The road ahead is paved with many unknowns and yet being driven

by a future perspective is incredibly important. Perhaps one of

the biggest roadblocks to a future perspective is present personal

preference. People want what they want. They want what their

personal preferences are and may not take into enough

consideration what future needs will be. Sometimes there is the

unwillingness to make present sacrifices for the future benefit of others.

Sometimes the things that can be done now with future benefits go unrecognized.

I have to ask the question, are we distracted or do we have a good focus on our

future? Change has a significant impact on focus. Change is inevitable if we want to

survive in this world. The church does not change the message of Jesus Christ, but

with the future in mind it does need to be adaptable to the ways of presentation that

can reach people with the message that saves souls.

We must all turn our focus on what God wants us to be working for, caring for,

looking for, and living for the future. The road ahead needs to be on our minds, with

our plans and in our actions to fulfill a faith-full future, God’s preferred future for

us.

As we start envisioning our future let us all be in conversation with God and what He

has in mind for the life of Minneapolis FUMC and move in His direction that must be

filled with spiritual growth and outreach to others.

Blessings,

Pastor April

Ada- Minneapolis UMC October, 2013

Christ’s Ambassadors by Inviting, Sharing, Nurturing and Forgiving

Birthdays

2- Justin Abell

Jaylee Abell

3 – Ashley Frink

Craig McHenry

4 – Daryl Stone

6 – Betty Guipre

10- Shelby Atwell

Coby Grimes

11 – Nora Kvacik

12 – Kermit Shipley

14 – Paul Schmidt

14 – Sylvia Kvacik

15 – Jane Thurston

16 – Lanny Zadina

Daren Sanders

18- Anita Hamm

20 – Luke Eckert

22 – Ashley DeWitt

23 – Lane Sanders

26 – Amanda Seyfert

27 – Mary Ann Tasker

27- Marc Reinbold

28- Andrea Hernandez

Kendra Williamson

30 – Beth Geist Hazlett

30 – Joe Kvacik

Zachary Breen

31- Glenda Kieffer

April Wegehaupt

Christopher Bohn

Anniversaries

3 – Donald & Celeta Serrien

7 – Jeff & Tamala Lott

16 - Darrin & Kandi Buchwald

Dr. Kermit & Kathleen Wedel #60

20 – Demian & Rev. April Wegehaupt

21- Merlin & Shirley Kuder

The crib has been set up in

the foyer in anticipation of

the arrival of a new baby.

“A little pumpkin is on the way…

Let’s celebrate the big day!”

Pastor April, Demian, Martin and

Andrew are expecting Christian

Alexander to arrive on or about

October 31 and we want to help them

prepare for his arrival.

If you wish to give a gift to welcome

the little one, you can put it in the crib, wrapped

or unwrapped. In the crib is an afghan from the

UMW and a photo frame from FUMC.

We are so looking forward to being introduced

to the newest member of the Wegehaupt family.

The UMC Churches of Ada & Minneapolis

Office Email: minneapolisumc@eaglecom.net

Office Telephone 785- 392-3029 Website: www.minneapolisfumc.com

Pastor: Reverend April Wegehaupt Email – pastormum@eaglecom.net Parsonage Phone: 785-392-5130

Pastor’s Cell: 785-392-0868

ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD MINUTES

September 2013

The Administrative Board of the First United Methodist church of Minneapolis met for their regularly scheduled meeting

on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm with 15 members and 1 other in attendance.

Chairman Dale Henderson called the meeting to order.

Pastor April opened the meeting with prayer.

The Minutes of the last meeting were presented in written form. It was moved by Steve and seconded by Colette to

accept as presented. All members voted Aye.

Patti Bertrand presented the Treasurer’s report in written form. She reported that due to fair food stand receipts we

are “holding our own”. At this time $21,190.00 has been donated for repairs and replacement of the heating/AC system

with more funds expected. The $30.00 expense for ROCK Club, Item #407 in the budget, was for military postage. This

expense will be moved to Missions and ROCK Club deleted as a line item in the 2014 Budget.

The Trustees report was given by Lance Johnson. The furnace/AC project is coming along. The first phase is to get

heating and AC to the lower level of the Education wing and Fellowship Hall. Funds are available for work currently

being done. There is an estimated $6500 balance remaining for the next phase which is planned for the sanctuary

furnace/AC. However, they had just been advised that the AC in the Wesley Room is no longer working, so the $6500

may be used to fix/replace that unit.

Steve Baccus reported that the PPR committee met prior to this meeting and they discussed Pastor Appreciation in

October, the budget, salaries, and custodial position. The committee went into executive session and will report on

that meeting at a later council meeting. The council further discussed the custodial position. Pastor April reported that

in her discussion with the custodian it was indicated that she would be interested in working for a reduced time. Two

other people have expressed an interest in helping with a combined 50% of the work load of the custodian. Dale

instructed Pastor April to further discuss with these two people and the custodian and a definitive proposal be prepared

to present to the next Administrative Board meeting.

The Education committee has not met. Donna reported that she had a conversation with Laurene and she is stepping

down from the committee. Also, it was acknowledged that the committee is aware of cutting costs.

Pastor April reported for the Youth committee and they are meeting again after their summer break with about 20 kids

in attendance. They are looking for volunteers to furnish meals for the evenings that they meet. They are planning a

fundraiser for around Halloween.

The Outreach/Fellowship has not met. However, Patti had visited with Cassie Bohl and was told that Coffee Hour starts

again on Sunday, September 15, and volunteers are needed to help with that. Cassie said that plans will be made for

“Hanging of the Greens” beginning next month.

The Memorial Committee has not met.

Donna Johnson reported for the Missions committee. The proposed “Clothes Closet” is going forward, but volunteers

are needed to help organize. The UMW will be helping with this project next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Bobby Hudson reported for Love INC. They are still in need of food contributions. The Community Service Fair was well

received by those who attended.

There was no report from the Worship committee. They will be meeting in a couple of weeks.

Gail Eckart reported for UMW. They had their annual Ice Cream Social this past Sunday evening and she reported a

good attendance. They netted $326.20 as all food was donated.

Kristi Ocker reported for the Preschool Board. Minutes of their September meeting were presented in written form.

They will be having a Bake Sale in conjunction with the City Wide Garage Sales on September 14th. They will appoint

new Board members at their October meeting. Noah’s Ark Preschool will host the 2nd Sunday church dinner in

November. Paper items for the Preschool are still needed. Kristi will be submitting a grant to G.L. Huyett. Shirley noted

that new tables would be beneficial to the classroom.

Old Business:

Pianos – Ashley was not available to report on the pianos. Gary Kay indicated he would pay for an ad to sell the pianos.

After further discussion, no decision was made.

New Business:

Request from Piano Guild - They are asking for a reduction in fee for their annual recital; they would be able to pay

around $50. They had been paying $125, $50 for use of the church and $75 to be applied to the tuning of the piano.

The piano needs to be tuned every six months at a cost of approximately $150. After much discussion, it was the

consensus of the group that it would be the right thing to do to allow the Piano Guild to continue their use of the church

at a reduced fee.

Copier - Pastor April reported that the copier lease is about to expire. She asked for permission to proceed with plans

to get a newer copier that is more economical and to look at other ways to reduce paper and copier costs. Bobby

moved and Colette seconded that Pastor be able to make the best deal on a new copier lease. All members voted aye.

Pastor April provided her written Pastor’s Report. She mentioned the changes in conference forms, those filing the

pulpit during her upcoming maternity leave, visitations, and a Bible study for young parents. There is a form – Vision

and Goals for 2014 – presented to each of the Council members. She asked that these be filled out and returned at the

next meeting.

Bobby closed the meeting with prayer.

Dale announced that the next meeting will be Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00 pm.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hamm, Recording Secretary

Note: The minutes for these minutes were transcribed from a recording of the meeting and notes taken by Patti

Bertrand.

The Lay Leadership (Nominations) committee will be meeting soon to nominate persons to serve on the various

committees for 2014. In the October newsletter we will be highlighting the Stewardship and Mission

committees as well as the Administrative Board. The information for these articles was taken from Guidelines

for Leading Your Congregation by Taylor W. Burton – Edward, General Board of Discipleship. Only a portion

of the information is in the newsletter. However, a complete copy for each committee is available in the church

office.

Committees serving in the Minneapolis United Methodist Church are: o Administrative Board (Ad Council)

o Education

o Finance

o Lay Leadership (nominating)

o Missions

o Outreach/Fellowship

o Pastor/Parish Relations

o Trustees

o Worship

If you have an interest in serving on any of these committees please call Pastor April or the church office.

“While there is one mission – to make disciples of Jesus Christ – the portrait of a successful

mission will differ from one congregation to the next. In your church, neighborhood, or greater

community, what are the greatest needs.”

It is the Missions committee responsibility to “provide mission opportunities to the

congregation.

1. Develop a continuous, year-round program of mission education so that the

congregation will be better informed, more knowledgeable, and more motivated to be

supportive of the mission outreach of the church.

2. Identify the needs of your community, your county, and your world and engage your

congregation in mission experiences that seek to address these needs.

3. Seek to expand and increase your congregation’s mission support and ensure that your

congregation is provided every opportunity to participate financially in God’s mission

through the church.”

“One of the most direct connections for mission is through the General Board of Global

Ministries, which connects the church in mission, equipping and transforming people and

places for God’s mission around the world.

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is the humanitarian relief and

development agency of The United Methodist Church. UMCOR responds to natural and

human-made disasters, particularly when the community is not able to recover on its own.

Prayer support for God’s mission is absolutely essential for every congregation’s mission

program. Without the ongoing and fervent prayers of faithful church members, the mission

program will simply be another charity to which they contribute. Your mission programs

must be understood as the vital link between your congregation and God’s coming kingdom.

As your congregation becomes spiritually involved in mission, miracles of mission education

and support will occur.”

The current Missions committee at FUMC is Blythe Atwell, Sharon Foust, Donna Johnson,

Laurene Pridey, Sam Pridey, Rosalee Tibbits, and Pastor April.

“As stewardship leaders, your main function is nurturing generous living in everyone

connected to your faith community. The role of the stewardship and generosity team does

not arise out of the church’s need for funds, but rather out of personal need, as Christians,

to give back to God in every dimension of life.”

“The primary way your team nurtures generous giving is by building a culture of

generosity, both as individuals (“vibrant faithful stewards”) and as a congregation (“the

church as a vital community of stewards”). You build a generous culture from two different

angles: by inviting members to make their financial commitment and to support the

congregation’s work, and by relating to the full ministry of the local church, not just to

church finances.”

“All ministry is done within the context of seeing stewardship as support for the church’s

mission. The mission to which God has called us includes participating in the wider

connection we have as united Methodists in shared ministry around the world. “

Currently, Dale Henderson serves as chairperson of the Stewardship Committee.

“The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church says that the church council is the

executive agency of the charge conference (¶244). This means that between meetings of the

charge conference, the church council is the group of leaders who guide and further the

ministry of the congregation. The church council exists to create and supervise the strategic

plan for an effective congregation. The church council as a group should reflect the

character and population of your congregation. The decisions made by the council will

shape the future and demonstrate for everyone how God’s kingdom comes in your immediate

community.”

“The work of the church council is to envision plan, implement, and annually evaluate your

congregation’s ministry and mission.”

“The Discipline is clear that every congregation shall organize itself in a way to be most

effective at carrying out the mission of the church in its own setting. Each congregation has

permission to organize in the way best for them, using the Discipline as a guide. The

charge conference shall determine the size of the church council, and generally all leaders

for nurture, outreach, mission, and administration are part of the council. The church

council may have as few as eleven people or as many as the charge conference deems

appropriate.

Every congregation must make provision for including these functions according to the Book

of Discipline (¶252). Positions may be combined except for the financial functions. “The

positions of treasurer and financial secretary should not be combined and held by one

person, and the persons holding these positions should not be immediate family member

(¶258.4).”

Nominations and Leader Development

Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee

Trustees

Finance Committee Chair

Lay Leader

Lay member of annual conference

Financial secretary

Church treasurer

Membership secretary

Church Council chair

In addition to leaders who manage these functions, the church council shall include people who

represent the program ministries of the church, a representative or organized units of United

Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, and United Methodist Youth, plus a young adult and

the pastor. The members present and voting at any announced meeting constitute a quorum.

In conducting business and evaluating effectiveness of ministry, the church council may

propose an organizational structure for the charge conference. Remember that the way your

church is organized may not look like the structure of other United Methodist churches.”

In this church the council is made up of the positions mentioned above as well as Alternate Lay

Member to Annual Conference, Recording Secretary, Gifts and Memorial Chair, Education

Chair and Sunday School Superintendent, Fellowship/Outreach Chair, Missions Chair,

representative of Love Inc, Stewardship chairperson, and six Members at Large. They meet

monthly on the second Wednesday of each month except the month of July. Dale Henderson is

the chairperson.

Thank you for all the gifts I received for graduation. And thanks for all the support I have gotten in the past.

Cody Nichols

Thank you to all the members of the United Methodist Church for the beautiful fall arrangement sent to my

hospital room.

Beth Hazlett

Thank you to those who have donated funds to the military mailings project.

Laurene Pridey

The PPR and Missions committees are hosting the October Second Sunday dinner. Chairpersons are Steve

Baccus, Donna Johnson, Blythe Atwell, and Laurene Pridey. Committee members are Sharon Foust, Rosalee

Tibbits, Sam Pridey, Sylvia Kvacik, Barb Kibler, Gary Kay, Dale Henderson, Shayla Boyer, Al Miles and

Tamala Lott.

Watch for details in the bulletins and congregational emails as well as announcements from the pulpit.

The November dinner will be hosted by the Preschool Board.

The winter clothing drive “Warm Hands, Warm Hearts” is scheduled for Saturday, October 19. Coats, gloves,

hats and other cold weather clothing will be collected to warm our neighbors in need. Donated items should be

new or like new only. Items can be dropped off at the First United Methodist Church prior to the 19th

.

Financial assistance is also needed for items not donated. Checks can be made payable to the Ottawa County

Ministerial Association. Please indicated “Warm Hands, Warm Hearts” in memo line and mail to:

Christmas Store

c/o Marilue Wenthe

PO Box 116

Minneapolis, KS 67467

For more information contact Donna Johnson at dj67467@gmail.com or 785–392-0065.

The “Clothes Closet” at the United Methodist Church is now accepting clothing, new or like new. Men, women

and children’s clothing, hangers for children’s clothing, clothespins, and safety pins are needed.

Referrals are being accepted. The guidelines are the same as for the Christmas Store. Special needs will also

be considered.

The room designated for this mission is located on the main floor in the northwest corner of the education wing.

Donna Johnson is the contact person for this project. Please call her at 392-0065

Donations of time, talent and funds are needed for the Ottawa County Ministerial Association Christmas Store.

The Christmas Store and the Christmas Food Baskets are given to needy families and individuals in Ottawa

County by the Ministerial Association each year. The goal is to provide for those who have both a need and a

desire to participate. Applications are received from families, individuals and referrals from churches, agencies

and friends.

Participation is by invitation only and if you or someone you know wishes to apply, the application must be

turned in by November 22nd

.

Applications are available at most area churches and agencies. They are to be returned to the First United

Methodist Church, 418 N. Rock Street.

The ladies of United Women with a Mission, United Church of Bennington, have invited you to be their guest

at their annual Guest Day Program and Luncheon.

Susie Stenfors and Jeanne Ihnken will present the program in the sanctuary about their mission trip to New

Orleans last year.

After their presentation you are asked to be their guest for a salad luncheon in Fellowship Hall.

The program and luncheon will be on Friday, October 4 at 11:00 am at the United Church of Bennington, 222

N. Nelson in Bennington.

Shirley Kuder, director, reports that during September the children studied the letters Cc, Dd, Ee, Ff & Tt.

Their numbers are 3, 4, 5, &6 and the colors are yellow and orange. The shapes are square, rectangle, &

quatrefoil.

The week of October 14th

the children will be studying the letter Tt and to add to the fun they will make tents to

play in. The tents will be up for playtime on the 14th

- 17th

(M thru Th). If anyone has a medium or small tent

that they can use they would be very happy to use it for the week!

At the end of October each class will have a “Let the Light of Jesus Shine” fall dress-up party. If anyone would

like to bring cookies or anything, we would sure appreciate it!

The bake sale was a great success. A big thank you to all parents, friends and preschool supporters for all the

baked goods that was donated. $478.00 was raised and will be put into the preschool scholarship fund for

children in our community who wish to come to Noah’s Ark Preschool.

WE HAVE AIR CONDITIONING THE PRESCHOOL! It is up and running and it is amazing! Shirley says,

“I think of the many hurdles that had to jumped, work that was done and deadlines that have been met. Every

time that which needed done has been done for this preschool. I give credit to the Lord to make it all come

together. To everyone who has taken part in the preschool in any beneficial or supportive way I am sure the

Lord Jesus will bless you many times over, as it has been a blessing many, many times to me.”

TRUSTEES REPORT submitted by Lance Johnson

The news this month has been has been good as progress on the heating and cooling project has advanced. We

can mark as completed the units controlling the lower level of the education building and work has begun on

replacing the system for fellowship hall. Reports from the pre-school are that everything is working

wonderfully and is a welcome relief from plug in fans and portable air conditioners. This should make this part

of the building usable year round and provide for energy savings as well.

A huge "Thank You" goes to all who have supported this project through their gifts of money and service. We

couldn't have advanced this far without either. All work to this point has committed funding and we are almost

to where we can start the next priority project. The Sanctuary is the largest segment of all having the biggest

units to replace and the largest area to control and we are better than half way to having funding to start work.

Please be thinking of how we can continue to be of service to the Church. A tightening budget is making us

look at every dollar. Good ideas and volunteer service can make a huge difference.

In efforts to cut the costs in office expenses and to be good stewards of the environment,

changes are coming in the way that we print the bulletins and the newsletters.

Beginning the first Sunday in October, there will be traditional bulletins available for those who

want them and there will be a single sheet available with information other than the Order of

Worship. The Order of Worship will appear on the media screen.

The newsletter will be fewer pages and more information will appear on the media screen on

Sunday mornings. In the future, it has been suggested that we mail paper copies of the

newsletter to those who still want a copy mailed, email copies to those who have that capability.

The website may be implemented as well.

Change will be gradual and it will be a work in progress. Be patient as this will take time and

experimentation. Your feedback is needed. Please mention what you like or dislike about any

changes to the pastor, to the church secretary, or to a member of the ad council.

The District Annual Meeting is to be held in Salina

at the Church of the Cross on Saturday, October 12

beginning at 8:45 am. The theme is “Living the

Heart of God”, John Burchill Speaker. The

Ingathering is for DVAC and they are needing

shampoo, body soap, toilet paper,etc. Contact Gail

Eckart at 392-2946 if you would like to car pool.

The next meeting of the UMW will be on Tuesday,

October 15 at 7:00 pm in the Wesley Room. All

women of the church are welcome.

Again this year, the UMW is promoting Operation

Christmas Child shoebox gift project. By

November 1 the collection box will be placed in the

foyer and shoeboxes with children’s gifts will be

collected until November 24. The boxes will be

dedicated during the morning worship service on

November 24. Watch for flyers later this month

that have more information about how to pack a

box.

Chairperson Paula Baccus, assisted by Kathleen Wedel, is asking that all in the congregation

prayerfully consider helping with this project. Be watching for the posting of sign-up sheets.

PSALM 100

Psalm 100 will practice in the sanctuary on Wednesday, October 2 and again on October 30 at

7:00 pm. HymnSing this month will be held at the Ottawa County Health Center on Thursday,

October 10 at 7:00 pm. There will be no practice on October 9, 16, or 23. New voices are

always welcome as we “Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord!”

Photos by Donna Johnson

The Lay Leadership (Nominations) committee will be meeting soon to nominate persons to serve on the various

committees for 2014. In the October newsletter we will be highlighting the Stewardship and Mission

committees as well as the Administrative Board. The information for these articles was taken from Guidelines

for Leading Your Congregation by Taylor W. Burton – Edward, General Board of Discipleship. Only a portion

of the information is in the newsletter. However, a complete copy for each committee is available in the church

office.

Committees serving in the Minneapolis United Methodist Church are: o Administrative Board (Ad Council)

o Education

o Finance

o Lay Leadership (nominating)

o Missions

o Outreach/Fellowship

o Pastor/Parish Relations

o Trustees

o Worship

A Sunday school teacher was talking about

some of God’s creatures. She described a furry

little animal who climbed trees, built nests in

them, loved nuts and buried acorns. “What

animal am I talking about?” she asked.

One little boy, very mindful of where he was,

spoke up and said, “It sounds like a squirrel, but

I know the right answer is Jesus.”

Although very young, the boy had already

figured out that “Jesus” is the right answer to

many questions.

October 2013

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday October Missions:

OCMA Winter Clothing Drive and

Christmas Store

1

2 Bell Choir 5:30

T4C 6:30

Trustees 6:30

Psalm 100 7:00

3

4 5

6 World

Communion

Sunday

7 8 9

Bell Choir 5:30

T4C 6:30

Ad Council

7:00 pm

10

HymnSing

OCHC

7:00 pm

11 12

UMW District

Annual Mtg.

13 Second Sunday

Dinner

14

Columbus Day

15

Preschool Board

Meeting

UMW 7:00 pm

16

Education

Comm 5:00 pm

Bell Choir 5:30

T4C 6:30

17

Finance

committee

6:00 pm

18 19

“Warm Hands,

Warm Hearts”

Event

20

21

22

23

Bell Choir 5:30

T4C 6:30

24 25

Webster – Davis

rehearsal

26

Webster- Davis

wedding

2:00 pm

27 Reformation

Sunday

28 29 30 Bell Choir 5:30

T4C 6:30

Psalm 100 7:00

31 Reformation

Day

Looking ahead:

Nov. 3 – All Saints Sunday

Nov. 3 – Daylight Saving Time ends

Nov. 6 – Annual Chicken Dinner Nov. 24 – United Methodist Student

Day (offering)

First United Methodist Church NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

418 N. Rock Street U. S. POSTAGE PAID

Minneapolis, Kansas 67467-2242 Permit No. 6

Minneapolis, Kansas 67467

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

When a mother asked her child how he’d fallen out of bed, he replied, “I guess I stayed too close to where I got in.” When we Christians fail to grow in prayer and discernment, knowledge and understanding of Scripture, generosity and other fruits of the Spirit, it’s as if we’re balancing precariously at the edge of the bed. It’s quite easy to fall out – out of faith, out of church, out of active relationship with God. A good practice, for sleeping and for our Christian faith, is to be careful not to stay too close to where we got it!

---NewsletterNewsletter, October 2012