Centennial of the end of WWI

Ypres, Belgium

Today marks the centennial of the end of the First World War.
The guns on the western front fell silent at 11:00 am on the
eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Prayer for Remembrance Day

God of grace

hear the prayers of Your people 

as we join with You in longing for peace.  

                                               

On this day we remember 

 those who have given themselves in war

and those whose lives are marked forever

by the scars of conflict. 

                                                                                        

We pray for the armed forces, for all who through duty or love risk their own lives for others,
remembering Jesus who gave His own life 

that all might live.

                                                           

We pray for the victims,

for children, women, and men living in fear 

and for those fleeing conflict, 

remembering Jesus who became a refugee in Egypt.                                                                                                     

We pray for leaders of nations, that they might seek peace within their countries and across the world,
remembering Jesus, the Prince of Peace.  

May we be courageous in our living, 

compassionate in our loving, 

and faithful in our serving. 

                                                       

 In the name of Christ.

Amen.

The Rev. Michaela Youngson  

President of the Conference, 

The Methodist Church in Britain

UMM in November

Five men turned out this morning as the snow began to fall on the Stevi UMC. Don Nelson and Ed Sperry provided the breakfast for the group.

The main topic for discussion was sharing names of those of our fellowship who might benefit from a call or visit.

Our next meeting will be on December 8 at 8 am.

Big changes coming to the UMW

Carole lights a candle for Doloras

Responsive group!

Kathy Wood leads the program

Tish Herries speaks to the group

The Stevi UMC United Methodist Women gathered this afternoon at The Living Center. The change in venue, necessitated by the use of the fellowship hall for the AARP driver's course, was a fitting precursor for the big changes coming to our UMW.

Today's hostesses were Mary Costello, Mary Hackett, and Sue Pearson.

Carole Koval presented the memorial for Doloras Fryhling. An offering will be made in her memory to the UMW.

Claire Kelly shared today's devotions, using a range of scripture readings to illustrate WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?).

Tish Herries, Conference Coordinator of Spiritual Nurture and Outreach was on hand to share about the how and why we engage in prayer. 

Today's program was presented by Kathy Wood with musical assistance from Hazel Smith. Kathy led us in looking at the background of four hymns: Be Thou My Vision (8th c.), All Creatures of Our God and King (1225), Fairest Lord Jesus (1677), and Sunshine in My Soul (1887).

Coordinator Reports:
Receptions: We hosted the reception following Doloras Fryhling's funeral last month.
Prayer Shawls: Carole Koval reported that we presented four shawls since last meeting which brings us to 257 since we began doing this in 2006. We are down to six shawls in reserve.
Reading Program: Marcia reminded us to get our final reports. The Response moment addressed the UMC response to the migrant crisis.

Committee Reports: The bazaar was a success with more than $5,100 raised! 

Business: 

+ $150 is being given to Loaves & Fishes.
+ UMW Christmas Party is on Dec. 7. Guests are welcome, please let the UMW secretary know in advance how many you are bringing.
+ Election of officers - 
President: Carole Koval (Jan.-June) & Sue Pearson (July-Dec.)
Vice-Pres.: Sue Pearson (Jan.-June) & Carole Koval (July-Dec.)
Treasurer: Carol Goffe (has already assumed this office)
Secretary: Julie Weindel

A survey was conducted of the membership to discern possible changes in the manner of organizing and functioning as a UMW Unit.

Upon the recommendation of the UMW Board, the Unit has decided upon the following changes:
- decrease in the number of meetings to five with two additional social events.
- We will meet in January, March, May, September, and October on the third Saturday of the month, 10 am-Noon. The summer picnic will be in July and the Christmas party will be on the first Saturday in December.
- The number and frequency of reports from Mission, Education, & Action and Spiritual Growth will alternate reporting to the Unit to enable a more flexible and enjoyable gathering. Coordinator reports will be submitted in advanced and distributed.
- Hostess role will also be simplified to allow for full participation by more members.

The December Christmas party will be on December 7 at 1:00 pm (at the church) with the theme: "The good old days."

Transforming the world, one relationship at a time

 

Bishop Robert Schnase tells the story of a Texas congregation sharing worship with its homeless neighbors in relational and empowering ways. This powerful example of risk-taking mission began with the simple desire to learn about people’s circumstances and ask, “What do you need?”

Two people, a married couple, actively belonging to a faith community in New Braunfels, Texas, began to experience a particularly strong nudging. It was a question, nagging and persistent: Where do homeless people in our community go each day? Who are they? How do they live, and where do they find shelter? They had seen people who had no homes, but when they asked around they were told that “there are no homeless in New Braunfels.”

The couple kept asking questions and eventually learned why — technically — that was true. Most of the homeless were routinely picked up and taken outside the city limits and left there. The couple persisted, still asking the same questions. Eventually they found small camps located near the interstate, under the bridge of the Guadalupe River, and behind abandoned buildings.

Read more at this link.

Church Conference tonight

The annual church conference was held tonight with twenty-two present. The Montana West district superintendent, Rev. Jan Witman, was present to lead us through the agenda including setting the pastor's salary, acting on the membership and the Lay Leadership reports.

Copies of the materials will be available on Sunday.

Joint Statement in Response to the Central American Migrant Caravans

November 7, 2018

Human migration is as old as human history. Individuals, families, tribes, and nations have been on the move since the days of Abraham and Sarah and before. Throughout the centuries, political and economic factors, including wars; health and environmental challenges; and racism, xenophobia, and religious discrimination have at times uprooted people and at others lured them to new venues across deserts, rivers, continents, oceans, and national and ethnic boundaries.

Today, migration is a critical international and at times a pressing national issue; a matter of last resort and no other choice for millions of human beings, and a desperate alternative to many who would rather stay where they are if conditions could permit safety and essentials for survival. In general terms, migrants today are those who by force or choice leave their regions of origin because of armed conflict, natural disaster, institutional or gang violence, development projects, human trafficking (including labor, sexual or drug trafficking) or extreme economic deprivation.  (Resolution of The United Methodist Church: Global Migration and the Quest for Justice).

Read more at this link.

Giving Tuesday is coming!

In 20 days, advance mission by supporting community development efforts on Giving Tuesday.

Your gifts enable a global partnership in central Congo to increase access to essential medicines. http://www.umcmission.org/Giving-Tuesday/community #GiveUMC