October 2021 Waterville UMC Ambassador |
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Dear Church Family,
I hope this message finds you in the presence of God’s peace and joy.
In Matthew 20:28 Jesus states, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus is clearly teaching about the attitude and the work of a Christian. Every Christian is to follow the example of Christ and become more like our savior. Jesus ransomed each of us with his death on the cross.
Each fall as a congregation we focus on stewardship. This focus this year is God’s desire for giving out of our gratitude for God’s faithful provision. In the weeks ahead you will be receiving several communications about our financial commitment.
This year is very different in that we will be making mortgage payments of about $5,000 a month in addition to the general fund.
Before going any further, thank you all for your faithful giving. Please ask yourself, what is the amount to the general fund and mortgage payment that God is directing me to give for 2022.
When was the last time you prayed about where God desires for you to serve in our community of faith? God has provided in miraculous ways for our New Beginnings building. Some of those ways include: price reductions on some items, relative some increases in other prices, workers on the building giving thanks for the snacks and notes the church is providing, the extra dirt to raise the back of the property and the donation by the contractor to make this happen and I am sure God will continue to provide.
In following Jesus teaching and fulfilling our call as disciples of Jesus we must serve. Where is God calling you to serve in the holy work of building up the kingdom of earth. As we pray each week in worship, “…thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
We as Jesus’ disciples are the servants that will help to transform our community through serving others due to our love of Jesus and our love for our neighbors.
My prayer is that as you pray, asking God where you are to serve, that you hear clearly God’s call. I also pray that as you hear the call that you will take a step of faith and fulfill your calling to the glory of God.
May you know God’s blessings,
Pastor Mike
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Let's shower Pastor Mike with cards throughout the month to show our appreciation to him! |
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10:30 AM
Opportunities to worship and praise the Lord with WUMC:
In Sanctuary
In Courtyard - Please bring your own chair.
Park in car near the church and tune to FM 90.5.
Live Stream via You Tube at www.watervilleumc.org.
Watch the recording of the worship service on-line when available at www.watervilleumc.org.
Praises to the Lord!
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🤱The Balcony Cry Room has moved to the Basement Fireside Room 🍼
🍼 Please enjoy its new location 👶
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Ministry of Construction Report
Isn't it exciting to see all the progress on our new church!! Ministry of Construction is also making good progress. Bags of treats, information about our church, and hand written notes of appreciation are given to each worker. We are averaging 12 workers per week now on the work site. Beverages and treats are delivered each week and that is going very well. We have heard from people who know people working on our church how much they appreciate the treats and notes. The sign up for treats is filled through November 2nd, but there are still plenty of opportunities to help in this area. Contact Barb Crandall to be added to the list. Also, watch the weekly e-blast for opportunities to provide a lunch or to help with clean up inside the new church. These amazing ways of serving the Lord and helping the workers will happen in the next month or so. Prayers are always appreciated for the safety of the workers. Drive by and join the excitement of the New Beginnings church taking shape.
Paul and Cherl Matla, MOC Directors
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New Beginnings Ministry of Construction Teams! We have opportunities to serve and make a difference in the lives of those building our New Beginnings Building. See the worship bulletin and the bulletin board for details! Sign up sheets are on the bulletin boards.
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The Sale of 102 North Fifth Street
Our team consists of three trustees: Christie Wielgopolski, Trustee Chair; Steve Crandall; Penn Pritchett and Jim Page, Treasurer. We have listed our building with Miller Diversified.
As of 08/24/21 we have had two new groups tour the facility. Our realtor (Miller Diversified) has changed how the building is listed and that has generated more interest.
Spread the Word!!
Please pray for the Lord's guidance as we move through this process.
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Finance & Stewardship
Facts, Figures, FYI’s
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Although we are still dealing with COVID-19 issues and the resulting changes that have affected each one of us, our “New Beginning Journey” continues. No matter what, God is in charge and He will lead us through this and toward the future and His will for us. There is so much potential and so many opportunities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the community and the surrounding area. As members of WUMC we have all committed both as individuals and as a congregation to support His work through our time, our talents, our gifts, our service and our witness.
Sunday, October 10, 2022, will be the kick off for our 2022 General Fund Stewardship Campaign, which supports our operational budget and expenses for the coming year. The budgeting process and campaign planning has already begun and we ask for your prayers during this all-important annual endeavor.
It is also a time for each of us to prayerfully consider not only our financial commitment, but also what part you may play in support of God’s work. Let us all truly focus on looking at our world through God’s eyes, seeking the answer to the question: What does God want to do through me?
Our Vision – Sharing, Celebrating and Teaching God’s Love
Give - We thank God for all things and willingly give back to God in gratitude. With our generosity of prayers, presence, gifts, service and talents, God changes not only the lives of others, but our lives as well.
Quarterly Statements: Your 3rd Quarter Giving Statements will be emailed on Friday, October 1st. For those who receive hardcopies, they will be mailed the week of October 4th.
Please contact Tom Wiggins, financialsec@watervilleumc.org if you have any questions about anything related to financial giving, the Stewardship Campaign or the Capital Campaign.
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Independent Bible Study and Activities |
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There are also apps through Bible Gateway and You Version to help guide you through this experience. Choose the one that works for you! |
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The October HomeTouch is another source of reading the Bible. Start today! There are also fun word games that we share in the weekly blast.
Click on HomeTouch picture to open. OR...check the bulletin board, we post copies each month...OR if you know someone who may enjoy receiving the monthly HomeTouch in the mail, we do have a mailing list we can add them to.
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The prayer team is asking for the support of the rest of the congregation to join them in praying specifically for the the Prayer focus of the month.
October's Theme - Financial Well-being
October 3 – What does the bible teach us about Money, Debt and Giving?
October 10 – Global Finance
October 17 – National Finance
October 24 – Personal Finance
October 31 – Charitable Finance
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The youth will be participating in Sunshine's Spooky Boardwalk on October 17th from 2-4 pm. This event is open to the community and also a great way to reach out to the residents of Sunshine. We are asking for donations of Halloween candy to pass out during the event. Please get your candy to Adam or Stephanie Shelton or in the donation bin at church by October 17th. Thank you for your support! |
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Youth Fall Fundraiser
Sign Up Sheet on Bulletin Board!
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In July 2022, the youth will be attending a week long mission trip in Maumee, OH with Group Work Camps. In order to help with the cost of the trip, the youth will be raking leaves in order to raise funds.
Donations to the Youth Mission Trip Fund are welcome.
If you are interested in having the youth rake your leaves or know of a neighbor who could use their help, please contact Adam or Stephanie Shelton Shelton (419-205-2516) or sign-up below.
Thank you!
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"Teacher's Toolbox is a new outreach ministry that has developed in our partnership with Waterville Primary School. Three times during the school year, notecards with a list of school supplies will be dropped off to the teachers at Waterville Primary. The teachers will be able to itemize the list in regards to what supplies they may need for their classroom or individual student needs. The list of supplies needed will be returned to our Project with a Purpose team here at the church and the supply orders will be fulfilled for the teachers. This will be an ongoing ministry so any school supply donations are welcome throughout the year. Please contact Bobbie Westfall or Stephanie Shelton if you have questions about this new ministry. Thank you for your support!"
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October Collection Items
More "older boy" items! Balls, playing cards, tools, water bottles, dominoes, Rubik cubes, etc. Focus on for ages 10-14!
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Missions Committee Focus for October 2021
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October brings us to preparation for one of our annual mission outreach programs-Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Shoeboxes and pamphlets/adhesive labels are available in several locations at church-or you can always use your own shoeboxes.
National Collection Week is Nov 15-22, 2021
WUMC Shoebox dedication will be Nov.21 (this is a correction from what was announced Sunday)
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There have been quite a few changes resulting from last year’s attempts to get boxes into “Hard To Reach” countries. Samaritan’s Purse designates some areas “hard to reach” not only because of the physical difficulty of getting boxes to the area, but areas where custom agencies have different regulations than others because of their individual customs. Cartons may be detained or destroyed if their regulations are not followed. When under a more intense scrutiny SP is also definitely also concerned about the safety of their staff and volunteers because of these rules.
● No candy or food of any kind. Not only could these types of treats melt, they cause customs to withhold the entire boxes/cartons because food items are not permitted into the country.
● For many years we have been instructed the packaging of certain items could be removed to create more space in your shoeboxes. This year SP is asking you do not remove wrappers from bar soap and toothbrushes. Keep these items in their original wrappers or containers. OCC has found that customs in some countries will not allow hygiene items unprotected into their demographic area as they could be deemed “used” and because of health concerns.
● Another item that is being passed on to us this year is that in some of these countries Barbie or Barbie style dolls are not allowed through customs. Clothing on these dolls-such as little short dresses, or cheerleading outfits/workout clothes- would be deemed inappropriate and not allowed, as is the custom in their country for women.
● Watch items that could be perceived as war toys- even something as simple as a squirt gun. If the little water gun is bright green and neon yellow, more of a bubble blower, cute silly shape and truly does not look like a weapon may be fine. Something grey or black and made to look like a real gun will be stopped. The same with camouflaged items. A little pink camouflage hair bow would be fine. NOT a green camouflage shirt with a design added that could be conceived as a battle/war or threat of some sort. countries.
● Reminder- anything with liquid will not be allowed. Even items like Glo-sticks and bouncy balls with liquid and glitter in them, or bubble bath or shampoo. This applies to any boxes, not just those that go to these hard to reach areas.
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In these “HARD TO REACH” countries, items such as these will be tagged and the entire shipment may not be allowed into the country if customs agents deem these items as dangerous. SP volunteers and staff may be detained.
● This year-NEW-Adhesive BOY/GIRL labels. A new shoebox label is featured in 2021 that includes a QR code to donate online through “Follow Your Box”, where you can discover the country destinations of your shoebox gifts once they are processed. These labels are especially useful if you are doing multiple boxes. Scan the code on the box and follow instructions. These adhesive labels are limited this year.
You may also pay online and print a label. If you use either online option on the Labels Page of Samaritan's Purse (QR code or the basic Follow Your box option), you can track the destination of your gift. The email receipt containing your label will provide a link back to a page on the SP website so we see the areas where our Gospel Opportunities travel!
● BUILD ONLINE- If you would like to give, but prefer not to shop, Samaritan's Purse will pack a box for you. Check out Build A Shoebox on the Samaritan’s Purse, or contact the church office and we will be happy to assist. Packing a box online is $25.00-that includes the $9.00 donation request. It’s great fun!!
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO BUILD A SHOEBOX ONLINE:
Please remember that the older children are those that most often go without shoeboxes. Ages 10-14, especially BOYS. Please consider stepping out of your norm to pack boxes for the older children.
And, as you are shopping for and packing your shoeboxes, don’t forget to pray for the child that yours will be going to. That lives will be touched through the Greatest Journey discipleship program and these children will come to know the One who loves them beyond measure.
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Please place your OCC items in the basket under the Mission Bulletin Board. |
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Missions Committee July/August Update |
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58 School Kits and 49 Health Kits were assembled and delivered!!
Thank you to all who participated!!
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OCTOBER ATTENDANCE
September 5: 108
September 12: 127
September 19: 110
September 26: 115
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September Card Ministry Liaison
Char Hansen
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Please reach out to her at charlenehansen88@gmail.com if you know of someone who needs an encouraging words through a card. Words of love can change a moment and often a life's direction.
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Kristin Kahl October 1
Dick Warner October 4
Dan Stevens October 5
Seth Kirby October 7
Edith Sobecki October 11
Lily Peel October 14
Tom Wielgopolski October 14
Barb Crandall October 15
Bob Deardurff October 19
Randy Reihing October 23
Rebecca Allison October 28
Tony Mazzarella October 30
Michelle Vernon October 30
Brian Schultz October 31
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Happy Birthday to you!
(If you have a Birthday that isn't listed here, please call the church office so we can add you to our birthday list!)
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Would you like to listen to an audiobook and provide feedback?
Previous WUMC member, Brian Shultz and Jason Born are looking for volunteers to listen and review their new audiobook for free!
There are certainly themes of faith, family, acceptance and forgiveness, but beyond that the book contains historical facts, time travel & the element of magic.
Added Bonus:
Brian is committed to tithing from his proceeds of this audiobook to WUMC for the next 7 years!
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If you have an immediate need or a Pastoral need, please call Pastor Mike Denman at 419-469-0156 .
Office hours are generally Monday through Thursday 9 AM to Noon, but may vary. Please call ahead at 419-878-3645 if you need to visit the office.
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Waterville UMC | 419.878.3645| Email Us |
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