Ushering at the 9:00 am service.The Reminder
Mission Statement for First United Methodist Church of Yankton:
"To grow disciples of Jesus Christ and equip them for ministry"
Pastor’s Word By Rev Ron
One of the most intriguing chapters in the Bible for me is Joshua 24. It is a call to courage and high decision. Joshua confronts his people with the climactic challenge we all must face-to choose God or something less. It is Joshua's farewell address, and in it he witnesses to his people that God calls us to his kind of life, hazardous and full of high demand, yet glorious with strength and courage as we live in consciously chosen loyalty to his will and put our trust in his promise to be with us in all dangers and unexpected changes of life. Joshua makes clear where he stands: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." His career of courageous leadership of God's people would end as it had begun, with strong and powerful testimony that the Lord was his God.
Mighty demands had been laid upon Joshua. When Moses dies, God spoke to Joshua the word of command, "Arise, go over Jordan." Leadership thrust upon him, the situation full of tension and high demand, Joshua must act or fail. He rose to the demand of the hour. He made his choice to obey God. The command went out to the people: "Get your food ready. We march across the Jordan against Jericho." The story of Joshua's courageous decision inspires us because we all need courage to live, and to see Joshua take his stand for God thrills the imagination, stirs the heart, and awakens in us feelings of worth and high resolve.
In our best moments we know life calls us not to comfort and convenience but to courageous decision. Even though the way is heavy with demands we know this is the way of creative purpose-filled and deeply satisfying life. God makes demands on us to awaken us to new life. As the old saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." To Joshua God demands "Be strong and let your heart take courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed." Joshua is to lead the people, undismayed by difficulties and foes. There is a mission to be accomplished, and he must play his part with passion, courage, and total trust in God.
The context of God's challenge is God's promise. "Have I not commanded you?" Here is one of life's most glowingly splendid truths, not the truth of who we are but the truth of whose we are. We are his. We belong to God. It is God who commands. It is under God's banner that we march. It is in his name we live and to his cause that we bear witness. To know whose we are fills life with meaning and confidence. What happens to us is not so important as what happens in us when God speaks peace to our hearts and comforts our faltering spirits with his presence. He tells Joshua: "For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua lays upon his people the mighty demands of conscious loyalty God has laid upon him: "Put away the foreign gods which are among you and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel." It is a moment of high decision. Joshua's farewell message takes the form of this mighty challenge. What a glorious moment it is when people respond, "the Lord our God we will serve and his voice we will obey."
My friend, my question for you is what hinders our progress from the cave of disappointment to the mountain top of victory? Could the answer be ourselves and our failure to trust the upward look? John Wesley wrote, "you look inward too much andupward too little." The power of the upward look can conquer the fears within and let God do his mighty work with us until we grow into our true stature and really begin to live.
It is my prayer that your stand and mine will always be: "As for me and my home, we will serve the Lord." See you in worship and other places.
Director of Christian Education Needed
By Chrissie Wieseler, SPPR Chair
The First United Methodist Church of Yankton has an immediate opening for a Christian Education Director. This is a Part Time position which oversees and co-ordinates all areas of Christian Education at the church. Please contact the Church Office at 665-2991 for an application. Applicants must submit Resume, cover letter, and completed application to church office by September 1st.
(For everyone not just Youth)
By Gena Brandt & Diane Kisch
Well school has started and with that so has office hours for Gena and Diane. Gena on Tuesdays and Diane Thursdays from 4:00-5:30. Youth and parents stop in to talk to us – we look forward to hearing from you.
August 25th is/was (depending on when you get this) our kick-off. We headed out to Karttrax to do some mini golfing.
Regular youth group meeting will be held at 7:30 to 9:00 every Wed night. We will try to communicate information about youth group events in a number of ways: monthly postcards, e-mails, church website and our Facebook page – so please be checking these out. All youth will need to fill out a new permission slip for the 2010-2011 year – please get these back to the church as soon as possible.
September dates to mark on your calendar:
Sept 1 - Regular youth group meeting 7:30
Sept 8 - Regular youth group meeting 7:30
Sept 12 - Sunday School starts 10:30 AM – We will have a brief meeting with parents and youth after the 10:30 service in the Sr. High Youth Room to talk about “The Journey”, Youth 2011 and other information.
Sept 15 - Regular youth group meeting 7:30
Sept 22 - Regular youth group meeting 7:30
Sept 29 - Regular youth group meeting 7:30 – Registration is due for “The Journey”
“The Journey” (formerly known as the Sr. High Rally) will be held in Jamestown, ND October 15-17. More information will be coming so watch your e-mails, church webpage and Facebook. We will have registration forms in the Sr. High Youth Room.
Sorry but because of a lack of interest we will not be going to LifeLight as a group this year – next year we will start to plan sooner. Hopefully if you had planned to go with the group you can find someone to go with to LifeLight, it is Sept 3-5.Check out their website www.lifelight.org/festival for more information.
Youth and Parents here are some ways you can stay up to date with what is going on – www.firstumcyankton.org or we have a group on Facebook – First UMC Sr. HighYouth Group (Yankton). We also send out e-mails, so youth & parents if we do not have your e-mail address please get it to one of us.
Gena - genabrandt@gmail.com
665-4100 or 661-1321
Diane - dlkisch@gmail.com
665-1500 or 660-1242
By Evie Sime, Worship Committee Chair
Church Members! The Worship Committee is updating out usher, greeter, and coffee fellowship database. Please fill out the survey found in the reminder or the Sunday bulletins and return it to the church by Sunday, September 12th.
Past and future ushers and greeters! Pastor Ron and the Worship Committee will be holding an informational seminar entitled “The Welcoming Church” on Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the church Sanctuary. We will be reviewing the duties of ushers and greeters as well as discussing the importance of this ministry in welcoming members and visitors alike to our church. Please join us!
By Carolyn Cappel, Director
The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsal on Wednesday, September 1st at 7:30 P.M. in the sanctuary.
The Kingdom Chimes All 2nd-5th graders are invited to be a part of the Kingdom Chimes this fall. We will meet in the Music Room, on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:00. We will have a great time learning to read music and play in church once a month. We will begin on Wednesday, September 1st through December. Please contact Sue May, 664-0582 if you have any questions.
The Youth Bell Choir, (grades 6-12) will begin on Wednesday, September 1st from 6:30-7:15 in the Music Room. We have new contemporary music as well as new techniques we will be learning this year. Please join us for a fun year in music ministry and fellowship. Please contact Sue May, 664-0582 if you have any questions.
Jubilee Bell Choir we are in need of several adults to join the Jubilee Bell Choir this year. Prior music reading skills is helpful, but not required. We have a great time together ringing and sharing the love of Christ through this musical ministry in our church. We will begin on Wednesday, September 1st from 5:30-6:30 in the Music Room. Please contact Sue May, 664-0582 if you have any questions.
Hey Ya'll!!! Join us for the annual Round-Up on Sunday, September 19th. Bring the kiddies fer Sunday school at 9 o-the-clock and then ever'one can join in the fun at Worship at 10:30! We'll be singin' music and praisin' God, and then fillin' our bellies with some mighty good vittles after. Invite some friends and kin, and dress in your best western wear, but leave the barn animals at home! We'll see ya'll there!
By Diane Kisch - Education Committee
Acolyte Lock In for 4th graders
will be held Friday, September 10th starting at 7:00 pm with a half
hour parents meeting. The 4th graders will be taught about the role
acolyte’s play in the worship service, as well as some symbolism of the church
and of our sanctuary. We will take a guided tour of the stained glass windows,
watch a movie, get some sleep, and then have breakfast in the morning. Plan to
pick your child up by 9:00 Saturday morning.
If your child did not get a letter about the lock in but will be a 4th
grader, please call the church office and let us know.
3rd Grade Bible Lock In will also be held Friday, September 10th starting at 7:30 pm. They will be done at 9:00 am Saturday morning. Bibles will be presented to the 3rd graders during the 9:00am service on Sunday, September 12th. If your child is going to be a 3rd grader and did not receive a letter, please call the church office and let us know.
Please call the church office at 665-2991 by September 8th to let us know whether your child will or will not be attending the Lock-In. If you have any questions or concerns, call me at 665-1500.
We are taking our Bible study deeper with Faithful, Abundant, True - a resource from Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shierer, and Beth Moore! Join us as we unpack the rich teaching from these women through Scripture and personal application. Join us Sunday’s starting September 12th through December 12th at 10:30am in the Upper Room (old office area.) No Preregistration Needed.
Linda Nelson
Missions Committee Chairman
Thank you to all the volunteers that went to build at the Habitat House on July 31st and the volunteers that brought food. It was delicious and the builders really enjoyed it. Please put together an Ingathering Kit for those that are less fortunate than us. There are inserts in the bulletin that list what each kit is. Please have them at the church by the 19th of September. The 2010 Ingathering for World Hunger will be held Sept. 25th at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. It is their 28th Anniversary. Again, thank you all for your support of our Mission Projects. God Bless all of YOU!!
By Dee Carson, President
United Methodist Women will begin the fall schedule with a meeting on Monday, September 13th, at 1:30pm in the Lounge. Our district shepherdess, Carol Hanson of Irene, will be joining us and presenting the program. Plans for the annual soup kitchen, October 20th, will be outlined. Ladies, please join us, experience a very supportive fellowship and be part of a mission oriented group.
The conference theme for United Methodist Women is Faith, Hope and Love in Action. All members of the church can easily become involved in the mission program of UMW. How? By collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, making Ingathering kits, saving Campbell’s UPC labels and Box Tops for Education. Look for the collection containers at the church or drop the items off at the church office. We can all show our love in action.
LaVila Tessier, Meals on Wheels Coordinator
Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to serve here at home? The Meals on Wheels ministry is looking for new people who are willing to give an hour or so of their time to deliver meals to shut-ins. Every Thursday of each month of the year our church is responsible for a driver and a runner for three routes.
Many of the people have been doing this service for over eleven years. The records I have start with 1999, but I know our church was involved before that. In the past year and a half, several people have had to give up helping with Meals on Wheels because of health issues; therefore it is necessary to call on the same people many times throughout the year.
I am very thankful and appreciative for the new people who have volunteered, but we can always use more help.
If being part of the Meals on Wheels ministry sounds like something you would like to try, please call the church office at 665-2991 or call me at 668-0973.
A big “Thank You” to Dave and Marilyn Holzwarth, Marge Stengle and Robert or Tom Stengle, Darwin & LaVila Tessier, and Rhonda Hofer & Bill Sohl who helped oneweek. Thank you everyone for giving of your time and energy to deliver meals during the month of August.
The South Dakota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SD VOAD) has officially re quested the Conference Disaster Response Team to begin long-term case management in the Lake Poinsett area. Your financial gifts to Spring/Summer Storms 2010 are vitally important to undergird our response efforts to victims of these disasters. Donations can be put in the offering plate on Sunday or drop it off in the Church office. Earmarked, Spring/Summer Storms 2010.
Habitat for Humanity of Yankton County needs your help! We are looking for volunteers to build and raise the walls on our National Street duplex project. We are also in need of volunteers to bake goodies, to provide meals and to provide hospitality services to our volunteers. Habitat for Humanity works 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week. We will work rain or shine.
Consider making a difference in Yankton County…help build a home and provide hope to a family in need of decent, affordable housing. To get involved call Julie Dykstra at 605-260-4224.
Summer will go by quickly and we are already beginning to look for volunteers who will be willing to help during the 2010-11 Sunday School year. If you are interested in volunteering and/or helping in some way and you know of anyone who would maybe be interested, please let me know.
Thank You and God Bless.
Keri Stilwell, 660-3877, klstilwell@pluto.dsu.edu or Barb Hirsch 665-0340, Sunday School Superintendents
Carol Becker,
Evangelism Committee
Something about the word Schedule is comforting…..it is a guide line for the days and weeks starting with right now and to how far we wish to be scheduled.
However there is always the inconvenience of interruptions in those so well planned and cared for schedules.
Recently I was listening to Joel Ostreem, about the little interruptions that seem to happen at the most inconvenient times….however we can make lemonade with those lemons or just have a bad day….I choose to do the lemonade thing….only because that seems to me to be easier…..so when the schedule is changed maybe God has a plan for use… use that time to reflect what is really important….take the time to say a prayer...take the time to remember someone in need…maybe put in a pause on your busy schedule and just draw a straight time and see what fills in, it maybe the best part of the day.Pallets of baked items are delivered every Tuesday morning to the Assembly of God Church, 801 West 25th Street. The bakery items are available beginning at 8:30 a.m. and are available to the public free of charge. Please share this information with others.
Congratulations to Ross & Dena Den Herder on the birth of their daughter, Collins Kinsley. Collins was born Monday, August 9th.
On behalf of "Team Johnson" I would like to thank our church family for the wonderful reception given in our honor on August 8. Your welcoming spirit and warm embrace experienced through the cards and personal visits have helped tremendously in our transition to call Yankton and First UMC home. A special thanks to Staff/Parish Relations Committee for their efforts in organizing the special events of the day. Blessings on you all!!
Rev. Ron & Marsha Johnson & family
Thank you to everyone that helped out with Vacation Bible School. It was truly a success and we couldn't have done it without you. If you still have VBS curriculum, please turn it into the office ASAP. We would like to share it with another church.
Gena Brandt, Education Committee
Just a quick note of thanks to everyone in our congregation who gave toward my Fellowship through the Fund for Theological Education (FTE). I am incredibly humbled by your generosity. The entire gift of $5,000 from our congregation will be matched by FTE and then put toward seminary expenses this coming year. To say the least, I consider myself very fortunate to be part of such a service-oriented church. May God continue to bless each and every one of you as you continue to work for His glory!
Your Brother in Christ, Justin Iverson
I want to thank everyone for their cards,
prayers and well wishes before, during and after my surgery. My eyesight is
slowly returning.
Thank you all,
In God's name,
Dorothy Walton
Thank you for thinking of the animals at the animal shelter. The food will definitely be used for the animals waiting for their adoption day. (The left over dog food from VBS was donated to the animal shelter.)
Lisa Brasel, Animal Control Office
1 - Carson Enfield, Jess Dennis, Gage Guthmiller
2 - Morgan Rodig
3 - Ashley Reiner, Erica Knode
4 - Bryant Jackson, Sam Mooney, Ken Olsen, Kylie Rodig, Larry Guthmiller
5 - Steve Kasik
6 - Denise Erickson, Matt Miller, Eileen Mullican
7 - Harlan Teichroew, Duane Heeney, Larry Somer
8 - Ryan Olson, Judy Nielson, Carol Becker, Brady Jaquith
9 - Gabriel Wright, Debbie Landwehr, Heidi Olson
10 - Kim Larsen, Lydia Giziewski, Stephanie Anderson, Sandi Mathis, Arletta Tisher
Randy Heisinger, JoAnn Fitzpatrick, Sherril Christensen, Bob Gereaux
11 - Parker Kisch, Rick Petersen
13 - Jill Saffel
15 - Ashlea Ugofsky
14 - Michael Parish, Lindsey Hale
15 - Harper Den Herder, Guy Larson
16 - Dorothy Olson
17 - Darian Tramp
18 - Ben Pratt, Bob Walser, Steve Helgeland
19 - Shanele Knock
20 - Zachary Young, Chris Peterka, Chrissie Wieseler
21 - Greg Anderson, Joshua Lundgren, Kirsten May, Ryan Ford
22 - Austin Reining
23 - Shirley Nelson, Megan Ford, Sean Turner
24 - Beth Meek, Darian Miller
25 - Toby Gall, Deklan Olson, Will Dangler
26 - Emily Novak, Paul Nielson, Kody Kyriss, Joyce Kollars
27 - Travis Hansen, Elton Wek, Erika Trapp
28 - Maggie Downing
29 - Kami Cornemann, Dave Holzwarth, Beverly Larsen, Marge Berke
30 - Curt Dykstra, Jennifer Anderson, Anne Hofer, Amy Johnson
In the Hospital: Mae Cressy
Home from the Hospital: Mark Giziewski; Jan Lyso; Collins Den Herder, daughter of Ross & Dena Den Herder and Lea Guthmiller
From the Hospital to Sr. James Nursing Home: Howard Relf
Gena Brandt & family. Gena’s sister, Ginger Richter, passed away Saturday, August 14th.
Marge Berke is at a nursing home in S.F, but will move to her new residence in Minnesota soon.
Jean Breckenridge is now a resident at Sr. James Care Center.
Dave Holzwarth’s mom, Mary Holzwarth, passed away Sunday, August 1st. The family requests any memorials be directed to First United Methodist Church, earmarked to go to Tree of Life, Spirit Lake Ministry Center, ND, or Haiti Solar Oven.
Nancy Calmus, Dick Fox's sister, has started breathing on her own. She is still on oxygen, but she is home.
Duane Heeney is home. He will live with his daughter Dawn as he continues to recover.
Mark Giziewski’s cousin David Williams, wife, Gale, who had struggled with cancer passed away Saturday, August 22nd.
Dorothy Walton had eye surgery June 23rd, her eye sight has not returned.
Mark Giziewski had a kidney stone removed Thursday, July 8th, the surgery was successful. Also his heel is almost completely healed.
Jerry Willman’s mom, Lois, had surgery Wednesday, June 9th after suffering a brain aneurism. She is now at Yankton Care Center. www.caringbridge.org/visit/loiswillman.
Darin Cunningham’s father, Garry, and family. Garry has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer is very aggressive and has already spread to his bones. They are not able to operate or do radiation.
Don & Gail Kudrna’s grandson’s wife, Jennifer, has had a reoccurrence of cancer. She will have surgery, radiation and then 6 months of chemotherapy.
Marian Buchholz (Calvin's mother) is living with Calvin and Debra and their family for a while.
Eldan Brandt is now a resident at the Good Samaritan Center in Centerville, SD.
Rev. Ron Johnson and his wife, Marsha, as they start their ministry here with us at 1st UMC.
Susan Goeden, elementary school teacher in Yankton, who is undergoing chemotherapy.
Gail Kudrna's sister-in-law, Margaret, recently diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus.
The people of Haiti and the people of Chile who are recovering from devastating earthquakes.
Barry Schroeter’s father, Lenn, has brain cancer. He is at Mayo Clinic and is receiving treatment.
Beau Brady, Quality Living Rehab Center in Omaha, NE; www.caringbridge.org/visit/beaubrady.
Vivian VanEssen's sister, Robbi, who lives near Boston, MA continues to struggle with a variety of symptoms. Her daughter Amber continues to struggle with atypical migraines.
The Kids Hope USA ministry here at 1st Church.
Those of our church family serving in the military overseas: Matthew Grimme (Sylvia Coulson’s grandson); Michael Hofer (Rhonda Hofer’s son); and all men & women serving in the military (and their families).
(If you have others you would like added to this list, call or email the church office.)
By Rev. Ron
Are you keeping our seminary students in prayer? Have you contacted them lately? Let them know you’re thinking and praying for them.
Jennifer (Kisch) Anderson is a student at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina:
Blair & Jennifer Anderson, 407 Monticello Ave
Durham, NC 27707
Email: jen.anderson@duke.edu
Sara (Stoddard) McManus is a student at Vanderbilt University Divinity School
in Nashville, Tennessee:
Kyle & Sara McManus, 416 Erin Lane,
Nashville, TN 37221
Email: stoddardsara@hotmail.com
Justin Iverson will begin his seminary studies this fall through Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. For the first year he will be studying online (over the internet). He will be living in Lincoln, NE and working at a UM Church. He is home in Yankton for the summer.
Email: jiverson5000@gmail.com
Hy-Vee Cash Cards
First UMC has raised $4,786 since January 1, 2010 from the Cash Card sales. Support the special projects in our church by purchasing Hy-Vee Cash Cards. Cards may be purchased on Sundays from 8:45-9:00 & 10:00-10:30. They are also available during the week in the church office.
By Jeremy Koerselman
Missions Committee member
The Missions Committee is providing an on going opportunity to the congregation of 1st UMC to follow the church’s mission statement by providing financial assistance for those who have an idea of an act of mission they wish to do. This financial assistance is provided in the hope to facilitate more frequent and individually inspired mission projects throughout our congregation in order to extend the reach of 1st UMC’s mission efforts into the community.
The Mission Assistance Program would like to fund missional ideas that are small and large; new ideas or tried and true acts of mission work for individuals or groups in the community.
The Mission Assistance Program is not an avenue to make fundraising requests for church sponsored trips or projects of the Missions Committee but rather an avenue to enable other projects.
Individual requests for trips and projects are still welcomed by contacting a Missions Commit- tee member, as funds are available for these as well.
Applications are available in the church office. For further information you may contact Jeremy Koerselman at 661-8317 or another Missions Committee member.
Church Ministry Survey
“The Welcoming Church”
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1
Name(s): ___________________________________
Home Phone: _______________________________
Email(s): ___________________________________
Cell Phone: _________________________________
Please check one or more of the following:
I/We would like to be involved in the following church ministries:
Ushering at the 9:00 am service.
Ushering at the 10:30 am service.
Greeting at the 9:00 am service.
Greeting at the 10:30 am service.
Serving at coffee fellowship
(includes bringing cookies or bars).
Serving as a head usher at the
9:00 AM / 10:00 AM
(circle one) service on the FIRST / SECOND / THIRD / FOURTH (circle one) Sunday
of each month. (If you are currently a head usher and would like to continue
being so, please fill out the above section).
Regret that I cannot
participate in these ministries at this time.
Please leave this form in the offering plate or return to the church office by Sunday, September 12th, 2010.
Persons interested in (or who are currently) ushering or greeting are invited to join us for a seminar on Tuesday, September 14th, 2010.
Send your comments or questions to:
Rev. Ron’s email:
revron24@gmail.com
Church Office: