September draws to a close

It was a blustery morning in Stevensville, the perfect time to come to learn, grow, and share in our faith.
 
Our chimes returned to the worship service this morning, sharing "Blest Be the Tie That Binds." Pastor Charles' sermon, "Going to extremes," was taken from James 5:13-16, 19-20.

Fellowship this morning was a tasty affair with our fifth Sunday potluck bringing smiles to one and all.  

Thanks this morning to: Amanda Hermes (Nursery), Roberta Zielinski & joey Diers (Ushers), Paul Ludington (Praise music), Hazen & Ava (Acolytes), Julie Ludington (Pianist), Amy Farrell (Liturgist), Cammie Edgar (power point), Lisa Nicholls (Video), Marilyn Murphy (Chimes), Kendra Ruff (children's lessons), and Dean Diers & Cammie Edgar (Offering counters).

Conference UMW meeting

Today was the annual meeting of the Yellowstone Legacy Conference UMW. Adapting a unique approach to the size of our conference, attendees had the choice of coming to First UMC - Missoula or Roberts UMC. Using video conferencing technology, the gathering celebrated ministry, remembered those who had passed during the previous year, elected officers for the coming year, and adopted a budget.

The program this year looked at the opioid crisis facing the country. Participating in the presentation were Marcia Prather and Hazel Smith.

Potluck on Sunday!

Make plans to stay after worship on Sunday for our Fifth Sunday Potluck, you'll be glad you did!

Conference UMW Event is on Saturday!

Dear UMW and friends,

It's not too late to attend the Yellowstone UMW annual meeting on September 29th. You can late register by email to Roxanne Roehl, roxroeste@gmail.com.

A new format will be tested - tele-conferencing between two locations. [First UMC] Missoula and Roberts churches will host this event. Registration and breakfast will start at 8 am. This will be a good test as we start to merge with Rocky Mountain Conference and have joint meetings. Bringing the meeting closer to your home, but still connected to others in the conference area.

Our president, Stacey King, is asking for your support by attending this meeting. Please consider registering and attending. The topic and speakers will be well worth the trip. The program deals with the opioid crisis which affects all of us in some way. You could even carpool. Click Here for the registration form.

Blessings to all,
Claudia Davis

Wednesday with Wesley

This week @ Stevi UMC

Monday:
1:00 pm, Bible study @ The Living Center
7:00 pm, UMW Reading Group
7:00 pm, Living Clean

Tuesday:
7:00 pm, Choir practice

Wednesday:
8:00 am, WIC
10:00 am, Bible study
6:00 pm, Lay Leader conversation @ The Living Center
6:00 pm, Cub Scouts

Thursday:
7:00 pm, Lay Leader conversation @ Marcia Prather's home

Friday:
10:00 am, Drop-in Bible study @ Doris T.
10:00 am, Red Cross blood drive

Saturday:
8:00 am, Conference UMW annual meeting @ First UMC-Missoula

Sunday:
10:15 am, Praise music
10:30 am, Worship/Church school 

10:15 am, Fifth Sunday potluck

Scripture lessons for September 30

Our scripture lessons for next Sunday come from Mark 9:38-50 and James 5:13-20.

The seasons turn

The color of autumn @ SUMC

Paul Ludington leading us in song

Brenda Bolton leads the choir in the anthem

Lisa Nicholls and the children

Autumn has arrived in the Bitterroot Valley and with it more opportunities to give thanks to God!

Our choir returned to the worship service this morning, sharing "Jesus is the Light of the World." Pastor Charles' sermon, "Source Material," was taken from James 4:1-8a, 10.

Thanks this morning to: Amanda Hermes (Nursery), Sharon Brown & Ed Sperry (Greeters/ushers), Paul Ludington (Praise music), Hazen & Katie Rose (Acolytes), Julie Ludington (Pianist), Amy Farrell (Liturgist), Cammie Edgar (power point), Sara Malo (Video), Hazel Smith (Organist), Brenda Bolton (Choir), Lisa Nicholls (children's lessons), Dean Diers & Cammie Edgar (Offering counters), and Sara Malo & Betty Shorten (Fellowship).

Autumn Prayer

God of all seasons, we thank you for Autumn.
We thank you
for the touch of coolness in the air that gives us a new burst of energy,
for the coloring of trees that shows the creativity of the Divine Artist,
for the falling leaves that reveal the strength of the branches,
for the hues of fields that bring peace to our souls,
for the smiles on pumpkins that bring joy to children,
for the fall harvest which that brings us gratitude for the bounty of our land,
for this change of seasons that reveals the circle of life.
God of all seasons, as you transform the earth, transform us by your Spirit.

Amen

- Doug Leonhardt, S.J.

(Marquette University)

We're going WOW @ TLC

A wonderful gathering took place tonight at The Living Center's second floor chapel. Thanks to the members of Sunrise for leading us in song!  

Wednesday with Wesley

While this isn't an authentic quote, it does capture the spirit of Wesley's thoughts.

Wednesday morning is calling

The Wednesday morning study has begun its journey into the gospel according to Luke. Meeting each Wednesday morning (10 am), there is always something to learn!

Join us next Wednesday @ 10 am as we begin to explore the birth narrative in chapters 1-2.

UMCOR's Hurricane/Typhoon Response

UMCOR and our partners are responding to Hurricane Florence in the United States and Super Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) in the Philippines. Please join us in prayer for the areas affected and consider a gift to UMCOR Disaster Response. As we assess the impact of these storms, we will provide timely updates as we receive information. We will also share additional ways in which you can provide assistance. 

To learn how to help UMCOR's response, please visit this link.

Full house today!

We had nine present today for the weekly Bible study held at The Living Center. We can always make room for more, so come join us each week at 1:00 pm in the 3rd floor solarium.

This week @ Stevi UMC

Monday:
1:00 pm, Bible study @ The Living Center
6:00 pm, Trustees 7:00 pm, Living Clean

Tuesday:  
7:00 pm, Choir pratice
7:00 pm, SPPRC 

Wednesday:  
8:00 am, WIC  
10:00 am, Luke-Acts Bible study
6:00 pm, Worship on Wednesday @ The Living Center

Thursday:  
6:00 pm, Shepherding
7:00 pm, Ad Council

Friday:  
10:00 am, Drop-in Bible Study @ Doris T.

Sunday:  
10:15 am, Praise singing  
10:30 am, Worship  
10:45 am, Church school  
11:30 am, Fellowship time 
11:45 am, Chime practice

Scripture lessons for September 23

Our lessons this week come to us from Mark 9:30-37 and James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a.

Last Sunday of Summer

Summer comes to an end this week but faith formation, worship, and fellowship never stop here at Stevi UMC!

The final summer musical offering of the season was shared this morning by the members of Sunrise (Cleo Guenther, Carole Koval, Bill Lyon, & Connie Rakiecki). Pastor Charles' sermon, "One Word," was taken from James 3:1-10.

Thanks this morning to: Lynda Fisher (Nursery), Sharon Brown & Bev Schneider (Greeters/ushers), Paul Ludingon (Praise music), Hazen & Katie Rose (Acolytes), Julie Ludington (Pianist), Amy Farrell (Liturgist), Cammie Edgar (power point), Sara Malo (Video), Sunrise (summer music), Kendra Ruff (children's lessons), Kathy Wood & Don Nelson (Offering counters), and Cammie Edgar & Mary Costello (Fellowship).

District UMW Gathering

UMW members from across western Montana gathered today at Grace UMC in Dillon for the annual meeting of the Western Mountains District.

It was such fun, hearing and sharing stories from such a creative group! A special treat was hearing from Brother Van and sharing communion!

UMW Friday Circle

Center pieces reflect back-to-school theme

Linda Kauffman leads the gathering

Ann Coulter shares the program

An attentive group

The September meeting of the UMW Friday Circle took place today with nineteen present. Hostesses today were Fran Jackson, Claire Kelly, & Sue Pearson.

Today's program was shared by Amber Coulter from Valley Physical Therapy who spoke to the gathering about the importance of fall prevention and awareness.  

Liz Goddard sared the spiritual growth report, a sharing in the story of Dr. Mary Neal (from Jackson, WY).

Carole Koval shared the day's devotions, a prayer sent to Carole by Mary Lyon in 2012.

Linda Kauffman led the business of the unit:

+Treasurer: Bonita reported the final numbers from the final apple dumpling sales.
+Receptions: None in August.
+Prayer Shawls: Carole K. reported that we presented one shawl since last month, to Dean D. and we will be presenting another one next week to Tom B. These will take our tally to 252 shawls. 
+Reading Program: Marcia Prather has scheduled the reading program gathering to be on Sept. 24 at 7 pm.
+Response Magazine: The current edition (available in the church library) has an article about the Assembly 2018 that was held in Columbus, OH. Marcia Prather and Linda Kauffman attended from our unit.
+Saturday UMW Circle: Linda K. shared the report from the Saturday Circle that is available in the September Glad Tider.
+Bazaar: The Unit is gearing up for the annual bazaar (Nov. 3). Volunteers and craft items are always needed.
+Social Action Report: Claire Kelly asked members to consider contacting senators and congressman re: concealed weapon reciprocity legislation being considered in Congress.

Other News:
+Legacy cookbooks  Belinda Alkula will be getting the Conference UMW Legacy Cookbooks this weekend in Dillon at the district meeting.

+Conference UMW news  The Yellowstone Legacy Conference annual meeting will be on September 29, with an 8 am gathering time. Marcia Prather and Hazel Smith are two of the presenters on a panel that will be discussing the opioid crisis in Montana.

Next meeting will be on November 8th.

2018 Advent/Christmas Devotional

It's time to begin thinking about Advent and Christmas!

The theme for this year's Stevi UMC devotional is "The names of Jesus."  

Three easy steps:
1. Select one of the multitude of names/attributes given to Jesus.
2. Write a one-two paragraph reflection on what that name means to you.
3. Submit it to the office by November 11th either in writing or via email.


A sign-up list will be available in the church library (outside the office) or call the office (406-777-5443) or email with your choice. If someone else has already chosen a name you will be asked to make a new selection.

Print copies of the devotional will be available on November 25th. We will post daily entries on the blog and on Facebook each day of Advent (beginning December 2) and continuing on the Twelve Days of Christmas, concluding on the Day of Epiphany (January 6).

Wednesday morning Bible study

Our Wednesday morning Bible study resumed meeting this morning with seven present. We are going to be working our way through Luke - Acts this fall with a new chapter each week.

Next week we'll be finishing Luke, chapter 1.

Join us each Wednesday morning at 10 am for a lively discussion that will be sure to get those brain cells moving!

Wednesday with Wesley

This week @ SUMC

Monday:
1:00 pm, Bible study @ The Living Center
7:00 pm, Living Clean

Tuesday:
7:00 pm, Choir pratice

Wednesday:
8:00 am, WIC
10:00 am, Bible study

Thursday:
7:00 pm, SPPRC

Friday:
10:00 am, Drop-in Bible Study @ Doris T.
Noon, UMW board
1:00 pm, UMW Friday Circle

Saturday:
9:00 am, UMW Western Mountains District Fall Meeting @ Dillon UMC
9:00 am, UMW Saturday Circle

Sunday:
10:15 am, Praise singing
10:30 am, Worship
10:45 am, Church school
11:30 am, Fellowship time