Mineral Point United Church of Christ
300 Maiden Street, Mineral Point, WI 53565
October 2021 News
|
|
|
Greetings in the Peace of Christ –
I hope this time of turning seasons and new beginnings at school or in life for so many of our members, kids, and families finds you well. At the end of September, we thanked and blessed the Transition Team members Sarah, Chris, Alex, Jim, and Deb for all the incredible work and leadership they have put into the past few months. They helped lead fourth Sunday services, interim conversations, and met together and with me between these things. If you see them around in town or at the church, please continue to thank them!
Now our congregation turns to its own new beginning – forming a Search Committee. A search committee is a small group of people who are spiritually mature and can commit the time and prayers to helping the church find the next settled Pastor to join you in ministry. The search committee helps write and share information about the congregation, review minister’s information that apply to the position, schedule and conduct interview conversations, and eventually present a candidate for the church to consider as its next pastor. I will work with the search committee to train them on the most up to date information and process to do this – as well as what it looks like for ministers and churches to do a search during COVID-19 adaptations.
We are asking you to submit your name to be considered for the search committee to myself – Penny – or a council member prior to October 10th. On October 10th we will have a shortened worship in the morning and then a vote to nominate a search committee. Names can also be nominated at that time. The vote will be by anonymous paper or virtual ballot by the congregation who is present that day in person or on Zoom. Could God be calling you to be a part of this important team?
I know beyond this exciting turning point for the church – we continue to be resilient, creative, and caring as the uncertainties of the pandemic continue as well as all the joys and challenges of our lives. Know that your church family, and I as a pastor, are always here for you if you need prayer – visitation – or help staying connected. Let’s continue to pray together in the words of Joseph P. Shadle:
God of Love,
You are with us in every transition and change.
As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety,
we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love.
We thank you for the gifts, talents and skills with which you have blessed us.
We thank you for the experiences that have brought us to this moment.
We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own work.
Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another.
We ask this in your Holy Name.
Pr. Sonny (he/him/his)
Call/Text (608) 535-9251
pastorsonnygraves@gmail.com
A gentle reminder that I work in part time ministry Sunday - Thursday and appreciate your patience and grace in the time it takes to respond to your message.
|
|
October:
3rd Karen Tennessen
10th Deb Ivey
17th Larry McNeil
24th Betty Hogan
31st Lynn Buckingham
|
|
November:
7th Julia Marr
14th Deb Ivey
21st Chuck Tennessen
28th Bill Buckingham
December:
5th Juli Schult
12th Jessie Potterton
19th Larry McNeil
24th TBA
26th Betty Hogan
|
|
|
 I pray for those who are hurting in my church family today. Lord, some have minor health problems while others have some very serious ones. I pray that You will be with them and heal them, Father. You are the Great Physician and I believe in Your power to heal Lord, please give peace to those who are in the midst of serious health issues. Father, I pray that they turn to You and know that You are right there beside them in their time of crisis. May Your will be done in their lives this day. Amen
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Mission Committee Notes:
NEIGHBORS IN NEED: UCC Special offering In 2021, Neighbors in Need “Unfailing Love” offering is focused on supporting organizations and projects that are serving homeless and immigrant neighbors or communities. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to provide funding grants to UCC churches and organizations leading justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects in their communities.
We will center on receiving this offering in our congregation the Sundays of October 3rd and 10th, and will welcome your offering, earmarked for “NIN” anytime in the month of October, Thank you!
COMMUNITY MEAL: The meal date for October will the 27th. Our recent meals have continued to be shared by curbside pickup, home delivery and dine-in, with Curbside currently the most popular. It is hoped that the dine in option can rebuild a little more each month, as the fellowship time is viewed as an important part of sharing in a meal. A meeting was held with our partners from the St Mary’s/St Paul's parish, they will be sharing in supplying menu items for meals, and some volunteer help.
In September, our partners furnished the coleslaw, potatoes, and most of our desserts. With busy schedules everywhere, we were grateful to have two volunteers from the FBLA club at MPHS, as well as community and church volunteers.
Dinner Served: 5 to 6 pm, October 27th Reservations appreciated by October 25th by contacting Pat Johnston, 987- 2259, or Mary Dunn, 987-2478
Questions or Comments welcome to Dick josh 574-8090, or Mary Dunn, 987-2478. Thank you to all who have supported making this possible.
|
|
|
 Events
OCTOBER 9 PASTY SALE
Don’t forget! –there is a pasty sale on Saturday, October 9!! Workers are welcome on Friday the 8th after 8 am to peel potatoes, mix crust and set up. Workers are also needed for two shifts on Saturday-- 6 am to 8:30 am and 8 am to 10:30 am for preparation and baking of pasties. Any time you can give is welcome. Contact Deb Ivey to sign up to work or with questions—608-341-8646.
If we want to continue to make our own and make them on a Saturday, we must have LOTS of helpers. It is a great time for fellowship and fun and a great fundraiser for the church. If this sale is successful in sales and in workers, we hope to schedule several sales this year.
Tentatively, mark your calendars for pasty sales on Saturday, October 9 and Saturday, November 13. Watch for opportunities to buy pasties and to work!!
|
|
Thank you to everyone who helped with the pasty sale in September from set up, peeling potatoes, making crust, and the day of the sale, making, baking and cleanup.
We sold 538 pasties, with a discount from Point foods, price of supplies, we deposited 2259.83. Great job, and thank you all who helped again.
Deb Ivey is going to spear head this, as I am out of town for a meeting . Please let Deb or Kandy know when or if you can help. You will get a text from Jenny for purchase of pasties. Please do not assume you have pasties ordered as there are NO STANDING ORDERS you need to text your order to Jenny or call Kandy at 608-553-1300. Limit will be 10. When they are sold out, they are sold out. Last month we sold out most of the pasties 2 days.
We need full shifts(about 20 people per shift!) whatever time you can give is very welcome and please let Kandy or Deb know when you can help so we know if we have help. when you order pasties let Jenny know or let Kandy or Deb know your availability.
Thank you to all for your help with this project, it is also a great time to talk to each other for fellowship.
Prayers to everyone and stay safe
Kandy
|
|
|
Have you checked out the CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE? (Look for Congregational United Church of Christ). You can join church there through Facebook Live as well as get updates on church happenings. Jessie Potterton, Penny McConnell and Deb Ivey try to post weekly or more often on this page. Let one of them know if you have something to post –information, special messages, member celebrations, etc.
|
|
 Council Meeting Minutes
Council met after our discussion on Tues Sept 7, with Pastor Lorraine. There are no meeting notes since we didn't have enough council members present to make a forum.
Still have one open seat on council if anyone would like to step up to fill it.
Next meeting is: Tues Oct 12
|
|
|
|
