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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND September 2016

1200 E Highland Acres Rd ~ 701-223-2915 ~ [email protected] ~ www.uccbismarck.org ~ Like us on Facebook

SEPTEMBER 2016

A GLOBAL MINISTRY CHURCH OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Faith Stirred Up by Rev. Gretchen Deeg, Senior Pastor

There is a super fun and kind of crazy camp song called “Purple Stew.” The lyrics are sung all while pretending to stir a gigantic pot of stew and they go like this:

Making a purple stew, Whip Whip, Whip Whip

Making a purple stew, Stoobie-doobie-oobie-doobie

Purple potatoes, and purple tomatoes and YOU in my purple stew.

Fancy meeting you in my purple stew!

The song begins with just one person in the middle singing it out, then they point at someone to bring into the purple stew. Those two keep singing and pointing at people until everyone ends up in the purple stew together and the volume of the song is loud enough to be heard across mountain tops. Like I said, it’s a strange song, but absolutely wonderful at the same time. It’s strange because sometimes it can be embarrassing to sing at the top of your lungs while stirring an imaginary pot, but at the same time it’s wonderful because it is a song that can only be sung when people come together.

Many of the best things in life can only occur in community. A party no one attends, can hardly be called a party. A holiday gathering, isn’t much of a gathering alone. Even faith doesn’t mean much when it is lived in isolation. Community is essential to who we are as human beings and so is the act of calling each other to community. In Hebrews 10:24-25 it says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”

This year, we are going to seek to live that scripture out together. Let’s sing at the top of our lungs, have fun together even if we look silly doing it, and stir each other up to grow our faith together!

United Church of Christ Bismarck-Mandan Area

Sunday Worship at 10 A.M. Sunday School at 10:20 A.M.

Additional Kid’s Classes New to our 2016 Sunday School program are Wednesday evening VBS-style classes for kids the first Wednesday of every month. See page 6.

Church Closed on Labor Day The church office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5. Have a safe and fun Labor Day!

Rally Day – Sept. 11 Invite someone new to church for Rally Day on Sunday, Sept. 11 as we kick off Sunday School and re-gather for the fall! A luncheon will be served following our 10AM worship.

Back to School Food Drive Restock the Food Pantry and bring a can (or more) of food to church this month! See page 5 for details.

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND | SEPTEMBER 2016 2

Where all are unconditionally welcomed, affirmed, accepted and loved;

Where the good in every person is recognized and their talents are encouraged to be shared;

Where children, youth, and adults learn that God is love and all are welcome to freely explore spirituality in a safe and nurturing environment;

Where we can bring our personal needs and struggles and count on support from our church family – which is the loving family we all deserve;

Where powerful messages inspire and challenge us to be caring and compassionate to all – in our church, community, and world, seeking opportunities to put our faith into action with courage to go beyond what we think we can do;

Where we embrace the still-speaking God and live in today’s world.

Vision Statement Adopted January 2016

The Bismarck-Mandan UCC is a thriving church transforming our lives and community:

The Church Council took a summer break in July, but will have met again on August 30. Watch for a summary of our August meeting in the October Newsletter. The Church Council is comprised of the church moderator, clerk, pastor, and chairs of our standing boards; Deacons, Trustees, Christian Education, Stewardship and Mission, and Music Ministries. Council generally meets the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm.

“Where children, youth, and adults learn that God is love and all are welcome to freely explore spirituality in a safe and nurturing environment.”

Last month, around hamburger soup, cheddar biscuits, and conversations about prayer a new community was formed. The Way is a place where individuals and families are invited to deepen relationships and explore spirituality over food for all, conversation for the adults, and play for the kids! This ongoing group meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm at Shane & Erin Ice’s home.

LIVING OUR VISION HIGHLIGHT

Council Corner

”Hey have you heard? “

“Heard what?”

“The news from the capital campaign committee.”

“No, I haven’t heard anything from them in months!”

“Well, rumor has it that... Oops, I’m not supposed to tell anyone yet. I promised that I would keep mum about this, but come on September 19th and hear the news. I think it will make you happy.”


Actions Make the World a Better Place by Marcia Patrie, Stewardship Committee

I woke up this morning listening to the news, even Prairie Public can be depressing these days, I felt like the world was hopeless and what little bit of difference I made couldn’t possibly make a difference. Then I thought about the conversation I had had with a dear friend at the Interfaith picnic a few weeks ago. She is going through her 2nd fight against cancer and she said when we were talking about the general state of the world that she’s decided that all she can focus on is what she can do to make the world a better place.

What good advice if each of us did for those around us what we could to make their lives sweeter we would live in a wonderful place. This fall we will have an opportunity to do that by taking part in CROP walk. This has been around for a long time and we have participated for many years, I know since the late 80’s.

The information comes from the CROP website: On October 17, 1969, a thousand people in Bismarck, ND, walked in what may have been the start of the hunger walks related to CROP – and raised $25,000 to help stop hunger.

Wouldn’t it be great to see numbers like that again? I hope to see families and their neighbors joining us as we walk on October 9th. This is an opportunity put your actions into place and make the world a better place 1 step at a time.

(More information to come about how to be involved.)

East Timor Education Foundation $ 370.00 Charles Hall Youth Services $ 1,486.35 Our Church’s Wider Mission $ 1,565.00 One Great Hour of Sharing $ 1,411.92 Strengthen the Church (May 15) $ 105.00 Neighbors in Need (Oct. 2) The Christmas Fund (Dec. 18) $ 20.00 Martin Luther King Celebration $ 149.80 Total Shared Ministry $ 5,108.07

FINANCIAL STATUS

SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION PARTNERS IN 2016

A NOTE FROM THE TRUSTEES

Electronic Giving

We know that many of you pay your bills and donate to your favorite charities electronically. But did you know that you can use your online banking to donate to your church too! Just make the UCC in Bismarck a payee and set up recurring payments. You can also donate a portion of your Amazon purchases to the church using AmazonSmile! All you have to do is use AmazonSmile when ordering online and choose the “United Church of Christ” in Bismarck as your charity!

Risk Mitigation & Response Have you noticed that the yellow edging on the outside stairs makes them easier to see? Or that the large gap between the basement railings has been closed? This past spring, the Trustees formed a Risk Mitigation and Response Committee to review our church property and develop response plans for emergency situations. Thank you to Marv Erhardt, Howard Etson, Harold Karch, Gary Stockert, and Teresa Heupel for answering the call to serve our church in this capacity. With the help of Don Ronsberg, this committee has identified potential risks to our church and begun to create response plans for events such as a fire and medical emergencies as well as suggested safety improvements to our church property. Keep alert for more news on their work and ways you can become involved in ensuring our church is a safe place for all!

January 1 to July 31, 2016

Revenue General Offerings Actual = $ 85,307

Other Income (Dedicated, Earned) Actual = $ 48,365

Expenses Actual = $140,268

Total Revenue = $133,672 Total Expenses = $140,268 NET ACTIVITY = $ (6,596)

Danny Muhlbradt & Bill Patrie standing next to their handiwork.

(Not pictured: Myrone Rosene added the yellow stripes to our stairs.)


Conversations with God

Explore the book “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch, about an uncommon dialogue and encounter with God. This 6 week class meets Thurs, Sept. 8 – Oct.

13 at 3pm in the church library. Led by Teresa Heupel.

Friday Morning Bible Study

A group for the early risers! This dedicated group meets every Friday at 6:30 am in the church library for Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome.

Modeled after the early church in the book of Acts, this house-based small group meets on Thursdays, at 6:30pm at Shane & Erin Ice’s house for dinner and study. Childcare provided. Contact the church office for location details.

Knitting Group For knitters of all experience levels, including no experience! Upcoming class: Monday Sept. 26 at 1pm in the church fellowship hall.

Faith Forward For those interested in living their faith through social justice. Next gathering on Thursday, Sept. 1st at noon.

Confirmation This 2-year program is for youth in grades 7-12 interested in being confirmed. Led by Pastor Gretchen, Kirby Kruger, and Katie Mitchell.

United Church Youth (UCY) A group of middle & high school youth. Gathers every other Sunday from 11 – 11:45am and throughout the year for service and fun. See page 6 for upcoming events.

Have an idea for a class? Contact Pastor Gretchen (223-2915) or Howard Etson on Christian Ed with your ideas.

Ongoing Classes

Special Offerings

Ongoing Classes

… Ann Sharp

New Quilting Fellowship Group by Camille Grothier

We have an opportunity to form a new group which is yet to be named. It is a quilting group and all are welcome. Some of the opportunities to be offered are organizing fabric, cutting fabric, keeping track of supplies needed, simple sewing of blocks together, etc. It is hoped we will have beverages and yummies available at our meetings. It is my hope to meet weekly. The time and day will be determined by those interested in joining the group. The goal is to make smaller quilts for Warm Start which provides a ‘packet’ to new mothers who need the help. Missouri Valley Quilter Guild has a Warm Start volunteer who puts together a receiving blanket, a little outfit,and a crib quilt to give to various charities who help the new moms. We will also be making quilts to give to our own Prayer Shawl ministry. When those interested meet, we will explore other options for how to also support getting a warm quilt to the homeless or other charities which would benefit from our efforts. Hopefully, we will also be able to make quilts for sale to our church family members to help support our group. We have an offer of two sewing machines from a local quilt shop so no one will have to haul their machines to and from, I have some fabric and supplies to get us started. The group, when formed, will discuss specific goals and process. EVERYONE in our church family is invited to attend our ‘work’ sessions to enjoy fellowship with us whether or not they choose to actively participate.

If you have any interest in a group of this nature, please let me know at 223-7433 or email me at [email protected]. This ought to be a blast and a half! Please come join me on this exciting new opportunity to extend the love of Christ to others in our community.

UCC Buffalo Supper – Oct. 8

by Wanda Benson

Plan to attend the annual Buffalo & Ham Dinner & Bazaar and bring your friends. This year the proceeds will go to the East Timor Education Foundation. Watch for ticket sales and if you can, volunteer to check tickets out to sell to family and friends and to organizations you belong to. Tickets are $15 adults and $7 children 4-10 yrs. Children 3 and under eat free. We also need cookies and roasters and volunteers serving, dishwashing, cleaning and setting tables. Sign Up sheet will be coming soon, so watch for them and please volunteer. We will once again have the Bazaar & Bake Sale. It was a huge success last year and we look forward to what you will share again this year. Calling all you bakers, it is time to show off you great baking talents!! We need each and every one of you to come join us for this delicious meal. See you October 8th.

mailto:[email protected]


Jack’s Food Pantry by Darcy Avery, Deacons

How can I help with “Jack’s Back to School Food Drive” held the month of September?

Everyone is invited to bring a can (or more!) to church to share for people in need. Together let’s fill up our Food Drive green wagon! A list of food items which go in each bag can be located by the green wagon. We especially need canned fruit, cereal, dry soup, canned meat, raisins, brown beans, canned soup, pasta and sauce, treats for kids, and peanut butter. Additional items include bars of soap, toothpaste, bathroom tissue, laundry soap, disposable diapers, and personal items.

8 bags were given out this past month. Thank you to all who helped keep our shelves stocked to fill these bags.

JACK’S FOOD BAG LIST: (includes but not limited to…) 2 cans fruit 2 cans of meat 4 cans of vegetables 3 cans of soup 1 can of beans 1 jar of peanut butter 1 package of raisins 1 box/bag pasta 1 box crackers 3 boxes macaroni & cheese 1 box bag of cereal or oatmeal 1 package/box Ramen Noodles Treats for kids (pudding, fruit snacks, granola bars) Other items include baking mixes, coffee, tea, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant, bathroom tissue, laundry soap.

The Bell Choir will start up in October and will meet on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. People of all skill levels are invited to join the bell choir. Ability to read music is helpful, but not required. Director: Danielle Abler.

Ministry & Fellowship Groups UCC Choir

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the choir for a GREAT season last year. Although, I have to say, the UCC choir is usually more fun than work. It’s time for more fun and another great season. The UCC Choir will have its first rehearsal and dessert potluck on Wed, Sept. 7 at 7:00 PM. As always, we are glad to see some new faces or should I say, hear some new voices, along with the familiar ones. Everyone is welcome!! Come to sing or just come after rehearsal for some dessert and fellowship. See You Soon!

This women’s fellowship group meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 12 – 1 pm. Mayflower Circle leads various ministries throughout the year including funeral luncheons, annual rummage sale, numerous fundraisers, and others. Come to learn more.

Come out the second and fourth Mondays of May from 6:30 – 8:30 pm to join in the fun of board and card games. Bring your favorite games and a treat to share. Family, friends, and community members are always welcome! The next game nights will be Sept.12th & 26th at 6:30 pm.

Game Nights

Mayflower Circle

Salem Circle A women’s fellowship group for the elder women in our midst (you determine when that is); meets the first Thursday of every month at 1 pm for treats, fellowship, and devotionals.

Bell Choir

by Danielle Abler, Bell Choir Director

Interested in learning to play handbells or have a refresher course? Would you like to learn about handbell trees? Want an opportunity to play in a handbell ensemble? All this and more at the upcoming fall handbell workshop!

Back to Bells will be held on Sept. 13th from 5 – 9:30 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Sponsored by Area 7 Handbell Musicians of America.

We are always looking for new members to join our Handbell Choir!

Wonderful News This Month! by Camille Grothier, Fellowship Committee

Our little committee has been blessed with the addition of two new members to our team… and both of them are breaking the “only-women-can-do-this” trend. A huge thank you to both Shane Ice and Ken Trana. We know they will both be great additions to our number!

Fellowship following service on Sunday mornings is but an extension of our worship experience and it has been going very well. Everyone is invited to sign up to bring treats to share on Sunday mornings. Kudos to all who serve so faithfully to provide this service to our church family and may God bless you for your time and efforts!


Sunday School Calendar

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday Sept. 7th @ 6 pm - Deliver fliers for Rally Day! Sunday, Sept. 11th @ 10:20 am Sunday, Sept. 18th @ 10:20 am Sunday, Sept. 25th @ 10:20 am

UCY Gathering will begin the fall schedule! Mark you calendars for …

Faith discussions, study, and fellowship

Sunday, Sept. 11th, 11:15 am – 11:45 am. Sunday, Sept. 25th, 11:15 am – 11:45 am.

Youth News

United Church

PLUS A NEW ADDITIONAL TIME!

‘WEDNESDAY EVENING’ CHILDREN’S SCHOOL * First Wednesday evening of each month

We will be offering Vacation Bible School like children’s classes.

* Pre-School through 6th grade. * It will consist of: Lessons, Games, & Crafts

Did you enjoy VBS? If yes, then you will enjoy Wednesday evenings.

BEGINNING ON - Wednesday, Sept. 7th @ 6 pm

Family Worship Sundays A monthly service specially designed for minds of all ages, moving bodies, and wild imaginations. Mark your calendars for our Family Worship Sundays:

October 30 November 27 December 25

Beginning January 2017, Family Worship will be the first Sunday of every month!

UCY Service Project

Ministry on the Margins Thursday, Sept. 29th

Meet at the church at 4:00pm

Ministry on the Margins serves those who fall through the cracks during transitional times – especially during re-entry into the community from prison. Together we will learn more about this ministry and help organize their food pantry.

DATE: Sunday, September 4th

TIME: 7 pm to 9 pm

LOCATION: Bill & Marcia Patrie’s Home (call Katie 701-426-7906 for directions)

UCY

Fun, Study, & Service for Middle & High School Youth Youth Minister: Katie (Patrie) Mitchell 701-426-7906


by Jae Utke, Conference Youth Minister

Rev. Gretchen Deeg, Katie Patrie, Rev. Ken Adams, Chris Maxfield, and I accompanied 17 Conference youth to Orlando Florida for the 2016 National Youth Event. The theme of NYE was “Believe.” The focus verse was Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

There were several speakers from various places. A Jewish man explained his work toward building better relations with Palestinian citizens, and how he came to take such a stance, which could be considered anti-Jewish. One young man writes and performs music, and donates the proceeds toward buying medication for children in Africa suffering from intestinal parasites. Another young man does research regarding the effects of debris and old fishing lines on ocean life. One young woman created an app (ReThink) and did a study on the effectiveness of this app in stopping cyberbullying. Another young woman spoke of her efforts to stop child marriages in her home country of Pakistan, and another young woman spoke about the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and why it’s important to understand why the movement started. There was a “house band” made up of students from Catawaba College. They helped set the mood of the event, and put the kids in worshipful moods. Several people from both the UCC and DOC acted as worship

May God’s gift of life be a blessing to you and may your life be a blessing to others on this special day of

your birth and all year long!

If we are missing your birthday and you would like to be on our birthday list, please contact the church office at 701-223-2915.

*Please contact the church office or sign up in the narthex if you would like your birthday listed in the newsletter.

Northern Plains News NYE 2016: Believe!

2 Sue Pearson 3 Mary Knutson 9 Maiah McCowen 13 Denyka Sauer

13 Susan Stockert 23 Maria Roll-Schlecht 30 Ruby Jackson 30 Norm Beck

leaders during our morning and evening worship services. The Exhibit Hall featured displays simulations. Several of the ministries we help support, such as One Great Hour of Sharing and Global Missions were represented. There was a mobile exhibit of modern-day slavery, depicting the conditions and work done to improve the working conditions for farm laborers in Florida’s produce industry. There were several workshops that were held, on various topics. Some dealt with Israeli/Palestinian relations, and refugee issues, Syrian issues, and Muslim/Christian relations. There were workshops on spirituality, and leadership opportunities, and opportunities for service projects.

One morning was spent learning about Disney’s Youth Education Series (Disney YES). There, the kids leaned about how global citizenship, technology, communication and innovation have worked together to bring understanding of various cultures of the world. They did some games and activities to help them learn and understand people with different backgrounds. The Disney YES program works well with the UCC/DOC values that ALL people in the world at large are a universal body in Christ.

“Locks of Love” was a featured charity at NYE. They provide discounted wigs and hairpieces to children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments or other diseases. Katie Patrie donated several inches of her hair to the cause.

Of course there was a day built in just for fun and play at the Disney Parks. Attendees could choose to go to the Magical Kingdom, Epcot Center, Hollywood Studios, or the Animal Kingdom and spend the day there. Most of our youth chose the Magical Kingdom, but there were a few who went to Hollywood Studios. It was very hot that day, but the kids made the best of the situation, and had a great time.

Over all, I would say the kids had a perfect opportunity to meet other youth and learn about things that matter, in our lives, their lives, and the lives of others. I think it was important for them to realize that church is not just “church,” but they are a part of that “church.” The church is growing and evolving, and they are an integral part of that.

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