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Holy Week March 25-30
EASTER SUNDAY March 31
Complete schedule of services inside.
Circuit Rider March 2013
Newsletter of the Tekamah & Decatur United Methodist Churches 1408 L Street, Tekamah, NE 68061
Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID TEKAMAH, NE
Permit No. 37
Address Service Requested
How to Contact Us:
Philip Sloat, Pastor Tekamah/Decatur UMC Julie Borkosky, Parish Secretary
The Parish Office is located at the Tekamah UMC, on the corner of Highway 32 and 14th Street.
Tekamah Church Phone: (402) 374-2888 Decatur Church Phone: (402) 349-5120
Church Email: [email protected]
Church Website: http://www.tekamahumc.org
Pastor’s Residence: (402) 374-2751 Pastor’s Cell Phone: (402) 307-0047 Pastor’s E-Mail: [email protected]
Secretary Hours: M-Th 8:30-12:30
Worship Schedule
Decatur UMC Worship Service: 8:45 AM
Fellowship Time (after Church 2nd Sundays)
Tekamah UMC Sunday School: 9:30 AM for Adults
Fellowship Time: 10:00 AM Worship & Children’s Sunday School: 10:45 AM
LOOK INSIDE FOR…
- Lenten events, including Holy Week and Easter Sunday
- New “Safe Gatherings” training program
- “Are You Open” recap by Pastor Phil
- The Goodwill trailer is coming back to town!
Lenten Prayer Breakfasts
Lenten Prayer Breakfasts continue on Wednesday mornings during Lent. Breakfast is served at 6:30 AM in the fellowship hall of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Each congregation takes a turn to host the breakfast, and the pastor provides a brief devotion. Breakfasts are open to everyone. The final Lenten breakfast will be Wednesday, March 20.
Sponsored by the Tekamah/Herman/Decatur Church Community Council
Lenten Bible Studies
This year we will be studying Adam Hamilton’s book The Way, Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. Through the study book and the accompanying video presentations, we will follow as Adam Hamilton takes us to important places in Jesus’ life. These include the River Jordan, the wilderness, and the city of Capernaum. Through this study we will deepen our understanding of Jesus’ life as well as our faith and love in him.
We will offer the study in Tekamah on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM and Wednesday mornings at 9:00 AM. We will also offer it in Decatur at the Maple Villa Community Room on Thursdays at 1:00 PM.
Other times and locations can be arranged. If you have any suggestions or would be interested in leading a study, please contact Pastor Phil.
Lenten Fish Fries
Fish Fries at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tekamah continue on Friday evenings during Lent— thru Friday, March 15.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
*The Tekamah UMC Pie Ladies will serve pie on
Friday, March 8.
Lenten Brunch
Tekamah United Methodist Church
Saturday, March 23 9:30 am
The program speaker is Mary Connealy of Decatur, author of historical romance Christian fiction books.
Everyone is invited to the brunch and program. There is no charge to attend; however, donations to the Tekamah-Decatur-Herman Food Bank are welcome.
March Lectionary
MARCH 3 Third Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 55:1-‐9 Psalm 63:1-‐8 (UMH 788) 1 Corinthians 10:1-‐13
Luke 13:1-‐9
MARCH 10 Fourth Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9-‐12 Psalm 32 (UMH 766) 2 Corinthians 5:16-‐21 Luke 15:1-‐3, 11b-‐32
MARCH 17 Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16-‐21 Psalm 126 (UMH 847) Philippians 3:4b-‐14
John 12:1-‐8
MARCH 24 PALM/PASSION SUNDAY
Luke 19:28-‐40 Psalm 118:1-‐2, 19-‐29 (UMH 839)
Isaiah 50:4-‐9a Psalm 31:9-‐16 (UMH 764)
Philippians 2:5-‐11 Luke 22:14–23:56
MARCH 28 Holy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-‐4, 11-‐14 1 Corinthians 11:23-‐26 Psalm 116:1-‐4, 12-‐19 John 13:1-‐17, 3lb-‐35
MARCH 29 Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-‐53:12 Hebrews 10:16-‐25
Psalm 22 John 18:1-‐19:42
MARCH 31 EASTER SUNDAY
Acts 10:34-‐43 Psalm 118:1-‐2, 14-‐24 (UMH 839)
1 Corinthians 15:19-‐26 John 20:1-‐18
Need a bookmark? Just cut on the dotted line!
Join Rev. Nan, Elkhorn Valley District Superintendent, in her daily Lenten devotion, “Remember the Future: Praying for the Church and Change” by Robert Schnase.
Beginning March 1, open the BLOG on the District Website, www.elkhornvalleydistrict.org. Each day offers a reflection, scripture readings, and questions to guide our thoughts and prayers.
You can purchase the devotion book, download it on Kindle, or read it on www.ministrymatters.com. All are invited to join the conversation.
Nan is looking forward to being in reflection and prayer with you during March!
HOLY THURSDAY March 28
7:30 PM Living Last Supper
Fellowship Hall Tekamah United Methodist Church
We will journey back to the Upper Room with Jesus and his disciples. Then we
will share together in the Lord’s Supper. share together in the Lord’s Supper.
GOOD FRIDAY – March 29
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Come and Go Worship
Tekamah United Methodist Church
The Sanctuary will be prepared with music playing and devotional guides for you to use
for individual worship during Good Friday.
12:15 PM Good Friday Worship
Tekamah United Methodist Church
We will have a brief, 30-minute worship service to remember Christ’s Passion.
7:30 PM
Good Friday Tenebrae Worship Decatur United Methodist Church
“Tenebrae” means shadows. On this most solemn night, we read the story of Christ’s crucifixion and death. We sing hymns and
extinguish the candles until the church is completely dark.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27
7:00 PM Seder Meal
Decatur United Methodist Church
We will remember the Passover meal (or Seder) that Jesus shared with his disciples
and celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion that Jesus instituted during
the Last Supper. (Only light refreshments will be served, not a complete meal.)
Celebrate the Resurrection and Holy Communion
at 8:45 am or 10:45 am!
March 31 7:00 AM Community Sunrise Service
Tekamah Cemetery We join with our brothers and sisters
from other churches to welcome the rising Son!
8:45 AM Easter Worship Service
Decatur United Methodist Church
10:45 AM Easter Worship Service
Tekamah United Methodist Church
March 25- March 30
“Are You Open?” -Recap by Pastor Phil-
Recently in Norfolk, Nebraska, Bishop Scott Jones led over 140 folks through the basics of “Being Radical United Methodists.” The conference-‐-‐“Are You Open?”-‐-‐was held over two days (February 8-‐9) at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College. The Elkhorn Valley District planned and hosted the event.
Bishop Jones shared how he grew up in the United Methodist Church and yet never learned about John Wesley. He thought that “evangelism” was a dirty word! It was only as a student at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, did Bishop Jones take the class “Wesley and Wesleyan Tradition” taught by Albert Outler. He discovered that he was “Wesleyan by DNA.” This led him into a path of study and learning that included a doctorate, writing several books about Wesley and becoming a professor at Perkins.
Out of this life-‐long study of Wesley, Bishop Jones shared “Ten Things Every Christian Ought to Know (from a United Methodist Point of View)”. Like John Wesley, Bishop Jones believes that “United Methodism is simply basic Christianity.” On Friday evening, the group was led in laughter by comedienne, T. Marni Vos. Her humor was laced with wisdom on living and loving with joy. On Saturday, Bishop Jones shifted to a more pragmatic presentation of “Twenty Components of an Evangelistically Effective Congregations.”
Throughout both days he reminded us “to keep the main thing the main thing.” He believes that every United Methodist, both pastors and laypersons, can learn to be an evangelist. He defines evangelism as “that set of loving, intentional activities governed by the goal of initiating persons into Christian discipleship in response to the reign of God.”
Bishop Jones has his own website at www.extremecenter.org where he posts blogs and articles that he has written. Among the material available at this site you can find outlines of the material that the he presented at the conference. The Bishop’s power points are available on the district website www.elkhornvalleydistrict.org.
Safe Sanctuaries Program to Undergo Changes Online SAFE GATHERINGS TRAINING BEGINS
Beginning February 1st, all people renewing or completing first-time certification
for boundary awareness and abuse prevention to work with children, youth and developmentally dependent adults in the Nebraska Conference will complete their coursework online.
The new Safe Gatherings training program replaces Safe Sanctuaries. The Safe Gatherings program is also used in both the Kansas East and Kansas West Conferences.
Workers and instructors who currently are certified under the current program will not be required to take the new Safe Gatherings course until their certification expires. Certified individuals will receive a notification when their certification expires, and they will be required to complete recertification online.
Registration and all aspects of the program, with the exception of some of the background checks, will be completed online, on the Great Plains Area website. Assistance will be provided to those who do not have computer access or who are unfamiliar with online learning.
For additional questions about Safe Gatherings, contact Roxie Delisi at 800-435-6107 or via email at [email protected].
To the right are the results of Bishop Scott Jones’ free throw challenge to raise money for Imagine No Malaria. ���The total amount raised will be reported next month.
Shoot for N MALARIA
When requesting prayers please describe the reason that prayer is needed as briefly and simply as possible. Please call the church/pastor at the numbers listed on the cover of this newsletter. If you are unable to reach either Pastor Phil or Julie, you may also contact Lela Thompson at (402) 456-7465.
If you would like to become part of the prayer chain, contact Lela Thompson
or the Parish Office.
DECATUR
Howard Storm Harold Jones, Jr. Helen Kahlandt
Keri Clark Jean McAllister
Don Worley Jody Mitchell
Helen Thomas Art and Janice Mussack
Jim Reno Marilyn Kinning
Al Little Owl Donny Brewer Barbara Bates Betty Farrens Skip Farrens
Janette Maryott Bob Culak (son-in-law of Gerry & Barb Bates)
PERSONS IN THE ARMED FORCES & THE LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY
Ashlea Hittle Chris Pankonin Zach Townsend Michael Braniff Curtis Archer
Logan Anderson Daniel Menard
Charlie McGuire Dustin Stulke Joel Farrens Marty Raue
Tim Mussack Bruce Nicholls
Michael Jernigan Timothy Johnson
B.J. “Bill” Huntington Tessa & Nate Darling Jeremiah Szynskie Gary Ray Strong
Steven Cole Phelps
Our Sympathies…
To the family and friends of: Luella Beck, who passed away on February 13. Johnie Beard, who passed away on February 26.
TEKAMAH
Jim Cornish Kathy Magill
Bertha Coleman Harold Jones, Jr. Lois Weatherly Lloyd Dannen Pat Maxwell
JoAnn Hoeper Edythe Porter Joann Snow Pam Robison Doris Olson
Verna Weatherly Mike Maxwell
“Skeeter” and Bill Brass Haley Deemer
Marion & Eva McCluskey Letha & Phil Eriksen Roland & Kay Shafer Lyle and Gloria Marr
Kenny Fisher (cousin of Mike Jones) Helen Sommerer (sister of Donna Mock) Lucas Richards (friend of Mayo Family)
Virginia Huppe (cousin of John Dallmann) Ridge McCall (great-grandson of JoAnn Hoeper) Marjorie Riddell Case (sister of Bruce Riddell)
Vital Congregations: Next Steps—Update!
The team from Tekamah United Methodist Church joined for the second session of “Vital Congregations: Next Steps” on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Papillion. Their next session will be held on March 9.
The team representing Tekamah consists of Pastor Phil, Bruce and Carolyn Riddell, Bob and Donna Gatzemeyer, Jan Bowden, Jan Orton, Patty Wilson and Lela Thompson. The impetus for the recent Valentine’s Banquet originated with this group as they thought how to get the Men’s ministry of the church going. They continue to meet together to discuss plans and ideas they have to enhance the ministries of our church. Please continue to pray for the persons on our team as they learn and grow as disciples and leaders in our church!
We still have APPLE PIES for sale!
If you have any information to include in the April newsletter, please submit it to the church office by Thursday, March 21.
March Birthdays
Decatur 4 – Pat Metzler 7 – Mike Farrens 11 – Helen Tippery 17 – Randy Andersen 21 – Marilyn Andersen, Lori Titus 28 – Rachel Farrens, Jim Reno
NOTE: A small-base quad walking cane has been donated to our church for anyone to use as needed.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
TIME BEGINS
Sunday March 10 at 2:00 AM
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
March 10, 2013 For more than 50 years, United Methodist congregations have been taking part in a special One Great Hour of Sharing offering, laying the foundation for UMCOR’s ministry of relief and hope.
Donations UMCOR receives through this offering, along with other undesignated gifts made throughout the year, cover our costs of doing business. They make it possible for UMCOR to use 100% of all other contributions on the projects our donors specify, instead of on administrative or fundraising costs.
Please consider giving on this Special Sunday, March 10.
Tekamah 1 – Lauren Nichols 2 – Judy Grothe, Eva McCluskey, Jerry Palmer 3 – Patty Wilson 4 – Jim Ball Jr. 5 – Helen (Sloat) Barsell 7 – Rosamond McNabb 9 – Phil Simpson 10 – Pam Robison 11 – Annie Jackson 12 – Kim Bisanz, Emma Wakehouse 14 – Donna Gatzemeyer 15 – Bryce Magill 16 – Carolyn Riddell 17 – Patti Lawson, Jim Elliott 18 – Troy Kassmeier, Jeanna Nichols 19 – Janet Ray, Bruce Riddell, Cody Summer 22 – Kristi Harmon 24 – Barb Sklenar, Bob Gatzemeyer, Mike Hovendick 25 – Arlene Weatherly 27 – Jamie Kellogg 28 – Mary Moore 29 – Jim Grothe
The Goodwill Industries Ambassador Donation Trailer
will be parked in the Tekamah UMC west parking lot (by the parsonage)
March 13 – March 20
Drop off your clothing,
working small appliances, household items,
sporting goods and toys.
LOST/MISSING: Large red cooler
Pie cutting guide that cuts 7 pieces (rather than 10 shown in the picture.) Missing since last April.
Please contact the church office if you have seen
either of these items. Thank you!
Congratulations! It’s a… Bryce & Blair Magill celebrate the birth of their baby girl, Cailyn Lee, who was born February 14. Best wishes!
Please let us know if you have a new arrival
or other joyful occasion to announce!
Vital Congregations: Next Steps—Update!
The Tekamah United Methodist Church joined in an exciting program called “Vital Congregations: Next Steps” on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Papillion. The team representing Tekamah consists of Pastor Phil, Bruce and Carolyn Riddell, Bob and Donna Gatzemeyer, Jan Bowden, Jan Orton, Patty Wilson and Lela Thompson. Since their first session, the group has gathered twice more to discuss plans and ideas they have to enhance the ministries of our church. Our next session will be held on Saturday, February 9. Please pray for the persons on our team as they learn and grow as disciples and leaders in our church!
STEWARDSHIP “Therefore, let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.” --Psalm 32:6, NRSV Not everyone would welcome busloads of homeless people at their church. Even fewer people would go out of their way to bus the people to the church and arrange that they got hot showers, clean clothes and a meal. That proves that the people of Garner (N.C.) United Methodist Church are not just “anyone.” The Garner congregation began welcoming people into the church for showers in 2006 after a motel, which had offered the service, closed. Carlene Lucas saw a need, talked to church leaders and founded Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement, which goes by the acronym HOPE. Lucas said she has been interested in helping the homeless since she was a girl. “I believe that it is our moral responsibility to take care of each other.” What started helping a trickle of people expanded to assist 50 of Garner’s poorest citizens each week. Volunteers come from about 10 neighboring churches. St. Andrews United Methodist Church, for example, provides volunteers for the program every first Saturday. Different congregations are responsible for certain weeks, while other volunteers bring food once a quarter or so. “My favorite part was watching folks work to make HOPE happen,” one volunteer said. “The Lord is doing a special work here through HOPE.” Another commented, “I really enjoyed the day. I got a chance to sit down and eat with them. I just feel very blessed.” PRAYER Loving God, whose head knows no rock and whose body has no den, grant that we may recognize you among the least, the last and the lost, to clothe them with dignity and feed them with love, that all may come to recognize you in our midst. Amen. -- Copyright General Board of Discipleship. www.umcgiving.org. Used by permission. Adapted from The Garner Citizen website, January 2011
Healing Service Sunday, March 17
We will celebrate a Service of Healing and Wholeness as part of our morning worship services at both the Decatur and Tekamah United Methodist Churches on March 17th.
We will offer anointing with oil and the laying on of hands along with prayers for healing and wholeness during this service. (Normally we hold this service on the fifth Sunday, which happens about once every three months.)
During this service at Tekamah we will also pray over Prayer Shawls. If you have a friend or family member who might be blessed by receiving a Prayer Shawl, please contact Pastor Phil or Patty Wilson.
Easter Lilies
If you would like to order an Easter Lily to grace the sanctuary of either the Decatur
or Tekamah church for our Easter Worship, please place your order
by March 11th!!
Cost is $12.50 per plant.
Tekamah Floral will be providing the plants.
Order forms will be available at both churches.
SAVE THE DATE!
Community VBS will be held in Tekamah
June 10-14
Thoughts from Pastor Phil
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.—Luke 9:51-53 NRSV
Our Journey of Faith
In the Bible we see many journeys described. Among the most important are the journey Abram and Sarai took when they left Haran and went to Canaan in answer to God’s call and the forty-year journey of Moses and the Hebrews as they went from captivity in Egypt to the Promised Land. But none of these journeys is as important as the journey of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem. A journey that
