God is Still

Speaking...

Brookings United Church of Christ

WWW.BROOKINGSUCC.ORG

Brookingsucc@brookings.net

605 697 2882

Rev. Wade Schemmel

Pastor

Email:

buccpastor@swiftel.net

Office Phone:

605-697-2882

Cell Phone:

701-934-2051

As I look at it. . .

“Whoever

you are,

wherever

you are on

life’s jour-

ney, you

are wel-

come here”

Issue 9 SEPTEMBER 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015

828 8th Street South

Brookings, SD 57006

Brookingsucc.org

605.697.2882

828 8th St. South

Brookings, SD 57006

ISSUE

9

Over the years one of the things that I have found to be therapeutic is working on an en-

gine. In the name of full disclosure I have to declare that I am not a mechanic. I am someone

who likes to work on engines, and who generally has a startled feeling of joyous amazement

when after I worked on them, they start up. But I have learned something from these engines,

beyond how to care for them. I have picked up a few pointers that are helpful when working

with people. First, I have learned that a little dirt never really hurt you. If you want to work on

an engine but do not want to get your hands dirty you have a problem. After all Jesus did say

that nothing from the outside could really hurt you. Second, if you do not know where to start

on something, rather than standing and looking at the project simply pick a place and start

in. There is a good chance that you will soon begin to discover the source of the problem. Fi-

nally the third thing I have learned from working on engines that I find helpful when working

with church groups (of people) is that there are no spare parts. If you take an engine apart,

work on it and then put it back together you should not have any parts left over. The odds are

that if you have some pieces left over something was not put together right. The job quickly

becomes helping the missing piece find a home.

For we in the church wonder what our role is, what is the real message for us today? So often

in the church we look at what we have done and then we wonder if there is anything else we

can do, or have we become obsolete. Are we now a spare part? The church is a living breath-

ing family, with a constantly evolving set of needs and an equal number of opportuni-

ties. While it may not be necessary for us to do what we have always done, we can be confi-

dent that there are new opportunities opening up all the time. These will be opportunities to

find new skills, and discover talents we did not know we had. The question is not if we are vi-

tally necessary to the future ministry but when will we make those gifts that God has given us

available.

Let us remember that the gifts that God has given to us were not ours to be hidden under a

bushel, but are vital parts in the workings of the church. If the church is to fully answer the call

that has been placed before it we are necessary. Sometimes we think that we have put in our

time, and in reality we may have---in that area. But what new area are awaiting us? What lays

over the proverbial horizon that calls to us to live our faith in a new and different manner?

Our gifts, our talents even our curiosities are what the church needs if it is to answer the call to

discipleship that God has placed before it. For when we hold back and do not share the gifts

that God has given us the ministry of the church is weakened.

My friends, as it is with an engine there are not spare parts in a congregation. You and I and

the gifts that God has placed within us are absolutely vital to the present and future life of the

church. As we enter into the fall season let us prepare to engage that life fully.

Namaste Wade

Brookings Back Pack Project Needs Volunteers!

What’s needed: Delivery to Schools

Hillcrest Elementary and Medary Elementary

do not have anyone assigned to them

When: Either Thursday afternoon or Friday morning,

depending on the request of the school

Where: Pick-up the food from the BBP Staging Site and deliver to one of the

schools in Brookings. Please contact me to see which schools are still in need of delivery.

Number of Volunteers: 7 (one for each school, or if you would like to partner

with someone, we could have more or let us know if you can serve as back-up)

Comments: The food is delivered in totes, which take up quite a bit of room. It

would be good to have a van, pickup, or SUV that has a lot of room to haul the food. Must be able to lift and carry 40-50 lbs.

Please contact Ashley Dahl, Volunteer Coordinator at 605-690-6396 if you are interested.

Ways to give back to our community...

“My Neighbor”

My neighbor is a faith-based community program that was created by

members of the Brookings Ministerial Association in order to bridge a

major gap in public assistance for residents in the area. My neighbor

will help solve the immediate need or crisis by offering resources and financial sup-

port when no other service exists. Your donation help families in Brookings get

through financially difficult times, manage a financial crisis, and restore their ability

to live productive lives. Any contribution can make an enormous difference to a per-

son who is trapped between hope and hopelessness. Your donation will stay in the

Brookings community, helping struggling families and individuals get back on their

feet. Please consider

placing a donation.

Just a Reminder:

“NEIGHBORS IN NEED”

OFFERING

OCTOBER 4th, 2015

Empty Bowl moves to new date...

The Empty Bowl moves to a new date, it will take place November 2nd. The change of date is not the only change to come to empty bowl. This year we will be hosting a Hispanic theme and having a fiesta. The focus for the empty bowl will be on local poverty with the proceeds going to the various support systems in the community. Fred Kierschenmann, our guest speaker, will discuss the theme of ‘sustainable agricul-

ture’. Tickets will be $15 and will go on sale in the next few weeks.

Mail to:

My Neighbor

1310 Main Ave. S

Suite #113

Brookings, SD 57006

For more information: 605.691.3225

info@myneighborbrookings.net Www.myneighborbrookings.net

Moderator’s Report SEPTEMBER2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Red Cross Blood

Drive 12-8 pm

2 Bible Study 11:30-1 pm

3 Roundtable

Mtg. 5:30pm

4 5

6 Adult Study 9

Worship 10

Fellowship 11

7

YOGA Class Noon

8

9 Bible Study 11:30-1 pm

10 Faithful Crafters 2 pm Interfaith Mtg. 6:30 pm

11

12

Birthday Breakfast 10 am Perkins

13 Communion Adult Study 9 Worship 10 Fellowship 11 Confirmation Meeting 11 am Youth Mtg. 6pm CHILDREN’S DAY!

14

YOGA Class Noon

15

Council Meeting 5:30 pm

16 Bible Study 11:30-1 pm Confirma-tion Mtg. 6 pm

17

18

RUMMAGE SALE

(9-6 pm)

19

RUMMAGE SALE

(9-12 pm)

20 Adult Study 9

Worship 10

Fellowship 11

21

YOGA Class Noon

22

23 Bible Study 11:30-1 pm Confirma-

tion Mtg. 6 pm

24 Faithful Crafters 2 pm Night Out

5:30 pm

25

26

Faithful Crafters

10-11:30am

27 Adult Study 9

Worship 10

Fellowship 11

28 YOGA Class Noon

29

30 Bible Study 11:30-1 pm Confirma-tion Mtg. 6 pm

This summer has flown by way too quickly and I still haven’t finished my “to do list”. If you are like me, working under a fast approaching deadline finally gets the work done. All you have to do is ask Terri, every month I say I will turn in my church article early and every month she reminds me I need to get it done that day so she can complete the newsletter. The major part of the “to do list” is the church building is in need of attention: the roof, the wall in the sanctuary and baseboards. While some of the men worked on the building this summer, there are repairs that need a professional. The Council is working on getting quotes for the needed repairs and will prioritize them. Unfortunately, we are of small numbers and don’t have a budget for the much needed repairs. The Council is in the process of planning fundraisers to offset the additional ex-pense in the budget. When the fundraisers are decided upon and you want to partici-pate please contact me at kprunty@itctel.com or 605-690-2820.

NOTES FROM THE AUGUST CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

The church rummage sale will be held Sept. 18-19, with setup the 16th-17th. Items can be brought to the church starting

Sept. 13.

Plans are being made to possibly host a flea market at the church. Vendors could rent tables either inside or outside of the

building.

Plans are pending for ways to help children who “age out” of the foster care system. The proceeds from the November

Craft and Bake sale will be used to help support Child Protective Services in the Brookings area.

A training meeting for foster parents will be held at BUCC on October 20. Volunteers are needed to provide child care and

lunch.

Cathy Ching, the coordinator of the Brookings Backpack Project, presented the BBP annual report to the council – 198 chil-

dren are signed up so far and over 400 are expected to be served this school year. A representative from the church is

needed on the management team.

The benches have been installed in the Memorial Garden.

The regional meeting of Church Women United will be held the last weekend of August in Schuyler, Nebraska.

An Emerging Ministries event organized by the South Dakota Conference will be held in Pierre on September 26. Pastor

Wade will lead a workshop on what future state conference meetings will look like.

Ministry teams will be reorganized at the end of the year.

The blood bank will be at BUCC on September 1 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Donors need to make an appointment.

The children’s Christmas program is scheduled for December 20th during worship.

The Fifth Sunday event will be held on August 30th after the worship service. The topic is Child Protective Services in Brook-

ings.

Ruby Wilson, BUCC Council Secretary

By: Kristi Prunty Moderator

217 4TH Street

BROOKINGS, SD 57006

605.692.5007

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

Crackers Canned Fruit

Carrots (canned)

Cereal

Spag. Sauce

Egg Noodles

Refried Beans

Instant Oatmeal

Tomato Sauce

HARVEST TABLE:

A warm-no-cost meal served every Monday

night from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the First

United Methodist Community Life Center,

The meal is offered for anyone in the communi-

ty looking for good food and fellowship! If you

have questions, contact Vonda Kirkham, Harvest

Table Director, 692 4345.

FEEDING

BROOKINGS

Bags of food are distributed

every Thursday from 4:00—5:00 p.m. at the

Ascension Lutheran Church

2030 3rd Street 692-6565

September food item of the month:

Canned Meats

If you have participated in the weekly Harvest Table, you

know that it is more than a hot meal for those in need. They

also distribute food stuffs and supplies for families to get

through the week, such as soap, toothpaste, diapers and

baby wipes to name a few. The number of people being

served each week has grown significantly over the last few

years. In July 285 people were served a hot meal, grocery

items were distributed to 145 households, 110 packages of

diapers and baby wipes were handed out to families all at no

cost to the families. The cupboards are BARE!! The Harvest

Table is desperately in need of supplies. Non-perishable

foods, (canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, beans, cere-

al, baby food, formula, fruits and juice, canned meat and

other pantry staples), personal care items (soap, toothpaste

and brushes, shampoo, mouthwash), baby supplies (diapers

and baby wipes are especially needed), paper goods (paper

towels, toilet paper). The needs run the gamut. If you need it

for your house, the Harvest Table probably needs it as well.

If you aren’t sure what is most needed, money is always “the

right size and color.” With your tax-deductible donations,

the Harvest Table staff can shop for what is needed the most.

Pantry is open:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

1:00 - 4:30pm

Celebrate!Birthdays in September

January July

Stuart & Melissa Apland

Kathy Apland

Jihong Cole-Dai

Steve & Kristi Prunty

Dennis & Darlene Dokken

February August

Chris & Sue Hay

Clarence & Darlene Bauer

Kyle & Tiffany Eide

Larry Rogers & Ruth Harper

Matt Chang & Brandy Donaldson

March September

Chad & Laura Gloege

Susan Helvig

Dave & Julie Huebner

Christina & Justin Wiemer

Shanta Messerli

If anyone has any concerns or possible conflicts,

Please contact the church office 605.697.2882

Or at brookingsucc@brookings.net. Thank You!

Ministry Teams 2015

April October

Jim & Joanne Satterlee

Leonard & Norita Henneman

Don & Nancy Marshall

Scott Meyer & Taylor Mertz

Steve & Jean Chappell

May November

Jim & Ruby Wilson

Helen Anderson

Brenda & Carl Kline

Doug & Mary Ward

Raul & Marisol Galvan-Murillo

June December

Tom & Susan Rosen

Loye Holmes

Randy & Marlene DeBoer

Wade & Peg Schemmel

Linda Langner

Special dedication of food items~

During each month we collect food for three special ministries that distribute

food to those in need. These include “Feeding Brookings” “The Food Pan-

try” and “The Harvest Table”. There are receptacles and carts to receive

each of these offerings. That food will be dedicated each 3rd Sunday and will

be distributed shortly after that. Help us to have nice full bins to share and

dedicate.

3 Ruby Wilson

4 Nathan Cole-Dai

8 Elijah Wiemer

9 Rylan Eide

13 Sheila Apland

15 Josie Dokken

17 Darin Dobrenski

27 Reekah Delfanian

28 Kate Treiber

29 Randy DeBoer

BUCC Outreach Program Update:

The BUCC Outreach Program is still working with the

Child Protective Services to see what our church can do

to help their program be more effective in this area. We

are trying to develop a plan to become a guiding resource for these young

adults transitioning into living on their own by providing apartment supplies

and furnishings, hygiene products, etc. On October 20th, there will be a train-

ing session done by CPS for anyone who would like to be a part Call Marlene

DeBoer at 605.690.0360 or contact the church office at 605.697.2882 for more

information.

MISSION MOMENT: Faithful Crafters Update:

Plans are being made for BUCC to host their 2nd Annual Craft

and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 14th from 9-4 pm that

will include a raffle for two beautiful homemade quilts. Raffle tickets are $

1 each or 6 for $ 5. Part of the money will go to BUCC and part of it will be

donated to Child Protective Services and the Local Foster Care Program.

Volunteers are needed to help set-up and serve food and refresh-

ments, and also brake down and clean up when it’s over. If anyone wants

anymore information, please contact Marlene DeBoer @ 693-6657.

Both of these lovely quilts

are up for the raffle and were

handmade by BUCC mem-

ber Norita Henneman. Top

left is a lap quilt and bottom

right is a twin size quilt.

There will be Pottery and

artwork for sale made by

BUCC members Peg

Schemmel and Dave Hueb-

ner. There will also be

handcrafted items as well

as baked goods for sale.

There will be approximately

12 vendors present. Please

join us for a day of crafts,

goodies, and fun!

‘Children’s Day Celebration’

You’re Invited!

September 13th, 2015

This is a day in recognition of our youth, our Sunday School

program, and its teachers to celebrate their time here at Brookings United Church of Christ.

There will be games, crafts, balloons, cake, and

refreshments! Please save the date and help us celebrate our children! Our fun begins at 11am.

Upcoming Events in the month of September

We will soon have our worship ser-

vices on you tube. We are still look-

ing for a few more volunteers to as-

sist us in this exciting development.

We have purchased a video camera

and are looking forward to starting

this project very soon.

September 7, 14, 21, 28 at 12:00

Noon all are invited to come to

the education wing of our church

to share in Introductory Yoga

classes. The classes will be an op-

portunity for all that are interest

experience the physical and spir-

itual gifts of yoga. The class is

taught by Shanta Messerli.

Faithful Crafters group

will be meeting Sep-

tember 10th and 24th

at 2 pm, and the 26th

at 10 am. All are wel-

come!

BUCC

RUMMAGE SALE!

September 18th

9-6 pm

September 19th

9-12pm

Donations for the sale will be taken

up until the sale starts either day. Vol-

unteers are encouraged to contact the

church office if interested in partici-

pation. Please join us!

BUCC Council

Meeting

September 15th, 2015

5:30 pm Potluck

6:15 pm Meeting

Youth Update:

There will be a Youth meeting on

September 13th, 2015 at 6 pm.

They will be doing some yard

clean up on the BUCC grounds,

some future planning and having

some pizza while they put their

heads together.

“BUCC Night Out”

September 24th, 2015

@ 5:30 pm

We will be sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion

on Sunday, September 13th @ 10 am. All are invited

to come and share in this very special time as we gath-

er about the table that our Redeemer has set. Any

who cannot be with us but who wish to receive the

elements of this sacrament are invited to call the

church office and make arrangements.

Roundtable Outreach

Meeting

September 3rd, 2015

@ 5:30 pm

This group consists of repre-

sentatives from most local

outreach programs that meet

once a month to discuss up-

coming projects and events to

ensure that everyone stays on

the same page and up to date.

Birthday Brunch

September 12th

Perkins~10 am

All are welcome to join

us in this time of good fellow-

ship and good food!

Bible Study will take place on

Wednesday mornings at 11:30–

1pm September 2, 9, 16, 23, and

30 this month. Please join us!

UPCOMING CONFIRMATION:

The First Confirmation meeting for par-

ents and students will be following

church on September 13th at 11 am.

All students that are in 7th or 8th grade

are invited to attend. If we have missed

any that might be older they and their

parents are also invited to be a part of

this program. The purpose of the meet-

ing will be to lay out the program for the

coming year and to answer any ques-

tions. Regular meetings will be every

Wednesday night at 6 pm through the

end of the year, (16th, 23rd, & 30th)

Brookings Ministerial

Association Mtg.

Sept. 23rd 8:30 am

Interfaith Meeting

September 10th 6:30 pm