Service Schedule for October 31st - "Reformation Sunday"

Sunday Morning Worship

“Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right with them, but the righteous live by their faith.”

- Habakkuk 2:4

How familiar are you with the Book of Habakkuk? I will confess that I was not too familiar with this prophet either. But, there is an important lesson that we can gain from his conversation with God. That's right! Habakkuk asks God a question, several questions in fact. He asks the same questions that we do: Why does evil prosper? Why doesn't God listen to me? Why is justice not done?

God has an answer for us; he has answer for these difficult questions. I hope you will be able to join us in our morning worship services as we explore whether or not we are ready to accept his answer!

The scripture lessons for this Sunday morning are:

• Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4
• 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
• Luke 19:1-10

Sunday Evening Worship at Oakfield

At 7:00PM, you are welcome to join us for an evening worship that addresses the question: How do we prepare for worship? Let us discuss together how we can prepare before a worship service, how we can get the most out of worship and how we can put into practice that which we experience in worship. Also join us for Holy Communion during the service.

Our November evening worship services will look at four different questions relating to prayer:

• Why do we pray?
• How do we pray?
• For whom or for what do we pray?
• When do we pray?

Being a Part of Something Big

This morning I was asked to speak at an event for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Oshkosh/Appleton called "Be a Part of Something Big". I was to provide a testimonial to the role that BBBS has played in my life and in the life of my little brother, Isaac. I would summarize my thoughts in this entry, but I thought I might just allow you to read my letter.

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs our help. I hope you might consider helping out in some way:

Good morning everyone. My name is Jim Droste and I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to share a few words with you this morning about the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. I am currently serving as pastor for two United Methodist churches. Having worked on college campuses for about ten years, I felt a call in my life to make a change. I decided to follow God’s call to ministry. This move has significantly changed my life for the better. It certainly has its struggles, but it has made life more meaningful and purposeful. I speak to you this morning about another decision that has significantly changed my life for the better.

Before being a pastor, I was a Residence Hall Director at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for six years. I shared a building with 200 college students. Part of my responsibility as a Residence Hall Director was to advise a hall government executive board. When we talked about volunteer opportunities for college students, one of those executive board members would often talk about her experiences as a big sister in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. Jennie Kelly would talk about it was only about one hour a week, and she talked about what a great time she had. She mentioned how they were always looking for big brothers. One day, I finally decided that this was something that I could do. It was something that I wanted to do.

Isaac and I have been matched for now three years. Both of us are amazed that we have matched up that long. When we were first matched, I was still a residence hall director and he was in middle school. Now I am a pastor and he is in high school, doing football, wrestling and choir. It feels as though those three years went by so fast. It feels as though we have just been matched!

I have certainly enjoyed the time that we have been matched together. We share a lot of common interests. We talk a lot about Fantasy Football…mostly about how well his teams are doing and how bad my teams are doing. We talk about NFL football, about the Colts and Packers. We play video games…a lot of video games…probably more than we should. He has taught me a few lessons about being good at video games. We played a lot of miniature golf. I could teach him a few lessons about miniature golf. We have gone to concerts. We watch football games. We play pool. We get ice cream. Heck, this Saturday we have tickets for the Milwaukee Bucks season opener on Sunday. We certainly have a lot of fun when we hang out.

But, what I have really cherished is all the ways that I have seen Isaac grow as a person. Well, yes, there’s the physical growth…it won’t be long before he’s taller than me. More importantly, I have appreciated being there for significant moments in his life. I was there when he was confirmed. I have been there for wrestling meets and tournaments. I have been there for football games. I was there at his choir concerts, especially when he received a choir scholarship. He has become more confident and more outgoing. I have seen him grow as a person. I am proud of the person that he has become since we’ve been matched. I can’t tell you for sure what role I had in all of that, but it has been wonderful to be a part of it. Being an only child with a small family, I have appreciated the opportunity to be a part of his family. I have appreciated their support and being to be a part of their lives as well. I have appreciated getting to know Isaac’s mother and getting to know his sister. If the presence of family, I do feel like a brother to Isaac.

One drawback to my assignment to the churches in Oakfield and Eden is that I now live in the Fond du Lac area. With Isaac still in Oshkosh and me in Oakfield, distance can become an issue. Both of us are busier than we were when we were first matched. It prevents us from being able to hang out like we have before, but I appreciate the opportunities we do have to be together.

This morning I hope that you might think about the opportunities that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides for the community. Each match of a big and a little is an opportunity for a difference to be made in someone’s life. Your financial support this morning or some time in future helps to sponsor a match just like the one that Isaac and I have. There are hundreds of matches in Oshkosh alone that are providing similar results. Your presence here this morning shows a desire to support the mission and goals of this organization. Perhaps you might be interested in volunteering to help with a Big Brothers/Big Sisters event. Your participation here may provide an opportunity for you to make a difference in the life of child.

I have truly appreciated my time in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. I filled out that application because I felt a call to help. I had no idea over the next few years what a difference being a part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters would do for me. I became “Part of Something Big”. I hope in some way soon, you might also choose to be “Part of Something Big.”

All Saints Sunday

This message is directed more toward members of the extended communities of Oakfield and Tabor UMC:

On November 7 at our worship services, we will be honoring All Saints Sunday. During the course of the worship service, we will take time to remember those who have passed away since last All Saints Sunday.

Certainly our office has records of those who have passed away in our congregations. We also do want to take time to remember those members of our extended church family that were not necessary members of our churches.

If you know of someone who should be recognized, please contact the church office at: (920) 583-3352. Thank you for your help in this matter.

Packer Game Reflections

Christa and I were at Lambeau Field last night to see the Green Bay Packers play the Minnesota Vikings. The game kicked off at about 7:20PM last night. The game did not end until about 10:30PM, and by the time we got onto Highway 41 it was midnight. We got back to Oakfield around 1:30AM. Somehow, I managed to get some sleep and am "functioning" this morning. Ideas are coming slower than normal, but I am getting by.

Last night's game was incredible. You could not have scripted a better game. Certainly, it was great that the Packers won. It was nice to beat the Vikings, and Brett Favre, in Lambeau Field.

Outside of the game, there were two moments that I really appreciated during the game. Minutes before kick-off, Packer Tramon Williams went over to a corner of the end zone and said a brief prayer before the game. It wasn't flashy and did not draw attention (except mine because I happened to be looking in that direction). Also after the game, players and coaches from both teams gathered at the 50 yard line for a post game prayer. This is not uncommon, but it was cool to see this in person.

Sadly, the excitement of the game and these touching moments was overshadowed by the embarrassing behaviors of Packer fans at the game. With any rivalry game, fans for both teams are going to try taunt the other fans. Unfortunately, our section of seating had a truly obnoxious Viking fan who consistent tormented fans around us. Although difficult to ignore, I did what I could. I wish my fellow fans would have done the same. I could not believe the things that they said to him. Most of them are not appropriate to post on this blog.

I would safely assume, demographically, that most of the people saying the things that they did would consider themselves Christians. Not so, based on what I saw last night. It was troubling, and embarrassing, to see and hear what happened during the game. What good does it do to disparage our fellow human beings?

Why must sports so often bring out the worst in people?

October 24 Service Schedule - Laity Sunday

This Sunday is Laity Sunday at Tabor & Oakfield. It is one Sunday in the year in which the United Methodist Church wants to recognize how important each member of the congregation is as we gather in worship. As such, the laity will be taking a primary role in our worship services. It is not a chance for the pastor to have a break; it is an opportunity for the pastor to step aside and join in a recognition of how we all work together through our prayers, presence, gifts and service to make our church what it is. Each church will be providing a unique worship experience!

At the Tabor church, almost the entire service will be led by members of the congregation. Instead of a sermon this Sunday, we will be treated to the faith stories of two members of our congregation. We will also be welcoming a new member into the congregation during worship as well. Overall, this service will be a wonderful recognition of the talents and abilities we have at Tabor UMC.

At the Oakfield church, several members of Oakfield, and one member of Tabor :-), will be helping with the worship service. Instead of a sermon, a drama called "Gifts" will be performed, followed by some questions pertaining to the gifts that we all bring to our church. We will then have a brief hymn response. This service will again recognize the talents and abilities that we have at Oakfield UMC.

It should be noted that we will not be having evening worship at Oakfield this Sunday. That service has been re-scheduled to October 31.

I hope you will be able to make to worship this Sunday as we celebrate Laity Sunday together as a congregation of believers.

New Programs Have Found a Home

We started a Bible Study and an Evening Worship Service which rotated between the two churches. This was definitely confusing for folks, but I wanted to give each church an opportunity to try it out. I wanted to see if there was any interest in one or both churches.

It became pretty evident pretty quickly that each of the churches responded more to one of the new initiatives.

In the three times that the evening worship service has been offered, we have had 10, 11 and 13 people in attendance. I realize that this rate of growth will likely not continue, but I can sense that this service is fulfilling a need in Oakfield. Perhaps with some community marketing and word of mouth advertising we might be able to grow this service!

In the times that the Bible study has been offered in Tabor, we have seen a consistent attendance that peeked with 13 folks in attendance on one Wednesday. It seemed to be a good idea to move the Bible study to Tabor.

Now we have a new event and program that is taking place in each church!

Weddings, Part 2

This afternoon, I will be meeting with a couple, as we prepare for their wedding coming up this Friday at 2:00PM. They decided to move the date from early spring to October to accommodate the some scheduling issues. Although we have not mad as much time to meet and work as I would like, they have been a lot of fun to talk to, and a lot of fun to work with.

They have a rehearsal scheduled for 5:00PM on Thursday at the church. Then I have Lay Leadership Committee at 6:00PM and Church Council at 7:00PM. I know that I'll be bringing dinner with me...I may also bring a sleeping bag and just stay at the church :-D!

Regardless, I really do love weddings :-).

The Dunnemans

It was wonderful to have Gretchen and Reg Dunneman here in Oakfield and Eden to lead worship yesterday. They are both deeply spiritual people that sing, preach and speak the word of God. They are very engaging and provided a lively and meaningful worship service for both congregations. I can see why we have had them here so many times before!

They joined Christa and I to watch the second half of the Packer game. Sadly, the Packer game did not end in a victory for the Pack, but it was a nice time to chat. We are both glad to have had the opportunity to get to know them better. They have a wonderful music ministry going!

October 17 Service Schedule

Morning Worship

The Dunnemans will be providing a musical worship experience at our morning services. They have provided worship and concerts before at both Oakfield and Tabor. Sunday School will still take place and the Mission Moment & Children's Sermon will be incorporated into the service. In addition to our regular Sunday offering, a freewill offering will be taking at the end of the worship service to thank the The Dunnemans for sharing their talents with us.

Here is a little information from their website:

"History is filled with tales of traveling musicians. In the Middle Ages the minstrel was a primary means of distribution of news from far lands. Well The Dunnemans are not medieval minstrels, but they bring a message from a land that is as far as the end of the earth, or as near as your heart. Through their songs the bring the message of hope in Jesus Christ.

Reg has always been singing for the Lord, starting with “Christian Cowboy” sung when he was four. In his teens he organized The Victors Trio, and in his twenties, he organized The Tabernacle Trio, both of which ministered in Ontario, Canada. U.S. and Canadian fans of Canada’s Galileans trio/quartet then enjoyed his voice and piano for twenty years.

Gretchen has always been singing for the Lord, starting with Caesar Franc’s “Panis Anglicus“ when she was nine years old. She was active in school, church, college and community choirs, and then sang with The Friendship Trio in Montrose, PA for fifteen years.

Since their marriage in 1992, Reg and Gretchen have, together, given their hearts, talents, and repertoires to the Lord and He has blessed their efforts. The ministry became full time in 2002 and was recognized as a non-profit ministry in 2006."

Evening Worship

At 7:00PM at Tabor UMC, we will have an evening worship service focused on Preparation for Worship. Our Bible readings and discussion will look at making the most out of your worship experience. We will look at what you can do on Saturdays, what you can do in the pew before the service starts, what you can do to be ready to focus in worship, as well as what to do to maximize putting into practice what you learn and experience in worship.

Even if you were at the morning service, there is still something new to be gained by attending this service. We will also be taking Holy Communion as a part of worship. If you miss it on the 17th, we will have a similar service at Oakfield UMC on the 31st.

Church Growth!

I am meeting with someone tonight who is interested in becoming a member of Tabor UMC. The plan is to have her officially join on Laity Sunday. This would be appropriate as that service lifts up the countless ways that lay people truly are the church. She is one of quite a few folks that have joined our churches in 2010.

I am also working on getting materials ready for Charge Conference. When we gather, we can celebrate that both churches have grown in membership over the last year. Tabor church has overall gained two members and Oakfield has overall gained six members. Ok...it's not a whole lot, but it is nice to see membership heading up as it has been going down over the last few years.

I realize that it is not all about more members. Just because you have more members, it does not mean a church is more vital or better than it was before. But, it is exciting to introduce more people to the church. As they join and help out in the church, there is potential for the churches to become more vital.

Can It Be November 2nd Already?

We have the opportunity to vote on November 2nd. There are a lot of important elections coming up. We are electing a new governor. One of our US Senate seats will be decided. There are many Wisconsin seats in the US House of Representatives that are hotly contested. The political environment in Wisconsin, and the United States is intense. With this being a mid-term election during the Obama administration, many are using the results as a barometer for his performance as president. There's a lot of money being spent and a lot of ads are out there. It would be hard to not realize that there is an election!

My hope is that you vote! You are welcome to vote for whoever you see as most qualified. I look forward to that day when we can fulfill our civic right and duty to vote. By then we won't have to listen to these political ads any more. Each year, candidates seem to outdo themselves with the vitriol and hate that they put into ads that bash their opponent. This year seems especially bad. Given our ability to fact check through the internet and others sources, some of these attack are being revealed as being partially or completely untrue.

Why would people resort to attack?

Why wouldn't their advertisements focus on what makes them qualified for the position?

Is the political environment simply built for us to be about as un-Christian as we can be?

What makes me sad is that many of these very politicians consider themselves to be Christians. Sad. They should act like it.

Wedding Celebration!

On October 9th, 2010 at 1:00PM Jeff Burmeister and Jessica Sommerfeldt were married at First Presbyterian Church in Fond du Lac. I was honored to be the officiant for this ceremony. It was wonderful to meet with them together and plan their wedding ceremony. It was wonderful to meet with and talk about marriage. It was wonderful to get to know each of them. It is now great to see them together as husband and wife!

A Saturday wedding means a Friday evening rehearsal. What would otherwise be my days off were partially filled with this wedding. This was certainly a time when I did not mind. To be a part of this wonderful day for Jess and Jeff was so gratifying. To see the happiness and excitement on their face made it all worth it. As a pastor, I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in a wedding and the preparation of marriage.

Congratulations Jeff & Jessica!

October 10 Service Schedule

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11

The prophet Jeremiah writes a letter to some troubled people. The people of Judah were taken from their homeland and forced to live in Babylon under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. Everything they had known was gone...homes, farms, culture, resources...they were in a foreign land. Certainly they were a people in despair. In Psalm 137 they lament, "How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?" (verse 4)

God wanted to let the people know that although they were in exile, although they were being punished for their generations to neglecting God's law and decrees and putting their faith in idols and other gods, God assures them that they are not forgotten! They will be restored. God remains with them.

Come to our morning worship centers around a message of God's continuous presence in our lives. In centers around a realization that no matter our circumstances, God will always be with us. No matter how we might feel in life, God has a plan for us!

The Bible readings for this Sunday are:

• Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
• 2 Timothy 2:8-15
• Luke 17:11-19

Evening Worship Service

We will be having our evening worship service at 7:00PM at Oakfield United Methodist Church. The Scripture readings and message of the service will look at the Sabbath and we will discuss the importance of Sabbath even in our modern busy lives. Communion will also be incorporated in the worship service. Whether you are a part of the Tabor or Oakfield community, you are welcome to join us for this service. Even if you came to church in the morning, you can join us at night!

Other News

• The Oakfield Visioning Team had its first meeting this past Monday. They begin a spiritual journey and discussion that will hopefully end with a new vision for the future of Oakfield UMC. Please pray for this group as they continue with six future meetings and look toward a promising future!
• We had 13 folks join us for Wednesday evening's Bible study at Tabor in which we looked at our readings from Jeremiah and Luke. Please check your October calendar and join us for an upcoming Bible study. We meet at both Oakfield and Tabor.

Tales from Two Meetings

Oakfield Visioning Team

Byron Pegram is heading up a group of folks from Oakfield UMC that are working toward developing a mission and vision for the church. The Staff/Parish Relations Committee and the Lay Leadership developed a list of folks that they thought would be good for this group.

This group will be meeting for seven consecutive Mondays using Dan Dick's Vital Signs as a guide. The first meeting was enjoyable to attend. It was nice to hear about people's experience in church, as well as their dream for where they would like to see the church be.

Hopefully when we're done...we'll have a mission and vision for the church to unveil at our upcoming Charge Conference in December!

Confirmation

Last night, Confirmation class was the first class in which we actually worked through the CREDO curriculum. I can't speak for the confirmands, but I had a lot of fun. Those 90 minutes seemed to go by pretty quick. We even had the opportunity to do some drawing of God's creation...the results were mixed ;).

Church Website Update

As the current webmaster for our church's website, I have been curious to see how many hits we have been getting. After a few weeks, I was able to have access to a tracking website through http://www.godaddy.com. Since March, our statistics have been pretty low. If would appear we had a handful of hits each day. However, in the month of September our number of hits has quadrupled! So far October has shown the same numbers.

I try not to get my hopes up. There could be a variety of reasons for this. Hopefully, it is for legitimate reasons. Maybe there's one person who really likes out site that checks it over and over again. But, it is great to see some increased traffic on the site.

If you have not had the the chance to check it out yet, it is: http://www.oakfield-taborumc.org/. It provides information about our worship services, about upcoming events at both churches, about the pastor. If you missed the service on Sunday, the sermon from the previous week's service will be posted on the site. It also gives you the ability to submit an on-line prayer request. It is helpful for members and non-members alike.

Where Two or Three Are Gathered...

We have had evening worship services at the Oakfield and Tabor church for the last month or so. These services have had mixed results as far as attendance goes. At the Oakfield church, we have had ten and 11 folks at the first two worship services. I feel as though we are gaining a relatively consistent group of folks that will attend this service. It still makes singing difficult with such a small group, but I appreciate the atmosphere and community that we have with a small group.

At Tabor church, our attendance has been less. Our first service had three folks and last night I had two folks. I had a young person from confirmation and her mother come to worship. As the three of us moved from the spacious sanctuary to my office, I couldn't help but be reminded of Matthew 20:18: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am with them."

It would be easy to be discouraged by the lack of attendance at the service. What pastor doesn't want to see large attendance at their worship services. It was easy to get discouraged by only having two people come to worship. As we began to read from the Bible, and study together the importance of Sabbath rest in our lives, I realized that Christ was present with us in worship. We read the Word and shared the Cup together.

Although more brief because some parts of the service would not work with three people, we still spent 30 minutes in worship. From now on, I won't mind smaller church service. In fact, they can be just as, or more, meaningful than a larger service.