Marengo United Methodist Church VO LU ME X I
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TH E M U STARD SEED JU L Y 2 0 0 8
Inside this Issue: Anniversaries & Birthdays 6 Baptisms 7 Calendar insert Co-op Coffee/ Tea insert Co-op Coffee/ Tea 5 Finance Secretary 6 Gas Can Mission 7 Have You Heard? 7 Keeping the Dream Alive 6 Library News 3 M.O.R.E 5/7 Mailbox 7 Parent s Day Out 4 Prayer List 6 Roots to Wings 3 Senior Moment 4 UMW 3 Welcome Pastor Keck 2 Worship Information for July 2 Worship Schedule Back
New friends, As I prepare to join you in July, following the excellent and grace filled ministry of Rev. Bullmer, I am aware of just how dependent we all are upon the work of others, and the unity and consistency of that work. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul speaks to this truth, when he discusses the rising divisions within the Corinthian community. What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. The conflict that is dividing the people is their attachment to Paul or Apollos. Paul tells them, in essence, that they are behaving like "mere infants". He explains to them that "the man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose"; and that purpose transcends both of them. "Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything". We are simply "fellow workers" laboring in "God's field". Paul says these things realizing that if division continues to grow in the church then nothing will be able to grow. He understands that it is essential that a church be unified in purpose and effort. Therefore, rather than playing into the divisions, Paul acknowledges that he is dependent upon Apollos to water the seeds that he had planted. Likewise, Apollos is dependent upon Paul and the seeds he had sown. "By the grace God has given me," writes Paul, "I laid a foundation as and expert builder, and someone else is building on it." We are always dependent upon "someone else". As the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wrote: "Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone, therefore we are saved by love."
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A Note From Pastor Keck cont.
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Someone else must joining us in love, devotion and unity of effort, if anything of great merit is to be accomplished.
As I prepare to join you in Marengo, I acknowledge that my efforts are fundamentally dependent upon the work of others. Thus I give thanks to God for the many good seeds that Rev. Bullmer has planted before me, and pledge myself to the watering and tending to those seeds. I also look forward to joining you in the field, adding my labor to your own. And, finally, I give thanks to God "who makes things grow". I look forward to joining you in the harvest at Marengo United Methodist Church. I will see in God's field. Yours in Christ, Pastor Keck
I encourage you to join us in worship on Sunday, July 6, to hear from our new pastor, Rev. Keck Mowry, and welcome him to Marengo. Communion will be served. Grateful Praise will lead our songs of praise to God. For those of you who are tired of hearing the strange squawks and groans coming from the pipe organ, I am happy to report that the Trustees have decided that it is time to apply some repairs. On July 7, the organ will be taken apart necessitating the distribution of pipes across the sanctuary pews and floor. This won t leave much space for a congregation on Sunday morning, so we will be worshipping in fellowship hall once again, beginning July 13, until they can put the pipes back where they belong. Worship is for praising God, and we can do that wherever we find ourselves. We will miss our stained glass windows for a while. But, we will be able to have our time together with God. I am looking for volunteers to help move equipment and set up chairs Sanctuary-style in Fellowship Hall after church on Sunday, July 6. Call or e-mail me if you are available and willing to lend a hand, or just be there. Susan Gieseler 815-568-7502 - sgiesel@t6b.com
As Pastor Parish Chairperson I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Pastor Keck Mowry to Marengo United Methodist Church. Also, I would like to invite everyone to attend Pastor Mowry s first service as our Pastor on Sunday, July 6th at 10:15 a.m. Pastor Keck, as most of you know, comes to us from Oswego, IL., where he served for 6 years at the Oswego Prairie United Methodist Church. After the service a reception will be held at the church and all are invited to partake and meet Rev. Mowry. I hope everyone can attend this important event as we at MUMC begin a new chapter and continue our journey as a Christian community living out a faith that works in real life. Kevin Hillner Pastor-Parish Committee
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By the time this Mustard Seed arrives at your home, summer will be half over. It has been quite a summer hasn't it? Still, summer is the hiatus many of us welcome. Time to relax and enjoy warm-weather fun! The summer of 2008 also means freedom from watering the lawns and crops! More freedom than we would like. Nevertheless, it will be good to meet in fellowship once again.
Ther e i s v er y l i t t l e r eas on t o r ej oi c e ov er a r ai ny day . But , a good book c an c er t ai nl y be a day br i ght ener ! MUMC l i br ar y i s a good r es our c e. Thi s week I am goi ng t o add a c oupl e of c opi es of a magaz i ne publ i s hed by t he Bi l l y Gr aham Ev angel i s t i c As s oc i at i on. Thes e ar e wonder f ul publ i c at i ons . Eac h magaz i ne f oc us es on a par t i c ul ar t opi c . One
"Thank you, Father, for the God-infused kinship that makes Christian fellowship so fulfilling. Thank you for the indwelling presence of your Spirit that unites our hearts and draws us together. May we reach out to each other, receive each other, love each other and rest in each other. Thank you for the sweet experience of fellowship that rests on the sure foundation of who you are. Amen"
hi ghl i ght s hope f or a per i s hi ng wor l d. The ot her I es pec i al l y l ov ed i s a s pec i al i s s ue on Chi na. Rut h Bel l Gr aham was r ai s ed i n Chi na and al way s k ept a pl ac e i n her hear t f or t he c ount r y and t he peopl e. The magaz i ne wi l l enl i ght en t he r eader about God' s wor k i n Chi na t hr ough our Chr i s t i an f ami l y . The magaz i ne ur ges us t o pr ay f or Chi na - - pr ay t hat Chr i s t i ans wi l l be s al t and l i ght and t hat t hey wi l l not be af r ai d t o l et t hei r wi t nes s be k nown.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make From Roots to Wings debt retirement campaign successful. June 22 nd celebration Sunday was an awesome day when we could see where God s hand had guided us through. If you weren t able to join the luncheon you missed a great pot luck, fellowship, and music performed by Jane s men you know the men of our church. It was a day that reminded me why my family and I came to this year and continue to come here---the people. Sally Hoesel, Campaign Leader
If you couldn t be part of the special day on June 22 nd it is not too late to turn in your pledge commitment letter for the campaign. If you did not receive a commitment letter please let me know and I will get a letter to you. Remember with God all things are possible and if we all work together we can do great things at Marengo United Methodist Church. Let s all work together to finish what we started six years ago and then we can truly spread our wings. Sally Hoesel, Campaign Leader
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There is a magazine section of the newspaper that I enjoy entitled American Profile. Last week I read an article written by readers recollecting their automotive memories. The article was entitled My First Car. As I was reading it I kept stopping to share with Ken (he just loves when I do that while he is reading the paper!) "Americans love their cars and for many reminiscing about their first set of wheels evokes memories of freedom, fun, fast engines and first time fender benders." I attempted to learn how to drive when I was 32! For me it was difficult (to put it mildly). Especially when I had to navigate a turn-- all those things to do at once: put on the turn signal, downshift, turn the wheel just right. I just couldn't coordinate all those things at once. Ken actually paid someone to teach me. I could hardly wait to show Ken what I had learned (he would be so proud!) When I came to the corner, I did it exactly the way I was taught: counting as I turned the wheel : 1,2,3 and then to straighten up 1,2,3 again! At some point Ken bought me an automatic, a '54 Studebaker. Soon afterward Ken went on a business trip. The Studebaker was parked in the backyard. Before he left he was very clear that I was not to drive the car because I didn't know how! Well, I decided it wouldn't hurt to practice going down the driveway. You know when you drive in reverse and make a big turn it also means you need to straighten out at some point. I didn't! I took the gas meter off the house. The neighbors called the kids in off the street. Ken's first car was a 1935 Chrysler sedan bought from his Dad when he was about 15 years old. The car was in pretty bad shape: exhaust pipe came up through the back fender. He always had pliers, bales of
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wire and a crowbar when he drove. When he went to test for his license, the examiner found out the hand brake didn't work, the car was unsafe! He told Ken he could not pass him. Actually, he was hoping for some $$$. Ken didn't have any. So the examiner got out of the car, slammed the door and said for Ken to tell the guy inside that he passed the test. Good thing because Ken drove himself to the testing facility. Norm Finnell learned to drive by driving a tractor on the farm. His first car was a 1934 Ford coupe purchased 2 months before he went into service in 1942. It had cyclone doors (opened to the front) and a rumble seat. No a/c, no heater. When he and Tillie were married, they purchased a 1937 Plymouth that they kept for quite a while. Jerry Wright learned to drive on the farm also. Jan also learned to drive a pick-up truck while on the farm. When Jerry was 18 years old he bought his own car. Some of his first cars were: a 1939 Pontiac, a 1947 Chevy and he had a 1949 car when he met Jan.
had room for themselves and their 9-monthold baby. Enjoyed the car for many years. Gas Prices When we were driving our first cars, we bought gas at a service station! We actually got service in addition to our gas! Ken remembers the service stations as having 2 to 4 pumps (ethyl and regular) in addition to selling white gas. The attendants filled your gas tank, checked the levels of oil and water. When they checked your oil they used a rag to wipe off the oil stick and then used the same rag to clean your windows! What was the price of gas when we first started to drive? Norm Finnell: 37 cents a gallon Jerry Wright: 3/gallons for $1.00 at Carsons in Union. Ken : 27 cents a gallon Well, keep on truckin' down the road. Watch out for potholes. Your journey may be tough. Remember God is good -- all the time.
Betty Jacoby - She and her late husband Bill bought their first car in 1947. It was a 1938 Chevy coupe. They bought it from Bill's Dad and paid $150 for it. Bill was in the Navy at the time and Bill and Betty were one of the few couples who had their own transportation. Unfortunately it was only a 2-seater so they only PDO is quiet during the summer! We still have openings in our 4-5 year old class and in the 1-2 year old class. It will soon be time for the Back to School supply sales. PDO is always in need of extra supplies. We could especially use crayons, glue, glue sticks, and masking tape. If you would like to donate any of these items you can leave them in the church office. Thank you for your continued support! God s Blessings, Liz Fischer, PDO Director
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H ow d oes you r gar d en gr ow? ? ? Ar e you u p t o you r ear s in t om at oes or h ad s o m an y loafs of zu cch in i b r ead you ar e t u r n in g gr een ? ? ? H er e is a s olu t ion t o you r s u r p lu s gar d en t r eat s . . . Don at e t h em t o M.O.R.E . Yes , ou r local food p an t r y will b e accep t in g fr es h p r od u ce J u n e 3 0 t h t h r ou gh Sep t em ber 2 8 t h at t h e M.O.R.E . Food P an t r y, 8 2 9 Gr een lee, Mar en go on Wed n es d ays fr om 8 :3 0 -1 0 :3 0 a.m . Don t h ave a gar d en ? ? Don t fr et you can als o d on at e fr es h p r od u ce p u r ch as ed fr om a gar d en s t an d or gr ocer y s t or e. T h an k you for h elp in g feed t h e h u n gr y!!
On August 1st the price of the coffee will go up approximately 30 to 35 cents per bag. We should all be proud of having created a new and expanding market for fairly traded organic coffee and cocoa beans. At times demand outstrips supply. This increasing demand, coupled with speculators moving their money from stocks and banking to commodities, causes higher prices. Currently Equal Exchange is paying will above the commodities market and Fair Trade minimum prices for most of our coffee. While higher prices can benefit farmers in the short run, they can also threaten the stability of their co-operatives. In high markets, local middlemen with ready cash can offer farmers relatively high prices on the spot. Most co-ops, on the other hand, while ultimately paying a better price, usually must wait until they have sold the season s harvest to make full payment. For farmers living on the margin, immediate cash sometimes trumps long-term interest. Coffee or cocoa then leaks out of the system, challenging a co-op s ability to honor existing commitments to buyers. Over the years some of the largest coffee and chocolate conglomerates have used this strategy to try to break up strong co-operatives around the world. This is where pre-harvest financing, which enables co-operatives to pay their members up front, is critical. Equal Exchange is proud to facilitate millions of dollars in pre-harvest financing each year. We all feel the rising cost of fuel, from filling the gas tank to buying a loaf of bread. Equal Exchange is experiencing the same challenge, from shipping coffee, tea and cocoa to the U.S., to delivering finished product to stores and customers. As we hear in the news, the value of the U.S. dollar has fallen dramatically against most foreign currencies. Coffee and cocoa are traded in U.S. dollars, so our farmer partners urgently need higher prices to cover costs. We hope this will be the only price increase for some time, but if the market continues to rise, we may need to raise prices again. We thank you for your understanding and continued support. Our next coffee order will be placed on July 27. The price per bag is $5.25 for regular and $6.40 for decaf. In the future, the price will approximately be $5.60 for regular and $6.75 for decaf. The price of tea will not change as of now.
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Richar d & Gaye Ander son 9 Dax & Basia Kir chhof f 9 J ohn & Liz McGowan 11 Ken & Ger i Miles 16 Dave & Car ol J ohnson 22 Wyat t & Bev Par ke 26 LaVer ne & Bet t y Loudenbeck 27
Richar d J ohnson
4
Pat r ick Hoesel
5
Buck Bur gr af f
6
Lisa Hillner
7
Clair e Cowan
9
Sally Hoesel
10
J ames Evans
12
Diane Or anger
14
J ackie Beebe
15
Ben Cowan
16
Chr is Oakes
16
Bet t y Loudenbec
17
Allen Beebe
19
Ray Esunis
22
Lisa Kir chhof f
24
Kat her ine Shadle
25
Scot t Ander son
27
Helen Huf t alin
27
Bonnie Voller
27
Emilie McGowan
28
Duane Or anger
29
Br ooke Ricker d
31
Molly Wyr ost ek
31
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Health Needs: Cathy Manthei; Ron Carel, Rudy & Nell Gron s son in law; Linda Resenbeck, Rudy& Nell Gron s daughter; Sean Romine; Sydney Ives, friend of Bonnie Voller; Sheri Johnstone; Arthur Overhage, friend of Brenda Ferreira; Dorothy Muench; Laurie Monti, Bonnie Voller s sister; Ann Locovare; Don Duthron, friend of Audrey Anderson; Whitney & Taylor English, Brenda Ferreira s nieces; Brenda Hemmingsen, friend of Lisa Kirchhoff; Susan Gieseler s sister, Debbie Leuders; Evelyn Thompson; Abigail Mendoza, friend of the Skow family; Beverly Parke; Ryan Stevens; Gary Kawal; Norm Finnell; Mary Ghastin, friend of Mary Pflueger; Fred & Barb Trask; Connie Sandman s sister, Lois Howard; Shirley Vaughan, friend of the Hoffman family; Ron Kadamus; Janet Swonguer s father, Ben Horton; Ryan Justen; Carter Gilbert; Maurice Kimball; Helen Davis; Sharon & Bill Bankson Needing Support Family and Friends of Jack Genot; Steve Tradewell; Military Men & Women Homebound Bev Parke; Norm Finnell; Katie Loomis Nursing Home / Rehab Madge Adams; Robert Grass; Dale Jenne; Genelle Skeels; Margaret Pace; Mildred Walters
Contribution statements will be printed on June 30th and mailed out to everyone. Please take a look at your contribution statement to be sure that everything is correct. I f there are any concerns or questions, please call me at 815-544-5963 or leave a message for me at the church office and I will call you back. Sally Hoesel Finance Secretary
Prayer requests may be added to this list by calling the church office at: 568-7162
Keeping the Dream Alive $400,000.00 Total offering received to date
$350,000.00 $300,000.00
Pledges received from pledge drive
1 2 3 4
$250,000.00 353,146.50 $200,000.00
$350,877.81
$150,000.00 $100,000.00 1
2
3
4
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The family of Jack Genot would like to send their thanks to all for the many cards, thoughts and prayers extended to their family during this difficult time.
Many of you have requested the address for Pastor Steve s new church in Crystal Lake. Here is that information. Pastor Steve Bullmer First United Methodist Church 236 W Crystal Lake Ave Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (815) 459-0785
At Marengo United Methodist Church 119 E. Washington Street
We just want to thank the Lord For your step of faith In c om ing to Him to be baptized And to go forth in His grace We pray God's hand will guide you Throughout your future years And keep you faithful in His ways And in His word and prayer.
Congratulations on your Baptism Sean Lewis Romine
www.clumc.org The Gas Can Van is parked our in front of church on Sundays! Don t forget to bring in your clean aluminum cans to help raise gas money for our upcoming mission trips!
M.O.R.E. is hosting a Fay s Pork Chop/ Chicken Dinner on Friday, July 11th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Marengo Community High School. Tickets are $10 - proceeds go to M.O.R.E. Please see Jan Perkins (815-568-6254) for tickets or more information.
Settler s Days Inc. Annual Arts & Crafts Fair and Small Business Fair
R ock for d St ar ligh t T h eat er is p r ou d t o p r esen t Joh ah
an O ld
T est am en t Yar n . T h is is a gr eat fam ily-or ien t ed m u sical, an d feat u r es M U M C s ow n A n t h on y Jon es!! Play d at es ar e Wed n esd ay, Ju ly 9t h t h r ou gh Su n d ay, Ju ly 13t h at 8:00 p .m . n igh t ly. T ick et s ar e n ow availab le t h r ou gh St ar ligh t s b ox office at 815-921-2160 or at w w w . r vcst ar ligh t .com .
On Saturday, October 11, 2008 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Call Brenda Rommel at 815-568-3501 or Judy Starr at 815-568-6105 for an application
We a r e o n t h e web ! Vis it u s at www.m ar en go -u m c.o r g
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID MARENGO, ILLINOIS 60152 PERMIT #28
M A REN GO U N I T ED M E T H O D I ST C H U RC H
119 E. Washington Street Marengo, IL 60152 Phone: 815-568-7162 Fax: 815-568-7163 E-mail: info@marengo-umc.org
Sunday, July 6th Communion Scripture: I Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 Message: Burn Your Plow and Eat Your Ox The focus today will be on our need to let go and make breaks to accept what God has for us today and in the future.
Sunday, July 13th Scripture: Exodus 17:1-4 Message: Anxious Souls We live in increasingly anxious times. Our lives are filled with anxiety which plagues our souls. Why are we anxious? How do we deal with it? Is there a Christian response to high anxiety? Today we acknowledge that we are anxious beings and that this ultimately has a religious
Sunday, July 20th Scripture: Acts 27:9-44 Message: Breeders & Leaders We continue our examination of anxiety in our lives and discover the difference between being a breeder of anxiety and a leader who determines the anxieties of others. As Christians we are called to be leaders. Sunday, July 27th Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 Message: Working Thru It