Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Class of 2017 was honored on Sunday, April 30. The graduates present for the service were: (front row) Bryce Borer, Katie Ellard, Haley Nolde, Shawna Mell; (back row) Gabby Coviello, Jake Estrada, Madeline Huntimer, Halleˋ Tophoj, Parker Reil, Christopher Knudsen, Kacey Jaeger.
FIRST UNITED FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHMETHODIST CHURCH
Ministry TeamMinistry TeamMinistry Team
Ministers The Worshiping Congregation
Pastor
Chuck Rager
Christian Education Director Renee Meyer
Administrative Secretary
LaVerne Schimpf
Custodian Ginny Volberding
Newsletter Editor
Karen Nenstiel
District Superintendent Kay Alnor
Bishop of Great Plains
Conference Ruben Saenz, Jr.
Ogallala, Nebraska 69153 www.methodistchurchogallala.com
TTHEHE MMESSENGERESSENGER
First United Methodist ChurchFirst United Methodist Church
Pastor’s Page 2
From Our Mailbox 3
Newsletter Deadline 3
United Methodist Women 4
Marriage Vow Renewal 4
FunFest Follow-Up 5
An Activity Page 6
Scholarship Winners 7
Bible Study Puzzle 8
Stewards for June 9
IN THIS ISSUE
Members of the Confirmation Class of 2017 were received into full membership of Ogallala First United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 21. In the Class picture above are: Courtney Berol, Milan Coggins, Lay Leader Jonnie Peterson, Josie Coggins, Makenna Eisenzimmer, Pastor Chuck Rager, Sierra Knaub, Truman Knudsen, and Danielle Nolde.
As you read this newsletter I will be
getting ready to attend Annual Conference
2017.
Annual Conference is when all the United Methodist Pastors in our Great
Plains Conference (which encompasses all of Nebraska and all of Kansas) and one lay
person from each of the churches in our Conference gather together. We will discuss
items of business and concern relating to our Conference and vote on many issues
relating to our Conference. Jonnie Peterson serves as the Lay Delegate from Ogallala
United Methodist Church.
Annual Conference this year is June 6 through June 10 and will be held in
Grand Island, Nebraska .
At Annual Conference this year we will vote on where the new Conference
office will be located. We currently have three Conference offices: Lincoln, Topeka
and Wichita. The Conference Board of Trustees is coming with a recommendation of
where this one new office should be located, and we will vote to approve or disapprove
this recommendation. Thus, we will go from three sites to one. As I write this the rec-
ommended site has not yet been revealed.
Effective July 1, we will no longer have a District Superintendent located in
Ogallala. Our current D.S., Rev. Kay Alnor, is retiring and moving back to her home
state of Pennsylvania after Annual Conference concludes. The District Parsonage,
where she lives in Ogallala, will be sold and the proceeds go to the Conference since
the Conference owns the house. We will learn more about our future structure in the
Great West District after Annual Conference. Will there be a District office in Ogallala
as there is now? If so, will that office still be downtown, or will the Bishop relocate that
office to an available room at Ogallala United Methodist Church? What will my role as
a Network Leader guiding some United Methodist Churches in our area look like?
These questions and more will be answered at and/or after Annual Conference 2017.
One thing we do know is that the District Superintendent for our area will be Rev. Cin-
dy Karges, whose office is in Kearney. She currently serves as District Superintendent
for the Gateway District headquartered in Kearney and will now have an expanded
area.
After Annual Conference is completed Jonnie Peterson will give a report as
to these items and more that were covered at our meeting in Grand Island.
In the midst of all the questions mentioned above, there are some things I
know. I know that I am looking forward to the great things that we will continue to do
together at Ogallala U.M.C. I am excited about what new opportunities God will pre-
sent to us in the future and how we can respond to those opportunities. I know that I
am looking forward to hearing about what great adventures our eight church campers
have this summer. I know that we will pray, work and laugh together.
I know that my wife and I continue to be delighted to serve this community of
faith and abide in your midst!
See you in church,
Pastor Chuck Rager
Page 2 June, 2017
“Bee”
The bee symbolizes various
traits across cultures and
faiths, including community,
industry and resurrection.
Its sting may represent
judgment, while its honey
calls to mind the sweetness
of divine riches. Multiple
times in the Old Testament,
the Promised Land is
described as “flowing with
milk and honey” (e.g.,
Exodus 3:8), and the Psalms
declare God’s words
“sweeter than
honey” (19:10; 119:103).
Christian
Symbols
Unlike an earthly prince, God didn’t take a high-and-mighty title,
notes 17th-century British preacher Thomas Watson. Instead, God calls
himself Father to encourage us to pray to him.
But God isn’t just any father. Watson offers these reasons why
God is “the best Father”:
He is the most ancient (Daniel 7:9).
He is perfect (Matthew 5:48).
He is the wisest (Romans 16:27).
He is the most loving (Zephaniah 3:17; 1 John 4:16).
He has unsearchable riches (Ephesians 3:8).
He can reform his children (Acts 9:11).
He never dies (1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 1:8).
Page 3 The Messenger
“When a father
gives to his son,
both laugh;
when a son gives
to his father,
both cry.”
~~William Shakespeare
Pentecost, June 4, 2017
Trinity Sunday, June 11, 2017
Flag Day, June 14, 2017
Father’s Day, June 18, 2017
First day of summer, June 20,
2017
Special Days in June
The Best Father
Thank you for streaming the ser-
vice. I attend every Sunday. It is good
to be able to attend my home church,
even though I do not live there any
more.
God bless and keep you,
Marita Donner
From Our Mailbox
If you have ideas, pictures or
articles to submit for the July, 2017,
issue of The Messenger, please
have them turned in no later than
Tuesday June 20, 2017. Earlier
submissions would definitely be ac-
cepted and appreciated!
Submissions may be made to
the Church Office, or you may e-
mail them directly to your newsletter
editor at:
Thanks so much for your help!
deserving members who have
served and witnessed within our
congregation, and the Dedicated
Light recipient will be an-
nounced. Come and share this spe-
cial day with the UMW.
Mona Radcliffe
UMW President
Page 4 June, 2017
United Methodist Women in Service and Mission
Sunday, June 11, will be United
Methodist Women Sunday this
year. We are privileged to have
Lisa Heinert as our special speak-
er. Lisa works with a school in Zim-
babwe, helping to secure funds for
the children to get an education.
The UMW will present Special
Mission Recognition pins to three
Last month’s picture and story
about the new acolyte robes stated that
the four new robes were purchased with
funds given by the men’s group, Cow-
boy Capital Consultants.
In fact, the United Methodist Wom-
en paid for two of the acolyte robes,
while the CCC gift paid for the other two
robes.
We apologize for the misunder-
standing and any inconvenience it may
have caused.
~~Messenger Editor
United Methodist
Women’s groups will
resume monthly
meetings in
September.
Have a great summer! Marriage Vow Renewal Ceremony
If you can answer yes to ANY of
these questions, you might want to par-
ticipate in our Marriage Vow
Renewal Service on Friday,
July 7, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. at
Ogallala United Methodist
Church. Plan and mark your
calendars now.
Talk with your spouse, and if
you would like to participate in
this Marriage Vow Renewal
Service, please visit with me. If
you have renewed your vows
before, you may still take part in
this service and renew your love and
commitment again.
Rev. Chuck Rager
Have you been married for some
time now? Have you gained a greater
appreciation for the person that
you married? Have you a better
understanding of the true love
needed to make a marriage last?
Have you felt a desire to recom-
mit yourself to your marriage and
your spouse? Have you experi-
enced joy and celebration in
your marriage, and you want
celebrate those blessings?
Have you endured tough times
together, and you want to
acknowledge your spouse and God’s
presence that sustained you in those
challenges?
A Correction
While hanging out with her father in
his workshop, a preschooler tried to
imitate him by using a tape measure.
When she couldn’t quite reach the dis-
tance she wanted to measure between
herself and an object, she moved the
object closer to her!
No matter how much we try to fina-
gle God’s rules, his standard of holiness
won’t be moved. As sinful beings, we
can’t reach that standard on our own.
We’re stuck without Jesus’ grace.
Thank God that he helps us measure
up!
Measuring Up
The Messenger Page 5
Another FunFest in the Memory Books
Thank you to each and everyone
who helped to make the “Garage Sale”
a success. It is a huge project and
couldn’t be done without you! As team
leaders, Nancy and I appreciate every
single thing you do!
Sincerely,
Mary Steinwart and Nancy Drake
Fun Fest 2017 brought back the
new Waffleman and almost doubled
breakfast participation.
What a worthwhile event, allowing
us to make new friends and get to know
old ones a little better. A lot of hard
work goes into the planning and there
are so many people involved it is easier
to say thank you to everyone.
It is always amazing to arrive and
look around and see the quantity and
quality of the donations not only to the
Silent Auction but to the Bake Sale, the
Country Store, the Plant Sale, and the
Garage Sale.
We were very excited this year that
the items not sold at the end were
picked up by the Salvation Army and
are hoping that they are able to hire a
new truck driver – Shawn’s last day was
a week after our event – so we can
make them a part of our annual event.
This year Fun Fest earned a little
over $15,300 and the committee has so
far selected the following projects:
Tithe $1,530, Christian Education $500,
Boiler Fund $1,200, Roof for the Par-
sonage and Garage $9,500.
Vern Schimpf
Answer: D (See Matthew 28:19.)
Page 6 June, 2017
A Bible Quiz
An Activity Page for Younger People
A. Romans; Paul
B. 1 Peter; Simon Peter
C. The Acts of the Apostles; Luke
D. Matthew; Jesus
Tuesday,
June 20, 2017
The “Trinitarian formula” occurs only once in the
Bible. In which New Testament book do we read
“in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit,” and who said these words?
The Messenger Page 7
Due to the generosity of several
former and current Ogallala UMC mem-
bers, the following scholarships were
recently awarded:
THE DOWLING SCHOLARSHIP:
Katie Ellard – she will be attending
Southeast Community College,
working toward a Dental Assistance
degree, and playing volleyball.
Elizabeth Meyer – she is a non-
traditional student, returning to col-
lege after 10 years, at Mid Plains
Community College and pursuing a
degree in Psychology.
Haley Nolde – she will be attending
Concordia University, studying En-
vironmental Science, and playing
golf.
Parker Reil – he will be attending
UNL with a major in Film and News
Media.
DRAUCKER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP:
Bryce Borer – he will attend Doane
College, study Business Admin-
istration and Computer Science,
and play football.
Deidre Volberding – she is a non-
traditional student, taking on-line
classes toward a teaching certifi-
cate.
These six students are a diverse,
highly qualified, and well deserving
group. Congratulations!
2017 UMC Scholarships Awarded
Children’s Moment with Pastor Chuck on
Confirmation Sunday
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Page 8 June, 2017
Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers
Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth
(1,2) Samuel (1,2) Kings
(1,2) Chronicles Ezra
Nehemiah Esther Job
Psalms Proverbs
Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon
Isaiah Jeremiah
Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos
Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum
Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai
Zechariah Malachi
A Little Something Extra for Summer Fun
June 4 Greeters Buck & Judy Markussen, Roger & Judi Adkins Fellowship VBS Wrap-Up Nursery Carmen Troxel Acolyte Parker Catlin, Payton Catlin Children’s Moment Jonnie Peterson Ushers Group 1: John Stulich, Lonnie Peters, Craig Draucker, Jeff Peterson, Jim Persinger June 11 Greeters United Methodist Women Fellowship United Methodist Women Nursery Rose & Ryan Holechek Acolyte Andrea Bassett Children’s Moment Ginny Steinke Ushers United Methodist Women June 18 Greeters Lyle & Barbara Nootz, Brian & Claudia Stevenson Fellowship Terry & Gwen Johnson Nursery Shalee Krajewski Acolyte Claudia Rhoades Children’s Moment Penny Benda Ushers Group 3: Dennis & Teresa Davis, John & Sharon York, Todd & Kim Peterson, Wendell & Ramona Upright June 25 Greeters Cena Graves, Judy Cross Fellowship ? ? ? ? Nursery ? ? ? ? Acolyte Kallie Eisenzimmer Children’s Moment Pastor Chuck Rager Ushers Group 4: Roger Rankin, Pete Peterson, Phil Armstrong, Ken Meyer July 2 Greeters Ted & Jean Slagle, Don & Shirley Bassett Fellowship Penny Benda Nursery ? ? ? ? Acolyte Abigayle Bassett Children’s Moment Bea Hatch Ushers Group 5: Jim Glenn, Mike Samuelson, Gerold Radcliffe, Todd Benda, Shawn Haney July 9 Greeters Doug & Linda Fuller, L.D. & Sherri Walker Fellowship Chuck & Nancy Graff Nursery ? ? ? ? Acolyte Kaden Walker Children’s Moment Carmen Troxel Ushers Group 6: Larry & Shirley Schlem, Lyle & Barbara Nootz, Chuck & Nancy Graff, Larry & Doris Keller, John & Shelia Turner
If you would like to have your name added to the rosters for any of the service opportunities listed above, please contact the church office.
UM
W S
un
da
y
V
BS
Wra
p-U
p
Su
nd
ay
The Messenger Page The Messenger Page 9
Fa
the
rs’
Day
STEWARDS FOR JUNE, 2017
One service at 9:00 A.M.
One service at 9:00 A.M.
FIR
ST
U
NIT
ED
M
ET
HO
DIS
T C
HU
RC
H
P.O
. B
ox
9
16
42
1 N
or
th
S
pr
uc
e S
tr
ee
t
Og
alla
la
, N
E 6
91
53
Ph
on
e:
(
30
8)
28
4-
84
55
o
r (
30
8)
28
4-
84
56
Fa
x:
(
30
8)
28
4-
49
75
Pa
rs
on
ag
e:
(
30
8)
28
4-
01
37
E-
ma
il a
dd
re
ss
es
Ch
ur
ch
O
ff
ic
e:
u
mc
og
alla
la
@q
we
st
of
fic
e.n
et
Re
ne
e:
u
mc
og
alla
la
_r
en
ee
@q
we
st
of
fic
e.n
et
Pa
st
or
C
hu
ck
: u
mc
og
alla
la
_p
as
to
r@
qw
es
to
ff
ic
e.n
et
Ne
ws
le
tt
er
: u
mc
ne
ws
le
tt
er
@q
we
st
of
fic
e.n
et
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OGALLALA, NEBRASKA
Permit No. 74
Our Vision: “To be a dynamic church, sharing and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ”
Our Mission: “To love God, love each other and extend that love beyond our church”
JU
ST
FO
R F
UN
!
T h e M e s s e n g e r
F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h
4 2 1 N o r t h S p r u c e P . O . B o x 9 1 6
O g a l l a l a , N e b r a s k a 6 9 1 5 3
R e t u r n S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d