From The Pastor I Don’t Got This

As I am preparing for Pastor Kelly’s arrival and my

departure I’ll be honest I’m spinning all kinds of plates

here at Hilltop, but I am doing okay, because the plates I

am spinning are familiar. I got this. I know how to do this.

When it comes to Hilltop I have become the resident

expert. Did you hear what I said? “I got this.”

That’s something I would have never said 7 years ago. I

came here instead asking, “How am I going to do this?”

Yes, I was way over my head. I remember in my first few

months I was trying to get a sense from Terry Berg how I

was doing and her grace filled response was, “Fred, I think

you need to relax and trust God.”

Last Monday I sat in a cabinet meeting in the bishop’s

office to observe the role I am about to step into. As they

talked about stuff my mind was racing and I was saying to

myself, “I don’t got this.” Between you and me, while I am

excited about the new role, I am completely petrified.

I decided I needed to email the bishop and be up front

about my fear level. He emailed back and wrote, “Fred, I

think you need to relax and trust God.”

So the question on my mind this week has been how do

you trust God when you “don’t got this”? How do you

trust God in the midst of radical life change? In the midst

of grief, or illness, or despair, or major life change? You

know, when you clearly “don’t got this.”

I want to say two things on this. First, and this may be

hard to swallow, but the truth is “I don’t got this!” I mean

anything. I don’t got Hilltop, I don’t got fatherhood, I

don’t got district superintendency, I don’t got life, I don’t

got anything. And the reality is God’s got it. Everything.

Fred is not near as in control as Fred thinks he is. God

sustains everything. Not me. My anxiety and my fear is

directly related to the fact that I think so much of this

world’s ability to go on, depends on me. This is why smart

people tell me to trust God. What they are really saying is

– stop trusting you. Stop making yourself God. Let God be

God. He is pretty good at it!

Secondly, in a conversation with Pastor Art Keith this

week he said, “Trusting God comes from knowing God.”

You know the expression, “I trust you as far as I can throw

you.” What we are really saying is “I trust you as far as I

know you.” And it’s precisely because we know some

folks, we have experienced relationship with them, that

we have found them to be untrustworthy. But when we

invest in knowing God our trust builds, because he

continues to prove himself faithful. As the hymn says “‘tis

so sweet to trust in Jesus, how I’ve proved him o’er and

o’er“.

It’s no wonder that much of the bible is a recounting of

God of faithfulness. Even the 10 commandments begin

with “I the Lord your God who brought you out of the

land of Egypt…” Taking the next step when we “don’t got

this” begins with remembering what we know to be true

about God. My God brought the Israelites out of Egypt,

slew Goliath, closed the lion’s mouth for Daniel, yes, and

he planted a student ministry in Ukraine, led me in

pastoral ministry at Hilltop, and I didn’t have those things,

and I don’t got this new thing, but I know God does.

Be blessed,

Pastor Fred

Stay COOL and CONNECTED over the

summer!

Watch for Summer Connect Group options and registra-

tion information throughout the month of May! A few

select Groups will

run through June

and August.

May 2015

Page 2

Minutes from April Ad Council Thursday, April 16, 2015, 7:30 pm

Present: Pastor Fred, Jeff Adams, Herb Fast, Paulette

Booker, JoAnn Hutchinson, Andrew Bittner, Peggy

Phelps, John Phelps, Paulette Adams, Michelle

Behsman, Terri Horn, Don Bohn, Rolly Utzinger, Karen

Fryendall, and Bob Berg.

The meeting was called to order by Jeff Adams.

Approval of Minutes: A correction was made to the

minutes of the March meeting by JoAnn; the amount

received for Erma Juliar memorial was $1000, not

$1200. A motion was made by John Phelps to approve

the minutes of the March 19, 2015 Ad Council meeting,

Andrew Bittner seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Pastor’s Report : Fred shared his schedule through the

end of June. He needs to be at the Appointive Cabinet

meetings each month in preparation for the DS position.

He will baptize the Emery and Beaty kids on April 26th

and the Grunloh twins on May 17th. The date to receive

new members is still undecided. He will be at the

Annual Conference Session May 27th-29th. Confirma-

tion Sunday will be June 7th and Fred’s last Sunday in

the pulpit will be June 14th. Kelly first Sunday in the

pulpit will be June 28th.

Trustees Report: Bob Berg reported that the Trustees

met with Wayne Rom, who will coordinate the commu-

nity garden, and they authorized expenses for the

garden. The trustees met with Rebecca from Blue Heron

Landscaping and she presented a 5 year plan for Hilltop.

She explained that the water coming off the roof after it

rains will greatly impact any future landscape design.

She estimated that 58,000 gallons of water runs off the

roof on the South and West sides of the building and

without a drain tile any greenery planted will not flour-

ish. The trustees have decided to put the landscaping

plan on hold while they address the need for tiling. The

trustees will complete a walk-thru of the parsonage on

Wed. April 22nd. Their tentative work list includes:

replacing the carpet, painting, new flooring in the bath-

room, removing a cupboard in the kitchen, and install-

ing a dishwasher.

Finance Report: Don shared that the church had been

named as a beneficiary of an annuity owned by Dean

Marble. Jeff asked the family how they would like to see

the gift used. The Marble family said that the gift has no

strings attached, but shared that Dean had an interest in

the care and maintenance of the building. John

suggested the Endowment fund for Building & Property

as a possibility. JoAnn discussed a couple of line items

on the Finance report; Connect Groups and Reach

Renew Rejoice. The District reimbursement to date

includes payment for the 4th quarter of 2014. $4790.00

has been moved from general checking into the

increase and memorial accounts. Terri made a motion

to approve the finance report. Bob seconded the

motion. Motion carried.

SPRC: John reported that the team has been discussing

how the church can welcome and prepare for the arrival

of the McCuaig family. They will be sending a letter in

June to all members announcing a welcome reception

for Kelly’s first day as Pastor. They are suggesting small

“meet and greet” gatherings in homes as a way for the

McCuaigs to get to know everyone. A farewell reception

is also being planned for the Vanderwerf family on June

14th. SPRC will also plan a special reception for Terri

Horn and JJ Morgan as they enter ministry. John also

reported that Aaron and Kendra Daby will be taking

over custodial duties.

Worship: Paulette Booker thanked all of those who

helped with setup during Holy Week.

Youth: Jeff shared EJ’s report; she is planning a service

project with Embrace Church of Sioux Falls and making

plans for a Lock-In.

Pastoral Care: Sandy Cooper is stepping down as coordi-

nator of rides and meals for homebound members.

Technology: Jeff shared Don’s report: We will continue

to use Easy Worship 2009 until enough information is

available to train a core group on Easy Worship 6. They

Hilltop Ad Council

Mary Martha Circle

Date: May 13th

Time: 1:30 pm

Hostess: Sandra Kiewatt

Devotions: Phyllis Cole

Project: Quilts

welcome ideas for possible uses of an electronic moni-

tor at the Welcome Center.

New Business: Michelle shared that Carbonite had been

installed on both the office computer and the pastor’s

computer. She will install on the computer in the tech

room in the coming week.

Andrew made a special announcement (insert drum roll

please) HE IS GOING TO SEMINARY!!!

Next Meeting/Adjournment: The next meeting will be

on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Pastor Fred

closed with prayer. Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Michelle Behsman.

Hilltop Office

The office will not be staffed Monday, May 25th

through Friday, May 29th. Michelle will be working at

the MN Annual Conference session in St. Cloud the

26th-29th and the 25th is a holiday.

Newsletter Submissions

When submitting newsletter articles, be sure to include

the date, time, location, other details, contact name and

number, and the name of the team or committee host-

ing the event. There is a submission form on the shelf by

the copier or submit to office@mankatohilltop.org and

include “newsletter article” in the subject line. The

deadline for the June newsletter is Monday, May 18,

2015.

Thank you

To my Hilltop Friends - Thank you so very much for the

special cards, good wishes & kind thoughts since I

fractured my ankle. Also the many prayers that have

been said for me. Special thanks to Don Putzier for

visiting me at the hospital. Also special thanks to Marj

Blommel for the delicious soup—and Mark & Deb Birr

for the most delicious dessert we have ever had! I still

have a long road ahead but will be in shape to make the

T-rings for the Christmas Festival!

-Thanks again, Joyce Long

1st Annual Hilltop Women’s Retreat

Looking for time away from the

busyness of life? Time to "stop and

smell the roses" as you relax with

friends, share laughter and stories,

and spend time with God? Well,

you've found the right place! At Garden Getaway, you'll

find a lovely spot to slow down and walk with God at a

leisurely pace. Come explore the seasons of life at

Shalom Hill Farms in Windom, MN, May 15th arriving

at 4:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 5:30

p.m. & May 16th ending around 4:00 p.m. Cost for the

retreat is $65.00 with a $30.00 non-refundable deposit.

Sign up at the Welcome Center or on the Hilltop

Website. For more information contact Jocelin Reynolds

at 507-317-7474 or tamjoc@gmail.com or Kerry Rausch

at 507-381-8877 or kerry.rausch@gmail.com.

Graduation Recognition

We will recognize two graduating seniors, Grayson

Gavin & Michael Kraywinkel on Sunday May 10th at the

10:15 am worship service. Please include these young

adults in your prayers—ask God to help them to stay

true to their dreams, to use their gifts wisely, and to

walk into the future with faith, hope, and great love.

Page 3

Worship Attendance Statistics

Sundays: 2015 2014 2013

Palm Sunday 217 221 198

Easter Sunday 345 388 344

Easter 2 194 176 178

Easter 3 231 175 170

Average 246 240 222

Hilltop News

Happy Anniversary! Ron & Margaret Beaty 5/04

Kay & Jim Svobodny 5/19

Dale & Shirley Ashpole 5/20

Howard & Rhonda Friesen 5/20

Don & Steph Putzier 5/21

Amber & Coty Bruender 5/23

John Steinbauer/Paula Wilson-Steinbauer 5/23

James & Paulette Booker 5/26

John & Kim Beaty 5/26

Kelly & Mike Vandermuss 5/29

Amy & Mike Daufenbach 5/30

Page 4

Mission SUPPORT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat is a nonprofit, housing ministry which builds

simple, decent, and affordable homes with and for work-

ing, low-income families in need. You can help support

this ministry in two ways - donate cash via “Get on the

Beam” and recycle your unwanted electronics. The

“beam” will be in the Narthex during the month of May.

Just sign your name on the beam when you donate a

dollar or more in the attached bank. The “beam”

becomes part of the framework for a Habitat house.

Your can also donate unwanted e-matter (cameras, GPS

devices, cellphones, MP3 players, laptops, toner

cartridges, and ink jet cartridges; sorry no cylinder

cartridges from copiers) at our donation corner in the

bin marked Habitat Recycling Program.

SALVATION ARMY DINNER

Hilltop will be serving the Noon meal at the Salvation

Army on Sunday, May 31st from 11:00-1:30 p.m. (This is

the weekend AFTER Memorial Day.) Please sign up in the

narthex to donate food and/or help to serve our guests.

It is a very rewarding experience. Thank you!

MAY MISSION POTLUCK

The Fellowship Committee will be hosting our May

mission potluck on Sunday, May 17, following the 10:15

am Worship Service. We will be gathering at McGowan's

Farm (20001 Hawkeye Lane, Mankato, MN 56001).

Hotdogs, bottled water, paper plates and plastic silver-

ware will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass,

munchies, a bag of chips, or dessert. McGowan's Farm is

a place for ALL AGES to experience hands-on old-

fashioned skills and family fun. Give the zip line or a

catapult a try, roast some marshmallows in the fire pit,

challenge Pastor Fred to dinging the bell with a sledge

hammer, or just have fun watching the kids (young and

old) enjoying themselves. We will be collecting a free-

will offering to benefit the United Methodist Committee

on Relief. Please plan to attend this time of fellowship in

the outdoors. Contact Terry Berg at 625-1865 or Judy

Harrington at 345-6743 with questions.

HappyBirthday! Brady Phillips 5/1

John Harrington 5/2

Amy Brown 5/3

Herb Fast 5/3

Kim Waknitz 5/4

Doug Smithson 5/5

Tammy Milbrandt 5/5

Wayne Baumgartner 5/5

Katie Grunloh 5/6

Scott Page 5/7

Brady Andersen 5/8

Jeff Adams 5/8

Brittni Johnson 5/9

Darlene Gullickson 5/10

Kari Pratt 5/10

Peter Bittner 5/12

Scott Harmon 5/13

Bill Alleven 5/14

Norm Wilson 5/14

Mackensie Daby 5/15

Bill Goebel 5/17

Evelyn Roseberry 5/17

Janet Marble 5/17

Adela Scherer 5/18

JoAnn Hutchinson 5/18

Bruce Long 5/19

Judy Argetsinger 5/19

Amber Cole 5/20

Cameron Burke 5/20

Bailey Feuling 5/21

Dewey Marble 5/21

Cindy Scherer 5/23

Darlene Meyer 5/23

Don Putzier 5/23

Scott Johnson 5/23

Whitney Page 5/23

Jeffrey Brown 5/24

John Steinbauer 5/25

Keiran Weerts 5/25

Luke Andrews 5/25

Nic Lamphear 5/26

Shane Gerhart 5/26

Marty Saigh 5/28

P.P. Philip 5/28

Heather Medd 5/29

Mary Bittner 5/29

Leah Baumbach 5/30

Paula Wilson-Steinbauer 5/30

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www.mankatohilltop.org

Pastor Fred Vanderwerf

pastor@mankatohilltop.org

108 S. Manitou Drive

Mankato, MN 56001

(507) 387-3877

office@mankatohilltop.org

find us on facebook:

Hilltop United Methodist Church

Registration Info

How to Order:

1. Call 1-800-33-TWINS (hit “0” to speak to an attendant)

- Phone lines are open during business hours and most evenings/weekends during Twins games.

2. At the START of your call, be sure to reference the United Methodist Day promotion.

- Demand for seats to this outing is very high and tick-ets will likely go fast…seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

3. VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, and AMERICAN EXPRESS are accepted. A $5 service/handling fee will be added to each order.

4. Your tickets will be mailed.

No exchanges or refunds; offer not valid with any other

discounts or promotions. Tickets must be purchased by

May 26, 2015. Game date and time subject to change.

United Methodist Day 2015 at the Twins

START DATE / TIME: June 8, 2015 at 7:10 p.m. vs. Kansas City Royals

LOCATION: Target Field, 353 N. 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55403

REGISTER BY: May 26, 2015

COST: $16 (Section 329, rows 3-10); $31 (Section S, rows 1-4 and rows 1-3)

Here’s your chance to join family, friends, and other

United Methodists across Minnesota for a night of big-

league action and fun! Bishop Bruce Ough will be throw-

ing out an honorary first pitch before the game and lead-

ing the 7th inning stretch! Support Imagine No Malaria

with every ticket you order! Place orders by Tuesday,

May 26th. Due to high demand for seats to this special

promotion, all orders will be filled on a first-come, first-

served basis only. This event is expected to sell out

quickly.

Minnesota Annual Conference