know each other, understand each other, hear how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives, and love each other deeply as God would have us do.

This is why I support the work of the Commission on a Way Forward. Some have said that my election was ill-timed. As people of faith, we know we can’t give deadlines and timelines to the Holy Spirit, who moves in our lives in surprising and unexpected ways and compels us to follow.  I strongly and prayerfully support the work of the Commission. If my election does anything, it highlights the urgency of their task. Because God has and will continue to call faithful United Methodists who happen to be lgbtqi to serve their church. This helps move the conversation away from debating homosexuality as an issue, to talking with people in The United Methodist Church who are lgbtqi whose lives bear the fruits of the Spirit that enrich the community of faith. In this way, we are bringing gay and straight together to build up the body of Christ in a way we have never experienced before.

I believe this is what John Wesley meant when he said, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” He wove into the very fabric of the Methodist movement a vigorous tension of difference that enlivens unity, not detracts from it.

This is what I know to be true: the Holy Spirit will continue to move in the lives of lgbtqi United Methodists. Some will be called to ordained ministry. Boards of Ordained Ministry will find them to possess the gifts and graces for ministry. And there will be those to whom God calls into the episcopacy. I am not the first gay bishop, and I won’t be the last.

May we let go of fear of an unknown future, and live into love’s demands.

Bishop Karen P. Oliveto
Resident Bishop of the Mountain Sky Area
April 25, 2017

Follow this link for a video of today's press conference with Bishops Stanovsky & Oliveto.

"Come and see"

This will be an engaging, fun, uplifting study and everyone will get something from the experience as well as helping others to gain from the community through their participation.

From the promotional material:

The invitation from Christ is: "Come and see, follow me". Experience the magnificent passages in John including the I am statements (I am the truth, the life and the way, I am the living water and more). Revisit stories only told in John's gospel including Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and the raising of Lazarus.

During the weekly video segments, travel into the scripture as you hear the Word, experience the grand artwork connected with each story and interview the scholar. Each week wraps up with a small group discussion on video to spark your own conversation.

Participants for this Invitation to John do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of John a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples.

This eleven-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts.

Robert D. Kysar, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament, Candler School of Theology, is a noted scholar on the Gospel of John. He has authored numerous articles and books, including a revised edition of John: The Maverick Gospel; Preaching John; and most recently Voyages With John: Charting the Fourth Gospel.

Date/Session titles, and scripture:

Apr 26      Overview of books

1. May 3   Come and See (John 1­–2)

2. May 10  How Is It Possible? (John 3–4)

3. May 17  Taste for Yourself (John 5–6)

4. May 24  To Believe or Not to Believe (John 7–8)

5. May 31  Are We Blind? (John 9–10)

    Jun 7     Annual Conference/no class

6. Jun 14   I Couldn't Believe My Eyes! (John 11–12)

7. Jun 21  Would You Believe It? (John 13–14)

    Jun 28   VBS/no class

8. Jul 5      What Time Is It? (John 15–16)

9. Jul 12    Look Out! (John 17–18)

10. Jul 19  Believing Without Seeing (John 19–20)

11. Jul 26  Do You See Him? (John 21)

Scripture for April 30th

Painting by He Qi

The scripture lessons for the Third Sunday of Easter are Acts2:14a, 36-41 and Luke 24:12-35.                       

This week @ Stevi UMC

Monday:                
5:30 pm, PEO meeting
7:00 pm, Living Clean
  
Tuesday:                                                          
7:00 pm, Choir  

Wednesday:
8:00 am, WIC
10:00 am, Invitation to John study
6:00 pm, WOW

Friday:                                                   
10:00 am, Drop-in Bible Study, #7

Sunday:

9:00 - 10:00 am, Church school
10:15 am, Praise singing                                                   
10:30 am, Worship

11:30 am, Fellowship time

11:45 am, Chimes           

We're still in Easter!

The choir shared "I Come With Joy" as the anthem on Holy Humor Sunday.  Rev. Lois Hansen brought the message, "O.M.G!" based on John 20:19-31. 

Holy Humor Sunday

A Communion of Saints Affirmation of Humor

We believe with the Bible that

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh.”

We believe with St. John Chrysostom that

“Laughter has been implanted in our souls.”

We believe with Thomas Aquinas that there is a time for “Playful deeds and jokes.”

We believe with Martin Luther that

“You have as much laughter as you have faith.”

We believe with John Calvin that

“We are nowhere forbidden to laugh.”

We believe with Francis De Sales that

“Humor is a foundation for reconciliation.”

We believe with John Wesley that

“A sour religion is the devil’s religion.”

We believe with Søren Kierkegaard that

“Humor is intrinsic to Christianity.”

We believe with Fyodor Dostoevsky that

“If a person laughs well they are a good person.”

We believe with G.K. Chesterton that

“A good joke is the closest thing we have to divine revelation.”

We believe with Dietrich Bonhoeffer that

“Ultimate seriousness is not without a dose of humor.”

We believe with Fulton Sheen that

“The only time laughter is wicked is when it is turned against he who gave it.”

We believe with Flannery O’Conner that

“Christianity is a strangely cheery religion.”

We believe with Elton Trueblood,

“Never trust a theologian without a sense of humor.”

We believe with Charles Schultz that

“Humor is proof that everything is going to be alright with God nevertheless.”

We believe with Krister Stendhal that

“Humor, along with irony, forms a safeguard against idolatry.”

We believe with Eric Gritsch that

“Humor is thus anchored in a self-knowledge that indicates one’s limitations.”

— compiled by the Rev. Chris Anderson with help from the Joyful Noiseletter