We want to celebrate the graduating seniors by making a celebration video. Please send a photo of yourself to Brandicstjohns@gmail.com by May 18th. Thanks and congrats to the 2020 graduates.
Thank you to all the volunteers who have been making masks for our "Make-A-Mask, Take-A-Mask" project.
We have lost count of how many masks have been made, blessed by our pastors, and then distributed among the community, but it has been MANY. It was such a worthwhile effort to help maintain the health and well being of our friends and neighbors. At this point, the project has concluded. But just as we wrapped up our efforts we received this request from Orion Family Services, the counseling service who occupies the house St. John's owns adjacent to the CE wing:
Orion Family Services has an immediate need for help. Currently, Orion Family Services, is providing the majority of their mental health and community support services remotely. As they prepare for the transition back to direct care, their ability to safely provide that care is dependent on their capacity to secure safety and sanitation items. OFS is on their own to obtain what they need, and with shortages everywhere, they are struggling. Therefore, OFS is reaching out to their faith community friends to assist them in securing approved face masks for their employees. (see instructions click here)
If you are able to help, completed masks should be bagged in zip lock bags and may be dropped off at the entryway to the church office. We will distribute them directly to OFS. Thank you.
St. John’s Membership Committee Announcement
Greetings members:
Now that we are all in the same situation and looking for things to keep us occupied, it is a great time to review your membership information and let us know if anything has changed so that we can update our member database. We have received a great initial response for our directory project which first included updating member information. If you haven’t already done so, please let the Membership Committee or the church office know of any changes you wish to make in your member information.
At this time, we would also like you to think about a favorite picture of yourself and/or family you would like included in the directory. The picture will need to be in good taste, of course. Pets are welcome in your pictures as well as a display of Badger colors. We are sure you have a recent favorite picture you may wish to use as your directory picture. They can be sent in digital format to the church office and will need to include your name and/or names of the individuals in the picture. A digital jpeg file is preferred, but we can work with other formats if necessary.
If you have any questions regarding this request or project, please feel free to contact the Membership Committee at 715-403-1260.
Thank you from the Membership Committee.
Joel Dutenhoefer, Chair
Scrip gift cards will be for sale in the office. Please call before stopping in. We ask for your continued support. Another great way to give is when buying on Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com and click on St. John's UCC, Monroe, WI. This will give a portion of your purchase price as a donation to the church. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Help support St. John's UCC.
Zoom Bible Study on the second half of the Book of Isaiah
When: Thursdays, May 14-June 25
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Why is it important to look deeply into the Book of Isaiah?
Whereas the first part of the Book of Isaiah focused on the cruelty and oppression of the people by the rulers and God's justice upon them, the second part of the book focuses on God's mercy and forgiveness. In early Christianity, it was held in such high regard as to be called "the Fifth Gospel." Furthermore, its influence extends beyond Christianity to English literature and to Western culture in general, from the libretto of Handel's Messiah to well-known phrases as "swords into ploughshares" and "voice in the wilderness."
Please join Pastor Christie as we learn more about this influential book together noting how much it impacted Jesus and the Gospel writers. Join by sending an email to Christie.. Click here for a Video from Gary & Val:
It is natural to feel fear, anxiety, grief, and worry during and after a disaster. Everyone reacts differently, and your own feelings will change over time. Given that anxiety is the most common feeling during this uncertain period, and knowing that when anxiety persists, depression often follows, it's imperative to attend to the anxiety, until it resolves.
Addressing Mental Health Series:
Easing Anxiety During the Pandemic
Prescription for 'easing anxiety’:
Practice Mindfulness- Mindfulness is the process of inward reflection recognizing how our actions influence our thoughts and feelings. Devoting yourself to the presence of mind can lower anxiety, improve mood, and provide life skills, which will give resilience to current and future challenges. Practice with Headspace https://www.headspace.com.
Practice Relaxation, Meditation and Diaphragmatic breathing exercises with Dr. Jay Winner MD. https://stressremedy.com/audio.
Practice Compassion-reach out to individuals you know have struggled in the past with anxieties and lend a non-judgmental ear. This action relieves your anxiety and theirs.
Create Structure-Making a schedule for the day brings enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment. Reframe “I am stuck inside” to “I have the opportunity to…”
Daily Quarantine Ritual:
-Practice Gratitude-Upon waking, say “Thank you”
-Stay on the same wake/sleep schedule
-Shower and dress for the days events
-Cook and eat healthy meals- limit caffeine and alcohol use
-Get moving- stretch, yoga, walk/run
-Catch up with friends and family
-Tackle the ‘To do’ list
-Take care of yourself- listen to music, read, get outside
-Do something for someone else
-Practice Gratitude-Upon sleeping, review the day’s accomplishments and acknowledge your blessings.
If you have preexisting mental health conditions continue your treatment regimen and monitor for new or worsening psychological, emotional or physical symptoms. Seek help if needed. The majority of providers are utilizing the Telehealth format to accommodate patients.
If you have questions/concerns please feel free to contact
Vicki Keilhauer, Faith Community Nurse 608-558-5963
Hospital
If you or a loved one are admitted to the hospital, please contact the church office at 325-2165. This will ensure your pastoral care needs are met.
The following are the Prayer Tree Team leaders for the month.
May 10 Kathy Bartelt
(608) 325-1068 hap1944@yahoo.com May 17 Kris Winkler
(608) 325-9326 kriswink56@gmail.com May 24 Gloria Rieder
(608) 325-6854 glorchen@tds.net May 31 Denise Riese
(608) 325-2691 rdriese@tds.net
Prayer requests to our Prayer Tree are held in strict confidence. Please call the church if you are admitted to the hospital. If you have a pastoral emergency during non-business hours, please call Rev. Hackman at 608-514-2020.
*Newsletter articles and meeting dates/times need to be sent in by Tuesday to be placed in the bulletins and weekly newsletter. Email to brandicstjohns@gmail.com
Church office hours 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday – Thursday 9:00am to noon - Friday
If you are a visitor, guest, or friend of St. John's United Church of Christ and would like to learn more about the church with the possibility of becoming a member of our congregation, you are invited to join us for an orientation session that will be forming soon. Contact the church office at 325-2165 or direct any questions to Pastor Todd. Members are encouraged to extend an invitation to anyone they know who might also be interested in learning more about the church.
If your address, phone number or email address changes, please notify the office or email Brandi at brandicstjohns@gmail.com so we can keep our mailing list accurate. Please know that it costs the church money when the post office notifies us of your change of address
*Newsletter articles and meeting dates/times need to be sent in by Tuesdays to be placed in the bulletins and weekly newsletter. Email to brandicstjohns@gmail.com
