ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH2945 Main Street, East Troy, WI 53120 642-7642

Rev. Nhia Wahn Her

Following the CrossMarch 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are still in the middle of winter but it feels like spring already! I hope you are enjoying this warm weather as much as I am.

Some of you have expressed the joy of having ecumenical services with the local churches in East Troy during Lent. But since I am new to this area and have my hands full from what we are trying to do at St. James, let us focus on our church for this year.

As I’m writing this letter today, Lent is just around the corner and Easter is on April 16! March 1 st is Ash Wednesday and a service of Holy Communion will be celebrated at 7:00 PM. I’ll share with you a story in Luke 18:9-14 about two opposite people – one who said “there’s nothing wrong with me” and the other who said “there’s everything wrong with me.” One of them represents what Lent is not, and the other represents what Lent is. And as we further study this story, the two people we learn here can better help us understand what Lent really is.

Then we will kick off a midweek service on Wednesday, 7:00 PM during the first week of Lent here at St. James. You will be experiencing a short worship service with singing, praying and I will lead us into six studies of “The Wesleyan Way” by Bishop Scott J. Jones. I believe this discipleship resource will equip us to share “A Faith That Matters” in the United Methodist perspective to those that we will come in contact with during Lent and beyond. I hope you will plan to join us and also invite anyone that you know of who is interested and will benefit from this study.

Then a sermon series call “Journeying with Jesus” will be preached on five Sundays leading up to Easter Sunday. As we are marching with our Lord Jesus Christ toward Jerusalem in this period of 40 days, as usual many of you will try to stay away from certain activities as a way of remembering the suffering of our Lord Jesus. But this year, I want you to write three un-churched persons on a card, that you will receive on the first Sunday of Lent, and invite them to Easter Sunday service. I want us to partner with God by lifting these persons to God in prayer on a daily basis and abstaining from foods one day a week with the exception of those who have medical issues.

I ask that you will join me in prayer as we are preparing for a good turn out on Easter Sunday. I also ask you to continue praying for our church, for our leaders, as we are trying to move to a more outward focus in order to reach people in our community.

Lent blessings,

Pastor Nhia Wahn Her

EAST TROY MANORWORSHIP SCHEDULE

MARCH

March 2nd Pastor Nhia WahnMarch 9th Brad BalgordMarch 16th Joyce Reed March 23rd Brad BalgordMarch 30th Brad Balgord *************************************************************

SECOND HELPINGSThe February 20th, 2017 Second Helpings meal of spaghetti and meatballs, lettuce salad, French bread and cherry pie was enjoyed by 76 people. We thank everyone for your donations and helping serve and clean up. We could not do it without your help.

Please come join us on March 20, 2017 for St. Peters Catholic Church’s annual St. Patrick’s meal.

The Davis Committee of: John & Jean O’Brien, Lois Crubaugh, Dick Howes and George & Karen Davis. ************************************EAST TROY FOOD PANTRY

Don’t forget to bring your items for the food pantry each Sunday! These items are “always” needed no matter what month or season, they are: Laundry soap, dish soap, sugar, flour, and cookies. The theme for March is “Lunch or Dinner.” Items needed are boxed potatoes, Hamburger Helper, macaroni & cheese, rice products and Ramen noodles.

PRAYING FOR OUR SOUTHEAST DISTRICT CHURCHES

We continue with the practice of the Southeast District praying for local churches and their pastors each week throughout the year on a rotating basis. During the month of March we pray for the following churches and their pastors in the Southeast District of the Wisconsin Annual Conference:

Feb. 27 – Mar. 5: Wauwatosa: Wauwatosa Avenue, their pastor Timothy Berlew, and their 366 members, Wauwatosa Ave. is located at 1529 Wauwatosa Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213.

Mar. 6 – Mar. 12: West Allis: Calvary, Milwaukee Faith, their pastor Elizabeth Weed, and Calvary’s 190 members and Faith’s 61 members, Calvary is located at 3177 S 107th St. West Allis, WI 53227, Faith is located at 400 S 91st St., Milwaukee, WI 53214.

Mar. 13 – Mar. 19: West Allis: First, their pastor Gary Cole, and their 276 members, West Allis is located at 7520 W Lapham St., West Allis, WI 53214.

Mar. 20 – Mar. 26: West Bend: Fifth Avenue, their pastor Clarissa LaFaye Martinelli, and their 407 members, Fifth avenue is located at 323 S 5th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095.

Mar. 27 – Apr. 2: Whitefish Bay, their pastors Matthew Hadley, Tshishinen Muteb Chingej, PyungAhn “Peace” Kim, and their 881 members, Whitefish Bay is located at 819 E Silver Spring Dr. Whitefish Bay, WI 532

YOU ARE INVITEDYou are invited to morning

coffee hour. Bring your friends and neighbors before our 9:00 a.m. Worship Service and enjoy

some social time with a hot beverage and snack in our

Welcome Center.*******************************

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FRANK’S PIGGLY WIGGLY SHOPPERS

We received a total of $141.01 from the 4th quarter ending December 31, 2016. We receive one cent for every dollar you spend, minus tax, liquor or postage.

Please continue to bring yourreceipts to the church kitchen and place them in the container drawer by the microwave. NO late past due receipts can be used.***********************************

REMINDER: ST. JAMES IS ON

AMAZON SMILEDon’t forget…….For those of us who shop at Amazon Prime, there is always the opportunity for us to earn donations to St. James.

Log on to smile.amazon.com and you’ll find the exact same prices as you normally expect. Not all products are eligible, but many are. We receive 0.5% per item, not including tax and other separate charges.

Remember to type in St. James United Methodist Church, East Troy, WI as your charity. Once chosen, all eligible orders automatically go through your charity choice.

You continue to use your current Amazon account.

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATIONA package of box tops for Education was sent to “Red Bird Mission.” Your support makes this ministry possible to do Christ’s work. Their commitment to sharing God’s love extends through nine Kentucky counties and one in Tennessee. Thank you for collecting and trimming the box tops. Please watch and clip box tops from General Mills, Betty Crocker products, A+ labels from Tyson chicken, Fiber One bars, plastic bags and others.Please place them in the drawer in the kitchen by the microwave. Another shipment will be sent July 1, 2017.Thanks,Dolores Rich

Below are the minutes from the Hospitality Group Meeting. The minutes from this meeting are being printed in the Newsletter for better communication and knowledge.

HOSPITALITY GROUP MEETING MINUTES

February 5, 2017 (first meeting)

Members: Chairperson, Dolores Rich, Kurt Hudzinski, Bill Garvens, Jane Moyer, Vicki Hahn and Chris Rossmiller. Pastor Nhia Wahn Her was also present and Kurt Hudzinski was absent.

We are trying to create an environment that makes our first time guests feel welcomed and respected. The first seven minutes is all you get to make a positive impression.

1. This service was first served on January 8, 20172. We are trying to make a new change here at St. James.3. Everyone is invited to bring friends and neighbors.4. Everyone can enjoy some social time with a hot beverage and snack in the now Welcome Center

(Narthex).5. This will not interfere with coffee hour after Worship. We will still have that!

This is what has happened so far:1. Two new stainless carts were purchased by United Methodist Women and Memorial Fund.2. Then I’d like to thank Jane and Dave Moyer for buying a new 40 cup coffee pot, electric extension cord

to Narthex, and letting us use their stand for dry packages. Dolores also purchased a new 40 cup coffee pot.Problem – We blew fuses

3. Great idea by Chris and Tom Rossmiller; they purchased three Bunn pump coffee pots and an attractive rack so no electricity is needed. Many thanks to them.

4. Coffee is made in the kitchen coffee unit.5. This is an up-date so we all start on the same page.6. Please read the “Fusion” book chapter 3, by Nelson Searcy. It explains our purpose.7. Please sign up to serve early Hospitality beverage/snack time.

My suggestion is a posted sign in Welcome Center and Sanctuary door, stating: “No food allowed in the Sanctuary, only covered beverages are permitted.” This is on the door at the Mukwonago library. Any comments? It was voted no.

Our next meeting is March 5, 2017, after church service in the Cry Room.

We have a sign-up sheet on the ledge, hoping members of the congregation will take an early Sunday morning Hospitality coffee hour. To serve; make coffee, bring 2 sweets and 2 fruits, then clean up. If you want help the first time, please let Dolores or Chris Rossmiller know.

Respectfully submitted,

Dolores Rich, Chairperson

Take a Moment . . . To Grow Closer to God!Discovering God’s Will for Your Life!

How many times have we read that God gives us the skills and desire to use for His Purpose; that He has a Will for our lives. We read this, we hear this, and we accept. But, in the quietness of our homes, we wonder, am I really on God’s page? Am I serving the purpose God planned for me? Sheila Walsh has written a Bible study called, “Discovering God’s Will for Your Life”. In the next two “Take a Moment” devotions, I will summarize her study. So, open your Bible and read along. You will learn about God’s will and how to recognize it when you receive it.

Where There’s a Will . . . “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) We ask ourselves the big questions in life. “What should I do with my life?” “Is this the best decision for me?” “Does God agree?” We long to do something of value, to be recognized, to leave a legacy. As Christians, we also wish to discover God’s will for our lives. In our valleys, we are anxious, unhappy and distressed. What went wrong? Even in our valleys, God is with us. Because, God’s will is just that—God’s will. God does things His way, in His time, according to His own plan, and with His own purpose in mind.

Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that our ways are not God’s ways. More than one of God’s chosen prophets stood before Him and cried out, “Why?” These examples God uses to gently remind us of our humanness, and we are nudged back into our place in God’s world. Romans 9:18-23 tells us why we are made the way we are, and why we sometimes ask the question, “Why?” Romans 9 illustrates the difference between God’s rights and ours. Philippians 2:13 brings peace to us. The scripture reminds us that “it is God who works in us.” It also tells us why. He is working “both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Paul defines God’s will in Romans 12:2. God tells us how insignificant we are, but He also reminds us that we are precious in His sight. Though we are insignificant, we have been created to glorify God in our lives. Finally, Jesus tells us His Father’s will in John 6:39. Look up Psalm 95:10 and Hebrews 3:10 which describes people who do not know God’s ways. Then turn to Isaiah 58:2 which is a beautiful description of people who delight to know God’s ways!

God’s will is Relationship . . . “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and my sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35) God is reminding us that being a Christian is not just a religion—it is a relationship. We are chosen, forgiven, redeemed, saved, changed, and thankful! God’s will for us secures our relationship with Him. (How has God met your need for Him?) Mark 3:35 describes what kind of relationship results from doing the will of God. Having attained that relationship, we move on to the next question, what do we do now? John 6:29 says, “The work God wants you to do is this: Believe the One He has sent.” God wants His children to believe. James 1:18 relates that God has made us His own children by giving us His true Word. Matthew 15:15 tells us that God took time to build relationships with friends and disciples. You are no longer servants, but friends. Timothy 2:4 is a statement of what God wants, while Matthew 18:14 tells us what God doesn’t want. The Spirit continually draws us in God’s direction. When we long for His Word and for prayer, we are laying the foundation to a loving relationship with God.

Is God’s Will so Mysterious? . . . The people asked Jesus, “What are the things God wants us to do? (John 6:28) Lord, send me a sign if this is your will for my life. We look for a verse. We pray for a sign. We wish for an arrow painted across the sky. Thankfully, there are steps for finding God’s will when we are faced with decisions. The first place to turn is God’s own word. The Bible is very definitive about the responsibility of a disciple of Christ. Read Romans 2:18 and John 15:8-12. These passages describe what God wants us to do and what Jesus asks of us as Christians. The next clue in searching out God’s will is our circumstances. Can you remember a time when God’s hand was clear in closing one door in your life and opening another? The third thing to seek out is wise counsel. Do you have someone to turn to for advice when facing a decision? Proverbs 13:10 and 12:5 talk about taking advice. Further readings on this topic include Galatians 3:19 (Bible’s purpose); Romans 7:15-19 (making the right choice) and Romans 6:6-7 (God’s promise).

War of the Wills . . . “He no longer should live the rest of His time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”Galatians 5:22-23 describes the urges that come easily to our bent towards sin. Thankfully, Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, characteristics of our lives when we are pursuing God’s will. Which list do you treasure? 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that Christians act differently than the rest of the people in the world; while John 6:38 describes Jesus’ selflessness. What would it take for you to follow Jesus’ example. It isn’t an option because in 1 Peter 4:2 he tells us what we should live for. (To suffer for Christ by doing the will of God, we break from sin.) So how do we turn from sin to serving the Lord? Read Romans 12:2. We all know that it is easy to fall back. When that happens, we need to renew our mind. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to program our thoughts so they are pure and true, honorable and right, admirable and worthy of praise. Are we responsible for our own transformation? In Ephesians 2:8-10, we are told it is through God’s unmerited favor—a gift, not the result of any effort on our part. Out of gratitude for God’s free gift, we seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness and not to please ourselves. We are saved to serve Christ and to build up the church.

Prayer is the first step in recognizing God’s Will! Pray that God will shape your life so that He can use you for His glory. Pray for ways to deepen your relationship with God. Pray for a time for self-examination. Concentrate on the choices you are making. Test them

against God’s Word and His will. Pray that God will help you to see where His hand has been at work in your life. Thank God for creating

you, wanting a relationship with you, choosing your direction, and encouraging pure thoughts. Judy McFarlane

Worship in MARCHPlease Join Us for our Sermon

Series of: “Journeying With Jesus”

March 5th “Jesus & His Temptation”

March 12th “Visit to Israel” Joyce Reed preaching

March 19th “Jesus & the Samaritan Woman”

March 26th “Jesus Healed the Blind Man”

April 2nd “Jesus Raised Lazarus Back to Life”

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

St. James UMC’s United Methodist Women unit began its 2017 program of work on February 8. Discussion included the programs for 2017. This year, our unit will participate in “A Call to Community.” Our programs include, The Department of Health and Human Services, Elkhorn, (A Call to a Healthy Community); representatives from the East Troy Community, (A Call to our Community); AFS students, (A Call to the International Community); Walworth County Animal Society, (A Purpose for Community); Judy McFarlane, etal., (A Learning/Nurturing Community); Dolores Rich, (A World of Thankful Women).

Our meetings are the second Wednesday of the month. All St. James members and friends are invited to these special programs. Information from the speakers will undoubtedly inspire our faith family to grow their faith and to help others.

UMW will plan two programs with Noah’s Ark Christian Daycare this year. In March, members will help the children make Easter gifts for their parents. Also, cookie decorating, which the children really enjoy will also be part of the program. In November, UMW will again have Christmas cookie decorating as well as Christmas crafts.

World Day of Prayer is Friday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at St. James. The worship program was written by the Women of the Philippines. Our world needs prayers for all those who suffer. Our world and community leaders also ask for prayers as they make daily decisions that impact the future of so many. We invite all members of St. James to join us in the worship service. Food will be served after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Mission support events will continue as they have in the past. Activities have been planned for May, October and December. Notices will be given to the congregation, and we appreciate all the help we receive. It takes a whole community (ours is a faith community) working together to help those in need.

Our unit will also participate in the South East region of UMW. Members will attend meetings and provide a place for the district officers to meet twice this year.

We would like to thank Ruth Howard once again for all of her work, not only in UMW, but our church as well. We welcome Kay Holle as our newest officer. She will be our unit’s secretary.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.

Judy McFarlane, UMW President

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES IN MARCH TO:March 5 Pastor Nhia Wahn HerMarch 7 Michael Spees March 9 Ginny Zimmer March 11 Sharon Link March 14 Rick AndersonMarch 15 Ann WeberMarch 20 Lois CrubaughMarch 20 Steven LinkMarch 21 Kathy SondereggerMarch 27 Ruth HowardMarch 29 Hagen Anderson ***************************************************************************HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES IN MARCH TO:March 27 Bill & Diane Garvens March 31 Norm & Betty Saffran

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THE TIME IS NOW TO HELP(below is a thank you note from The Time Is Now to Help)

Dear St. James United Methodist Women,

We would like to express our gratitude for your continued support of The Time Is Now To Help. Your generous donation in the amount of $150 on December 27, 2016 was put to work immediately in our efforts to assist the poverty stricken. Many senior citizens, the handicapped, working poor families and single mothers with children are helped due to generous donors like you.

Together, you helped us supply:Food for the hungry.Utility Assistance to restore or keep on electricity, gas, water.Car repairs, gas vouchers, to get to work and doctor’s appointments.Household necessities such as, blankets, pillows, sheets, towels, detergent, etc.Toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, tooth paste, deodorant, diapers, etc.

Shelter assistance to prevent homelessness.

Another year of poverty relief has been provided thanks to your generosity. In 2016 we provided assistance to over 500 of our fellow creations living in desperate need. It is our continuing goal to remove the pains of poverty in 2017 for as many people as donations allow. As always, 100% of your donation is used to provide poverty relief. We will also continue to share with you each week in our newspaper column one of the people or families helped thanks to “You.” The Time Is Now to Help and the people we assist cannot thank you enough for your donation to our mission.

God Bless, Corrine Dimiceli, Treasurer

STRAIGHT FROM THE ARK! Report from the Director

This month we will be celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday. We have a lot of fun projects planned and we will be making green eggs and ham. As we are talking about St. Patrick’s Day we will make Leprechaun traps & go on a Leprechaun hunt. We will also make green play dough and Shamrock shakes! We will have a lot of fun talking about the changes in the weather and decorating the room for spring!! Starting in March we’ll doing a spring fundraiser. Keep an eye out for details!

Enrollment

Infants/Toddlers: 8 Preschool: 19 School-age: 12 Total Enrolled: 39

Curriculum / Themes for the Week

February 27-3 Theme: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss Letter: YMarch 6-10 Theme: Five Senses Letter: Z March 13-17 Theme: St. Patrick & Leprechaun’s Focus: NumbersMarch 20-24 Theme: Signs of Spring Focus: NumbersMarch 27-31 Theme: Shapes Focus: Shapes

Staff Highlight

Please welcome our newest employee, Ms. Jolene!

Hello! My name is Jolene. I just turned 31 and live in East Troy. I earned my Associates Degree in 2012 in Early Childhood Education and I’m currently in school working on my Bachelor’s Degree. I have over 12 years of childcare experience. I started in a center right out of college and before I came to Noah’s Ark I was a nanny for many years.I am a huge fan of anything outdoors and I love animals! Kayaking, camping and fishing are some of my favorites. I have two little Chihuahuas who are my world. I also like to read in my spare time and play saxophone. Fall is my favorite season and I’m a huge Packer fan too! I am very excited to be working here at Noah’s Ark! I can’t wait to get to know the kiddos and watch them learn and grow

March 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1Ash

WednesdayService of

Holy Communion

@7 p.m.

AA meets in Fellowship Hall

7:30 p.m.

2East Troy

ManorWorship 11

a.m.Knitters meet

10:30 – 12noon

Girls Scouts meet in

Fellowship Hall

6 – 7:30 p.m. Choir

Practice6:30 p.m.Pastor out of office for

meeting with Bishop

3World Day

of Prayer at 11 a.m.

here at St. James

4

5 Worship 9 a.m. w/Communion

& a skit

Sunday SchoolDuring worship

6 7Ministry

reflection is at 9 a.m.

8 United

Methodist Women meet

12 p.m. Day Care Board

meeting at 4 p.m.

Lenten Service 7 p.m.

AA meets in Fellowship Hall

7:30 p.m.

9East Troy

ManorWorship 11

a.m.

Knitters meet10:30 – 12noon

Choir Practice

6:30 p.m.

10 11

12Worship 9 a.m.

with Joyce Reed

preaching

Sunday School during worship

13 Crafters meet

9 -11 a.m.

SPRC meeting at

7 p.m.

14 Ministry

reflection is at 9 a.m.

15 Red Bird Circle

meets @The Heritage 1 p.m.

Mary-Martha Circle meets 1

p.m.Lenten Service

7 p.m.AA -7:30 p.m.NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE

16 East Troy

ManorWorship 11

a.m.Knitters meet

10:30 – 12noon

Choir

Practice6:30 p.m.

17 18

March 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

19 Worship 9 a.m.

Sunday School during worship

20Second

Helpings meal 5:30

p.m.

AD Council/Fina

nce Committee

@ 7pm

21 Ministry

reflection is at 9 a.m.

HOPE Bible Study meets

at 7 p.m.

22 Lenten Service

7 p.m.

AA meets in Fellowship Hall

@7:30 p.m.

23East Troy

ManorWorship 11

a.m.Knitters meet

10:30 – 12noon

Choir Practice

6:30 p.m.

24 25

26 Worship 9 a.m.

Sunday School during worship

27

Crafters meet9 -11 a.m.

28BUNCH for

Lunch meets

Pastor out of

office

29Lenten Service

7 p.m..

AA meets in Fellowship Hall

@7:30 p.m.

30East Troy

ManorWorship 11

a.m.Knitters meet

10:30 – 12noonChoir

Practice6:30 p.m.

31Girls Scouts

meet in Fellowship

Hall 6 – 9 p.m.

St. James United Methodist Church2945 Main StreetEast Troy, WI 53120

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March Following the CrossPublished monthly by St. James United Methodist Church, Editorial Committee

Rev. Nhia Wahn Her and Maureen Loehe, Administrative AssistantDeadline for April 2017 Issue: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 ( No late articles can be

accepted ) (Submit to church office)

Phone # (262) 642-7642Church Office Hours

Monday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday 10:30 - 4 p.m.Wednesday & Thursday, 9:30 – 4:30 p.m., Friday 11 – 4 p.m.

Worship Hours Worship – Sunday morning @9:00 a.m.

Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. during worship (September – May)Our website is: easttroyumc.org

Our email address is: church@easttroyumc.org