1

Outreach of the United Methodist Churches of Wells and Kiester, Minnesota

MAY 2018

Growing in love of God and neighbor, Reaching new people, and Healing a broken world.

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Wells Campus Service Groups:

Communion Servers

* = Communion Preparer 6 Carol Draheim*, Karen & Don

Stenzel, Becky Woolverton

Ushers 6 Mickey Ellsworth, Pat Coy 13 Mickey Ellsworth, TBD 20 Mickey Ellsworth,

Mary Jacobsen 27 Mary Jacobsen, Pat Coy

Liturgist 6 Reese Druckenmiller 13 Jeff Ramsley 20 Becky Woolverton

27 Sherry Asmus

Cross Bearer 6 Hunter Bruckhoff 13 Lexi Johnson 20 Jaiden Gossen

27 Kylie Fordham

Acolytes 6 Addison & Braeden Mithun 13 Kolt Bullerman,

Aaron Johnson 20 Nevaeh Roberts, Abby Wedin 27 Ushers

Nursery 6 Makayla Knutson,

Sherry Asmus 13 Pat Coy, Amber Schuster 20 Amber Cords,

Kylie Fordham 27 Lexi Johnson, Kori Elmer

Projection: Op Set-Up 6 Karen Stenzel Chris D. 13 Kevin Stenzel Deb L. 20 Karen Stenzel Deb L. 27 Kevin Stenzel Deb L.

Audio/Video Technicians 6 Sarah H., Hunter Bruckhoff 13 John Miller, Danielle T. 20 Kaylynn Healey,

Hunter Bruckhoff 27 William Healey,

Hunter Bruckhoff

Greeters 6 Bob Clark, Betty Culbertson,

Mary Jacobsen, Anne Feist 13 Amber Cords, Joyce

Frederick, Mickey Ellsworth, JoEtta Doolittle

20 Bev Niebuhr, Deb Lackey, Kim Meyer, Janice Linder

27 Janice Linder, Sandy Youngblom, Cari Stenzel, Sarah Hankerson

Driver For a ride, call one of the following.

Bruce Frederick 553-5456 Dean Youngblom 553-5272 Dave Loveless 553-3609 Glenn Johanson 553-5077

Coffee Servers All weeks–TBD (Please sign up)

Coffee Treat Pot-Luck Bring a plate, a pan, or a container of any type of coffee treat you’d like to share. Could be cookies, bars, cheese & crackers, fruit, etc. This is an act of hospitality, so if you don’t bring something, that is fine. Everyone is welcome.

Greetings to you as we begin the month of May!

Life sure is fascinating! As I write this today, it is April 13 – a severe winter storm is expected in tonight through tomorrow, with possibly 8” of heavy, wet snow, and very high winds, all preceded by thunderstorms and then freezing rain and ice/snow mix. I think last year at this time many were in their fields or just about ready to be anyway!

As you can certainly imagine, Becky and I are gradually sorting through things as our moving day rapidly approaches, deciding what to keep, what goes in the “garage sale” assortment, and all the while sharing the many stories that ten years of ministry in the greater Wells area has brought.

One of the things I came across the other day while cleaning and sorting through some files, was the initial letter I had received from Bishop Sally Dyck and then DS Michael Wuehler, dated July 1, 2008, confirming my appointment to the Wells area and the NEW Southern Prairie District (formerly Southeast District, and highlighting the suggested

3

Pastor’s Letter (continued from page 2)

ministry areas to focus on. (Jay Christianson was the SPRC chairperson then.) You’ll find a copy of this letter on page 5 so you, too, can reminisce and celebrate.

As I read through each of the bullet points, I was truly amazed at all the things we accomplished together! I remember our SPRC met every month for the first year that we were in ministry

together. Through that process, along with the various “Meet-N-Greets” that were so well organized, allowing great opportunities to share hopes and dreams together, and even unpack some things that were shared in those contexts that I didn’t fully compre-hend. That SPRC was extremely helpful!

The 2nd and 4th bullet points are similar - Getting to know the people and connecting with community. Getting together with “the guys” in the mornings for coffee and “updates” was always interesting. Getting to know various business owners, people that worked for the city, as well as the pastors of the other churches. I remember gradually trying to get around to many church folks homes to see where everyone lived. I found that the GPS is not always reliable for this! Being on a dart league and being among folks who have very real spiritual issues just like the rest of us, but have no church – this was an awesome outreach ministry into and with the community!

Worship expression. As I look back we really have made major accomplishments in the worship area alone, haven’t we?!! We have experimented with weekly communion, trying to clap while we sing, blending the organ and the keyboard on songs, having choir in the balcony, on the main floor, added projection, renovations to space and seating and lighting and music equipment – what fun! Being with folks in our Kiester site when we were first getting to know one another, and sitting down to play a hymn before we wrapped up, only to end with applause, because people were so happy to sing with live music, so we decided we could do that every week if we wanted to!

Care for self. One thing I have always valued in our ministry together is how all of you have always checked in with my being, asking how I’m doing, making sure I was setting time aside for myself, connecting with places for my own ongoing spiritual renewal. I cannot tell you all enough how extremely blessed I have been to be able to serve with you here! This stuff, while it is not rocket science, just doesn’t happen, unfortunately, in may places! You truly are a blessing! Don’t change!

Gospel Imperatives. Now here’s something really cool! I’m not so sure that if we were to send a survey out to all our folks asking what they are, that we’d get back results clearly stating them. But all of them are within your DNA – across our ministry area! Helping people be in love with God and their neighbor – growing and deepening our relationships with God and each other in all that we do; Doing our best to keep reach-ing new people, so that we can help them grow in love with God, and their neighbors; and to do what we can to try to help heal a broken world. This is accomplished by doing what we do in all the above! Loving God – Serving People! That’s who we are as Open Doors UMC!

Spiritual Vitality. As we have journeyed together these ten years in ministry, reaching out and living our Gospel Imperatives in all that we do, we have helped so many people

(Continued on page 4.)

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Pastor’s Letter (continued from page 3)

May Worship Calendar Worship times & locations: 9:00 am–Wells; 10:30 am–Kiester

May 6 Easter 6 / Communion .................................................................. (White) Scriptures: Acts 10:44-48 / Psalm 98 / 1 John 5:1-6 / John 15:9-17 Sermon: “Love One Another”

May 13 ........ Ascension Sunday / Mother’s Day / Festival of the Christian Home ...................(White) Dedication of new seating & other sanctuary upgrades at Wells

Scriptures: Acts 1:1-11 / Psalm 47 / Ephesians 1:15-23 / Luke 24:44-53 Sermon: “A Changing of the Guard” May 20 ........ Pentecost Sunday / Graduate Recognition Day / Baptism ..................................... (Red)

Everyone please wear RED on May 20 for Pentecost!) Note – Red plants on loan for this service should be dropped off at the church by 9am Saturday, May 19. Thanks!

Scriptures: Acts 2:1-21 / Psalm 104:24-34, 35b / Romans 8:22-27 / John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Sermon: “Everyone Means Everyone!” May 27 ........ Trinity Sunday ..........................................................................................................(White) Scriptures: Isaiah 6:1-8 / Psalm 29 / Romans 8:12-17 / John 3:1-17 Sermon: (Guest)

have the light of Christ illuminated within them! What a joy to see this happen, and then being part of the process to help fan the flames to keep that fire burning deep within. That’s who we are as United Methodist people! We offer them Christ! And we do that through genuine caring, loving, praying, partnering in life’s journey, walking together with Christ.

Becky and I cherish each one of you, our partners in ministry, more than you can ever realize. I have gone to various meetings across the district or conference, and I always come back and say a little prayer of thanksgiving to God for the privilege to be able to serve here with all of you. If you ever doubted that, just talk with Sarah in the office, she knows that very well. It is a joy to begin every staff meeting, in fact every meeting period, in the church with devotions and prayer. You truly are a Christ-centered church. And to whatever degree I have helped that be of vital importance for you, I am grateful.

You know that song, “Welcome,” that we’ve been singing as we begin worship? It is my prayer that you will adopt this song as the theme song for Open Doors UMC wherever you have the opportunity to make a difference. I will say more about this next month in my final letter, but for now, be sure to take the time to think about the words you sing each week, and the lives who long to hear such words in a day of exclusion. Thank you for your ability to have welcomed me and Becky into your midst. We look forward to exciting new adventures for you as you begin to transition to a new style of spiritual leadership and pastoral care! Remember – wherever we are, we walk together with our Lord. Blessings –

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APOSTOLIC LETTER PASTOR: Paul Woolverton, Jr.

APPOINTMENT: Wells United Methodist Church July 1, 2008

Rev. Paul Woolverton 595 First Ave. SW Wells, MN 56097

Dear Paul,

You will be serving in the new Southern Prairie District. I know that you will find this district to be a vital place to practice ministry and grow in our own spiritual faith. In order to be successful and thrive in your new appointment at Wells UMC, I suggest that you focus on the following areas.

Meet with the SPRC monthly during the first year of your appointment. It is important for the church to help provide direction for your ministry and feedback for your efforts.

Get to know the people! In a rural community leadership can best be done through personal relation-ships. Getting to know your congregation will help your leadership in the church and in the community.

Help the church grow in its worship expression. You are a gifted musician. If you can combine your talents with the already existing talents of the worship team, you could create a variety of vital worship experiences.

Help connect the church to the community. Wells UMC is a great church. Unfortunately, the church is not a vital force in the community of Wells. I believe that your leadership could help make Wells UMC a renewing force in the community.

Care for yourself in mind, body, and spirit. Your emotional, physical, and spiritual health is vital for your long-term appointment and well-being. You need to care for yourself if you are to be effective in caring for others.

Take seriously the Gospel Imperatives. Find ways to reach new people. Wells UMC can be a magnet church. There are a lot of small communities in the area where there are no churches or the churches are closing. How can Wells be invitational to a larger area?

Find ways to bring spiritual vitality to Wells UMC. The people of Wells UMC seem to be eager to grow and stretch in new ways. How can you guide them so they can be strong in spirit?

A copy of this letter has been sent to your SPRC. Please keep this letter so that you may review it with your SPRC. We hope you find time to enjoy all the good things life and your new appointment offer. Please take time to enrich your spirit.

Pastor’s Letter (Continued from page 4)

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Pastor Christopher Leistra Appointed as Next Pastor of

Open Doors UMC It is the intention of Bishop Bruce Ough

to appoint the Reverend Christopher Leistra as pastor of Open Doors United Methodist Church in Wells and Kiester as of July 1, 2018, and acting on behalf of the congregation, the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee has confirmed the Bishop’s intention. Pastor Chris’s first Sunday with us will be July 1. Please plan to be present to welcome him, his wife, Teal, and their two children, Noah and Charlotte.

Pastor Chris Leistra is a life-long United Methodist, having grown up as the son of a UMC pastor. Pastor Chris has served congregations in Blanchardville and Lamont, Wis-consin. He will be completing his Masters of Divinity at the University of Dubuque Theo-logical Seminary this August.

Pastor Chris’s hopes for the church will be that we will work in ministry together, as a team, and provide a vision for ministry based on the work God is already doing here. He is looking forward to being involved in the community, as well.

In his spare time, Chris spends it with family, reading, and enjoys being outdoors. He hopes to take up his lost hobby of bike riding again. Teal is a full-time mom, which keeps her plenty busy with the 3-month old baby and an active 4-year old.

Transition Plans Underway The Trustees and SPRC teams have been busy meeting and planning for the farewell

send-off of Woolvertons and the welcoming of Leistras. Pastor Paul’s last Sunday with us will be June 17. We will have one joint service that

day in Wells at 10:00 am (note time change). Following the worship service, we’ll have a pot-luck dinner together and a time to bid our farewells.

Pastor Paul & Becky’s move-out week will begin June 17 and the anticipated move-in week for Leistras will begin June 24. So we’ll have about a week to clean and paint the parsonage, purchase and hang new drapes, and do any fix-ups before the Leistras move in. We’re looking for volunteers to offer their time to help with getting the parsonage ready. Contact Sally Yokiel, Trustee Chair, or the church office if you can offer assistance.

Meet & Greet gatherings are very helpful for the new pastor to get to know as many of the congregation as possible. We will hopefully have a dozen or so Meet & Greets in homes throughout our geographical area during July & August. If you would like to host one of these gatherings, contact the church office. Hosting would include serving a bever-age and a simple snack or dessert for 10-12 people. Volunteers to make phone calls would also be welcome.

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Pentecost is May 20 In the tradition of Open Doors UMC, we would like your help to fill the sanctuary with red

flowers on Pentecost Sunday. If you have any live red flowers not planted in the ground yet, please bring them to the church by 9:00 am Saturday, May 19.

* Wear Red on May 20! *

Saturday,

May 12

7:30 am at Kee Kafe

A hearty breakfast, devotions,

prayer, comradery

Todd, Amber and Quinn Rasmussen

Jeff Buege Sharing his Musical Ministry at

Awesome Adults

*MAY 3*

Everyone is invited to come for the May gathering of Awesome Adults on Thursday, May 3, at noon in the Fellow-ship Hall of Open Doors UMC–Wells Campus. Bring a dish to pass for the pot-luck dinner. Following the meal, Jeff Buege from Frost will put on a full hour musical program. Come to enjoy new and old friendships, a great meal, and inspiring music. There’ll be door prizes, too! Invite your friends!

A special thank you to Carrell Bathke and her helpers for lining up entertain-ment and helping to keep Awesome Adults going for another year! We welcome your thoughts on continuing for the summer and taking the winter off. Hosts are needed.

Quinn Louise Rasmussen Born October 23, 2017

Baptized April 29, 2018 Daughter of Todd & Amber Rasmussen, Wells

Maci Jean Hueper – Born Feb. 26, 2015 Roy Daniel Hueper – Born Dec. 19, 2016

Baptized April 29, 2018 Children of Darrin & Katie Hueper, Wells

Darrin & Katie Hueper

Joined April 29, 2018, by confession of faith.

Darrin & Katie and their children, Maci & Roy, live in rural Wells.

Richard & Judy Goggin Joined April 29, 2018, by letter of transfer

from Villard UMC. Rich & Judy live in Kiester.

Donald Stenzel Joined April 29, 2018, by confession of faith.

Don has been active in Open Doors UMC as an Associate Member and has now made

the decision to become a Full Member.

(See page 17 for story.)

Updated Church Directories are available at either site – in Wells on the table near the fountain and in Kiester on the desk in the entry.

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Spring Community

SUNDAY, May 6 – 4:00-5:30 pm

City Park, Kiester

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Mission emphasis: HAITI

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W =Wells Campus; K =Kiester Campus; All other events at Wells Campus unless designated otherwise.

11

Event Calendar

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Lunch & Learn:

To become a Dementia Friend, you participate in a one-hour De-mentia Friends Information Session presented by a Dementia Friends Champion. You will learn five key messages about dementia and a bit about what it’s like to live with dementia. As a Dementia Friend, you turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. Your action can be big or small – because every action counts!

Lunch & Learn begins at 12:00 ($4 suggested donation). RSVPs are requested by calling Interfaith Caregivers at 507-526-4684.

Bring a dish to pass and your own dinnerware.

Beverage and pulled pork sandwiches will be provided. This will be a fun way to finish out the year of Sunday School and

welcome summer! In case of rain, we’ll have the picnic in the church basement.

YOU ARE INVITED TO Watoto Children’s Choir A vibrant worship experience from a family of orphans

Thursday, May 24, 7:00 pm, Blue Earth Area HS

Once again, Hope UMC in Blue Earth will be hosting the Watoto Children’s Choir. This is a 75-minute service full of worship, joy and missions challenge with children from an orphanage in Uganda. Please save the date: Thursday, May 24, 7:00 pm at the Blue Earth Area High School Performing Arts Center. There is no cost to attend. An offering will be taken and there will be mer-chandise for sale. People of all ages will enjoy this concert. This is a non-denominational event.

Church Picnic

Sunday, May 20

Thompson Park, Wells

11:15–Children’s games begin, and will continue after dinner

12:00–Pot Luck Dinner

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Clair Christian, daughter of Kent & Joan Chr istian, will graduate May 27, 2018, from Luther College in Decorah, IA, with a Mathe-matics major and minors in Economics and Education.

Julia Stenzel, daughter of Kevin & Car i Stenzel, will graduate Summa Cum Laude from Winona State University on May 4 with a degree in Elementary Education/Middle School Math.

Krista (Frederick) Muhlenbeck, daughter of Bruce & Joyce Freder ick, will graduate from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, with her Masters in Education on May 18.

Mason Squires, grandson of Jan Car lson, will graduate May 11 from River land Community College, Albert Lea, as an Electrical Maintenance Technician.

Hunter Tuveson, grandson of Jan Car lson, will graduate from MSU-Mankato on May 5 with a bachelors in Exercise Science. He will continue on at MSU for a masters in Athletic Training.

Mackenzie Jackson, granddaughter of Pastor Paul & Becky Woolverton, will graduate from Lewiston-Altura High School on June 1. She will be attending MSU-Mankato for social work.

Anna Louise Currier, great-niece of Bob & Virginia Clark, graduates from Ban-croft-Rosalie High School in Nebraska.

Congratulations to the high school graduates from Open Doors: Amber Schuster, Joy Krosschell, and Trevor Kibler. We will celebrate and recognize all graduates at worship on May 20 followed by a special coffee hour reception.

Amber Schuster will graduate from Maple River High School on June 1, 2018. She is the daughter of Dave &Sue Schuster. Her siblings are: Merlin, Jeremy and Heather Schuster. Amber’s church activities have included: Youth Group, nursery attendant, usher, greeter, acolyte, cross bearer, scripture reader, bell choir, and mission trips. In school she has been involved in NHS, FCS, Yearbook, Knowledge Bowl, Serteen, Drama and One Act, Concert & Marching Band, Choir, Vocal Jazz, Dorian Festival, STLF trips, Relay for Life, Girl Scouts, American Legion Girls State, Oddfellows United Nations Delegate.

Following graduation, Amber plans to attend St. Cloud State University and major in Travel and Tourism in the Honors Program.

Joy Krosschell will graduate from United South Central High School on June 3, 2018.

Trevor Kibler will graduate from United South Central High School on June 3, 2018.

Contact Sandy Y. to register 507-525-2401. $20

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Sandy Youngblom Youth & Family Ministries

photobug0608@yahoo.com 507-525-2401

MAY NEWS Teen Bible Study – Mondays, May 7, 14, 21 at 7:00 pm

The Jesus-Centered Small Group Bible Study for teens will be on Monday, May 7, 14, and 21 at Sandy’s. All are welcome to come. Bring your bible and come at 7:00 p.m. Sandy’s address is 331 7th Ave SW. See you there!

Thrive Youth Group – May 2 & 9 at 6:15-8:00 pm Youth group starts at 6:15 and supper is before that, if you want to come for supper!

Road ditch pickup will be on Wednesday, May 16 right after school!! Hope you can all come to help!

Mission Kids – Thursday, May 10, 3:15 pm Mission kids will meet on Thursday, May 10, right after school. You will all get to make

a project you can keep or give away. We will be sewing and baking.

Mission Trip – Registration deadline May 2 The deadline to sign up for the summer mission trip is May 2. A down-payment of $50 is

due at this time. The sign up sheet will be on the bulletin board in the narthex and there will be one in the youth room. The mission trip will be to Chetek, WI, July 15-21, 2018.

14

Last month we had to cancel Pioneer Clubs on April 18th because of a snow storm, of all things! That was the day we had invited Brandon Sahr, financial advisor with Thrivent Financial, to

come and talk to the children about wise use of their money. But, we were able to resched-ule with Brandon for Wednesday, May 9!

All three of the Clubs will be included, 1st grade through 6th. They’ll learn about making wise choices, about saving, spending and giving, an intro to budgeting, and what the Bible has to say about money and wealth.

Brandon would also love to meet with the parents. Parents are invited to come 15 minutes early–4:45pm–and have a brief meeting with Brandon about children and finances.

Hope you can join us! And stay for supper with your family afterwards! This will be the last Pioneer Clubs meeting of this school year. Hope to see everyone again in the fall!

Remember: Wednesday, May 9, 4:45!

ATTENTION ALL PIONEER CLUB PARENTS!

Unit on children & money rescheduled for May 9!

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Wells—On Sunday April 22, 2018, our unit and the Kiester unit conducted the worship service to praise God and discover what God wants us to do for His kingdom. God wants us to choose to trust Him and to become more like Christ! Our unit at Wells will meet May 2 in the Hospitality Room behind the sanctuary at 1:30 for fellowship. At 2:00, Mary Loveless and JoEtta Doolittle will offer a

study called “Sacred Space of Nurturing.” We will discuss ways to create a sacred space for nurturing and learn more about our role to advocate for world peace and justice worldwide.

After the discussion, there will be a short business meeting and time to pray for those among us who are hurting and walking with sadness.

Our library has many, many, many books and studies about nurturing and advocating for world peace. United Methodist Women are notorious for marching and speaking for social justice.

One of the many newer books is titled “House of Purple Cedar.” It is on the reading list for 2016 so it qualifies for the UMW Reading Program. Read about it below.

– JoEtta Doolittle, President UMW-Wells Kiester— At the April 19th meeting of UMW-Kiester, it was decided that money

raised from the Lenten Lunches would go to the Kiester Food Pantry, Emma Norton, and Faribault County Interfaith Caregivers.

A new project is getting underway. The Kiester unit is collecting plastic grocery store bags, which will be cut and made into plarn (plastic yarn) and then crochet or knitted into 3’x6’ sleeping mats for the homeless.

The next meeting will be Thursday, May 24 (note date change), at 1:30 pm. Wendy Nickel will give a report from “The Power of Bold” United Methodist Women Assembly she will be attending May 18-20 in Columbus, OH. LaVonne Swearingen will serve will serve. The roll call will be: a women from the Bible.

– Wendy Nickel, President UMW-Kiester

UMW Reading Program Book Review Wells Campus Collection (Books may be borrowed from either Campus’s libraries.)

House of Purple Cedar by Tim Tingle This if the story of Rose Goode’s upbringing in Indian Territory. Skullyville, a once-

thriving Choctaw community, was destroyed by land-grabbers, culminating in the arson of New Hope Academy for Girls on New Year’s Eve 1896. Twenty Choctaw girls died, but Rose escaped. Soon after, her grandfather, Amafo, was humiliated in front of the town’s people. Instead of asking the Choctaw community to avenge him, he decided to follow the path of forgiveness. (UMW 2016 Reading Program - Nurturing for Community)

This book is one of many we have purchased in recent years dealing with timely issues of social justice and environmental issues. The library is open to all who like to read and who are concerned with how our church responds to what is happening in our world today.

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Conference Love Offering Each year, churches in the Minnesota Annual Conference take a Love Offering for Missions, which is brought to the annual conference session. Donations to the 2017 Love Offering totaled more than $92,000. Funds from this year’s 2018 Annual Conference Love Offering will to go three projects:

Puerto Rico Hurricane Recovery Trips (65%) In response to Hurricane Maria, Volunteers in Mission

(VIM) trips from the Minnesota Annual Conference to Puerto Rico will commence in the fall.

As teams are formed and team leaders are trained, most of the funds will be used for construction supplies bought and used on the island. Some of the funds will cover the purchase of hygiene kit and cleaning bucket supplies. Additional funds will be used for scholarships for first-time VIM participants.

Park Avenue UMC Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Program (20%)

The Freedom Schools Program is a six-week summer day camp experience for children. Its mission is to ensure that every child receives “a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start, and a moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.” Each year, about 50 scholars from the Central Neighborhood of South Minneapolis are part of Park Avenue UMC’s program, which aims to address the “summer slide” and to close the achievement gap.

Mornings are spent improving reading skills. In the afternoons, children participate in enrichment activities, including art, cooking, gardening, music/dance, and physical educa-tion. Love Offering funds will cover expenses for reading curricu-lum materials and for young adult mentors.

NUMAS Haus (15%) NUMAS Haus provides emergency shelter and support

services to homeless single women and their children in New Ulm and surrounding Brown County. Adjacent and connected to First UMC in New Ulm, clients are able to live there for up to 90 days as they complete a program that includes counseling, health and financial management, parent-ing and food preparation skills, and obtaining access to county social services and vocational training. Upon completion, participants are encouraged to secure permanent housing but may not immediately be able to pay market-rate rent. Love Offering funds will be used to help families with transitional rent assistance for six to 12 months.

To support the Conference Love Offering, use the Love Offering envelopes or mark “Conference Love Offering” on your check memo line. Checks should be made payable to Open Doors UMC.

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Welcome to Our Newest Members! Welcome to Rich & Judy Goggin, Darrin & Katie Hueper, and Don Stenzel, who all joined Open Doors UMC on April 29!

Darrin & Katie Hueper have two children, Maci (3) and Roy (16mo.), who were also baptized that day. They live on the Hueper family farm northwest of Wells. Darrin farms and Katie is a geography and Geographic Information Systems teacher at South Central College. In their free time, they like being with family and friends and spend-ing time outdoors. They had been attending a church in Mankato, but wanted to find a church closer to home where they could be in community and become involved. They’ve been so thrilled with the welcomeness of Open Doors.

Rich & Judy Goggin are near ly newlyweds, having been married for two years. After each losing their spouse, they wanted start fresh, so they moved to Kiester. They transferred their member-ship from Villard UMC to Open Doors UMC. Rich is a former Marine and retired computer program-mer. Judy is a retired nurse. Together they have four children, 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. They both like to garden, enjoy walking their 3 dogs, and are happy to serve the Lord by helping others.

Don Stenzel is not a new face to Open Doors. Don had been an Associate Member for ten years, retaining his membership in St. Casimir’s, but decid-ed it was time to make the commitment and become a Professing (full) Member of Open Doors UMC. Don is married to Karen and between them they have five children and two grandchildren. They live on their farm south of Wells. When Don’s not farming, he drives truck. Don is active on the Ministry Council, SPPRC, was on the HCI leadership team, and serves in many other ways such as usher, audio tech, com-munion server and greeter.

Wish to join? Another day to join will be coming up on May 20. If you would like to be a member of the family of Open Doors UMC, contact Pastor Paul or the church office to set up a meeting.

Don Stenzel with one of the baskets he

successfully bid on at the May Basket Jamboree.

Darrin, Roy, Maci, and Katie Hueper

Rich & Judy Goggin with their first great-grandchild.

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(Continued on next page)

Church Leadership Meeting Minutes The minutes of the church leadership meetings are published in the OneWay. They will be sub-

ject to approval at the next month’s meeting. Meeting packets of Open Doors UMC are located on the literature table (W&K) and are available for taking.

Ministry Council Minutes – April 12, 2018, 6:30 pm Members present: Karen Stenzel, Rusti Kallem, Sherry Asmus, Sandy Youngblom, Deb Lackey, Jan Johanson, Kevin Stenzel, Sarah Hankerson.

Karen opened the meeting with devotions “When You’re Down” (Psalm 6:8). Find good and posi-tive things in each day. Many thank yous were received for Serve Day.

Minutes: M2P Sandy, Kevin to approve the minutes of May 8, 2018, meeting as printed. Evaluate: Serve Day – Very much a success. 15 meals delivered, as well as in-home, nursing home & assisted living visits. Sandy brought the blankets to REACH, a teen drop-in center in Mankato, and got a tour of their facility and ministry. Anita brought RAK bags to the Cancer Cen-ter – we’ve gotten a couple thank you cards from recipients. Sherry will be bringing cards over to Ronald McDonald House in Rochester in a week. Undoubtedly, we will do this again. Several peo-ple commented they’d like to do this more than once a year. Thrivent members can get donations two times within a year, so perhaps we can plan to have Serve Day twice a year. Home repair/maintenance Serve Teams could actually be organized more often, independently of the big Serve Day. Thoughts on food: offering lunch may help to bring people back together again. Have some-thing simple in crock-pots for those that want it – serve yourself. Sandy would like to get more adults working during Neighbors Helping Neighbors week and wondered how to make NHN an extension or alternative version of Serve Day.

ON-GOING MINISTRY UPDATES: Sunday School –Attendance has been down all winter. All Adult Studies & Tuesday morning men’s breakfasts – on hold through April. Wednesday Ministry Offerings – Praise team will be practicing from 5:30-6:00 thru May. Becky is on vacation for 2 weeks. Missed her in the kitchen this week! No one volunteered to do the sup-per, but we got by with help from Pioneer Clubs & leaders, youth, and Diane V. Next week – same. Last day for Pioneer Clubs & Youth Group will be May 9. For next year, we will need to find an after school snack coordinator and supper cook to replace Becky. Also, important to have more leader consistency for the 1st & 2nd grade group.

Dinners for Six – Groups have been meeting and enjoying their meals together. Discussed the plan to have the next D46 sign-up on June 17. That will be the farewell day for Pastor Paul and proba-bly not be a good day for sign-ups, the focus will be, and should be, on them. With all the Meet & Greet gatherings that will be held for the new pastor, the consensus of the group was that we should cease the Dinners For 6 for the summer and concentrate on the Meet & Greets, which could actually help to generate more interest for a strong fall D46 start-up.

Discussions moved to questioning about the farewell plans for Woolvertons. Members of the con-gregation and Ministry Council would be a good resource for the Staff/Pastor Parish Committee to call upon for help. Sarah will look up what was done in the past when we had pastor transitions. Also, look at what’s available in the budget for a dinner/open house and if we need to ask Ad Council for an increase.

Flat screen TV for Kiester – Electrical should be simple, and the TV can work without internet. Unsure whether any concrete information has been gathered yet for the Trustees. Sarah will con-tact Rich Goggin for help when he returns from vacation.

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NEW/REVIEW – UPCOMING: Emmaus Reunion Group –Don S. has been in contact with Dennis from Lake City who will come and help us get it going. In order to move forward, Stenzels will pick a date for an initial Reunion Group meeting and set it up with Dennis. Anyone who can make it should come, and we will then plan the future schedule.

Spring Block Party – May 6 at Kiester from 4-5:30 at City Park – start setting up at 3:00. Church will get hotdogs so they are all the same. Karen will supply bottled water. Sign-up sheets will be passed around for buns, condiments, chips, bars/cookies, cut-up watermelon, prizes, games, and volunteer help. Sarah will make up some posters and fliers to hand out like last year and do an ad.

Community Picnic – Wells – May 20 –at Thompson Park. Discussed time and thought a better time would be 11am-2pm, with games starting at 11 and lunch at 12. Sandy will talk to Bill K. about cooking the pork we have for pulled pork sandwiches. Church will buy the buns & beverage and the rest is pot-luck. Will ask for volunteers for set-up, serving meat, preparing beverage. Sarah will reserve shelter.

May Basket Jamboree – April 29 at Wells, set-up will be during the same time as the 30-hr Fam-ine, but shouldn’t be a problem. All baskets will be cello-wrapped. Cheryl M. is working on the meal, which will be hot turkey sandwiches, a bar and drink. There will be a suggested donation price. Bidding will start after church from 10:30-11:30, lunch from 11-12:30. Those from Kiester who want to participate are invited to worship in Wells that day.

New Members – Several families/individuals will join on April 29; 3 baptisms. Summer Parades – Will talk more next month. Kiester Days is in limbo at this time. Even if we wouldn’t have a live praise band, it’s still valuable to have a presence with recorded music, candy.

VBS is June 4-7, 9:00-11:30 am. Asking for teachers, helpers. Next meeting is Thursday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m. Finalize plans for parades, Wells picnic, farewell.

Joint Ad Council and Administrative Teams Meeting Minutes April 19, 2018, 7:20 pm

Present: Terry & Sylvia Halverson, Dean Youngblom, Pat Coy, Audrey Henkel, Don Nickel, Sher-ry Asmus, Sarah Hankerson, Neil Roesler.

Don Nickel, Lay Leader, is the facilitator tonight. Minutes: M2P Dean/Sherry to approve the March 22, 2018, Ad Council minutes as pr inted with one typing correction.

Unfinished business: Timing for May Basket Jamboree was talked about at Kiester and all were fine with the times suggested.

New business/Reports: Trustees: Research for the overhang project at the Wells church will need to star t fresh and get new quotes.

Neil Roesler volunteered to take care of Walnut Lake Cemetery lawn, Jay Christianson–Wells church & parsonage, Dave Mutchler–Kiester church. Schraders will spray lawn at Wells.

Will have Tim Schwartz take a look at the peeling paint on the exterior of the Kiester church. Parsonage: A few members have volunteered to do some interior painting. Smart TV for Kiester: Terry had talked to an electrician about electrical needs, roughly $250-300. No idea about internet costs. It was the consensus of the trustees to wait until the new pastor comes to determine need before moving forward. Also would like to discuss with Rich Goggin.

Finance: Sanctuary upgrade funds were taken out of the Memor ial account “Building Fund,” which is now used up, the final costs being paid out of “undesignated.”

Next Meeting: Thursday, May 17, 2018, in Wells. Trustees at 6:30, Finance & Trust Fund at 7:00 and Ad Council at 7:20 pm. SPPRC will meet Thursday, May 10, 6:30 pm in Wells.

Don N. closed with prayer. Recorded by Sarah Hankerson.

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WELLS CAMPUS: (Central Office) 595 1st Ave SW, Wells, MN 56097 Office Phone: 507-553-5453 Fax: 507-553-6370 E-mail: opendoorsumc@bevcomm.net Web Site: opendoorsumc.org

Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. / Coffee Fellowship 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Sept-May)

KIESTER CAMPUS: 116 North 3rd St., PO Box 369, Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: 507-294-3300 Sunday School 9:30-10:15 a.m. (Sept-May) Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. / Coffee Fellowship 9:45 a.m.

Ministers ......................................... People of the Congregation Pastor ...................................................... Rev. Paul Woolverton Office Manager ............................................... Sarah Hankerson Music Ministries Coordinator ................................ Jan Johanson Youth & Family Ministries Coordinator. ......... Sandy Youngblom Custodians ............. LaMar Johnson (Wells); Priscilla Holst (Kiester)

OPEN DOORS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Central Office PERMIT #15 595 1ST AVE SW U.S. POSTAGE PAID WELLS MN 56097 WELLS, MINNESOTA 56097-1397

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

STAFF

In this issue:

Volunteer Schedule ....................................... 2

Pastor’s Message ....................................... 2-5

Worship Calendar ......................................... 4

Pastor Chris Leistra / Transition Plan ........... 6

Bits & Pieces................................................. 7

Block Party / VBS ......................................... 8

May Prayer Calendar .................................... 9

May Events Calendar .............................. 10-11

Church Picnic / Watoto / Lunch & Learn ...... 12

Graduates ................................................... 13

Youth & Family News / Pioneer Clubs ........... 14

UMW News .................................................. 15

Love Offering ............................................... 16

New Members .............................................. 17

Leadership Meetings ............................... 18-19

MAY 2018

OPEN DOORS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH