UMW Service Scripture and Message

UMW Service Children Brother Van and Sunrise Music

Wesley Heritage Tour 2020 with Bishop Karen Oliveto

Wesley Chapel - London

"I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having form of religion without the power.” - John Wesley

Bishop Karen Oliveto invites all lay and clergy on a journey to explore our Wesleyan Heritage. The trip will take place April 13-21, 2020. During these anxious times for those of us called United Methodists there is no better way to respond than returning to our roots and deeply immersing ourselves in the rich history of our movement. Tour historic places like the York Minster (Cathedral), Epworth, Christ College (in Oxford), and the New Room (in Bristol). Time in London will lead you to Aldersgate Street, where you too may have a heartwarming experience, and to Wesley Chapel, the mother church of world Methodism. 

Come celebrate and learn about our unique Wesleyan Heritage and the people called Methodists. Learn more

Pastor Sarah is on her way

Once we leave Colorado this week, we’ll take our time enjoying family and the sites. Plus Elmo and his musical friends will need a break from looping in the car CD player. Our first stop is Casper, WY. My parents live there and visits at “Mimi” and “Grandpa’s” house are cherished moments. Their huge back yard and raspberry pancakes are just some of the highlights. This trip will be especially important we’ll increase the geographical distance between us from 4 hours living in CO to 10 hours living in MT.

Our next stop is Billings, MT where we’ll stay with a cousin. This will be the first time to Montana for Spencer and Lydia so we’ll have to celebrate in some way.  Maybe we’ll put on cowboy boots at go to the park! After a good night’s rest, we’ll come the rest of the way to our new home.  I can’t wait for Lydia to see her big bright room and for Spencer to play in the green grass in the backyard.  The moving truck is a little more unpredictable, but eventually we’ll have an “un-packing party” and meet new friends and neighbors.  We might splurge on Huckleberry shakes as a family to begin the new adventure in Stevensville.

...More from Pastor Sarah

My Family:

Mac uplifts others and brings generosity of spirit to each arena of life including his family, work, music, and community.  Mac is a professional collaborative pianist, accompanying choirs, vocalists, and musical theatre groups at all stages of skill.  In 2017 Mac earned his Masters of Collaborative Piano from University of Colorado. We met at a church in Spokane, where as the pianist for the groups I led, he always made me look good and helped everyone have fun while making great music. He brings humor and gentleness to the world.  Mac was born in Redlands, CA and grew up in Wenatchee, WA where his mother still lives.

Lydia Grace (3) fills the world with spunk, sweetness, boundless energy, and curiosity.  From an early age, Lydia has enjoyed looking at and reading books. She also likes creative outlets like coloring, Play-do, puzzles, and games. The summer is a favorite season since her birthday at the end of May seems to say, “It’s time to play and explore.” The park, bike rides, swimming, little bugs, throwing rocks in the creek, swings, and running all delight her.  She is a bit slow to warm to people, but once she studies a person, friendship is close to follow. One of her new favorite activities is making her baby brother laugh…not to difficult!

Spencer James (8 months) radiates a gentle, calm and sweet spirit that thrives with people.  Yes, he drools, but his real gift is smiling, something he offers so generously as people look into his piercing blue eyes.  He finds his sister to be a great source of fun and comfort, ever curious to watch or follow her every move including dancing and swimming.  This October pumpkin continues to take in the world around him, ever glad to do it with others.

A final thought from Pastor Charles

From the series finale from M*A*S*H*

Note: this was published in the June Glad Tider and is here repeated as Pastor Charles leaves for Colorado.

I want to thank all of you for the many ways you allowed me to be your pastor. As the years go by, I will look back fondly on our time together; I pray the same will be true for you.

On our website, we have a list of the pastors who have served since 1880, in the Methodist churches of Stevensville. Of the forty-nine pastors who preceded me, only two stayed longer than I have (two others were here the same amount of time). I wonder about the experience of those pastors who preceded me. What did the passion of those pastors for God look like? I wonder about the generations of disciples they served. 

In six years, I’ve watched children grow up. I’ve baptized; performed marriages; conducted too many funerals. I’ve visited those in hospitals and shut-ins. I’ve welcomed dozens of new members and said goodbye to others. Together, we realized a few dreams, lived through some challenges, and by the grace of God, we thrived.

While I am leaving you, there is one who remains constant: God. God has been active among the people of this valley from the beginning, and He will be with you for the rest of time and beyond. If the making of disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world begins in the heart of each participant in the ministries of this congregation, if you allow God to guide the work of the congregation, it will always have a mission. The church in the future may not look like the church we have today. There may be challenges to come which require hard choices to be made. But a passion for God will see you through all your future challenges. This passion guided previous generations here at Stevi UMC, a passion which allowed them to navigate their own challenges. They managed and flourished; so can you.

I pray that you have a blessed future. I hope that you will welcome the Rev. Sarah Merchant and her family as you welcomed Belinda and me six years ago.

May John Wesley’s three simple rules guide you and the ministries of this congregation in the years to come: “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.”
 
Finally, thank you for making Belinda’s and my time in the Bitterroot Valley such a blessing; we will never forget this congregation.

The LORD bless you and protect you. 
The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up His face to you and grant you peace.

- Numbers 6:24-26 (Common English Bible)

Every blessing,
Pastor Charles

Come and find bargains!

The annual church-wide yard sale is tomorrow from

9:00 am - 2:00 pm!

Passing of George Cunningham

It is with sadness that we learned today of the death of George Cunningham, 94, with family at his side. 

There are currently no plans for a funeral service for George.

The Fellowship Hall is filling up with Bargains!

You still have time to donate items for Saturday's big Yard Sale at the church. 

You can bring your items during the following hours:

Wed. 9am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm

Thurs. 9am - 1pm

Friday morning before noon.

Hello from Pastor Sarah!

Let me introduce myself by answering these questions:

Where are you from?  I am a Rocky Mountain girl, born and raised in Casper, WY. My folks still live there in a beautiful downtown home that my dad grew up in. Anne, my mom teaches 4^th grade, and Ken, my dad, is a retired attorney and burgeoning filmmaker.  My one brother, Daniel, lives in Houston, TX, working as an engineer and playing baseball.

I ventured out of the Cowboy state to attend Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. After earning degrees in theology and theatre, I joined the African Children’s Choir as a chaperon.  We toured North America for nearly two years before I returned to Spokane to be the worship & children’s ministry coordinator at Covenant UMC.  I met Mac as my pianist and after to sweeping me off my feet with a wild glissando, we got married 7 years ago. Since we’ve finished more school, move 6 times, bore 2 children, and traveled all over. 

Favorite food: fruit especially berries, watermelon and peaches, pizza, homemade mac & cheese, green tea lattes, Junior Mints and cookies ‘n cream ice cream

Hobbies: running (a ½ marathon is my farthest jaunt thus far), reading non-fiction, playing with my kiddos, attending theatre with my husband, yoga, traveling, watercolor painting, writing poetry, crafting photo books

Sports: I run. I also like soccer, racquetball, swimming, biking and hiking.  Sledding is awesome, too, as long as the prize is a mug of hot chocolate.  Teams…hmm. Which ever team my brother or kids are playing on.

Movies: Waking Ned Devine (an Irish flick that continues to make my spirit dance), Happy Go Lucky, Intouchables, Wall-E, While You Were Sleeping (a Christmas tradition), Shakespeare in Love, Amazing Grace,

Authors: Richard Rohr, Brené Brown, Brian McLaren, Mary Oliver, Henri Nouwen, Krista Tippett, Barbara Brown Taylor, comic Zits

This is why John Wesley has 2 Birthdays!

This week @ Stevi UMC

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

Saturday:

9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Yard Sale

Sunday: 

10:15 am, Praise singing
10:30 am, Worship
11:30 am, Fellowship

Annual Conference: Day 4

Clergy line up for the opening procession

Retirees are recognized

Bishop Karen shares a vision for the church

Communion is shared

Brother Van looks out on the Annual Conference

The highlight of Annual Conference each year is the service of Commissioning & Ordination.

Twelve members of the Conference were recognized on the occasion of their retirement. Seeing the hundreds of years of experience standing in front of the Annual Conference is always inspiring.

Three persons were presented to receive their license to serve their  communities as local pastors. Ten candidates reached an important step in their vocation, being commissioned as Provisional Elders and members of the Conference. Two others were commissioned as Provisional Deacons.

For one, today marked the culmination of her journey to ordination as a Deacon and member of the Annual Conference. Seven others were ordained as Elders and full members of the Annual Conference.

Pastor Charles took part in the service, joining other members of the Board of Ordained Ministry in praying with people answering a call to ministry this morning and an invitation from Bishop Oliveto to come forward.

The Annual Conference will gather next year in Gillette, Wyoming, June 18-21.

Trinity Sunday @ SUMC

Trinity Sunday June 16th

A wonderful service today!  Bev Schneider provided an inspiring message.  Bill Gragg was the Liturgist and read a Dr. Seuss classic to the Children. Mike McCarthy shared a Bob Dylan gospel song with the congregation. We were all glad to see Hazel Smith back at the organ after a long vacation, and the sun shone bright on the colorful altar flowers!

Father's Day Prayer

Strength of a Mountain

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

- Author Unknown

Peace with Justice Sunday

When you give on Peace with Justice Sunday, your gift makes possible our critical kingdom work in the world. Because you give:

• Methodists spearhead a peace ministry uniting Arizona border communities
• United Methodists in Liberia are being equipped to implement the denomination’s Social Principles to address social-justice issue
• Pennsylvania students are educating their community about sex-trafficking at home and abroad

These initiatives, and hundreds of other ones, are possible because you give. 

Give now

A prayer for Trinity Sunday

Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Almighty and everlasting God,
You have given to us Your servants grace,
by the confession of a true faith,
to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity,
and in the power of Your divine Majesty
to worship the Unity:
Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship,
and bring us at last
to see You in Your one and eternal glory, O Father;
who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer

Welcome Pastor Sarah

The appointment of the Rev. Sarah Merchant as the fifty-first pastor of Stevensville UMC was formally made Saturday evening as Bishop Oliveto "fixed" the appointments of Conference clergy for the coming year (effective July 1).

Early arrivals

And this is just the beginning! You can drop off your yard sale items tomorrow after fellowship until 2. Monday from 4-7, Tuesday from 9-1, Wednesday, 9-1 and 4-7, Thursday, 9-1, and Friday morning during set-up. 

Annual Conference: Day 3

Speaking about maternal/infant health

Everyone should go!

Supplies going to UMCOR

Ready for business

Where the action happens

From the 6:30 am UMW breakfast to the late evening voting, the third day of Annual Conference was filled with activity.

The UMW breakfast this morning featured a speaker who shared about the work being down by the General Board of Global Ministry in the area of maternal/infant health.

The bulk of the Conference work today centered around the election of delegates to next year's General and Jurisdictional Conferences. Other work involved approving the budget, approving nominations, and the fixing of appointments (effective July 1).

Join us for Trinity Sunday

Join Us for Trinity Sunday!

This Sunday, June 16th

Praise Sing 10:15 am

Worship 10:30 am

Fellowship 11:30 am

Annual Conference: Day 2

Ready for action

A space for reflection

Seminar discussion

Lots of information

Balloting underway

The second day of Annual Conference and the focus was on mission. Some in attendance took part in outreach efforts throughout Billings while others took advantage of the many seminars available.

Also today was the first ballot for the 2020 General Conference & Jurisdictional Conference delegates. Worship this afternoon was led by Bishop Gregory Palmer.

Get ready for bargains!

The annual church yard sale will be held, rain or shine, on June 22, 9 am - 2 pm.

Donations will be accepted at the church starting on June 16.

Annual Conference: Day 1

JJ Warren gives the message

Anointing during opening worship

Bishop Karen sits in on a set during worship

Mission skit during worship

The first day of Annual Conference was a combination of business and celebration as United Methodists from across our four-state conference came together in Billings.

Pastor  Charles and Belinda are on hand to represent Stevensville UMC for the final time before their move to Boulder next week.

Annual Conference begins today

The 2019 Mountain Sky Annual Conference will be at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center and the Red Lion Hotel in Billings, Montana from June 13-16. 

The theme for this year is "Love. Heal. Thrive: Rebuilding a Worthy Temple."

Wesley on Wednesday

10 Days Until Huge Yard Sale

10 Days Until this HUGE Yard Sale!

The Stevensville United Methodist Church will hold a huge yard sale on Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  The yard sale will be at the church, 216 College Street in Stevensville rain or shine. 

This will be a church-wide sale with the entire congregation involved in donating items to sell.  The sale will include kitchen items, dishes, furniture, small appliances, lawn items, tools, collectibles, sport gears and equipment, and a variety of good quality items for every room in the house.  There will be bargains in every category.

All money raised from the sale will go to help local and regional charities as part of the mission work by the church’s United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women.

Annual Conference begins Thursday

Information during the 2019 Mountain Sky Conference will be available online at www.mtnskyumc.org/ac19. 

The live stream link for the 2019 session is now online! Bookmark this link. The stream will be live beginning at 1:30 p.m. June 13.

Be sure to follow the Mountain Sky Conference social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)! We will post updates, announcements, and photos leading up to and during the 2019 Mountain Sky Annual Conference. To share your photos and posts with us, use the hashtags #mtnskyumc and #mtnskyac19.

This week @ Stevi UMC

Monday: 
1:00 pm, Bible Study @ The Living Center

Wednesday:
8:00 am, WIC
10:00 am, Luke study
12:30 am, Stewardship/Finance

Thursday-Sunday:
Mountain Sky Annual Conference, Billings

Sunday: Trinity Sunday / Father's Day

10:15 am, Praise singing
10:30 am, Worship
11:30 am, Fellowship