May 2, 2010 Service Preview

"[Jesus said,] And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34

It is the first Sunday of the month of May. We join together as a congregation to share in Holy Communion. I hope you can join us for this opportunity to lift our sins to our God and ask for his forgiveness. As we partake in the bread and cup, the body and blood of Christ, our sins are again forgiven.

In our worship service, we will be talking about Jesus' new commandment: to love one another. We are asked to do this so what we can be recognized as disciples of Christ. It sounds so simple. How hard can it be to love one another? It's complicated. It's difficult. It's weird.

But, that is call that Christ has for us. Love for one another. Let us worship together and think about what it means to fulfill Jesus' new commandment.

Oakfield Village Tea

On May 2, 2010 from 1:00-3:00PM, the Oakfield Village Tea will be taking place at Oakfield United Methodist Church. There will be tea, snacks and desserts available throughout the event. The speaker will be Susan Marie Manzke. Her speech is entitled, "Saving the Past".

History isn't only in textbooks. It comes from the every day lives of
ordinary people. Collecting family stories and handing them down to future
generations is a gift anyone can give. Susan will share personal stories
while giving tips that will help everyone start their own family
collection.

We would love to see you in Oakfield for this event. Tickets are $7.00 in advance and can be reserved by contacting the church office at (920) 583-3352. Others you can get your tickets at the event for $9.00.

District Commiitee on Ordained Ministry Meeting

Tomorrow morning at 10:00AM, I will be meeting with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry. This meeting will be taking place at Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church. It is at this meeting that my progress as a minister will be reviewed and a decision will ultimately be made as to whether or not I will continue in ministry. As a Licensed Local Pastor, I will be asked to come before this committee each year.

By this time, the focus of the meeting changed somewhat. The first time I came before this committee, they made a decision as to whether or not I would be a certified candidate, an individual who was available for appointment. I remember being very nervous for this meeting. My mentor and Christa were there for the meeting when I was approved as a candidate. Perhaps I didn't to be as nervous as I was, but I was definitely excited to know that I could be appointed. It marked the culmination of over one year of preparation for this certification.

At tomorrow's meeting, I go in for the first time as a pastor under appointment. I am excited to speak about my experiences in ministry with the congregations in Oakfield and Eden. I am eager to speak about my experiences in a new calling. I am eager to speak about the joys and concerns that come with ministry.

I suppose it is highly unlikely that I would not be recommended to continue in ministry as a pastor. Regardless, I don't come into tomorrow's meeting nervous. I am excited for the opportunity to talk things out and share.

I humbly ask for your prayers as I continue my pastoral ministry. I also ask that you pray for all those that serve on this committee; they held guide and nurture the pastors that serve churches all over northeastern Wisconsin.

Brent Vernon in Concert

I am excited to announce that we will be hosting Brent Vernon at Oakfield United Methodist Church. The performance will take place on May 28, 2010 at 7:00PM. No tickets will be required, nor is there any cost for admission. A love offering will be taken during the course of the performance. The Oakfield Youth Group will be selling concessions before, during the intermission, and after the show. Brent will have recordings available for sale as well.

Brent Vernon is a writer, illustrator, and performing musician. Since the summer of 1995, Brent has toured in 48 states, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean executing a calendar of 75 to 210 concerts each year in schools, churches, coffee house and a myriad of other venues.

Over the last decade, Brent has developed an unusual ability to communicate with people of all ages by keeping his message clear, his methods current, and his presentation polished. His approach is simple, often using only a keyboard to accompany his warm vocal stylings.

Brent’s music, namely the song “If You’re Not In It” from his latest CD, A Thousand Pictures, was enthusiastically received on Christian radio stations across the nation, topping the charts in several markets.

Brent is also a ventriloquist. With the growing popularity of his friend “Sam”, many of Brent’s performances have taken a decided kid-friendly turn, with terrific response.

To find out more, please check out his website at: http://www.brentvernon.com/. He also has a Facebook site at: http://www.facebook.com/BrentVernonOnFB.

April 25, 2010 Worship Service

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." - Psalm 23:1

"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." - John 22:27

We are all part of one flock. We are all members of Christ's flock. Because of this we are given eternal life, and we are protected from Satan. It is a wonderful thing indeed! In our Gospel lesson for this Sunday, Jesus says that his sheep hear his voice. The sheep hear the voice of the shepherd. But, how do we hear his voice? Where do we find Christ calling to us in our lives?

David Ewart writes, "The challenge for most mainline Christians is not following Jesus. We've been taught pretty well about that. The challenge for us is recognizing Jesus' voice." This will be our challenge on Sunday. We have learned through the Gospels who Jesus would want us to act. We often struggle to know where to look for Christ today. How do we recognize the voice of Christ in our life? We will work together to answer this question.

At the Tabor church, Josh Glass will be sharing his faith journey as we continue to hear the stories of this that make up our church.

The Bible readings for this Sunday are:

• Acts 9:36-43
• Revelation 7:9-17
• John 10:22-30

I hope to see you Sunday. God bless!

Chicken & Biscuit Dinner This Saturday!

I came in a little early this morning, so that I could get a jump on some office work before I meet with my candidacy mentor later this morning. It is difficult to concentrate on work this morning, as the church fills with the smells of cooked chicken!

This Saturday from 4:00-8:00PM at the Oakfield United Methodist Church (22o Main St.) we will being having our Chicken & Biscuit Dinner! This is the third in our season of church dinners. There is an expansive menu that includes: chicken and biscuits, peas, squash, jello salad, rolls, pickles, a beverages, and desserts and tortes.

All of this is available at $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 eat free. Tickets need not be purchased in advance. Carry outs are also available.

Proceeds from this event support local church ministries. We hope you can attend!

Course of Study

I came upon a realization yesterday afternoon. Like it or not, all of my preparatory materials for Course of Study are due on June 16. It was easy for me to dismiss that date because it was so far away. It was easy for me to dismiss that date because I was engaged in work for Lent and Easter and I was too busy.

Well, there's less than two months until the due date and I have a lot of reading and a lot of paper writing ahead of me. Last night, I read through almost half of a book and will probably try to keep up the pace.

The video game playing and movie watching will definitely need to decrease if I am going to get all of this done.

Pastoral Pride

I realize that I have written about Confirmation for the last two entries. Forgive me for writing about it again! :-)

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to preside over two different confirmation services. There was an energy and excitement in those services that I have yet experienced in my brief time as a pastor. I truly felt the Spirit moving in both churches during those worship services.

At Tabor, it was wonderful to see Sarah step up and take on the responsibilities of liturgist during the worship service. I think it can also be heard to be the sole Confirmand where all of the focus is on you. I think she had some wonderful things to say in her Faith Statement and I hope she will continue to grow in the faith and grow as a member of Tabor UMC.

At Oakfield, Morgan, Maddy, Buddy, Hunter and Justin did a great job during the worship service. With just a few exceptions, they led the entire worship service. They stepped up to this role with many members of the congregation there, as well as parents and sponsors. A few folks asked me if I coached them as they prepared their Faith Statements. I did provide some guidance, but what they said was from their own thoughts and experiences. I am hopeful that they will live up to what they shared on Sunday.

I am excited for this first Confirmation Class. I am hopeful for them. They can represent a rebirth of the youth groups. They can represent a new wave of youth leadership in church. They represent role models for future Confirmands!

They were a great group to work with and I hope to stay connected to them throughout their Christian journey.

April 18, 2010 Worship Service

"Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love."

This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday. We will be celebrating the reception of new members to the Oakfield and Tabor church. We have six individuals who will be reaffirming their Christian faith and professing to be members of the United Methodist Church. These six individuals, as a part of their membership in the church will take of the responsibility of participating through their prayers, presence, gifts and service. That's a big step and a big responsibility. But, it is an exciting moment in their Christian.

I began this E-mail with a portion of the ceremony that I will be directing to all folks gathered in the sanctuary. Part of their reception into membership is that we welcome them into our church family and that we help them to grow in faith and love. Along with them, you will "renew [your] covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the Church."

I hope you will be able to attend worship this Sunday. The Confirmands will be taking a prominent role in the service and will be leading the majority of the service. They will also be reading their Faith Statements, a summary of their thoughts on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church. This is an exciting event in our church!

Confirmation This Sunday

On Sunday, April 18, 2010 we will be celebrating Confirmation Sunday at both the Oakfield and Tabor churches. We have six individuals who are ready to affirm their baptismal vows, professing their Christian faith and taking on full membership in the United Methodist Church. At Tabor, Sarah Demler will be confirmed. At Oakfield, Morgan Post, Maddy Post, Hunter Godfroy, Buddy Godfory and Justin Holz will be confirmed.

Last night, we had our final meeting together. At that meeting, we shared some pizza! :-) Then, we went through the service so that they became a little bit more familiar with the role that they will play. I am having the Confirmands take a major role in doing the service. They will also be reading their Faith Statements for the congregation as well.

I am very proud of this group of Confirmands. They brought a lot of energy into each meeting. They showed a desire to learn. They showed growth in the faith and show a desire to continue that growth. They made Confirmation a lot more fun than I thought it would be ;)!

I am looking forward to this service and I hope you will be able to attend as well.

Digging My Way Out

No better way to start your first day of work back from vacation then to have an dentist appointment. I had a filling replaced this morning. It's always fun to try and talk to people when you can't move half of your mouth.

I was later than usual to my Tabor offer hours, but when I arrived my new desk had been placed in my office :-). I moved in a few chairs for meetings. I moved the phone into the office. It's becoming a nice workspace.

This afternoon, I am trying to finish things for Confirmation Sunday. I just purchased the gifts and I will be working with the Confirmands tonight as we do a walk through of the service. Pizza and soda for everyone!

There is a lot left to do, but I am making progress. It's good to be back!

Photo Highlights

Christa and I got back from Seattle, Washington yesterday afternoon. We woke up at 4:00 AM on Monday to begin the journey back to Oakfield. We are both pretty exhausted, and are not quite adjusted to Central time again. I had an all-day clergy conference that did not allow me to get the sleep I would have liked.

It is going to be a busy week catching up, but it was a much appreciated vacation.

I have a few selected photos to show from the trip:




This is Christa at the Science Fiction Museum.










This is a picture that we took on one of the scenic overlooks as you make your way up Mt. Rainier.






This is Christa being choked by a octopus at the Seattle Aquarium.








This was the view of the Seattle skyline as we were taking the Bainbridge ferry.

Easter Celebration

On Sunday, we celebrate the most important holiday of the year. We gather together as members of Christ's church to celebrate his triumph over death. We gather to thank him, for it was in his death that he took away our sins. It was in his resurrection that our bondage to sin was broken, and we are put in a right relationship with God. I hope you will be able to come celebrate Easter with us.

At Tabor, we will start with a 6:30AM sunrise service led by the young of the Tabor church. After the worship service, there will be a breakfast At 7:30AM. At 9:00AM we will celebrate with a Service of Light in which we will review of baptismal vow as well as partake in Holy Communion.

At Oakfield, we will start a 6:30AM with a Service of Light in which we will review of baptismal vow as well as partake in Holy Communion. At 7:30AM we will have a potluck breakfast. Bring a dish to pass! At 8:30AM we will have an Easter Egg hunt at the church.

The scripture lessons for the Youth service are: Psalm 118:14-29, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 and John 20:1-18.

The scripture lessons for the Service of Light are:

• Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13
• Isaiah 55:1-11
• Ezekiel 36:24-28
• Romans 6:3-11
• Luke 24:1-12

Maundy Thursday

Today's entry comes to you from the confines of the Oakfield UMC pastor's office. The warmer weather allows me to have the office window. In addition to some fresh air, I also get a much stronger wireless signal.

It is wonderful to look outside and see the sun, see green grass, see birds and see new life beginning. I get so caught up in the excitement of warmer weather that I forget where we are in our Christian calendar.

Tonight at 7:00PM at the Oakfield church we will be having a Maundy Thursday service. Communion will be a part of the service. We will be using a musical setting for the Communion liturgy. I thought it might be helpful to do something different for Communion so that it might break us of the routine. As we celebrate the Last Supper, I think it is important for us to concentrate on the words that Jesus said to his disciples.

My sermon this evening will focus on John's account of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Unlike Mark, Matthew and Luke, who focus on the Last Supper, John focuses on the washing of the feet. There is much that Jesus is trying to tell us in this act. I hope you are able to attend tonight's service to learn more about it.

The warmer weather makes us happy. Easter is coming! But, let us not forget what had to happen for us to be able to celebrate Easter. See you in church!