Columbus United Methodist Church

222 S. Dickason Blvd. Columbus, WI 53925

May, 2011

In This Issue
Form or Function May Usher Schedule May Fellowship Day May Anniversaries May Birthdays Scripture Readers for May May Fellowship Time Schedule Harbor House Crisis Shelter Kids Kits Trustees News Upcoming Sermon Topics Wish List May News & Notes: Children & Youth Ministries Friesland Mens Chorus Elba Cemetery Memorial Day Service Confirmation UMW Mission Offering for May UMCOR Relief for Japan Easter Lilies Calendar
Our purpose is to: Follow Jesus Together We do this by: Opening our hearts to people and to Christ in worship and fellowship, so that we know God and each other more fully, Opening our minds to deepen our Christian faith, understand our heritage, and think together to solve common problems, and Opening our doors in welcome and hospitality, even as we go out of those doors to invite people into God's church and be in service to all of our neighbors everywhere.

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Form or Function?
There are now churches that utilize twitter in worship. They invite people to post text comments with their cell phones on screens everybody in the sanctuary can see. This is a rather unusual thing to do in worship. Its much more common in trendy churches to see people bringing coffee into the sanctuary, or getting up and leaving during the middle of something. In some churches, they not only project song lyrics; they regularly project video clips. On the other hand, some very traditional churches have clergy who wear at least three layers of vestments, swing a brass ball containing incense, and sound a bell at certain points during Holy Communion. How important is it if we use a whole loaf of bread, bread cubes, or wafers for Communion? How important is grape juice versus wine? What, then constitutes Christian worship? It is anytime two or more gather in Jesus name? Must we read from both the New and Old Testaments? Do we need to say the Lords prayer? Do we need to confess our sin? My take on the idea of worship is that we come together to intentionally relate to God and each other in the name of Christ. That is the bare minimum. If we dont relate at all to God, but just go through the motions, it is not worship. If we dont relate to our sisters and brothers in Christ, it is private devotion, not public worship. To that basic idea of worship, I would add a number of things that are desirable to make worship complete:

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Reading the Scripture aloud (especially the gospels). Interpreting the Scripture. Singing songs that relate us to God, or teach us the faith, or help us move from one part of worship to another. Prayer especially prayers of thanksgiving, confession and petition (asking God). Hospitality toward one another and toward strangers. A connection for both our minds and our hearts

When we cover the above functions of worship in a faithful way, it is good worship. When we grow in our relationships during worship, it is transforming worship. Lets worship together. Pastor Jim

This issue of the voice is sponsored by Dan & Beth Burnard in celebration of their birthdays in May

The Voice is the monthly newsletter of the Columbus United Methodist Church. Please send all correspondence to: PO Box 392, Columbus, WI 53925-0392. Pastor: Jim Cotter Secretary: Wanda Guenther Church Office......920-623-3625 (Office Hours: Monday thru Friday from 10-3) Pastors home phone......920-623-9641 E-Mail: columbusumc@wisconsinumc.org Website: ............................. www.cbusumc.com Pastors E-Mail: jcotter@wisconsinumc.org

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May Usher Schedule

May 1st: Don Pritchard, Ann Ehlenfeldt and Fred & Della Dartt Dan & Patsy Roe and Carol Balfanz Stuart Smith, Wanda Guenther Deb Perry Philip & Peggy Waterworth and Gene & Dorothy Hake Audrey & Jamie Kasmiski and Gwenn & Sue Gmeinder 1 2 3 5

Happy May Birthdays!

Beth Burnard Orville Karow Austin Rake Daniel Burnard Travis Williams 9 Brian Derr 10 Clarence Fietz Reuben Tiedt Ashley Wagner 11 Beverly Karow 12 Pat Bennett Timothy Hensler Vickie Toth 13 Ethan Brandt Tim Jensen 15 Iris Brisky 16 Blake Guenther 18 Joe Sampson 19 Doris Fritchen Lucas Rennock 20 Tyler Byers-Krantz Bri MacDonald 22 Dorothy Eickelman 25 Wanda Guenther 27 Jim Rake Brittany Salisbury 30 Lynda Herrick

May 8th: May 15th: May 22nd: May 29th:

May Fellowship Day

The May Fellowship Day Friendship Luncheon for 2011 will be held on Friday, May 6th, at Faith Lutheran Church with a potluck beginning at 12:30pm. The theme and program for 2011 is Living Our Friendship, Passing on the Key. All are welcome. The event is sponsored annually by the Church Women United from the Fall River and Columbus area. Please make plans to attend.

Scripture Readers for the Month of May

May 1st: May 8th: Ann Ehlenfeldt Della Dartt

May 15th: Mary Baker May 22nd: VOLUNTEER NEEDED May 29th: Gene Hake

May Anniversaries
5/10 5/11 5/14 5/17 5/24 5/31 Lon & Amy Elske Albert & Pauline Zeier Fred & Peggy Goetsch Jeff & Lori Caswell Dave & Bonnie Luepke Jim & Debbie Braund Ben & Melodie Perry Derick & Celest Grubbs May 1st: May 8th: May 15th: May 22nd: May 29th:

Fellowship Time Schedule May Volunteers

Dave & Judy Stricker Beth Burnard The Plantenberg Family Rhonda Miller Wanda Guenther

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Harbor House Crisis Shelter Kids Kits

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The CUMC Missions Committee will be collecting donations through the end of May for Harbor House Crisis Shelter in Superior. Harbor House provides a safe, hospitable shelter for homeless single women and families. Here is the list of items that are needed (New items only, please):

Kids toothbrushes Kids toothpaste Kids shampoo Coloring books Wash cloths Pencils Board books clips Hair Pony tail holders Combs flavored lip balm Travel-size tissues Party-favor size play dough Kids bandaids Gallon size Ziploc bags
Monetary donations are also welcome. Please indicate Harbor House in the check memo, or if donating cash, please place in a Mission envelope and write Harbor House on the envelope. Monetary donated items should be placed in the collection plate.

Trustees News
The churchs Board of Trustees has been at work on the church building in several ways. You may have noticed the new doors on the Harrison Street entrance. The old door locks were failing, and it was less expensive to get new doors than replace the locking mechanism in the 20-year-old doors that were there. Along with this, the locks were re-keyed. Your old keys no longer work. If you wish to have a new key, you will get a numbered key that will be assigned to your name. The big upcoming project is a new roof over the library and music room. This roof has been leaking intermittently for several years now. There have been times when we thought we had fixed the problem, but the leaking has recurred. The flat roof will be replaced with a pitched roof. Bids have been secured, and the total cost will be in the neighborhood of $20,000. If you would like to donate toward this project, it would be much appreciated. If you have building concerns of any type, please contact Gwenn Gmeinder (Trustees Chair) or Mike Toth (Building Superintendent).

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Upcoming Sermon Topics
Sunday, May 1st:

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Holy Communion, Faith Basics: What Can I Expect from God? Galatians 5:1-25, Matthew 24:34-44 Mothers Day, Faith Basics: What Difference Does Faith Make: Acts 6:1-7, Mark 5:21-34 Faith Basics: What Am I Committing To? Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 23:13-22, Matthew 23:23-33 9:00Friesland Mens Chorus, 10:30Confirmation, Matthew 5:1-16, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 No Sunday School Worship with prayers for healing, Faith Basics: What is the Bible? Matthew 22:23-40, Acts 8:26-40

Sunday, May 8th:

Sunday, May 15th:

Sunday, May 22nd:

Sunday, May 29th:

The Wills & Gifts Committee of our church is pleased to present you this Wish List. If there are any additional items you believe should be on this list, call the church office at 623-3625. These are opportunities for special giving. Columbus United Methodist Church Wills & Gifts Wish List Bulletin Sponsor VOICE Sponsor Donations to Building Fund for new library/ music room roof Ceiling tiles and insulation for library/music room Child care for Praise Band Rehearsals Wellness FundCounseling New Advent Candle Wreath Stand Snowblower $15.00 per week Various Amounts $15.00 per week $50.00 per month

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May News & Notes: Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator
Sunday School 1st, 8th and 15th we will be doing a Prayer Workshop using the Rotation.org May materials titled Jesus and Peter: Do You Love Me? We will be learning about Labyrinths, using skits and music to enhance the prayer focus and enjoying Storytelling in the tent of tales room. The Creation Station will be busy with crafts to enhance the scriptures we will use during this lesson. 22 begins our Summer Sunday School Schedule The summer program May will feature videos based on Bible stories (Veggie Tales and selected childrens titles) with matching arts, crafts, games and cooking experiences to enhance the learning opportunities for students. It is a simpler format with combined age groups for most weeks.

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Family Friendly Friday Film is May 13th at 7 pmHorton Hears A Who marvelous film based on the beloved Dr Seuss book is certain to delight audiences of all ages. This The story begins as Horton the elephant hears a cry from a tiny speck of dust. Even though he cant see anyone on the speck, he decides to help it. As it turns out, the speck of dust is home to the Whos, who live in their city of Whoville! What follows brings torment for Horton from his neighbors. He remains faithful and stands firm by the motto that After All, a person is a person, no matter how small. Wonderful messages, great characters! Joins us for this insightful and entertaining film!! Volunteers for snack providers, servers, set up & clean up crew are always welcome. MAY 15TH ALL CHURCH PICNIC!!!!! 11:45 AM - 1 PM Key words are ALL CHURCH! Lets make this a great time of fellowship and celebration for all The ages. Lunch begins at 11:45. Hamburgers & hot dogs, buns, and drinks will be provided. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to pass and your own table service. (* dont fret if you forget as we will have extras.) Sign up sheets for food and helping during the event will be passed during worship prior to the event and also see display in fellowship hall. We will have special games and entertainment for grownups following lunch in Fellowship Hall. The children will have games, crafts and activities in the Sunday School area during this time. We will close with a time for everyone to Gather, sing, pray and be sent forth in JOY!! This is a great opportunity to come together as a whole congregation with folks from both services, children, and youth. Mark your calendars and plan to join us! May 22 Confirmation Sunday Confirmation Service is at 10:30. encourage all members of the congregation to come and show support for these young people. This I is a marvelous opportunity to join the second worship service and participate in this major milestone in the life of youth. I know that many of you will attend the Friesland Mens Chorus presentation at 9 am and that would mean 2 services for you. Think of it as a double blessing.

*Please note that Fellowship Time in fellowship Hall will be as usual for the 9 oclock service. **Confirmation Families will have refreshments and a time for pictures with their special cake in the upstairs Gathering Room (the old music room) at 10 am prior to the 10:30 service. God bless you!! Love, Mary Baker

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Memorial Day Service Friesland Mens Chorus

Please invite your friends to church at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 22 when the Friesland Community Mens Chorus will deliver their message in song. These dedicated men sing songs of faith according to a different theme each year, and bring that message to churches across a wide area. This years theme is Heaven, What a Day That Will Be. The Friesland Community Mens Chorus is a dedicated Group of men who love the Lord and love to sing His praise and glory. They have been doing this since 1982. They are men from all walks of life and from several areas of Wisconsin, 11 different denominations and 27 different churches. Please come! Each year we hold a simple Memorial Day service in the Elba Cemetery at the corner of County Hwy T and Burr Oak Road, East of Columbus. This year it will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 30. We will sing a couple of hymns, pray for our nation and those who serve it, and remember those who have died. Please join us.

Confirmation
At 10:30 on May 22, we will celebrate a service of Confirmation. Ten young people are in this class. Early in the worship service, this class of Confirmands will affirm their faith and confirm their baptism. Later in the service, there will be a time for any of these Confirmands to become members of the United Methodist Church. This opportunity will also be open to previous Confirmands who never took the step of membership, and any adults who have participated in new member classes. It will be a great celebration. Please join the Confirmands and their families as they take this step in faith.

Elba Cemetery
Our Church is the owner of a cemetery on the site of a former German Methodist Church in Elba Township. It is located at the corner of County Hwy T and Burr Oak Road. The cemetery was designated for that purpose in 1879, and needs periodic maintenance. Right now, the project that is most important is marking the corners of the lots. If you would like to help in this project, please see Orv Karow or Pastor Jim. Lot prices are $300 for a 16 by 16 lot that can contain four graves. Grave opening is an additional $100. Several lots are still available.

New Member Classes If you are interested in becoming an official part of Columbus United Methodist Church, please see Pastor Jim. He will conduct new member classes at the convenience of those who are interested.

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UMW NEWS
Looking ahead to May, we are going to focus on a mission study of Haiti. That hard-hit, economicallychallenged country has had much difficulty overcoming their troubles. As was mentioned last month, you dont have to be a missionary to make a difference. Please come to the May 12th UMW Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Our April meeting was a lovely treat hearing all about the Hmong House of Good News housed at the downtown Milwaukee United Methodist Church. Unfortunately, like too many mission endeavors, money is always an issue. Fortunately, there are several ways in which we can help. Please check out the UMW bulletin board for more details. As a unit, we have the opportunity to help as sustaining supporters . . . I will be explaining that in May! In the meantime, any monetary help would be appreciated as well as donations from the wish list (posted . . . yes, on the bulletin board!). Hmong House helps uplift the elderly Hmong living in the Milwaukee area. Why is it important? For those unaware or too young to remember, the Hmong helped the Americans in the war in Vietnam. For the Hmong lucky enough to escape persecution and pursuit of the Vietcong, there were refugee camps and trips to the U.S. sponsored by many different groups. Most of the refugees were brought to, and settled in, 4 cities hereMilwaukee being one of them. The elderly especially had a difficult time assimilating into this culture. Ask me questions and I will get them answered. The first answer is yes, I would be happy to send your donation to the appropriate place and thank you for your support. See you in May. Friday, May 6th, we will be cleaning the kitchen and redoing a day of prayer and selfdenial. We will be working on our June Retreat Day in church scheduled for June 11th. Thank you for all you do. Your UMW President, Peggy Goetsch

Mission Offering for May

Native American Ministries Sunday is one of the six church-wide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. Native American Ministries Sunday recognizes and supports the contributions of Native Americans to church and society. Native American Ministries Sunday is celebrated with a special offering on the Third Sunday of Easter. The funds allow The United Methodist Church to collaborate with existing Native American ministries and create programs on behalf of Native Americans. Money collected also supports seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans. Your Missions Committee

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New Front Light Timer I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions!!!
Author Unknown

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The canopy lights may be turned on in the entryway for evening events. The timer is simple to use. If you would like instructions, please see Mike Toth, Pastor Jim or Wanda.

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on. When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own. When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing. When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy." When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with. I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

Office Hours
The hours for the church office have been changed. The new hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

UMCOR Relief for Japan

The Missions Committee is asking for a special mission offering to support UMCOR relief efforts in Japan. This will be in addition to our regular Mission Offerings. UMCOR is working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond to the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear radiation threat. Current partners include Global Medic and the United Church of Christ in Japan. The immediate response includes meeting the most pressing basic humanitarian needs of surrounding communities in damaged areas in northern Japan: drinking water, basic food, basic cooking and eating supplies, clothing, and fuel. United Methodists and friends are urged to pray for the people of Japan and support UMCORs relief efforts through giving. You can also donate on line at www.umcor.org.

Thank you to all of those people who helped with the AllChurch Cleanup Day. We can make things happen when we work together! Mike Toth Building Superintendent

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Thank you for making our Sanctuary so beautiful for this Easter Season! The lilies were donated by:

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Mildred Henke, in memory of Ben Henke Ann Ehlenfeldt, in memory of Don & Rachel Ehlenfeldt Ann Ehlenfeldt, in memory of Richard & Lynn Ehlenfeldt Louise Sampson, in memory of Floyd & Val Soucy, Mike Soucy and Judy & Norm Parks Dan & Beth Burnard, in memory of Ray & Eva Burnard and Dwight & Charlene Hagerman Tim, Connie, Marion & Kelsey Hoffman, in memory of Bob & Marion Hoffman Matt and Carrie Hunt & Family, in memory of Selmer & Leona Skogen Jesse & Shirley Felland, in memory of their parents Ruth Marks, in memory of Russell Marks and Tom Marks Karen White, in memory of Robert Jansen and Elson Wolfram Roger & Mandy Rego, in memory of Charles & Gertrude Rego Philip & Peggy Waterworth, in memory of their parents Winfred, Samuel & Muriel Mandody, in memory of Carl Mandody and in honor of Muriel Mandody Winfred Mandody, in memory of Carl Mandody and in honor of Muriel Mandody The Shea Family, in memory of Ronald SheaGrampy The Hurst Family, in memory of Marian Hurst and Borden Gregory Gene & Dorothy Hake, in memory of their parentsLyle, Jo, Jennings & Mattie Becky Covarrubias, in memory of Caryl Thronson, Grandma (Phyllis Haugs mother) and Grandma Doris Haug Jim & Judy Vale, in honor of the Vale family Melodie Perry, in memory of her grandmotherElise Givens Jan & Joe Bolan, in memory of Joes parents and Jans mother and in honor of Jans dad and all of their grandchildren Faye Venden, in memory of Morris Venden Faye Venden, in memory of Linda Venden Platz Dan & Patsy Roe, in memory of Harlan & Marilyn Roe and Elmer & Millie Stickles Charles & Lynne Fuller, in honor of their family Dorothy Harris, in memory of Kelly Harris Stuart & Lois Smith, in memory of their parents Nick & Tessie Sharrow, in memory of Mary Sharrow and Lon S. Bond Wanda Kilian, in memory of her parents Lorna Will, in honor of all of her family Maddie Bingham, in honor of her family Brianna Marquardt, in honor of her parents, Mandi Marquardt and Jason Salisbury Larry & Mary Baker, in honor of their family John & Dottie Lane, in memory of Ron Shea Troy & Tricia Emmerich, in memory of Owen John Allen Emmerich Ron & Carol Balfanz, in memory of Phil & Marcella Hurrle and Fredrick & Caroline Balfanz Fred & Della Dartt, in memory of their parents and brothers Lyle & Louise Elske, in memory of their parents Esther Circle, in honor of Eleanor Scheiding

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Columbus United Methodist Church
PO Box 392 Columbus, WI 53925-0392
___________________________ RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, WI 53925 Permit No. 1

Upcoming events you might want to know about!

Friday, May 6th:

12:30 p.m.May Fellowship Potluck and program at Faith Lutheran Church Thursday, May 11th: 7:00 p.m.UMW Friday, May 13th: 7:00 p.m.Family-Friendly Friday Night FilmHorton Hears a Who Sunday, May 15th: 9:00 a.m.Traditional Worship 10:00 a.m.Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m.Contemporary Worship 10:30 a.m.Sunday School 11:30 a.m.All-Church Picnic Saturday, May 21st: 9:00 a.m.Confirmation Pictures Sunday, May 22nd: 9:00 a.m.Friesland Mens Chorus 10:00 a.m.Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m.Contemporary Worship/Confirmation Monday, May 30th: 1:00 p.m. Elba Cemetery Service