From the Heights

ECHOES OCTOBER 2016

A monthly newsletter from Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church

Office Hours Mon-Thursday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Closed on Friday (785)-379-5492 • SHUMC@COX.NET

Shawnee Heights UMC Sunday Worship Service 10 a.m.

6020 SE 44TH St. Tecumseh KS 66542

Rev .Barb Clinger Cell: 785-766-4789

blclinger@gmail.com www.shawneeheightsumc.org

October Worship Opportunities

Oct. 2nd World Communion Sunday Adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940,

World Communion Sunday is a call for the Church, and

for each of us, to be universal and inclusive.

Oct. 9th Rev. Cynthia Meyer, Guest Preacher

“Sparrows’ Secrets” Matthew 10: 26-31

Rev. Meyer’s sermon will focus on guiding us to know

ourselves, as loved by God, so we will be free to see others

as also God’s beloved. Doing so, we overcome our worry

and our fear; and understand and claim our vulnerability,

and power to follow Jesus.

Oct. 16, 23 and 30th Half Truths

This three week series is shaped by three chapters in Adam Hamilton’s book, Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn’t Say. Rev. Hamilton suggests “…it’s important to examine half-truths…they sometimes hurt people, they lead to conclusions that are not only untrue but lead people away from God.”

This is an opportunity to move closer to God by revisiting the greater truth we find in Jesus Christ.

Oct. 30th Youth Sunday Don’t miss this opportunity to be led by our

youth. They will be helping with all aspects

of worship this day.

Pastor’s Page Page 2

As I am writing this several people are scraping and patching and painting the

trim around our building. According to the weather app on my phone it is 90 degrees and it

feels like 96. In a couple of hours 12-18 people will be gather for choir rehearsal. They do

so almost every Wednesday evening from late August until mid-May. On Sunday you will

enjoy the benefits of technology with both the sights and sounds because we have a team

of volunteers who run the soundboard and the laptop that controls the images and videos

that enhance our time of worship. While most of us are in the sanctuary, two others are in

the nursery caring for our little friends who are not yet able to fully participate in worship.

And after worship, once again a small group of people will provide a nice variety of food for

our fellowship time and clean it up, and be the very last to leave. I could go on.

So many do so much and I am willing to claim that most do so as a labor of love. Those

of us who follow Jesus understand we are to be generous with our time and our resources.

We understand this “journey” we share is most definitely not on a cruise ship where all of

our wants and desires are quickly met. Instead, our reality is closer to that of the first

century disciples. Our work is like that on a fishing boat, not a cruise ship. The work is

endless and often goes under-appreciated. Some is pretty stinky…ask the Trustees. But

the thing is the work we do is not only volunteering for a good cause. We do what we do

because of what God has already done for each of us and all of us. Our work is our mission.

We are forgiven and loved even when we are self-centered and tired and grumpy. When we

remember how much God loves us, no exceptions, we become different people. Like Paul, our

passions change. We are loved, so we love.

I am so very grateful for the work being done at Shawnee Heights to bring God’s

kingdom to reality. And, I know there are times when like the fishermen on those boats,

we need to take a break. So as we prepare to celebrate our year in ministry together with

our Church Conference on the 27th and the election of our leadership for 2017, be sure you

give each other and yourself time to restore your souls. I will be taking a short break and

be away from preaching the 9th. My good friend and colleague, Rev. Cynthia Meyer will

preach for us that day. Her focus will be to guide us to “overcome worry and fear, knowing

we are loved by God, freeing us to see others as also beloved.”

There is much to do this month. May we take time to rest in God’s loving embrace.

May we each remember whose we are. And may we celebrate who everyone else is as well.

I look forward to sharing special moments with you. See you in worship.

Blessings,

Barb

Annual Church Conference Page 3

The Finance Committee met Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 and reviewed the August 2016

Financial Reports and learned our giving for the month was under our forecasted budget.

Our income was less than our expenses for August, but we were able to pay 100% of our

August Mission Shares.

Our next meeting will be October 12th and we plan to review Sept. Financial Reports.

Jeff Claassen, Finance Chair

General Fund Giving Details

Year To Date through August, we are $4,573 under our forecasted giving

January - $19,253 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $18,365

February - $14,352 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $14,692

March - $15,035 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $14,692

April - $14,026 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $14,692

May - $16,268 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $18,365

June - $16,055 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $14,692

July - $16,268 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $18,365

August - $12,727 funds received on a budgeted forecast of $14,692

Finance

2016 Church Conference Thursday, October 27th Shawnee Heights UMC @ 6:30 P.M.

The task of this annual meeting of all church members includes the following:

Election of leaders including: chairperson of church council; the committee on

nominations and leadership development; the committee on pastor-parish relations

and its chairperson; finance chairperson, the financial secretary and the church treasurer

(if not employed) and the Board of trustees. Additionally the meeting will elect a recording

secretary, a lay leader and a lay member/delegate to annual conference.

Another primary function of the church conference is to approve what is called the

“Clergy Support Worksheet.” Basically that is the pastor’s compensation package. Along

with that, the housing reimbursement resolution is approved with other reimbursements.

Beyond these very important, yet tedious details, the church conference is a time to

reflect on what we have accomplished and to agree upon what we will set as goals as we

move into the future together.

If we are indeed all about making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation

of the world, as our United Methodist mission claims; and if we embrace the mission of

Shawnee Heights UMC to Embrace God’s love, Respond with love for all, Grow our faith

and Serve the needs of others we will only succeed by carefully planning and inviting

everyone to join in this journey of love and transformation.

Trustees Page 4

Evangelism Team

The Trustees continue their work in and around the church. Doug McVicker and

others are cleaning the outside fascia (overhang) and will be repainting it and some

other areas in the weeks to come. A few small plumbing issues were addressed, as well

as a window in one of the classrooms. The Trustees voted to replace the AC unit for the

gym after it quit working. The unit was 26 years old and repairing versus replacement

was the better option. Lowers has installed the new unit and the gym is nice and cool

again. Bids have been collected for replacing the flooring in the gathering area and fellow-

ship hall. The Trustees are looking at three different flooring options: ceramic tile, stained

concrete and interlocking vinyl. This is part of a longer range plan to refresh the gathering

area. The recently patched area of the parking lot is showing some damage and the

contractor has been contacted to address.

The next Trustees meeting is October 10 at 6:15 p.m.

Nurture Team

Please join the Nurture Team after worship on October 23, for a gift card shower honoring Daisy Johnson. Daisy, daughter of Debbie and granddaughter of Merta and Robert Fulton, is having a baby girl. She is registered at Target, Walmart, and Carter’s. Please plan to attend to honor and support Daisy and her family as we engage in fellowship that day. Thank you, Carrie Rutherford, Chair, Nurture Team

Get Your New SHUMC Directory Now

At the beginning of this year, your Evangelism team began putting together a new church

directory. They contacted Lifetouch, the industry leader of church directories, and arranged

for Lifetouch to come to the church and take pictures of all SHUMC members. The team

also made an attempt to contact all members of the church to update contact information

and to schedule a photo session.

The updated names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers appear in an

easy to read format in the back of the directory. Enough directories were ordered so

each member family can receive a copy. Please stop by the church if you are unable to

attend a Sunday service and pick up your copy.

Brenda Kling and the Evangelism team, Cloeva and Paul Idol, Bob and Merta Fulton,

Garry Scott, Ray Haywood and Marlene Pantos thank you for your participation.

Sarah Clemmons was also a part of the team during this project.

Page 5

FIRST SATURDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET

October 1st, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

PUBLIC WELCOME

Free will donation appreciated

October’s First Saturday Breakfast Buffet

Youth Ministries

7th - 12th graders will meet the -

2nd & 4th Sunday monthly, 6–8 p.m.

4th - 6th graders will meet the -

1st Sunday every month from 6–8 p.m.

Missions

SHUMC has committed to have five people serve dinner at TRM

the 2nd Saturday of each month.

You could be one of our church’s five to bring

hope and comfort to those in need.

Signup sheets are on the bulletin board. Thank you.

Ministry Opportunity! Saturday, Oct. 8th, to serve dinner

to those in need, 3:45-5:45 pm, at the Topeka Rescue Mission

A list of current needs at Topeka Rescue Mission is

posted on the bulletin board.

HOL Trunk or Treat October 31, 2016, 3:00 P.M., Shawnee Heights UMC

Come join the fun with the children of HOL at the annual Trunk or Treat and parade! You are invited to come to the gym with goodies for the little ones. Setup will be at 2:45 p.m. What a wonderful way to spend part of the afternoon!

Hope to see you there!

Heights of Learning

Men’s Ministries Page 6

Women’s Ministries

There will be no monthly UMW meeting this month.

Fourth Annual Ed Ames Memorial Fishing Derby

Sunday, October 2, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sponsor, SHUMC UNITED METHODIST MEN

The location of the derby this year is:

Richard & Elaine Toland's home at Lake Jivaro.

We will meet in the church parking lot to caravan or

carpool to the location at 1:15 pm.

The UMM will have grilled hot dogs and the fixins' after the fishing fun. There will be

trophies for the kids who catch the 1st Fish, Most Fish, and Biggest Fish and a movie

gift card for the winners of the Buddies team and the adult winner. Each child who is

fishing at the derby for the first time will receive a rod and reel.

Children must be escorted by an adult.

Registration is required. Please contact the church office at 379-5492 or

shumc@cox.net to register. Include the child’s name and age and the name of

the escort.

Come join the fun!

Opportunities for the dinner include: food donations, prep, cook, setup, serve &

cleanup after dinner.

Opportunities for Country Store & Bakery include: baked goods and crafts donations,

setup - tear down and working at the store.

The UMW needs everyone's help in any way you can to

make this another successful fundraiser for the

SHUMC UMW ministries!

SHUMC United Methodist Women Annual

Chicken & Noodle Dinner and Country Store & Bakery on

Saturday, October 15 3 - 7 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sign-up sheets are now posted on the wall in the

hallway leading to the nursery.

Page 7 Page 7

Dinner Menu

Chicken and Noodles

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Choice of Salad

Rolls and Butter

Homemade Pies

Beverages

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Chicken & Homemade Noodle Dinner

and Country Store & Bakery

Large Plate: $8

Small Plate: $6 (12 & younger)

Eat In or Take Out!

Sponsored by SHUMC United Methodist Women

All Proceeds go toward local and global mission projects.

Heights of Learning Page 8

Heights of Learning is a ministry of Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church

For information about enrollment call (785) 379-0776

Hours of Operation 7:00am-6:00pm

October 2016 Newsletter

We are planning a lot of fun activities and field trips this month!

Please remember, we can always use help on our fieldtrips.

Please consider joining us.

Fire safety week is Oct. 10th-14th. We will have a fire truck visit on

Thursday, Oct. 13th in the morning.

“Butter Braid” fundraiser will start Oct 3 and orders will be turned in on the 17th.

We are hoping to get new and updated technology for our classrooms!

Please see our display in the main hall for more details.

We are planning a Trunk-or-Treat and Parade on Monday,

Oct. 31st around 3:00 P.M. Class parties will follow.

SHUMC has a monthly breakfast on the 1st Saturday of each month.

October’s “First Saturday Breakfast Buffet” is Oct.1st, 7:30 A.M.-10:00 A.M.

For more information, please see the flyer on our front door.

*Please remember to sign your children in/out every day. It is a state rule and we

ask that you please follow this rule.

*We are still having book orders. You can order online by Oct. 12th, our online

code is DPQ62

Happy Fall! We are reminding parents to bring a jacket

for the “chilly” mornings.

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer”

3’s & 4’s Presbyterian Manor 5th 9:00

Meier’s pumpkin patch TBA

Pre-k A&B Gary’s Berries 14th 9:00

Presbyterian Manor 26th 9:00

October 2016 Field Trips

Field trips are subject to change.

Page 9 Bishop’s Round-Up

The Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger has announced its 2016

celebration event for Saturday, November 19, from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Douglas County

Fairgrounds, north of Kansas Highway 10 at 2010 Harper St., in Lawrence, Kansas. SHUMC will

kick off our campaign on Sunday, October 16th.

The Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger is an annual event to celebrate what the church is

doing to meet the needs of the poor and hungry. Each year more than 20 agencies come to the

event to receive supplies for their ministries to the poor and hungry in their local communities.

As we prepare for this event, we want to invite you to participate. You can come and join the

celebration of what is going on in the church. You can participate by donating supplies to

distribute to agencies on that day. We will be providing a location in the church where you

can bring your gifts. We also invite anyone who has a desire to help with this effort to “just

raise your hand” and we will gratefully accept any help you can give.

The agencies that come to the Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger event are looking for partic-

ular items that have been traditionally provided by the Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger.

These include food, bedding, toys, paper products, diapers, HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves

and socks), health kits, school kits, layettes, new toys and games.

We will deliver the gifts to the event on November 19. As we celebrate all that the church is

doing, we also want to do ministry as well to the agencies who come to the Bishop’s Round-Up

Against Hunger event.

Here is a listing of what would be requested by the agencies for this year’s event. The Missions

Team will be providing a pamphlet at the October 16th kick-off that will provide more details

on what is needed.

Food (distributed in cases of 12 items)

Bedding

Toys (new)

Paper (toilet paper, paper towels)

Diapers

HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves, socks) - adult and children

Health Kits\ School Kits\Layettes

If you would like more information, just go to this link or search on “Bishop’s Round-Up Against

Hunger.” http://www.greatplainsumc.org/eventdetail/95559#sthash.FaXK479P.dpuf

COMING SOON

Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger

Great Plains UNITED METHODISTS Connecting Hunger Ministries

9440 E. Boston St., Suite 160

Wichita, KS 67207 800-745-2350

316-686-0600

www.greatplainsumc.org

GREAT PLAINS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

of the United Methodist Church

RUBEN SAENZ JR., Resident Bishop

God’s beloved in the Great Plains

Grace and peace. Now a little more than two weeks into my new role as your bishop in Kansas and

Nebraska, I wanted to pause for a moment to tell you how honored and excited I am to be your episcopal leader and partner in the mighty works that God has in store for all of us in the Great Plains Annual Conference.

I am doing my best to learn quickly about the many aspects of our two diverse states and the opportunities we have for a wide variety of ministries as we work together to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to live out the lessons our Savior taught about mercy and justice for all of God’s children.

Many organizations aspire to change the world. But very few have all the elements required to offer the fullness of life, hope and healing to a volatile, uncertain, chaotic and ambiguous world. Friends, the church can and does have that transformative power through Christ.

As the people of The United Methodist Church of the Great Plains, we will continue to teach about Jesus’ love for all and the message of hope that comes through his resurrection. Together, we will work to embody God’s good and tangible gifts of healing, liberation, salvation and caring in the neighborhoods surrounding our churches, in our surrounding communities and throughout our world.

Please know that I will prayerfully and joyfully offer you my best and most meaningful efforts toward the great kingdom work before us, as I know you will offer yours. Please pray for the work that is at hand, for your pastors and for the laity who serve as the hands and feet of Christ in today’s world.

Again, it is a great honor to join you on this next phase of your journey. I look forward to getting to know more about your ministry settings, the many aspects of mission work in which you are engaged and about God’s people in the Great Plains.

I am looking forward to meeting many of you in my travels, which will include visits to your districts. And all are invited to a celebration service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. For those of you who can’t attend in person, I invite you to watch the livestream broadcast online at www.greatplainsumc.org/livestream.

Thank you for your prayers and for the warm welcome I and my wife, Maye, already have received.

Paz,

Joys and Concerns Page 11

October Birthdays

1st Doug Bennett

2nd Kelly Badenoch

3rd Keith Moeller

6th Jean Ragan

8th Byron White

11th Tom Bolyard

13th Travis Johnson

17th Erin White

19th Virginia Robinett

20th Ben Grindol

21st Sharon Bolyard

21st Merta Fulton

21st Debbie Johnson

22nd Jan Hardesty

22nd Denise Scott

24th Courtney Fulton

25th Alex Simerl

25th Nathanael Simerl

27th J Hardesty

29th Bryan Clemmons

12th Bryan & Rhonda Clemmons 14th Dewey & Marty Williams 15th Ryan & Tabitha Johnson 23rd Ben & Ladonna Grindol 26th David & Corinne Denton 28th Tom & Natalie Copeland 29th Bob & Merta Fulton

October Anniversaries

As a church family, we pray for one another in times of joy, sadness, and struggle. Our prayers continue for…

Ladonna and Ben Grindol

Hal and Janice Cordry

Lila and Zeke Zimmerman

Melissa Lewis & Eian, Sharon & Tom Bolyard and their family and friends,

on the death Elbert Minor, father of Melissa, Sharon, and grandfather of Eian.

To have an announcement included in the Sunday bulletin insert, please call or email the church office by noon on Tuesday. (785)379-5492 - shumc@cox.net

Echoes from the Heights is emailed on the last Wednesday of the month. The deadline for articles and announcements is the Wednesday one week earlier.

Bulletin Announcements and Newsletter Info