Pork Chop Supper Complete!

Another Pork Chop Supper at Oakfield United Methodist Church is in the books! While the final numbers won't be available for a few days, the preliminary results are very promising. Based on submitted tickets, we served over 400 folks at the event. We will make close to $3000 for the event after our expenses.

It will be wonderful to see that money going out into the community to support local mission projects!

Thank you to everyone who attended Saturday's event and for the many, many folks who put in long hours to make it happen. What a blessing!

Pork Chop Supper - This Saturday!

I wanted to extend an invitation to everyone who might be nearby and would enjoy a wonderful meal cooked by the members of Oakfield United Methodist Church. Please join us for the:

Pork Chop Supper

September 25, 2010

4:00-8:00PM

Oakfield UMC - 220 South Main St.

The menu includes: pork chops, parsley/butter potatoes, green beans with bacon, homemade applesauce, pineapple cabbage salad, dinner rolls, homemade tortes, and coffee & milk.

Tickets are $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. They can be purchased on site. Carry outs are available. We will be selling candy bars and will all be having a silent auction in the narthex to support our Summer 2011 mission trip.

I hope you can make it!

Quran Burning

I realize that this has been a news story for awhile now, but this morning I saw a serious of articles that outline one pastor and one church's desire to host International Burn-a-Quran Day on September 11, 2010. Rev. Terry Jones plans on burning copies of the Muslim holy book.

Thankfully, the near unanimous response to this proposed event has been negative. I cannot see any good coming out of this event. It will only result in increased anger, increased violence and increased frustration between Muslims and Christians.

Nine years later, there is still a deep level of pain after the September 11, 2001 attacks. People are still angry and still frustrated. They are looking for someone to put the blame. Sadly, the blame gets placed on the entire religion of Islam or on people of a certain ethnicity. Burning the Quran, a book considered holy by Muslims, will do nothing to heal the wounds of September 11.

There are a lot of religions that are attempting to live together in a world with a great deal of tension. When I think about this, I can't help but think about the "Coexist" bumper stickers that I see on many cars. I wonder about what it means to coexist as a Christian.

As a Christian, and as a pastor, I strongly believe that it is only through Jesus Christ that we find our salvation. Through no action would I ever force someone to convert to Christianity, but I do pray for those who are of other religions. Only God knows what happens to those who are Jewish, Muslims, Buddhists and other religions. I would minister the same to anyone regardless of their religion or lack of religion.

Responding with violence rarely solves anything. We should respond with love. We should act in love for neighbor. "They will know we are Christians by our love."

Upcoming Event

After Death, There Was No Darkness...Only Light!

September 11, 2010

6:30 PM

Oakfield United Methodist Church

(220 South Main St.)

A resident of the Fond du Lac area, Duwayne Loecher will be sharing with the community his near death experience. The following comes from the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association website:

"While working as a nurse in a small town clinic, it was a usual day when at 3:00 pm I collapsed at the nurse's station and had a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 47. Three of my coworkers started performing CPR and used the defibrillator nine times before I had a pulse or began to breathe. The rescue squad and paramedics, along with the cardiologist, told me I was not breathing and did not have a pulse for 20 to 30 minutes.

I cannot recall the first three days, but do remember waking up in a large city hospital in ICU. I now have a pacemaker and defibrillator."

We hope you will be able to join us for this inspiring and uplifting event. There is no admission for the event, but donations to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association are welcomed.

Save the Date: Speaker on September 11

I was forwarded an E-mail from a member of the Oakfield church about DuWayne who had a near death experience. He has shared his message to several churches in the community, and we are excited to have him present for the community of Oakfield, Eden and the surrounding area. Please see the information below:

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.