833 Third Street

Reedsburg, WI 53959

Reedsburg United Methodist Church

Phone: 608-524-3913

Email: rumc@rucls.net

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Envelope included for your weekly giving.

We are continuing to offer drive-thru communion 9:45-10am the first Sunday of each month. Enter the front driveway, using Third Street. Pastor Vicki and a communion steward will be there to greet you, hand you the elements which had been consecrated, and offer a word of prayer.

2 THE U.M.C. NEWS

DATE TIME EVENT

JANUARY 3

9AM

9AM

3:30PM

1PM

WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK LIVE

WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE

WORSHIP ON REEDSBURG TV STATION 11.1

OACIÓN WORSHIP SERVICE

JANUARY 6 6:30PM SERVANT LEADERSHIP BOARD MEETING

JANUARY 10 9AM

9AM

3:30PM

1PM

WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK LIVE

WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE

WORSHIP ON REEDSBURG TV STATION 11.1

OACIÓN WORSHIP SERVICE

JANUARY 15 9AM NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE

JANUARY 17 9AM

9AM

3:30PM

1PM

WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK LIVE

WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE

WORSHIP ON REEDSBURG TV STATION 11.1

OACIÓN WORSHIP SERVICE

JANUARY 24 9AM

9AM

3:30PM

1PM

WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK LIVE

WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE

WORSHIP ON REEDSBURG TV STATION 11.1

OACIÓN WORSHIP SERVICE

JANUARY 31 9AM

9AM

3:30PM

1PM

WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK LIVE

WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE

WORSHIP ON REEDSBURG TV STATION 11.1

OACIÓN WORSHIP SERVICE

CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 2021CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 2021CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 2021

1 THE U.M.C. NEWS

JANUARY 2021

The

U.M

.C.

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RE

ED

SB

UR

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UN

IT

ED

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ET

HO

DI

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Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

Every year we install a new set of officers for the leadership report. This year the installation of leaders will be prerecorded and included in the January 10th worship service. That said, a big thank you to the following people who have served previously on various leadership posi-tions. (*indicates the person is transitioning to

the Servant Leadership Board)

SPRC Pat Jaquish* Jan Frank Ned LeMasters Linda Bruun*

Evangelism & Lay Leader Kent Penshorn Worship Mary Beth Shear* Donna Douglas* Diane Proeber

Evangelism Wil Fernandez Kathy Jennings Salena LeMasters

Finance John Deitrich* Cheryl Rhinehart Curt Larson

Trustees Howard Brantmeyer Jim Sandberg Colleen Lozeau Adrienne Clark

Membership Bernie Fernandez Ethel Mobley Carolyn Labansky Michelle Siedschlag

Mission Ellen Penshorn* Lois Horkan Jim Shear Jean Stransky

Ad Council Chair & Lay Member to AC Tom Hirschinger

With a new year comes new beginnings. Join Pastor Vicki for the next sermon series, A New Journey, discovering new opportunities of support, direction, companionship, and motivation. Make sure to invite your friends to tune in, 9:00 am

2 THE U.M.C. NEWS

February Newsletter DEADLINE — January 15th

608-524-3913 • rumc@rucls.net Mission Statement:

“To build a Christian

community where we

become deeply

committed followers of

our Lord Jesus Christ

who know God with our

heads, love God with our

hearts and serve God

with our hands.”

Our Vision:

“As disciples of Jesus

Christ we will be

transformed by Him to

change lives within

our church, community

and world.”

To help with

FUNERALFUNERAL

LUNCHEONSLUNCHEONS

please contact:

The church office

@

524-3913

or

Kay Daley

@

608-963-6337

The following is how to connect with others through ZOOM even if you don’t have a computer, tablet or smart phone:

First in order to connect you need to have an invitation or a meeting ID. If you are part of a committee/team you should automatically receive

an email invite to your next meeting. virtual Cof-fee Hour will happen right after service, via the video platform ZOOM. The link for this is https://zoom.us/j/730238634 . If you want to just phone in, the number is 1 312 626 6799. If you want to participate in the virtual Adult Sunday School, you need to get ahold of the contact person so they can send you an invite. If you do not have a computer, tablet or smart phone, the contact person can give you a phone number and meeting num-ber to connect via any phone, even landline.

If you are coming in via computer, tablet or smart phone, simply click on the link in your email, or copy and paste the link to your browser. If you do not have a computer, tablet or smart phone, simply call the phone number. A voice will prompt you to key in the meeting ID number followed by the pound key that your contact person gave you. The voice may ask you to enter a pin number followed by the pound key, if you were not given a pin number simply press pound.

For those who come in via computer, tablet or smart phone, and this is your first time on ZOOM you will need to download the software as the site prompts you. Once it downloads the needed software will give you the option to open ZOOM launcher or RUN, depending on your device. It will ask you if you want to use the audio using your device, hit yes. NOTE: Some computers such as desktops do not have access to audio; all you have to do is choose the phone option instead. It will give you the meeting code and pin number.

We are advised to exercise social distancing; social distancing does NOT have to happen in total isolation. Let us find new ways of staying connected.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

The Reedsburg Food Pantry has expressed their thank you for all the food that has been donated along with any monetary amounts given.

Versiti blood drive on the 5th went AMAZING. We were able to collect

79 life-saving blood products from 28 donors. I am in awe of what can be done in 4 short hours.

Thank you everyone for the many calls, cards and gifts wishing us a Merry Christmas! - Pastor Vicki and Howard

Praise God for blessings bestowed:

Fred and Patricia Hutchens will be celebrating their 60th Anniversary on January 7th.

3 THE U.M.C. NEWS

As we gear up for a New Year, As we gear up for a New Year, especially given the old year we are leaving behind, I was pondering Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel. It was his last night with the disciples before dying on the cross. He knew what he was about to go through. In fact, several times he told his inner circle what would happen, and the time had come that he would be leaving them. He encouraged them to not be troubled, trust in God, and to trust in Jesus himself. And then he said something interesting, “You know the way to the place I am going.” (John 14:4)

Thomas speaks out, asking the question you know was on everybody else’s mind, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Of course, Jesus then answered with those cryptic words, “I am the way the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) You see Jesus wasn’t leading them to a destination, he was leading them to a way of life. And after he left them in the physical sense, they were to follow the way of life he had already led them to. Jesus knew they were going to experience some pretty traumatic challenges, even beyond witnessing his brutal death. He was calling them to continue the movement he had started; he was calling them to be people of the may be. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, are also called to live as people of the may be. I know what you’re thinking, “Maybe people? What are people of the maybe?” A great example is the old farmer from the Taoist story, called “May be”.

After many years of working his crops, one day an old farmer’s horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“May be,” the farmer replied, and he just kept on working the fields.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

The old man continued working, pausing

only to say, “May be.” The following day, his son tried to ride

one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune, saying, “What rotten luck.”

“May be,” answered the farmer. The next day, military officials came to

the village to draft young able-bodied men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer, exclaiming how well things had turned out.

The farmer simply said, “May be.” “People of the may be”, are those who

experience the peace of God that exceeds all understanding, because they keep their hearts and their minds centered on Jesus Christ, (Philippians 4:7) regardless of the circumstances. They continue the journey Jesus started them on.

Nothing in the scriptures describes the church of Jesus Christ as a huddle of people, camped out and turned inward. The church really is a call for movement, to be on the open road, following Jesus. We often balk at the open road, as it is something new, unknown, uncharted, with so many twists and turns that change things. As followers of Jesus, having moved through a year like we have just had, a month like we are just entering into, with weeks and days yet to be, we must find our peace as people of the may be.

The lesson we are learning of 2020, is to make 2021 a new beginning not only for us, but for many, by figuring out what it means to believe in the hope of what may be. We’re each called to no small thing and yet, maybe it’s a simple thing. Maybe as simple as the willingness to keep on praying for God’s new possibilities, new open doors, for new breakthroughs. Maybe it is the willingness to follow Jesus on the adventure of our lives, out the open door, onto the open road, to become people of the may be.

A Message From Pastor Vicki

PASTOR VICKI

BRANTMEYER

PASTOR PROCOPIO

ARELLANO

Office: 608-524-3913

Parsonage: 608-524-4485

833 Third Street

Reedsburg, WI 53959

rumc@rucls.net

————————————

Laurie Osborn

Christian Education

Coordinator

rumcdce@rucls.net

Michelle Siedschlag

Youth Coordinator

rumcyc@rucls.net

ANGELA MILLER

Administrative Assistant

rumc@rucls.net

SHELBY LANGE

Treasurer

rumctreasurer@rucls.net

JUDY MARTIN

Financial Secretary

————————————

2020 CHURCH

COUNCIL

Administrative Council

Chair:

Tom Hirschinger

Finance Committee Chair:

John Deitrich

Recording Secretary:

Judy Martin

Christian Education:

Laurie Osborn

Evangelism Chair:

Wil Fernandez

Missions Chair:

Ellen Penshorn

SPRC Chair:

Pat Jaquish

Trustees Chair:

Howard Brantmeyer

Worship Chair:

Mary Beth Shear

Lay Leader:

Kent Penshorn

UMW President:

4 THE U.M.C. NEWS

As We Look Back on 2020 We are reminded that we truly are the church together. We are

a church that prays! Not only at 8:33 but unceasingly. We were called to action

by Bishop Jung, in his September 6th sermon Hope is in You, when he said, “I

ask everyone to lift up daily everyone in prayers. If they are aware of a current

need, let it be named, but otherwise say the name and ask for God’s blessings.

We are called to be hope in times of trial . . .”

Reflecting on 2020 it is clear that prayers have been answered.

We continued to be brought together in worship online and now televised.

Our staff has faced reduced hours and reduced pay; yet, continue to serve with a grateful spirit

learning new skills and picking up additional responsibilities.

Our dedication to stewardship and financial support, along with the CARES Act

PPP loan, has kept our ministry alive.

A Trustee team worked tirelessly, physically distanced, to update our parking lot area, making it

more inviting and guest friendly.

Opportunities for connection, beyond worship, abound via zoom. Sunday School and Youth Group

leaders kept in touch. Wednesday chats with Pastor Vicki and book studies were held. “Coffee Hour”

after worship has maintained relationships. RUMC committee and MCCI team members have forged

ahead diligently.

Countless members of the congregation have accepted the call to serve in new and unexpected

ways. Many others have been serving quietly, showing their love for God, by loving their neighbors.

We are unable to enumerate all you do, undoubtedly unaware of all you do, but appreciate everything

you do!

The SPRC is grateful to those who stepped up this year, showing their love for God, and growing our

ministry with servanthood. More than 15 servants have been making calls to each and every one of our

RUMC Family members. Thank you, First and Continual Responders for your devotion. Another

outreach team, dubbed the Bridge Builders, gathered people on the church patio in the summer months

and then made front yard visits as the fall weather allowed. Yard signs and Advent Service gift bags

were delivered by more RUMC families who welcomed the opportunity to serve.

It is our hope that each of our church family will find the joy of serving in whatever way is most

fitting. It is an opportunity to share how God works through you. An MCCI prescription is focused on

developing a stronger, more vital culture of service within our congregation. Serving is not what we

do, it is who we are. As we mature in faith, followers of Jesus are sensitive to God’s nudges that lead

us to serve according to our unique strengths and gifts. “Whether we think of or speak to God, whether we act or suffer for him,

all is prayer, when we have no other object than his love,

and the desire of pleasing him.” John Wesley

View this cute, heartwarming, award-winning video titled “Best Animated short film volunteer your

time” https://youtu.be/DtujJRFuIi0

5 THE U.M.C. NEWS

The new Accountable Leadership Structure was approved unanimously at

the November 29th Church Charge conference. The Servant Leadership

Board will merge the Trustee, SPR, and Finance Committees, into one

administrative board that will be made up of a chairperson, 2 SPRC

representatives, 2 Trustee representatives, 2 Finance representatives, 1 lay

member to the Annual Conference, and 3 members at large.

The following RUMC members were approved to the 2021 Servant Leadership

Board by the charge conference.

Sandy Gorsuch- Board Chair

Scarlet Huffman - Secretary

Brad Anderson and Ellen Penshorn- Staff Parish Relations

Curt Larson and Pat Jaquish- Finance

Tom Seamson and Linda Bruun - Trustee

Mary Beth Shear - Lay representative to Annual Conference

Donna Douglas, and John Deitrich - Members at Large

This system of leadership will deliberately focus on the Mission and Discipleship with strategic results-based

goals. Attention will be fixed on 2 or 3 measurable goals that address our mission. To support the board in

actions to achieve these goals the Servant Leadership Board will select team leaders. These team leaders will

then invite others to join the team. Those 20, or so, individuals, who previously sat on committees will be

freed up to join teams. Teams may be short term, or continuing. A team will be enlisted for a specific

purpose and may require specialized experience. An Audit Team, for example, would require specialized

experience and complete their service within several weeks, on the other hand, a Guest Welcoming Team

would be ongoing and consist of servants with an interest in creating an inviting atmosphere.

The SLB and Pastor are mutually responsible for making progress toward our strategic goals. To improve

transparency and communication the congregation will be informed of the actions and topics to be discussed

and the board will be open to listening to ideas and opinions of the congregation. Please include us in your

prayers as we begin this new process.

If you have any questions about this Accountable Leadership Structure, please call Pat Jaquish at

608) 963-9215 or John Dietrich at (608) 415-3829.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do

and praise your Father who is in heaven.

6 THE U.M.C. NEWS

● Through much prayerful discernment, with the rising COVID cases statewide, county

wide, and even city wide, we have again suspended in person worship. Worship will continue

to be premiered via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/reedsburgumc/) at 9:00 with a

host/ess to greet you. We also continue to post the videos on YouTube (https://

www.youtube.com/channel/UCm55c9m0Q6Uf_F1QKhMMGDw ) which can be viewed

anytime after 9:00 am. The sermon manuscript is also available for download on our website.

AND we are now airing he service at 3:30 pm on the Reedsburg station 11.1.

● We continue to offer “Coffee Hour”, via the video platform ZOOM. The link for this is

https://zoom.us/j/730238634 . If you want to just phone in, the number is 1 312 626 6799.

And Adult Sunday School classes will again meet at 10:15 on this ZOOM link.

● January 3, we will again offer drive-thru communion, between 9:45 and 10:00 am. We hope

to continue offering this on the first Sunday of each month.

● If you would like to meet with Pastor Vicki one on one, you may make an appointment to meet at the church. However, if you are still wishing to stay home, she will be available for one on one via Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger or good old fashion telephone. Please limit contact with her on Fridays to emergencies, as that is her day off.

● We continue to receive non-perishable food donations in the plastic bins located just to the right of the 3rd Street entrance to the church. With the colder weather please ensure it is only items that can withstand cold temperatures, without expanding.

● Viking Village Foods offers the church a rebate for any receipts turned in to their store. If you shop at Viking Village you are encouraged to drop your receipt at the donation box located at the 3rd Street entrance of the church at any time. When we do resume live worship services, they can also be deposited in the offering baskets.

● Another simple way of contributing to the church is through the Smiles program on Amazon. Simply log in to smile.amazon.com and choose Reedsburg United Methodist Church. Then whenever you shop amazon make sure your shopping is done through Amazon Smile, and a portion of the retail will be sent to RUMC.

● Other ways of giving is mailing or dropping off your financial gifts to 833 3rd Street, Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959. You may also going to our website, reedsburgunitedmethodistchurch.org and click on the donate button, or you may text your gift at 855-963-3691.

● If you or anyone in the community has a prayer need—and who doesn’t?—RUMC is there for you. We have our usual text message that goes directly to Pastor Vicki 608-856-8797 or via email at, rumcprayer@hotmail.com. We are lining up prayer angels, people who are passionate about prayer, to check that email daily, praying and responding. If you feel like God’s Spirit is calling you to serve in this way, contact the office, by phone or email, and you will be contacted with further details.

7 THE U.M.C. NEWS

1/2 Cole Denman

1/3 James Wittenberg

1/4 Sharla Stanclift

1/6 Karen Parks

1/16 Linda Bruun

1/16 Lillian Clements

1/16 Kay Daley

1/18 Lorraine Grover

1/22 Donna Kastner

1/22 Judy Martin

1/23 Chloe Miller

1/25 Martin Biesek

1/26 Steven Schutz

1/27 Doty Haugh-Smith

1/27 Tammy Schreiner

1/28 Shirley Schutz

1/29 Kathy Jennings

1/29 Carol Parkinson

1/29 Sandra Phillips

1/30 Adaline Larson

8 THE U.M.C. NEWS

2 Corinthians 9:7 Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart.

They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.

Thank you, for living your vows and serving God with your financial blessings.

Thank you for keeping RUMC deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. At

mid-year The Finance committee members told you we were deeply aware of the

effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on you and your loved ones. It was because we

understood that the church was deployed, serving God, in this unprecedented time. We shared the

financial status and prayed that you would do what was right for you, living into the words of 2 Corinthi-

ans 9:7. We asked that each of you pray for your own and the congregation’s wise stewardship. Prayers

for our church leaders and their wisdom in raising, managing, and distributing our financial resources

were requested.

Our words were heard. The weekly contributions rose and fell repeatedly, but now, at the end of

2020, RUMC has met all their financial obligations and maintained a healthy bank balance. Your

dedication, during such uncertain times, has fueled our mission supporting our church family and reaching

out into the community.

37 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart. . .

38 This is the first and greatest commandment.

39 And the second is like it:

You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. Matthew 22:37-39

Back in March, we had no idea we would still be taking mitigating measures as we enter a new

year. Thanks to the staff, all who have hung in with us through this time. They have had reduced time or,

in some cases, no work at all. With reduced time and wages, they too are showing their love for God.

Additional help came with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), A

$35,000 “loan” became a grant which subsidized our contributions for 2020. With the reduction in

expenses and the CARES money, in addition to your contributions, now at the end of 2020, we are in a

good place. As we enter 2021, with uncertainty around COVID and no extension of the CARES Act in

sight, we ask for your continued support and stewardship.

Please keep RUMC family, the new Servant Leadership Board, the staff and Pastor Vicki in your

prayers as we move into 2021. The leadership will continue to focus on our mission, continuing to serve

and striving to find new ways to serve our church family, our neighbors and God.

Lord, help us to pursue what makes for peace and for building one another up. Give us discerning

hearts to know your will and give us the courage to obey our vows Lord, we know that without you and

your Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us, we cannot do any of these things. Grant us peace and unity.

Amen