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
A member of the church invited me to go pheasant hunting with him yesterday. We hunted near Elk Point, SD, and it was close to 80 degrees while we hunted. It didn’t feel too bad to me, but I felt sorry for the hunting dog. Rueben was his name, and he worked hard. If you have ever hunted with a good hunting dog, you know that the dog is all over the piece of land, back and forth through the rows and brush. And that is hard work. The dog does the work and we walk along and wait for the pheasants to fly!
Each time we finished walking a strip of land, we took a little break – perhaps more for Rueben than for us. And after a short time we got back to the pickup and our hunting guide took out a pail and poured water into it for Rueben. He drank some, then he did something I had never seen a dog do before – and the guide said he had never had a dog do this on his own like Rueben did. Rueben jumped up and dropped his front paws into the pail of water and just stood there for a couple moments. The guide said that the way they cool themselves down is through their paws. That’s probably why you see dogs running through mud puddles and ponds on a hot day.
How thankful Rueben must have been for that cool water – not just to drink, but to put his paws into and cool down. It occurred to me that we take so many things for granted – like a glass of cold water or water to take a shower or a bath. We may even take our family for granted and our friends. Perhaps we even take our faith for granted. And when we take something for granted, we probably forget to give thanks for it.
In 1st Chronicles 16:34 we read, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithfulness endures forever.” (NIV) As we move toward the day we call “Thanksgiving,” I’d like you to think about something. Are you a thankful person, or are you one who takes things for granted? Are you thankful to that person who does even the smallest favor for you? And more importantly, are you thankful to the Lord, whose faithfulness endures forever?
By Rev. Dean
Sunday, November 23rd will be our Thanksgiving Worship at all three morning worship services. Plan now to be present as we give our thanks and praise to God for His blessings.
By Rev. Dean
Our annual Charge Conference will be held on Sunday, November 23rd, at 12:30 P.M. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Randy Cross, will be with us to lead our conference. All members and friends of First UMC are invited to attend, however, only members are able to vote on the various issues.
A meal will be served at 11:30 A.M. by the youth who will be going to Haiti on a mission trip in February. This meal is for the entire church and will make it convenient for those who plan to attend the Charge Conference.
By Rev. Dean
The Church Council voted to purchase eight new (round) tables for Wesley Hall. Many people have enjoyed the round tables we currently have (except for the fact that they rock!) because it is easier to visit with all of the people sitting at the table. The new tables should be here before Christmas (maybe even before Thanksgiving).
We will be getting rid of the five round tables we currently have in Wesley Hall. They were given to us. If anyone would like one (or more) of them or know someone who would, send an email, call or stop by and let Lisa know in the Church Office. We will give them away.
By Rev. Dean
We have a calendar on the wall in the office where we try to keep track of all activities going on at the church. Our Office Manager, Lisa, is in charge of keeping it up-to-date. If you have items that you want added to the calendar (or if you have something that needs to be removed from the calendar), please tell Lisa (call, email, stop by, or write a note and leave it on her desk – include your name so we know who to contact if there are questions). She will then add (or delete) the item from the calendar. PLEASE DO NOT add or deleteitems from the calendar yourself. Always give the information to Lisa and she will do it.
New Members
By Rev. Dean
Six persons became members of First UMC on Sunday, October 19th. The six new members are: Steve & Jennifer Crawford; Josh Crawford; Sam Hummel; Zach Sage; and Keri Stilwell. Welcome to the family!
If you’d like to put their names and faces together, check out their pictures in the display case in the entry way of the church.
(For everyone not just Youth)
By Gena Brandt & Diane Kisch
Regular youth group meetings are Wednesday nights at 7:30 in the Sr. High Youth Room.
Thanks to Arletta Tischer! We had fun raking your leaves, and we appreciate the donation. We'll use it toward our mission trip to New Orleans this summer.
We also want to thank the UMW for the opportunity to come wash dishes at soup kitchen this year. It was hot and busy, but it was a great feeling to serve the church.
NOV. 6 – the church is serving the community banquet and we're asking all senior high youth to come help. Call Gena or Diane for details.
Our next Youth Council meeting will be held Nov 23rd. Please plan to attend. This is when we make business decisions so we don't have to do it on Wed nights. These meetings are for youth and parents. Come get involved.
Katrina Mission Trip is scheduled for July 10-20, 2009. We have 12 youth and 3 adults registered. We will be doing home rehabilitation and repair in the New Orleans area. The cost of the trip is $850 per person. Therefore, we'll be raising some funds for our trip and would appreciate your support and prayers. November 19-30, we'll have Hy-Vee Cookie Dough available for your holiday baking and we'll also have Rada Cutlery for sale, which makes nice gifts.
Being in mission is a great way to show God's love to others and we're very excited about the opportunity this trip presents for our youth, to grow in their faith and Christian walk.
Plans are under way for our Christmas Around the World Event, which will be held December 7th. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend and taste food from countries around the World. Tickets are available from the Sr. High Youth, Diane Kisch, Gena Brandt, or the church office. The cost is $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
The Sr. High Youth held a Halloween Lock-In Oct.31. Youth and adults from other churches in the Lower James River and Glacial Lakes Districts joined us. Thanks to the congregation for the safe, accommodating environment the church building offers for events such as this.
November Birthday's
Eric Chesley – 5
Hannah Downing – 8
Dyllon Tramp – 15
Britta True – 15
Gena's Office Hours
Tuesday 4:00 - 5:30 PM
genabrandt@gmail.com (NOTE CHANGE)
665-4100 or 661-1321
Diane's Office Hours
Thursday 4:00 - 5:30 PM
665-1500 or 660-1242
(Middle School Youth)
Carla Hummel
KFC Youth Leader
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”
1 Chronicles 16:10.
Thank you to all involved with the ultimate show down. It was a close competition with the Mighty Warriors battling through electrical issues to bring in $85. The Red Hot Chili Peppers served their quarterback sneak for a return of $96.70. The Chili Slickers Cowboy chili giddy-uped in with $116 – some even took a ride on the horse. And the Numero Unos Mexican inspired chili came in numero uno raising $131.06. Thank you to all of the parents and youth that worked so hard to make this fundraiser not only “fund raising” but also a whole lot of “fun”! If the math is right, these hard working families raised a total of $428.76 to be used for Kids For Christ Activities. Thank you to all of our wonderful judges (attendees) – we greatly appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed the competition!
The quickest of the activities that will be utilizing these funds is this weekend. Our Fall lockin begins with a community service project – weather permitting. After serving others we come back to the church to share a meal and begin with our night full of activities. Watch for the sleepy bunch in the 9:00 service on Sunday. Oh and thank you to Dustin Olson who will be our male chaperone in the evening – saving us once again – Thanks Dustin!
Upcoming Youth Group Schedule:
November 5th – Super Hero!
November 12th – Rich and Poor
November 19th – Excuse Me!
November 26th – No Youth Group – Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you to the Syndee for always being by my side as we try and keep up with these busy youth. I look forward to every opportunity that we get to help the youth discover ways to rejoice in God’s name!
Blessed by KFC Youth!
By Bonnie Gusso, Kids Hope Director
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Matthew 19:14
As I write this, we are just beginning our 3rd week of our Kids Hope mentors meeting with their child. If these last two weeks are any indication, we have a glorious road ahead of us. Since I work at the school we are partnered with, I get to see the children everyday, and everyday they either ask me how many more days until their Hope Day, or tell me how many more days. The kids are on board, they are excited, they are receptive! It has gone better than I could have hoped. I am hearing back from the mentors that they themselves are having a wonderful time. I can “hear” the mentors’ joy just by reading the notes they leave for me.
I have talked to the teachers and to the principal. They too are very happy and encouraged by what they have seen so far!
Please, if this is something that you think you could do, come talk to me! I am desperately in need of male mentors. I have had teachers ask me if I had any men that were available, because they have someone that they would like to recommend, but that they really need a male figure in their life. Please consider giving an hour a week to someone who needs you! If you have any questions, please call the church office or email me at fumckidshope@iw.net. As many of you know, I am more than happy to talk about this ministry!
Garner Brandt, Gavin Brandt, Ashley Fast, Mariah Hofer, Heidi Olson and Amanda Pratt would like to thank everyone for the support they are receiving from the congregation towards there intended Mission Trip to Haiti. Many people have donated items for the bake sale and we have had a tremendous response from everyone purchasing our items. To date the youth have earned about $640.00 through the bake sales and about $193.00 from the breakfast. Every penny counts in our quest to raise the money needed to send each of these youth to Haiti.
The next bake sale will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16th. We will have Thanksgiving cut out sugar cookies available be sure to pick yours up for Thanksgiving.
Women will gather across the country in small communities to celebrate World Community Day based on the theme “God’s Wisdom Sets Us Free.” This event will be held on Friday November 7th at 1:30 PM at St. Benedict Church. Sister Cynthia Binder, of Mt. Marty College and an instructor at the Yankton Federal Prison Camp, will share her insights from her work there.
By Laurie Baily, Chair
The Worship Committee will be decorating for Christmas on Nov. 30th. Anyone wanting to help after worship services please feel free to join us.
Everyone is invited on November 23rd for a bowl of Chili or Vegetable Beef Soup and a Cinnamon Roll. The choice of beverage will be Coffee, Water, and Juice. The cost is $5.00 per person with the profits being used to help with costs for the February Mission Trip to Haiti. Please come join us in Wesley Hall to fill our tummies after filling our hearts with the word of God in the morning service. We will be serving from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Piecemakers will meet Monday, November 17th at 5 pm at Subway for our evening meal, then meet at the Church for quilting from 6 to 9 pm.. We will be working on the Blue and White Basket Squares for our next quilt to put on the frame for hand quilting, if you want to bring your sewing machine along it would be appreciated. There will be baby quilts to be working on also. See you there.
What a great Soup Kitchen we had again this year thanks to the help of so many people in our church! During the planning we were concerned we did not have enough soup and pies; we asked for your help and many people responded. We still have some soup remaining that has been frozen and will be used for a future event. A special thank you to the Senior High kids who did the evening dishwashing and the men who did the noon shift; each group will receive $200 of the profit. The rest will be used for UMW missions and youth camping assistance. We want to thank everyone who helped make this a record-setting event with a profit of approximately $5000. NOTE: Don’t forget to pick up your soup containers and pie plates from the table in Wesley Hall.
Delores Kafka & Ardis Henderson, Co-Chairmen
Youth Bells (Grades 5-8) are meeting this fall from 6:30 -7:15, (right before youth group) in the Bell Choir Room. Please join us as we play some great music. We have a great time together and will play during worship once a month and at the Christmas Program. Hope to see you this Wednesday!
Sunday's Sept. 14 - Dec. 14. We meet at 10:30 am in the Upper Room (Old Offices). Join us for Beth Moore's study, Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy, shows how individuals can live with integrity in today's self-absorbed society. Join Beth in a faith-building study of prophecy and learn how to shine for Christ in our modern culture.
By Jane Walser & Ardis Henderson
ERTH is a Religious Education Program for adults with disabilities. It began in 1980 under sponsorship of the Ministerial Association and is held on Saturdays from late September through April. Each month one of eight churches hosts ERTH from 1 to 2pm. ERTH presently has fifty to sixty participants and five teachers, two from First UMC.
First UMC will host ERTH in November. We are seeking volunteers to assist with serving snacks while ERTH is at UMC. If you can not come every Saturday, even one would be helpful.
We also need additional teachers. Teachers attend as many sessions as possible throughout the year and take turns presenting the lesson while the others assist. Anyone who may be interested is encouraged to contact us for more information. This is a ministry that benefits all those involved and we hope you will prayerfully consider becoming a part of it.
Shar Peterson
Evangelism Committee
With Thanksgiving soon upon us, we are reminded to be thankful. However, in our modern world with the political unrest, our country amidst a war and a major slump in our economy, it is increasingly more difficult to find reasons to be thankful.
The Bible reminds us: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:5-7, which notes “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your needs to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” And a favorite hymn provides peace, as we remember to: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
Hard times come and go, but our Savior is always near. Thanks be to God. Let us take heart and be thankful and seek His counsel.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Shar Peterson
By Loy Gravholt, Building Committee Chair
Just a reminder to those who have not met their 2008 Building Pledges. Please fulfill this obligation as soon as possible.
We would like to thank you for your expressions of concern and sympathy during the illness and death of our sister, Darlene Richardson. Your love and support helped to ease our sadness and gave us strength during this difficult time.
Bob & Jane Walser
Thank you Rev. Dean, UMW and the people who sent cards, emails and visited me while I was in the hospital. I especially appreciate all the prayers because I know that is what got me through it all. I’m so grateful to be a member of such a caring, loving church group.
Linda Nelson
Your recent donation to the Contact Center is greatly appreciated. Your support makes it possible for us to continue to serve the needs of our community.
Our Sincere Thanks,
Contact Center Staff & Board
I/we would like to thank the church members for their more than generous gift and blessings. It was quite a surprise opening that card. I feel extremely blessed to be working with and for such wonderful, giving people. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not only your church secretary but a part of your church family. Thanks again.
Lisa & Jeff Loecker
Congratulations
Congratulations to Dan & Laura Slowey on the birth of their son, Samuel William. Samuel was born Wednesday, October 22nd.
At Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City: Ardith Jones had surgery on Tuesday, Oct 28th to remove a tumor from her spine. She is now on the rehab floor.
Others in our prayers:
The family of Janice Cwach. Janice passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 4th.
Bob Walser’s sister, Darlene Richardson, passed away Monday, October 13th.
Lucy Palmer will be having tests on Wednesday, November 5th.
Lucille Sohl’s sister and Bill Sohl’s aunt, Norma Scoville, had a stroke last week. She also has an infection and received a blood transfusion.
Tara & Terry Bush’s youngest son (and Mark & Lydia Giziewski’s grandson), Rylan, had his tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears, Friday, Oct. 10th.
Maurice Newman had (same day) surgery on his lip Wednesday, Oct. 15th.
Teresa Szakats had her gall bladder removed on Friday, October 24th. She went home the same day.
A friend of the Bruce Olson family, Ed Meng, had a stroke Oct. 21st. He had surgery to unclog an artery. He will also need more surgery.
Mary Olson’s husband, Stanley Heath, passed away on Wednesday, October 22nd. Mary is Dorothy Olson’s daughter.
Paul Nielson is undergoing chemo treatments twice a month for six months.
Diane Heeney has had a reoccurance of cancer. Caring Bridge site – dianeheeney.
Vanessa, Michael Hofer's wife, continues to improve. Her balance has improved to the point that she no longer has to use a walker. Please pray specifically for her vision to improve (so far, it has not). Their address is: Michael and Vanessa Hofer, 2623 Antonio Ave, Apt. 201; Camarillo, CA 93010.
The Sr. High Youth ask for prayers and support while they plan their Conference Mission Trip ’09.
Don & Gail Kudrna’s grandson’s (John Quinby) wife, Jennifer Quinby, from San Antonio, TX, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Julie Weberg, daughter of Joyce Kollars and sister of Jan Boeckman had a biopsy done on a large mass on the left side of her brain Aug. 15th in Sioux Falls. The diagnosis was a stage four brain tumor that’s inoperable. Her only treatment option for the tumor is chemotherapy and radiation.
Mark Giziewski would appreciate prayers. He still has an open wound on his left foot that is slowly healing. The right foot is basically healed, but the left foot still has a ways to go.
The KidsHope USA ministry that we will begin here at First Church this fall. Pray for Bonnie Gusso, KidsHope director, and those who will answer the call to be a part of this ministry.
Bill Maxon is in hospice care.
Vivian VanEssen's sister, Robbi, who lives near Boston, MA continues to need our prayers. The doctors are unable to come up with a diagnosis so they will begin to focus on controlling her medical symptoms for now.
Those of our church family serving in the military overseas: Jason Meyer (son of Julie Hansen); Doris Nedved (Rose Nedved's daughter); Bradley Stevermer (Brandon Stevermer’s uncle); 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.)
Send your comments or questions to:
Rev. Dean’s email:
Church Office:
Poinsettia Order
Advent and Christmas are just around the corner, which means it is time to order poinsettias for the sanctuary.
This year, the cost of the plants will be $10.00 (6 ½ inch pot), including tax. Due to limited space in our sanctuary we are limiting the number of poinsettias to 25. (One plant per order form.) After 25 poinsettias, we will use the money to purchase other decorations needed.
You may mail this form to the church office (First UMC, 207 W. 11th St., Yankton, SD 57078), bring it to the church office or you may place it in the offering plate on Sunday and mark your envelope “Poinsettia”. Please designate if your plant is “In Memory” or “In Honor” of someone on the form. (Please check one so the office knows how to designate it.)
The plants will be in the sanctuary from December 7th through December 24th. You may pick up your plant following the Christmas Eve Worship Services or you may leave it here for the church family to enjoy. Please indicate whether or not you plan to take your Poinsettia home with you. Thank you.
Please turn in your order by December 1st .
(Please check one)
_____In Memory of _____In
Honor of
I will take the poinsettia I ordered:
_______Yes ______No
Please enclose your payment of ($10.00) with this order form.