Dear Norfolk First Church Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ! We begin by expressing our great appreciation and regard for you all. We will be moving to serve in a different ministry throughout Kansas, but our love and care of you, this congregation, and its ministry remains very strong.
Serving Norfolk First truly has been one of our greatest joys. Thank you so much for who you are and all you do! You are a very healthy and strong congregation, with many amazing ministries. All you need to continue your ministries and be the people God is calling you to be is within you now! Thank you for sharing these four years with our family and being in ministry with us. We love you and appreciate you.
We ask you to join with us each day of our final series of sermons, called “Transitions.” The focus will be about the journey of transitions in life. Every single one of us goes through many different transitions in life. Possible transitions include those of birth, death, marriage, divorce, job changes, relocation, declining health, retirement, and so many more. In this series of sermons, Pastor Dustin will speak about the stages of Endings, Wilderness, and New Beginnings. This sermon series will relate to our current pastoral change, but it will be much more broadly about all of life’s transitions. We believe you will be blessed in this journey with us.
May 6 – “Endings”
May 13 – “Walking in the Wilderness”
May 20 – “New Beginnings” – Pentecost – Final Sunday for Petz Family
Finally, we would like to invite you to share with us in a Celebration of Sharing Ministry on Sunday, May 20, which is Pentecost! This will be our final Sunday with the congregation and we would be grateful to share in two things with you:
1) Please join for a reception in the Wesley Hall at 9:30 a.m. between services.
2) Please join together for an all-church picture at 10:30 a.m., wearing red.
We pray for you in the midst of this transition. We pray for strength and power of the Holy Spirit to lead us to be the people, the families, and the church that God is calling us to be. May God be with you this and every day.
Sincerely,
Pastors Dustin and Shelly Petz
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Farewell Reception for the Petzes
Sunday, May 20
Reception at 9:30 a.m. | Photo at 10:30 a.m.
Please wear red for the all-church photo.
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John Post named as Interim Staff & Parish Leader
On April 4, 2018 the Staff Parish Relations Committee voted to name John Post to serve as an Interim Staff and Parish Leader during the time of Pastor Dustin and Shelly’s renewal leave, which begins on May 25, 2018. The new pastor(s) will be in place by July 1, 2018, but in the interim John will serve to oversee, lead, and care for the staff. He will serve as the point person for the ordering of our church ministry. Others will serve in leading in worship, preaching, and serving in pastor care needs.
One of the expectations and assignments of a clergyperson is to “order the life of the Church for service in mission and ministry.” In this role, John is authorized to lead and govern the work and ministry of the staff, and serve in the absence of the Pastors. He will be intentional to connect with others who serve in leadership within the church, including those on Church Council, Lay Members to Annual Conference, and Chairs of various committees. We are grateful for his faithfulness and commitment to the life and ministry of our church.
John is the current chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. He has expertise in leading complex organizations through his decades of school administration. John served in many different roles in education, including as K-12 Superintendent for 37 years. The Staff Parish Relations Committee and Pastors are grateful for his leadership and service in this capacity.
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Nine Graduates to be Honored
The 2018 graduates will be honored in worship on Sunday, May 13. A cake reception will be held in honor of our graduates in Wesley Hall at 9:30 a.m. We pray for these graduates as they begin the next steps in their journey. May God bless you and keep you in His care. Congratulations!
• Bristol Arneson, son Terry and Janette Ronk
• Hope Boyle, daughter of Kelly Rardon and Kirk Boyle
• Caitlyn Cowling, daughter of John Cowling and the late Jodi Cowling
• Mason Flaherty, son of Tony and Nikki Beardslee
• Maureen Flaherty, daughter of Tony and Nikki Beardslee
• Brandon Hansen, son of Rod and Cindy Hansen
• Katelyn McGill, daughter of David and Lisa McGill
• Hattie Shipps, daughter of Joel and Roxanne Shipps
• Breanna Wurdinger, daughter of Mark and Brenda Wurdinger
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Stephen Ministry Commissioning
On Sunday, April 22, First United Methodist Church commissioned eight new Stephen Ministers who completed their 50-hour training.
Those commissioned included Karen Chandler, Charlotte Easland, Jill Godfrey, Janet Johnson, Curtis Miller, JoEllen Miller, Kari Lynn Wells and Theresa Wiegert.
Other Stephen Ministers were honored for their years of service during the service. Their names are listed below.
Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers who provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.
Those recognized for their service include:
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3 YEARS
Don Frank
Susan Frank
Vauri Henre
5 YEARS
Dottie McKeever
Ron McKeever
Karen Warner
8 YEARS
Melva Kube
10 YEARS
Dixie Lederer
Howard Lederer
Mike Schulz
12 YEARS
Tom Mischke
15 YEARS
Sally Becker
Betty Frank*
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27 YEARS
Marjorie Miller
28 YEARS
LaRene Konopasek*
MOVING
Kim McElroy (5 years)
Mary Kruse (5 years)
INACTIVE
Nikkie Beardslee (5 years)
Lorraine Naslund (18 years)
Marian Gilsdorf* (26 years)
IN REMEMBRANCE
Gladys Maxwell (5 years)
Mary Ellen Kincanon (5 years)
* Stephen Leaders
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 Meet Your New
Stephen Ministers:
Kari Lynn Wells
Kari Lynn Wells remembers the day her family moved to Norfolk like it was yesterday.
It was January 15, 1971, and her father’s job relocated the family to Norfolk. “We pulled into Norfolk that Saturday around supper time. Within a few hours, we met Ester Bachenburg, who lived just down the street from our house,” she remembers.
As it turns out, Ester was the perfect first person meet as they planted their roots in Norfolk, as she was the one to introduce the family to First United Methodist Church.
Upon joining FUMC, Kari Lynn became involved in Sunday School, youth group, the interpretive dance group and choir.
Kari Lynn is married to Bill, who works for Vulcraft. She runs an in-home day care. Together, they have four children: Andrea Bradley, and her husband Clint, who are expecting their first child in October; Mitch Wells and his wife, Gena, who have two children, Jordyn and Maiya; Corey Wells; Tiffany Wells, who has four children, Lakota, Tyson, Bentley and Zendaya.
In her spare time, Kari Lynn likes to camp, fish and hunt.
“I joined the Stephen Ministry team because, after many years of teaching Sunday School, confirmation, youth group and Acts Drama, I would like to reach out and share God’s love and word with other adults as well as youth,” she remarks.
“I feel really blessed to become a member of this team,” she continued, “and look forward to being able to bless other people through this mission.”
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 Bryner Named New Nursery Director
Hello from the nursery! My name is Angi Bryner and I am the new nursery director! I am very excited for this opportunity to work with our youngest disciples and their families.
I grew up by Lindsay, Neb. and was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church in Newman Grove, Neb. I transferred my membership here 10 years ago when my husband, Kory, and I got married.
We have been blessed with three beautiful children, Zedyk (8) a second grader, and Quinlyn (6), a Kindergartener at Bel Air Elementary; and our 4 year old Daxtyn, who attends Little Panther Preschool at Lincoln Montessori. We have a Shih-Poo puppy named Oliver and I'd be in trouble if I forgot Goldie, our goldfish.
I have been a work from home mom for the past four years. I love to stay busy chasing my kids around, decorating cakes, selling Thirty-One Gifts and volunteering.
I currently co-host a parenting support group through the Norfolk Family Coalition called “Parenting Unfiltered” and I serve as the secretary on the Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership (NENCAP) Board of Directors. In my spare time, I love to read and spend time with my family and friends. I’m looking forward to working with our nursery age kids and can't wait to welcome each and everyone with open arms as we introduce them to God’s love! Please feel free to stop by and say “Hi!”
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Girls Tea Party on May 8
Join us for an old fashioned tea party celebrating the women of faith in your life. Girls, ages 3 through 10, are invited to bring the most important women in their lives for an old fashioned tea party on Tuesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. You may bring friends. A light supper will be provided.
Just for fun, wear a unique hat (we have some at the church if you need them).
Please RSVP to Tammy Brabec by texting 402-750-7722.
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Cross F.I.T. to Present “The Music Machine”
The Cross F.I.T. (Faith In Training) children will present the musical “The Music Machine” on Wednesday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Through the music and script, you can visit the colorful garden kingdom of Agapeland. Here you will experience a blend of stories and fun songs that teach us about the Fruit of the Spirit. You will be delighted by the whistles, horns, and buttons of the energizing Music Machine. The cast includes: Shaylin Petz, Derek Petz, Carlie Brandt, Brayden Brandt, Madison Allison, Macy Means, Addison Hausmann, Lydia Kent, Edward Kent, Adelynn Reiser, Josie Stenger, Kenny Gray, and Kinley Brabec.
We would also like to say a special thanks to Dalton and Tucker Ainsworth and their mother, Emily, for helping with set production.
Please join us for this delightful production in the Sanctuary. There will be a light supper of hot dogs and sides following the production.
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 Calling All Superheroes to Vacation Bible School
VBS is July 16-19. Supper will be provided at 5:30 p.m. with programming from 6:00-8:15 p.m.
At VBS Hero Central, your students will enjoy an interactive, energizing, Bible-based good time as they discover their strength in God. They will become heroes and explore how to serve God and God’s mission for their lives.
After a high-energy opening assembly at Hero Central, the Heroes make their way to the Bible Story Headquarters. Interactive Bible lessons reveal Hero Codes to equip your Heroes for an active life with God. Your Heroes will discover a Hero Verse (Bible memory verse) that will remain with them in their faith long after VBS.
The students will expand on what they’ve discovered by participating in a variety of activities: making their own art projects at Craft Headquarters, singing new songs at Music Headquarters, and playing games at Recreation Headquarters. Along the way, the Heroes will hear about our mission project and as their respond to a call for action!
Let’s go!
Registration is open for ages 2 through grade 6 (grade as of May 2017-18 school year). Bring a friend and come along with us as we sing fun songs, do crazy crafts, play awesome games, and more. Plus, you’ll learn all about Jesus our Savior and how He is at work through us! Can’t wait to see you there!
VBS registration forms can be found the Welcome Center or online at norfolkumc.org/vbs. For more information, contact Tammy Brabec at tbrabec@norfolkumc.org or 402-371-2785.
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Vacation Bible School Volunteers Needed
God’s children will discover that Jesus is at work through us at Hero Central VBS. As a Hero Central VBS staff member, you can live out the theme “Jesus is at work through us” as you share the message and the fun with kids!
If you can help all days or just one day, we have many ways to be involved to suit your schedule and interests. Help is needed in crafts, music, crew leaders, decorating and advertising, registration, Bible storytelling, food prep or kitchen help.
Call Tammy Brabec at 402-371-2785, e-mail tbrabec@norfolkumc.org or visit norfolkumc.org/vbs for more information. Join us to see how Jesus is at work through us!
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VBS Items Needed
The congregation is asked to help collect the following items for this July’s Vacation Bible School:
- Toilet paper tubes
- Fabric puff paints & fabric markers
- Duct tape— all different colors, glitter, patterns etc.
- Large jugs of Elmers glue (Elmers glue only please)
- Glitter glue
- Washable markers
- Permanent markers
- T-shirts in kids and adults sizes XS-XL. These shirts will be cut into capes. The shirts should have NO writing on the backs
- Balloons
- Masking tape
- Six traffic cones (for games)
- Plastic table cloths for 8’ tables
Items can be dropped off in Tammy Brabec's office on first floor or in the church office.
Thank you for helping make this a great VBS and saving on expenses!
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Grant Elementary Volunteers Make a Difference
by Tammy Brabec
Thank you to all who served at Grant Elementary School in the 2017-2018 school year! You have strengthened your partnership with Grant Elementary once again.
Thank you to the Grant team!
Thank you to all who gave monetarily! Please know that your time and gifts were well spent as we reached out to Grant Elementary as part of our ongoing Education Partnership.
Thank you to this year’s dedicated classroom tutors! Thank you for your time and talents. You are a blessing to the teachers and the children!
A huge thank you to all who brought food, provided childcare and served meals at Grant Elementary School during their Parent-Teacher Conferences this past year! The parents, children teachers, and administration were so very thankful for the meal and for the childcare, so that time could be spent discussing their child’s progress in the classroom.
Thank you to the prayer partners! May you will be blessed as you bless others! There are over 30 persons who have dedicated their time to praying for the staff at Grant. They have also taken notes of encouragements and gifts to the staff to show how much they are appreciated.
Thank you to Pastor Dustin and Pam Hansen! Your knowledge and guidance was greatly appreciated!
Our church provided a meal for the teacher’s in February. The teachers were grateful for the food and time to eat with one another during Parent Teacher conferences.
Because of your giving we provided the children with 500 books this school year.
Once again, you went above and beyond when you provided Grant families with Christmas presents. What a way to celebrate the world’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ.
I enjoyed my time serving alongside each of you this school year. I was once more amazed by the kindness that our church has shown the Grant staff and families. We celebrate you and your willingness to be a part of this outreach to the community and service to families in the heart of Norfolk. God bless you!
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Recommended Reading from Your Church Librarian
by Karen Warner
Not only is Adam Hamilton the senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., he is also a prolific writer. A review I once read described him as a "master at explaining questions of faith in a down-to-earth fashion." After reading many of his books, I would certainly agree with that assessment.
We are fortunate enough to have many of his titles available in our church library, including:
- 24 Hours That Changed the World
- Creed: What Christians Believe and Why
- Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph
- Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go
- John: The Gospel of Light and Life
- The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem
- Moses; In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet
- Seeing Gray In A World of Black and White
- Why? Making Sense of God’s Will
The books are displayed on the bookshelf by the library. Feel free to sign your name to the card inside the book and place it in the small box on the top shelf. Please return the book or books after three weeks by placing it on the desk in the library. Let me know if you need the book renewed by calling the church office.
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May Friendship Day is May 11
Church Women United of Norfolk invite you to celebrate May Friendship Day on Friday, May 11 at 1:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Norfolk. The theme for this year is “In Gratitude for God’s Presence” and will feature guest speaker Julie Pfeil. She will discuss how we can support Norfolk youth.
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Ladies Day Out in Wayne Planned for May 26
Have you noticed that Wayne, Neb. is turning into northeast Nebraska’s top choice for local shopping? If you haven’t checked out some of the cute shops in Wayne, we have the perfect opportunity to do so and enjoy a day out with other women of faith.
Meet us on Saturday, May 26 at 9:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Wayne for devotions, coffee, rolls from Clarkson Bakery, and fellowship with some of the ladies from Wayne FUMC.
Around 10:00 a.m., we will hit the town for a day of shopping! A few of the local favorites are 1912 Emporium, which has new flowers and décor for your home, and Rustic Treasures, which has a bit of everything and also has a coffee shop inside.
The Methodist Church in Wayne runs a second had shop called Micah’s Closet. A few other shops downtown are Nana’s This & That, Aqua Pop and Highway 15 salvage.
To RSVP, please contact Tammy Brabec at 402-750-7722. She will bring a map to hand out after our devotion that will highlight areas of interest.
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UMW Updates
Bring a Guest to UMW's Guest Night on May 17
All are invited to bring a special guest to United Methodist Women’s May meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 in Wesley Hall. Enjoy an evening including a salad buffet and fellowship with other Christian women as speaker LaRae Worden presents the program “Japanese Internment Camps.”
UMW Completes Quilt for Camp Fontanelle
The Norfolk First United Methodist Women have completed their 2017 quilt that will be sent to Camp Fontanelle for their annual fundraising auction this fall.
A collaborative effort, the quilt features cross-stitching by 18 women. Lorraine Kramer sewed the blocks together and sewed the binding. The quilting was completed by Lorraine Kramer, Donna Rector and JoEllen Miller, who spent 120 hours finishing the quilt.
In total, the materials cost almost $160, and $50 in contributions helped cover the expenses.
The quilt will be on display for UMW Sunday, June 16 and 17.
Thanks to all who contributed their time, talents and treasure to complete this quilt.
Upcoming UMW Events & Activities
- UMW will be providing cookies for the Bloodmobile every Tuesday in May.
- In preparation for the Great Plains Annual Conference, UMW will be packing UMCOR kits.
- We will celebrate UMW Sunday the weekend of June 16-17.
- In July, UMW will host a pancake feed for the Fourth of July.
- The UMW Rummage Sale will be held July 30-August 3.
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Youth Group
Lock In Fun
Seven youth and adults attended the Elkhorn Valley District Youth Lock in at Wayne State College on April 6. The students enjoyed basketball, racquetball, ga-ga ball, nine-square in the air, worship and fellowship. And, of course, lots of food and no sleep. Pastor Rogers Chishiba, who serves in Osmond and Pierce, spoke to the students about social justice in our world. It was a fun experience!
Seven Celebrate Confirmation
Congratulations to our newest members who were confirmed on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. We pray that the Lord will always surround you with the fullness of His love and guide you on your lifelong journey with God.
Confirmands include:
- Madison Kudera, daughter of Scott Kudera and Brandy Kudera
- Ryllee Hoppe, daughter of Bob and Dawn Hoppe
- Aiden Hupke, son of John and Heidi Hupke
- Nicholas Lienemann, son of Tim and Faith Lienemann
- Meghan McCracken, daughter of Adam and Jacki McCracken
- Cameron Schulte, son of Matt and Mandy Schulte
- Tyson Warrick, son of Zach and Amanda Warrick
Youth Group Summer Schedule
Starting May 23, Youth Group will meet every other Wednesday during the summer.
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 Clausen Honored as Church Youth of the Year
Maisey Clausen was honored at the Noon Kiwanis Club on April 16 as a recipient of the Church Youth of Year award. Maisey is very involved in the life of the church, youth ministries and attends camp each summer. Maisey brings so much joy and laughter to all she does. Responsible beyond her years, Maisey is passionate and eager to grow in her own faith. Congratulations!
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Increase Your Generational IQ
Increase your “Generational IQ” through a training workshop on Saturday, June 2 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Norfolk First United Methodist Church. The workshop is open to anyone in the Elkhorn Valley District.
For the first time in history, five generations are living at the same time—and all are exploring how to connect with God and the church.
In this workshop, you will learn how the church can be in relationship with each generation and how the church can share the good news of Christ with everyone.
The workshop is being led by Rev. Nicole Conard. She is the coordinator of young leadership development in the Great Plains Conference, specifically focusing on campus ministries, internships and helping churches develop young leaders. She has a Bachelor of Arts in religion and human services from Elon University in Elon, North Carolina and a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Bring a friend, test your IQ and be prepared to see the world a little differently through the lens of each generation.
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In Memory of Darlyne Goodman
Given by
Wilma Baker
Sally Becker
Kay Briard & Pam Herbolsheimer
Doyle Busskohl
Tom & Marilyn Caauwe
Barbara Copple
Betty Frank
Marian Gilsdorf
Gene Kincanon
Larene Konopasek
Ron & Dottie McKeever
Lowell & Marge Miller
Carol Monk
Jackie Rea
Earl Reed
Delores Wantlin
Cal & LaRae Worden
In Memory of Helen Hall
Given by
Delores Wantlin
United Methodist Women
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In Memory of Jane Busskohl
Given by
Richard & Pat Hahn
June Niemann
In Memory of Betty Kudera
Given by
Ron & Dottie McKeever
In Memory of Freeman Walz
Given by
June Niemann
In Honor of Don Naslund
Given by
Cal & LaRae Worden
In Honor of Rev. Eldon Davis
Given by
Dennis & Marion Hoobler
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May Special Offering
On Sunday, May 6, we will take up a special offering for UMW that will go cover the expense of transporting UMCOR kits and purchasing additional supplies.
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Belltones Schedule
May 1, 7:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s Home
May 8, 7:00 p.m. at The Meadows
May 15, 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s
May 22, 6:30 p.m. at Homestead
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Looking Ahead
May 6
Monthly Fellowship Meal in Wesley Hall
May 12
Eldon Davis Retirement Celebration at Divots Event Center,
Noon-2:00 p.m.
May 13
Honoring of Graduates
May 20
Pentecost Sunday and the Petz’s last day
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Thank You!
Many thanks for your most generous commitment towards our “Branching Out” campaign. With your support, work can continue on our new lodge. Camp Fontanelle needs more space for campers, where last year 140 children committed their lives to Christ for the first time.
On behalf of everyone at Camp Fontanelle, including the many campers, we thank you, again, for sharing your resources in Christ’s name.
Sincerely,
Priscilla Wilson
Branching Out Campaign
Camp Fontanelle
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Thank you for all the cards, visits, calls and prayers. Our church family means a lot to us and we want you to know how much we appreciate you.
God bless,
Don and Lorraine
Naslund
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What's happening at FUMC?
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