Columbus United Methodist Church

222 S. Dickason Blvd. Columbus, WI 53925

November, 2010

In This Issue
From the Pastor Church ConferenceNovember 15th November Usher Schedule Hanging of the Greens November Birthdays Upcoming Sermon Topics Family-Friendly Friday Night Film November Fellowship Time Schedule Pork Chop Dinner Big Success! Thank You from Missions Committee Wish List Mission Offering for November New Birth Letter from District Superintendent 100th Birthday Celebration November Children and Youth Ministries News &Notes November Anniversaries United Methodist Women News Calendar
Our purpose is to: Follow Jesus Together We do this by: Opening our hearts to people and to Christ in worship and fellowship, so that we know God and each other more fully, Opening our minds to deepen our Christian faith, understand our heritage, and think together to solve common problems, and Opening our doors in welcome and hospitality, even as we go out of those doors to invite people into God's church and be in service to all of our neighbors everywhere.

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The Voice
From the Pastor
A recent news report said that Chinese Christian leaders are being forbidden to travel to an evangelical gathering in Cape Town, South Africa. The government claims the event and the activities of these Christians are a threat to state security. These actions by the Chinese government highlight the continuing persecution of Christians and other faith traditions around the world. Our church (the United Methodist Church) has taken a strong stance to uphold religious freedom, and our Board of Church and Society has contacted the Chinese Government in protest. Now, why should we care what happens in China, where we have no control, and those people have never enjoyed the freedom we have? Why should we care about Zoroastrians, who were centered in Iran and Iraq, and are fast dwindling in numbers, partly because of religious intolerance? My answer to that question is: Because Jesus cares. As Christians, we would want for others the life-giving, transforming grace that we have found in Jesus. But it is not our place to force it on anyone. We offer it; we point the way to Jesus, and then we allow people to respond as they will. We value people not because they have decided to join our Christian club, but because God values them. So it should matter to us that Chinese Christians, Iraqi Mandeans, Irani Zoroastrians are being persecuted. Muslims in the US have seen a lot of prejudice against them in recent years. Some of my ancestors were Mormons who settled in Utah because they were booted out of other places. There are things that I dont like about several major world religions. But the people who practice those religions are people that Jesus loves. So we the followers of Jesus can learn to love them, too. too. And when they are persecuted, we hurt, Jim

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Church Conference November 15

Our regular annual Church Conference will be held Monday, November 15th, at 7 p.m., with Rev. Jane Haass as presiding elder. Jane serves as pastor of the Mayville congregation. This is our churchs annual meeting, when we approve nominations for leadership, budget, membership changes and more. Please join us!

Our sincere condolences to Mildred Henke and her family on the death of her husband, Ben Henke. Ben passed away on Tuesday, October 12th. Pastor Jim Cotter officiated at the funeral service on Saturday, October 16th. Ben was a longtime member of our church who served on many committees and sang in the choir for a number of years. He will be missed.

Check Out Our Web Site!

Go to cbusumc.com. New items will be added monthly.

The Voice is the monthly newsletter of the Columbus United Methodist Church. Please send all correspondence to: PO Box 392, Columbus, WI 53925-0392. Pastor: Jim Cotter Secretary: Wanda Guenther Church Office......920-623-3625 (Office Hours: Monday thru Friday from 9-3) Pastors home phone......920-623-9641 E-Mail: columbusumc@wisconsinumc.org Website: ............................. www.cbusumc.com Pastors E-Mail: jcotter@wisconsinumc.org

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November Usher Schedule

Nov. 7th: Nov. 14th: Nov. 21st: Nov. 28th: Don Pritchard, Ann Ehlenfeldt and Fred & Della Dartt Dan & Patsy Roe and Carol Balfanz Judy Vale, Lois Smith and Wanda Guenther Philip & Peggy Waterworth and Jan Bolan

Happy November Birthdays!

Hanging of the Greens

On Sunday, November 28th, we will have a different schedule than usual, for the annual Hanging of the Greens. We will decorate the Christmas Tree in the sanctuary, and hang other decorations in the hallway and sanctuary. Heres the schedule: 9:00 a.m. Adults and Youth decorate the sanctuary & hallways those who do not wish to decorate may sing Christmas carols in the sanctuary. 9:00 a.m. Children make ornaments in Fellowship Hall 10:00 a.m. Refreshments/100th Birthday Celebration for Jessie Zuehlke 10:30 a.m. Traditional worship in the sanctuary

Emy Bingham Jordan Derr Isaiah Landphier 2 Brittany Brandt Gloria Karow Nick Sharrow (Jr.) 3 Alexander Campbell Shirley Farr Brittnie Prietz 4 Wendy Caswell 5 Katy Plantenberg Erin Weisman 7 Wyatt Landphier Dalton Lange 8 Fola Fietz 9 Anna Garibay Kelly Green James Jensen 10 Amy Thielen Trent Wylesky 12 Jason Guenther Adam Hauge Kaden Selje James Will

14 15 16 17 18 19 21 23

24 27 28 29

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Kimberly Schaefer Shawn Coyle Danielle Luepke Ken Kicinski Danette Henke Rita Jordan Danielle Rake Judy Vale Bryce Caldwell Phyllis Call Winfield MacDonald Brianna Marquardt Gary Lane Judy Stricker Olivia Swain James Vale Jessie Zuehlke Jaymeson Caswell Connie Hoffman Justin Premo Samuel Shea Noah Shea Franklin Williams Shannon Byers-Krantz

Upcoming Sermon Topics

Sunday, November 7th: Sunday, November 14th: Sunday, November 21st: Sunday, November 28th All Saints Sunday/Dedication of Memorials, Shane Claiborne and the New Saints, Ephesians 1:11-23, Hebrews 12:1-7 This Is the Thanks You Get, Luke 17:11-19 UMW Sunday 9:00 a.m.Hanging of the Greens 10:30 a.m.One Worship Service, Holy Expectation, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44

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Family-Friendly Friday Night Film, November 12th at 7 p.m.
Columbus United Methodist Church invites you to attend the Family Friendly Friday Night Film on November 12, 2010-at 7 pm. This fun-filled evening will provide your family with some great entertainment. Refreshments will be provided during intermission. There is no cost to you for the event. An American Tail is a beautifully rendered animated flim that tells an overly familiar story in terms children can easily understand. Fievel Mousekewitz and his family of Russian-Jewish mice escape from their homeland in the late 1800s, boarding a boat headed toward America to evade the Czarist rule of the Russian cats. Fievel, however, is separated from his family upon his arrival in New York City, and he discovers to his horror that there are cats in America too (his father said there weren't). Fievel meets his share of friendly and hostile mice, and he eventually befriends a cat as well. Former Disney animator Don Bluth co-produced and directed this often heartwarming yarn, the first animated feature presented by Steven Spielberg, and it has its charms despite a number of clich situations. As always, volunteers for ushers, food servers, set up and clean up are always needed. Come and join this growing family ministry!

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Fellowship Time Schedule November Volunteers

November 7th: November 14th: November 21st: November 28th: Jason & Mary Theilen The Goetsch Family Phil & Peggy Waterworth The Premo Family

Pork Chop Dinner Big Success!

On Saturday, October 16th, the Missions Committee hosted its annual Pork Chop Dinner. Proceeds were $1563.38. There were 112 carryouts, 90 people ate in the dinning room, for a total of 212 people served. Donations were also accepted. The proceeds will go to Paul Webster, a missionary working in Zambia, Africa, whom this church has supported for many years. The Missions Committee praises God for all the work this church family has done TOGETHER to make this fundraiser happen. Julie Jensen Fundraiser Chairperson

This issue of the Voice is sponsored by Jim and Lorna Will in celebration of their 80th birthdays.

The Missions Committee would like to thank all those who helped with the Pork Chop dinner. We would especially like to thank Julie Jensen for agreeing to take charge of the dinner. Her organizational skills and leadership were greatly appreciated, and the dinner was a big success. The congregation was also generous with the Mission Offering in September, contributing over $500 to Rev Paul Websters mission in Zambia. ~~Your Missions Committee

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The Wills & Gifts Committee of our church is pleased to present you this Wish List. If there are any additional items you believe should be on this list, please contact the Chairperson, Lyle Elske, or call the church office at 623-3625. These are opportunities for special giving. Columbus United Methodist Church Wills & Gifts Wish List Bulletin Sponsor VOICE Sponsor Gift Bibles for 1st & 3rd Graders Child care for Praise Band Rehearsals 7 Confirmation Picture Frames & Matting (each frame holds six pictures) Seasonal silk flower arrangement for Sanctuary Easter/Wedding Altar Cloth and Pulpit & Lectern Paraments Wellness FundCounseling $15.00 per week $50.00 per month $13.00 each $15.00 per week $230.00 each frame (or sponsor one picture at $40.00) $35.00 to $40.00 each $2800.00 Various Amounts

Mission Offering for November

The Mission Offering for November will go to the United Methodist Student Day fund. Six things you should know about United Methodist Student Day: 1. United Methodist Student Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in November. (But we will begin collecting on Communion Sunday, Nov 7.) 2. The offering awards loans and scholarships to students who attend United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities. 3. United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. 4. There are 122 educational institutions related to the United Methodist Church, with 13 of those being United Methodist seminaries. 5. Each year, United Methodist Student Day funds are returned to annual conferences for merit scholarship awards to students of their choosing. 6. Applications for both loans and scholarships are available online at www.gbhem.org. Your Missions Committee

New Birth
Congratulations to Justin and Mandi Swaagman on the birth of their daughter, Mackenzie Mae Swaagman, on Thursday, October 21st. Mackenzie was 8 lbs 2 oz. and 19 inches long. She has a head full of dark hair. The proud grandparents are Fred & Peggy Goetsch and Jerry & Cheryl Swaagman.

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Dear Congregations and Clergy of Nicolet-Winnebago Region,

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I give thanks to God for you and your ministry. As your District Superintendent, I am especially grateful for all the extra efforts of the lay and clergy leadership in our congregations who continue to witness to the value of investing our financial resources in ministry in our world. In days of stresses on budgets, without frequent reminders of the important ministry accomplished by our giving, apportionments can be a vulnerable target. Please know how grateful I am for all that is done on a regular basis to tell the story of how God is working in and through our United Methodist connections. One-hundred percent giving to our apportioned funds translates to direct support of ministry to the people of Wisconsin and the world. In Wisconsin our giving supports ministry in many forms: health and welfare ministries to those in all stages of life; camp and retreat ministry; preparation and credentialing of clergy; provision and support of leadership, staff, and offices. But our giving wholeheartedly and generosity has an impact beyond Wisconsin, too. For example, our giving is paving the way for African students to pursue higher education bringing hope to Africa. Our financial support is making it possible for the eleven (11) historically Black colleges to open doors for students seeking an education and in turn to open doors for them to enter the world with hope. Our continued 100% apportionment support provides leadership to the Church and the world through our bishops and their ministry. Because of our generosity, apportioned funds enable United Methodists to do together what no individual, or congregation, or circuit, or district or annual conference could do alone. All of this-and so much more-is possible because you are doing what you can to live out the promise of being a United Methodist by faithfully participating in ministry through prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness. I leave you with these words from Galatians the sixth chapter as found in Peterson's The Message, "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit." Thank you giving through the shared offering (apportionment). If there is any way I or other Annual Conference leaders can be of help to you in this effort, please contact me as soon as possible. In Christ's Love, Gordon D. Lind, Superintendent

100th Birthday Celebration

Jessie Zuehlke is turning 100 years young! An Open House will be held Saturday, November 27th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Larson House located at 550 River Road, Columbus. No gifts pleaseonly your smiling faces!

Taking the War Out of Our Words

On October 1 & 2, we had 44 participants in the workshop led by Sharon Ellison. We learned many things about how to communicate non-defensively. Several attendees took an offering to buy some of Sharons materials for the public library. A group is forming to practice some of these skills.

The Voice
Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator News and Notes for November
Safe Sanctuaries We will be ready to present the Safe Sanctuaries Policy document for review and approval by December. Final edit and review by Christian Education has been completed.

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Sunday School We have added some new students in 3rd through sixth grade!! It is wonderful to see our children bring friends to Sunday School and then to have the friends return is a special blessing. Keep us in your prayers as we seek new ways to invite children and youth into our faith community. What a role model the children are for us. When was the last time we brought our friends to church?? Our students are enjoying the Ten Commandments study. We have learned a lot as we work together in Creation Station, Holywood, and the Gathering Room. We look forward to cooking with Mr. Mike (Toth), and great games!! On the 21st we will have special emphasis on United Methodist Women as the church celebrates UMW Sunday. Special resources have been selected from Mission Sites across the globe focusing on children and youth. November Family Friendly Friday Film November Family Friendly Film- An American Tail will fit into the theme of being Thankful for the blessings we have in life. The family friendly animated film will be sure to delight audiences of all ages. We would encourage you to become involved in this ministry that reaches into our community with a positive message of care and love from our church. We spread the good news of Gods love by opening our hearts and our doors!! You do not have to attend to be part of the event. You could provide simple snacks and/or juice. If you can attend we can always use ushers to assist children and adults as needed, serve snacks during intermission, clean up and provide a short devotion prior to the film for the children. It takes teamwork to help grow this mission. This month as we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving I would ask that you pray for those children and families who are without adequate food, shelter, and health care. In this great land of ours I pray that we hear loud and clear the call from our Lord to care for one another and to share what we have in abundance so that all who need will have! We are called to love as Jesus loved us. How do we answer that call for the countless children and families who are in need? May God send his blessings to you and then you in turn may share them with others!! Pass Gods love on to all you meet and greet!! Mary Baker

Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before retiring Saturday night, November 6th.

November Anniversaries
11/21 Don & Bernetta Pritchard 11/24 Dan & Patsy Roe

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United Methodist Women News

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November is a special time of year for United Methodist Women. We will celebrate our World Thank offering during a special service ..Letting Go to be Thankful at our monthly meeting. World Thank Offering: is an offering of spontaneous, additional gifts to United Methodist Women given out of gratitude for Gods abundance and in celebration of the joys of life. We collect such gifts in special boxes or labeled containers . Gifts are brought together in the unit meeting once a year usually with a special service such as the one we will be presenting. Mission Focus for this offering is the support of projects working with women, children, and youth in the United States and around the world. One of these projects is Forthspring Inter Community Group in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Forthspring works with Catholic and protestant communities living along the peace Line in Belfast. It concentrates outreach on the youth and elderly in the community, providing opportunities for reconciliation and fellowship. The Dec. 2009 Response magazine features an article about this group. The November 11th meeting begins at 7 pm. We will enjoy fellowship and treats as well as a time of devotions and the Installation of our current slate of officers. The Esther Circle will present the World Thank Offering Service with the addition of some special assistance in dramatic readings and special music. Please bring a small rock with you. These rocks will have a meaningful part in the service. If you do not have one to bring...dont worry. We will have plenty extra here for you.

We encourage all women of the church to join us for this event. Join with the one million strong group of women who are living out the PURPOSE of United Methodist Women as they seek to be in Mission around the world. Celebrate! Praise! Worship! Come and support the women who have said Yes!! to the call to serve as our local unit leaders. We have the potential and possibility of changing the world as we seek Gods will and answer the call to live in Mission. Bring your joys, sorrows, challenges, disappointments and successes. Come as you are .. A wonderful woman loved by God!!

How To Observe Thanksgiving

Author Unknown

Count your blessings instead of your crosses; Count your gains instead of your losses. Count your joys instead of your woes; Count your friends instead of your foes. Count your smiles instead of your tears; Count your courage instead of your fears. Count your full years instead of your lean; Count your kind deeds instead of your mean. Count your health instead of your wealth; Count on God instead of yourself.

The Voice
Columbus United Methodist Church
PO Box 392 Columbus, WI 53925-0392
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Upcoming events you might want to know about!

Sunday,

November 7th: 9:00 a.m.Traditional Worship/Communion/Dedication of Gifts & Memorials 10:00 a.m.Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m.Sunday School 10:30 a.m.Contemporary Worship/Communion Thursday, November 11th: 7:00 p.m.UMW Meeting Friday, November 12th: 7:00 p.m.Family-Friendly Friday Night FilmAn American Tail Monday, November 15th: 7:00 p.m.Church Conference Wednesday, November 24th: Thanksgiving Eve Service at Faith Lutheran Church Thursday, November 25thThanksgiving/Office Closed Sunday, November 28th: 9:00 a.m.Hanging of the Greens 10:00 a.m.Fellowship Time/100th Birthday Celebration for Jessie Zuehlke 10:30 a.m.Sunday School 10:30 a.m.Worship