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“Let the light of Jesus shine through you!”
Reopening Postponed for Liberty Pole UMC
The reopening committee for Liberty Pole UMC met June 23 and decided to continue to pause in-person worship through July. The group will meet again July 28 to review the current status in the county and surrounding areas and to revisit the possibility for reopening worship on August 9 at the earliest. Special events, such as funerals, will be considered on a case by case basis.
Liberty Pole members may attend at New Hope or Retreat services which are meeting with restrictions as outlined in the letter which was mailed to each member’s home. Policies are posted on www.driftlessministry.org as well.
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Giving and Receiving
While some expenses have been reduced during the last few months, other expenses have increased to accommodate our online presence and enhanced worship recordings. In addition, the traditional fundraising efforts we expected to be able to offer this year have been postponed. Please continue to support the church with your pledge, gift, and tithe.
We encourage you to continue your weekly offering to our churches by mailing in your weekly offering to your church’s financial secretary at the addresses below. If you wish to submit your donation to Liberty Pole UMC, you may also give electronically online at www.wisconsinumc.org.
Liberty Pole UMC Bill Marohl
S3784 Bakkom Road Viroqua, WI 54665
New Hope UMC Deb Groves
255 Ridge Street De Soto, WI 54624
Retreat UMC Jodi Waddell
S6908 Missel Road De Soto, WI 54624
We thank you for your continued support of our churches and look forward to
continuing our ministry here in the Driftless Region. Thank you and God Bless!
Inside this issue:
*Why Worship is Important 2
*Office Hours *A Mission Moment *Crafting Continues
3
*July Prayers 4
*Worship at Home *God’s Promises for YOU! *A Farewell Message
5
*Sunday School Fun! *Porch Talks
6
*Some At-Home Fun 7
*Shining Celebrations *Sign up for e-Newsletters!
8
*Events calendar 9
Upcoming Events
Independence Day Sat., July 4th
Retreat Sewing Circle Wed., July 8th, 10 a.m.
Retreat Crafter’s Group
Sat. July 11th, 10 a.m.
Retreat Sewing Circle Wed., July 22nd, 10 a.m.
Food Pantry Open
Every Thursday 9 – 11 a.m.
July 2020 Volume 12.7
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat
United Methodist Churches
Shine! - July 2020 – Volume 12.7 Pg. 2
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
Why Worship is so Important
The loss of our collective worship in the last several months is challenging. Gathering together brings us into a community with others who share our spiritual beliefs. Sharing the same space connects us emotionally and spiritually as we look into the eyes of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We hear their laughter and the melody of their voice.
The separation adds another layer for single persons who do not have any physical contact with another person. Our past worship experience refueled us with hugs and handshakes that imbued a palpable energy transfer. I do miss hugs.
We used to take these blessings for granted because these were staples of our life and we never believed we could be without them.
Like toilet paper. Or hand sanitizer. Or ¼” elastic. We call our meeting space a Sanctuary - a place of refuge. The Sanctuary
intentionally separates us from the rest of life. Every nook and cranny, every corner, every wall, even the windows tell us the stories of our faith. We enter our Sanctuary and we immediately know this is a different place. A place to rest our minds. A place to leave our burdens. A place to meditate. A place to praise our Creator. We immerse ourselves with sensory reminders of our faith history. Organ and piano music, guitars, trumpet and horn. Candles burning. Art in many forms depicting the life of our Savior and the lives of the faithful. Literature we read and hear. Communion bread and juice. Water splashing as it is poured into a baptism bowl. Nowhere else do we find all of the elements of our faith gathered in one place, coated with memories of life events. Families beginning in weddings. Lives remembered in funerals. The day we finally understood why the pastor says that particular thing. The day our child was baptized. The day we committed ourselves to Christ. The day we placed our hands on another person and prayed for their health.
We long to gather in the Sanctuary where we are fed and nurtured with movements and actions that stimulate all of our senses and provide a healing salve for the wounds of the world. Oh I know, some of the experience of church exists in other places. We connect with the Lord in nature. But our church buildings have historically been where we choose to dip our souls into a healing pool of spiritual nourishment. The church building is not just a place for a meeting.
Right now, the reality is that gathering in our Sanctuary may impose a health risk to others. So, we are taking extra precautions. We live in an area with very low spread of the COVID virus, but we are evaluating the health of our community each week and will adapt if the situation changes. We have implemented extra cleaning practices. We have decreased the number of people who can gather together at one time and increased the space between people sitting in pews. We have modified a number of our worship practices.
The reopening committees of each church have given a lot of time and consideration into how to move forward. I encourage you to connect on our webpage, on Facebook, through email messages we will send, and phone calls we will make to keep you up to date on the service schedule for each week.
Liberty Pole will continue to pause in person worship.
New Hope and Retreat will offer in person worship.
I acknowledge what is missing by not worshiping together. I acknowledge what is possible when we do worship together. The thing is, worship is not an option for the Christian. When you worship at home, create a space for yourself that
is your sacred space. Eliminate the distractions. Light a candle. Open your Bible and read out loud. Sing a hymn. Pray with enthusiasm. Worship and praise the Lord where you are.
Shine! - July 2020 – Volume 12.7 Pg. 3
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
A Mission Moment with Barb
I am very pleased to announce that my 2 grand daughters and I were able to deliver 65 hygiene kits for UMCOR use in early June. Our 3 churches provided 50 of those!! Congratulations and thank you for your contributions. I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of our Methodist family when it comes to supporting missions. There are so many ways we can be" missionaries ". How are you sharing your talents? Have you called anyone to share scripture with? Have you donated to your local food pantry? Have you offered your time and talents to help others who have a need you can meet? I know you can think of other ways as well. Keep on serving our Lord and our church as you live a Christian life and serve as good examples to others. Your sister in Christ,
Barb Robson, Liberty Pole UMC
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Crafting Ministries Continue at Retreat
After several months of social distancing in the wake of the pandemic, the crafting ministries of the Retreat UMC are planning to start gathering once again during the month of July. All gatherings will be held at the Retreat UMC Fellowship Hall where everyone can still meet but remain socially distant for the safety of all attending. So if you are needing to get out of the house for some crafting fun and fellowship while still remaining safe, we encourage you to attend one or more of the gatherings below! Everyone is invited to come!
Wednesdays, July 8th & 22nd @ 10 a.m. – The group will be working on laptivity quilts for area nursing home and assisted living residents.
Saturday, July 11th @ 10 a.m. – The group will be working on a jellyroll quilt that may be raffled off either this fall or later next year.
Also, the group now has an extra sewing machine on hand! If you are wanting to learn to sew, feel free to come to a gathering and one of the wonderful ladies will help teach you how to tackle this wonderful life skill!
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“May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”
~ Psalm 33:22 ~
Pastor Pam’s Weekly Office Hours
Mondays – Thursdays Saturdays
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by appointment
The pastor is often away from the office for visitation or meetings. Please call the parsonage (608) 648-2528 and leave a message or contact by cell phone
(text or call) at (989) 666-1277.
The Driftless Regional Ministry office is located at E2286 Hwy 82 in De Soto.
Shine! - July 2020 – Volume 12.7 Pg. 4
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
Prayers for July Each day of the week, use this simple prayer starter as part of your conversation with God. Copies of these prayers
are distributed on the last Sunday of each month in the bulletin; extra copies are available to place in different
locations to help us remember to pray.
Monday Lord, remind me of all Your promises. Guide me to
walk in Your path. Heal me with hope given through Christ and the strength to choose Your way above my own.
Tuesday Give me a discerning heart to the Holy Spirit. Teach me
to hear. Teach me to be still and silent to know when you are talking. Teach me to listen. Give me silence to understand.
Wednesday Father God, bless all my family today, both those who I am physically related to and those who I call my brothers
and sister. Fill all who are empty with the loving hope that only You can provide.
Thursday Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and the gift of friendship. You have brought people into my life to encourage
me and draw me near to You. May I also be a bridge for others to experience Your love.
Friday I take so much for granted Lord. Help me remember the same power that conquered the grave also lives in me. May
I honor the life of Christ and live Christ’s love.
Saturday Teach me the stories of Jesus as if I was hearing them for the first time. Give me new understanding for the Sunday
School lessons which formed my faith walk. I have so much to learn Lord.
Sunday On the day I called, you answered me, you increased the strength of my soul. ~Psalm 138:3
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Dear God, you have blessed us and we are so thankful. Yet, we know that times are challenging. There is so much hurting in our world, in our community. Your Presence needs to be felt in the
hearts of all. We come to you for direction in new possibilities for our church and our community. Speak to us Lord. Please guide and renew us as we learn and pursue Your will.
In Jesus name, Amen.
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“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
~ 1 John 5:14 ~
Shine! - July 2020 – Volume 12.7 Pg. 5
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
How to Worship with Us at Home
Even though some of our churches are reopening for in-person worship, many people may not feel comfortable gathering in large groups. If you are one of those, rest assured that we completely understand and long for the day when you can comfortable rejoin us in person. But until then, you still have opportunities where you can worship with our churches from the comfort and safety of your own home! Each week, we will continue to record our worship service at the Retreat UMC. You will then be able to watch this recording later on Sunday and throughout the week in these various ways:
Online at our website, driftlessministry.org. Under the “Worship” tab, mouse over “Sermons” and then click on “Sermons from Liberty Pole, New Hope, & Retreat UMC”.
On our YouTube channel, Driftless Ministries.
On our Facebook pages: New Hope and Retreat United Methodist Churches and Liberty Pole United Methodist Church.
On Vernon Communications Cable Channel 15 at the following times and days:
Mondays: 4:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., & 7 p.m. Tuesdays: 1 a.m., 9:30 a.m., & 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 12 a.m., 6 a.m., 2:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m. Thursdays: 5 a.m., 11 a.m., & 8:30 p.m.
Fridays: 1:30 a.m., 10 a.m., & 4 p.m. Saturdays: 12:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 3 p.m., & 9 p.m. Sundays: 5:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & 8 p.m.
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God’s Promises for You! – Online Bible Study for July
During these uncertain times, we could all use a little encouragement. One way to find encouragement is to remind ourselves of the promises that God has made to us. The online Bible study for the month of July is designed to do just that! From His power to His peace or His presence to His courage, this reading plan offers verses, devotionals and prayers that will bring you closer to God and encourage and empower you for the road ahead.
This 21-day study will begin on Sunday, July 5th and is available at: https://bible.com/p/29441555/22e1ed456a7a5c1028a35c248002da33.
If you haven’t tried using the Bible App, give it a try today! In addition to the devotional/reading plans, it also provides a verse of the day, daily stories and reflections, and you can also read scripture in any version you can think of! You can find the Bible App in your app store on your mobile device or access it on your PC at www.bible.com. Plus, it is 100% FREE! Don’t pass up this valuable resource that enables you to connect to God’s Word wherever you are!
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A Farewell Message from Joyce Hunter
I would like to thank my church family for all the love over the past many years. I have reached the hard decision to sell my home and relocate to Ohio where I will have family. I am saddened to do this but I know it will be for the best. God’s love to each of you.
~ Joyce Hunter, New Hope UMC
Shine! - July 2019 – Volume 11.7 Pg. 6
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
Join the Sunday School FUN!
You’re invited to join us as we find the treasures of Proverbs on the New Hope & Retreat Facebook page & on the Driftless Regional Ministries website.
ProVERBS = good actions. Explore the Bible with stories, games, and fun. Join the Sunday School FUN!
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How About More Porch Talks?
Many of you participated in what eventually came to be called Porch Talks and I appreciated the enthusiasm you showed for this project. We produced a short video at each person’s house with their reflections on the quarantine, words of encouragement, and inspirational scriptures. Your thoughts and reflections inspired others and helped us stay connected with each other and helped us meet each other in new ways.
So I’ve been thinking that we could continue with some additional devotions. Here are some possibilities:
Messages from the youth of our church. Reflecting
on how life has changed; what they like about
these changes and what they miss. Perhaps they
could offer a short prayer too.
Messages from members on current topics. You
pick the topic and share some thoughts about what
this topic means to contemporary Christians.
Where do you find inspiration? Where have you
seen God at work in these months?
Singing a favorite hymn and sharing the history of
that hymn.
What else could we share from our porch? If you would like to join in, please let me know! Send an email to [email protected] or call me at 608-648-2528.
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“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
~ Zephaniah 3:17 ~
Shine! - July 2019 – Volume 11.7 Pg. 7
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
Some At-Home Summer Fun!
We welcome you to color this page and then show your creation with the world! Take a picture of your work and share it with us on our New Hope and Retreat United Methodist Churches Facebook page! Let the world see that your faith in the Lord has not diminished during this time away from gathering together! We would love to see your art… and act of worship!
Shine! - July 2019 – Volume 11.7 Pg. 8
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
Shining Celebrations!
Birthdays
Ashley Thompson – July 2nd Isabella Audetat – July 3rd Tatum Schumacher – July 4th Bradley Funk – July 5th Bryce Funk – July 8th April Haakenson – July 8th Ronald Hammond – July 8th Rae Holiday – July 9th Greg Roach – July 13th Dale Kromke – July 15th
Cody Zitzner – July 16th Bonnie Marks – July 17th Lars Thompson – July 17th Donna Crum – July 18th Ethan Stilwell – July 18th Arden Zitzner – July 18th Leif Thompson – July 19th Billie Caley – July 20th Carol Bishop – July 23rd Heather Slack – July 23rd
Kearstin Peterson – July 24th Zachary Weis – July 28th Wayne Robson – July 29th Tom Baker – July 30th LaNay Kumlin – July 30th Sara Meyer – July 30th Seth Volden – July 30th Kim Meyer – July 31st
Anniversaries
Brian & Signe Mikkelson – July 4th Charlie & Debbie Groves – July 11th Kirk & Rae Holliday – July 20th
Alan & Judy Christianson – July 24th Brian & Tammy Gardner – July 24th
Did we miss your birthday, anniversary, or other special day?
Let us know! E-mail us at [email protected].
Help us save time, money, and the environment!
As Christians, we are also called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. So in an effort to be good stewards, we are asking you to help us save paper, postage, and our time! If you have an e-mail address, we can send you our monthly newsletter directly to your inbox. If you would like to receive the newsletter via e-mail, just send us an e-mail to [email protected] with “Subscribe” in the subject line. Or sign up at our website at www.driftlessministry.org/shine. It’s that easy!
Church Contacts Pastor Pam Harkema – Cell: (989) 666-1277
Parsonage: (608) 648-2528 [email protected]
SPRC Chairs – Barb Robson (608) 606-5809 Marla Withey: (608) 788-8325
Lay Leaders – Debbie Groves: (608) 648-3684 Barb Robson (608) 606-5809
Deldon Hanson: (608) 648-2736
Food Pantry – Tim & Mary Green: (608) 648-3636
Shine! - July 2019 – Volume 11.7 Pg. 9
Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches – Visit us online at: www.driftlessministry.org
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Liberty Pole, New Hope & Retreat United Methodist Churches c/o Jeff Nelson 120 Rosewood Ln N West Salem, WI 54669
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