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In this Week's Monticello E-News
Church-Wide News
For members, long-time visitors, and first-timers too! Greetings from Pastor Rob Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! Have you ever relied on something for a long time and then had it fail, only to learn what you are used to no longer exists? We had that experience this week. After 23 years, our refrigerator finally gave out so it was off to look for a new refrigerator. But, do you know something? Today's refrigerators are nothing like those on the market 23 years ago!! Today's refrigerators are full of LED's, new cooling systems, built-in touch screens, and even the ability to send a shopping list to my phone over the internet. How odd!! After all, who really needs a WIFI connected refrigerator anyway? Well, we opted not to go with that model. But, it made me really think about the church in today's culture. We are challenged to make disciples, but sometimes it's hard for us to embrace the ways we connect with a new generation. After all, for those of us who have been in church for many years and even decades, "church" seems to be changing. We probably do not need a WIFI refrigerator in the new kitchen to be relevant, but the methods for church today seem to be shifting. And, we as a church are challenged to shift with them. But, it's an easy tendency for us sometimes to think that because the "new" methods are here, it just mean the "old" methods (and perhaps those that employ them) are no longer as important. As your pastor, I would suggest to you that is far from the truth. The timeless wisdom and teaching of Jesus Christ is just as important today as it was 2,000 years ago. Yes, it may come to us in an IPad with retina display today instead of in a book. The method has changed. But what is behind that method, our faith, does not change at all. So, in those moments when you feel the world is changing too fast (like I did with our refrigerator), know that God still has a purpose for all--young, old, and anywhere in the middle. Our context is changing, but YOU are just as important in spreading the message of Jesus Christ. May God bless you as you bless others! Grace and peace,
Throughout the last several weeks, we have been exploring our "Dreams" together and asking the question, "What is God calling us to do and to be in 2013-14?" It's an important question for us as a church as we seek to live into God's calling for us as a people of God. Throughout the series, we have heard the state of the United Methodist Church from Pastor Rob, then a challenge to reach a new generation from Pastor Erin, followed by a message challenging the church across the world to change and adapt to a changing context from our district superintendent, Rev. Mike Chamberlain. But, throughout the series, we have prayerfully considered our own dreams. We've turned those in on paper and our team has considered each and every one of those dreams. This weekend, join us in worship as we share the next steps as a people called Monticello United Methodist Church. We'll share some key strategic objectives for the church going forward and the specific ministry areas on which we'll focus together. Our own Deb Umbarger will serve as our special musician this week. Her music will help you grow more closely to God! We sure hope to see you for this informative and inspiring weekend of worship. Disaster Response from Monticello UMC--Questions Answered Over the past few weeks, we have been sharing with you the ways in which you can help with disaster relief in Oklahoma and Western Kansas. Thanks to our teachers today, Monticello has experienced a highly successful Basic Disaster Response class. With a dozen people in attendance, we as a community will be more ready to respond when called. Monticello will be forming teams with the conference to serve in upcoming months. We hope you will be there! Some quick answers to common questions? What class must you complete to serve on a mission team to a disaster area? Answer--You need a Basic Disaster Response class. Your certification is valid for 3 years from the date you took the class. Many of you took a class here in August of 2011. That certification is still valid. If you are unsure, contact Cindy.Hedges@getGOD.info and she can tell you if you are certified. Do I need anything else? Answer--Yes, by Conference policy, all disaster team members must also be Safe Gathering certified. You can begin that process at this link. If you need a scholarship for the $30 background fee, contact Kendra.Taylor@getGOD.info and she will help you with the process. What if I am not able-bodied enough to go? Answer--As a church, we will provide ways everyone can serve. That will include small children offering their prayers and artwork as well as senior adults writing cards and helping prepare meals for the team. Everyone can be engaged in disaster relief whether or not you can physically move debris or not.
Several volunteers from Monticello served children and their families at Old Shawnee Days. Over the course of 10 hours in 2 days, our volunteers helped children prepare free crafts. In just a couple days, our volunteers reached over 100 children and their families, and offered them an invitation to summer and fall ministry opportunities for families. Thanks to all our volunteers, led by Janet Williams, for their hard work! Reception for Pastor Erin and her Hubby Did you notice Pastor Erin's name got much longer? "Pastor Erin Lindsey Muckleroy" is now hitched!! Join us for a reception on July 21, 2013 right after worship. Bring a dish to share as we'll have a potluck and a time to celebrate the new marriage of our fantastic associate pastor. Everyone always asks--do we bring a gift? She's registered at Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond if you would like to bring a gift. But, don't feel any pressure to do so! This is just a time to celebrate and Fellowship. Student Ministry News
News just for families with children, youth, teens, and those in college
Youth Scavenger Hunt Tomorrow, includes our 4-5th graders! Have you just finished grades 4-12?? Then you'll want to be a part of the youth scavenger hunt on Sunday, June 30. Check out more info here, and contact Courtney to sign-up or just let us know at church tomorrow. All New Children's Worship at 10:30am Beginning September 8, 2013
Parents, do you struggle with children in worship? Well, Monticello has created an opportunity just for your little ones! Beginning September 8, 2013, we'll start a new "Children's Worship" during the 10:30am service. Mom and dad, you just bring your children age 4 through grade 5 to church. They sing with us an opening couple songs. Then, they come forward for JAM Time during worship. Afterwards, they'll be escorted to the newly remodeled children's center for 40 minutes of worship just for them. Together, they'll sing songs and experience music videos just for them!!! Then, they'll have a snack and break into small groups for "Godly Play," an interactive story-telling opportunity to play and experience God. That leaves mom and dad to worship in the sanctuary.
Joyful Noise Begins September 8, 2013
Do you have children who are age 4 through grade 5? Then Joyful Noise is just for them! This awesome new opportunity for children begins September 8 and will be a time to learn about God through music. We'll sing, act, and play handbells and handchimes. Together, we'll put on a Christmas musical and lead worship about 5 times during the year. Parents, you can come too if you want. Joyful Noise is coming soon!!! Don't miss it!!  Vacation Bible Camp 2013 UpdateTime's running out!! Sign-up today for Vacation Bible Camp 2013. Get more information about VBC, sign-up a child, or sign-up to volunteer today here. We are also looking for parents to help donate. Just grab a card in fellowship hall for the item you want to provide. Cabins, Cookouts, Smores, and Tubing on the Lake--Youth Retreat 2013
If you have just finished grades 6-12, this is for you!! It's almost here and we need you to register now if you don't want to miss out on this awesome summer bash! The retreat is July 12-14. For more information and to register, click here.
College-Aged Ministry Kickoff on July 9
Our director of Student Ministries, Courtney Felzke, has been hard at work contacting our college-aged students. Are you somewhere between the end of high school about your mid-20's? If so, you are an important part of our body of Christ! Join us for a get together on July 9. Interested? Contact Courtney today and plug in with our new young adult group. Stay Connected
How to stay connected with what's happening at church Be the Change through the Prayer Chain Our updated prayer chain is now in full operation. Each week (and sometimes more often for emergencies), prayer chain participants receive an email with the current prayer needs appropriate for the public. Sign up today by emailing Cindy Hedges, our administrative assistant, and join us a we BE THE CHANGE through prayer. Join us on Facebook
Join our church-wide Facebook group today and keep up to date. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/276468038357/ For all those in student ministries or who have children in student ministries: https://www.facebook.com/groups/276468038357/#!/groups/246653995432259/
Our page is also open to everyone with some basic information on it. It's here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/276468038357/#!/pages/Monticello-United-Methodist-Church/120618051284527
Thanks! Thank you to so many, including these...
Mark these Special Dates Ahead See the details of these events on our church calendar.
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