Abiding in Jesus— A Time of Prayer and Conversation Jesus said, “When two OR three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” Even as we continue to social distance, we need not be isolated from one another or from our church community and resources. Jesus is always in our midst. Twice weekly, Pastor Christie will offer a time of prayer, devotion, and place for you to check-in for gentle encouragement and nurture. All are welcome to join in on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm or Thursday mornings at 9:00am beginning Wednesday, Sept. 30. A Zoom link is found at the top of St John’s web page (stjohnsuccmonroe.org). If you are not equipped to Zoom and would like a time of prayer and conversation with Pastor Christie, please reach out to her at 815-258-2398 to set up a time. Sunday, Nov. 1 is All Saint's Day. This is a day set aside on the church calendar to remember and celebrate the saints that have gone before us and particularly to lift up the loved ones who have died this past year. On that Sunday, during the 9:00am worship service at St. John's UCC, we will honor the memory of these saints and celebrate their contribution to the community of faith. We hope you can join us in person or via the recorded service posted on YouTube. The link will appear on our church website that morning.
St. John’s Mission Committee continues to look for ways to meet the needs of those having to deal directly with COVID-19. We are focusing on our school district at this time. Because school staff will be wearing masks at all times, our committee wanted them to have a “fresh start” to the school year by providing mints to each Monroe school.
JOIN US IN THE FAITH ZONE - VIRTUALLY
It's a new Faith Zone year and we have gone virtual. Each week we will post a virtual lesson on our website so we can be together. To find this week's post, go to our website (stjohnsuccmonroe.org) on Sunday morning and click on the Faith Zone icon. It will take you to this week's link.
We hope the entire family will join us each week. While it is different from our usual format, we can continue to build on our faith and enjoy fun and fellowship during these unusual times.
If you have questions, please get in touch with Gary or Val. As we continue this journey, we will keep families informed through emails, newsletters, Facebook and our website.
Confirmation Class
Registration for the Confirmation class of 2020-2021 has begun. Forms have been mailed to those we have on our roster. Please return those as soon as possible. If you have an incoming 8th grader and did not receive the mailing but are interested in joining the Confirmation class, please contact the church office at 325-2165, so we can send you information.
Campaign Education and Awareness
I am only one, but still I am one! I cannot do everything but still I can do something
and because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do something I can do.
Our first Awareness/Education meeting starts on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 10:15am. You can either attend in person in the Sanctuary or by webinar (video or phone). Because of the capacity restrictions, it is very important that you RSVP to the church office at 608-325-2165, extension 24 (Valerie Blum) or email her at valstjohns@tds.net to indicate which date you would like to attend. If you plan to participate via webinar by video, we will need your email address to send you the invitation and login information. If joining the webinar by phone, we will need your phone number to send you the invitation and login information.
If you have called or emailed to sign up for a meeting you are on the list for the day you requested. If you are attending by web or phone, you will be getting an email invite two days prior to the meeting you plan to attend. This email will include the instruction for web and phone access. If you have questions, please get in touch with Val Blum.
Dates and times of other meetings are:
1. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary or webinar 2. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, at 10:30am in the Sanctuary or webinar 3. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, at 10:15am in the Sanctuary or webinar 4. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary or webinar 5. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at 1:30pm in the Sanctuary or webinar
Please join us in the important conversation about St. John's UCC's future!
Parking Lot Service on World Communion Sunday
Our next parking lot worship service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 9:00am which is World Communion Sunday. We will celebrate with brothers and sisters around the globe sharing in the sacrament of Holy Communion. We will serve worshipers in their cars with pre-packaged communion elements to insure safe handling practices. Spread the word!
For any friends or members of St. John's UCC who haven't been able to participate in communion since the beginning of the pandemic, we hope this will be an opportunity for you to participate. If you know of someone who needs a ride to the parking lot service, please call the church office at 325-2165 so we can make arrangements.
Louis & Phyllis Studer 10/01 59 years
Kenneth & Dorothea Rufer 10/31 57 years
Larry & Dianne Kundert 10/24 55 years
Bill & Linda Deininger 10/29 55 years
Gilbert & Judy Oberdas 10/04 51 years
Fred & Margaret Beckman 10/25 51 years
Galen & Kathy Kuebli 10/03 50 years
Gordon & Donna Trumpy 10/10 50 years
* indicates over 90 years old
Ilene Patterson 10/04
Milo Whitehead 10/10
Susan Blumer 10/11
Rosa Ammon 10/14
John Daehlin 10/14
*Delbert Kundert 10/16
*Gladys Schild 10/17
*Marion Spoerry 10/22
Joan Miller 10/22
Evelyn Coleman 10/23
Ronald Thurston 10/23
Ruth Wittlief 10/23
*Charles Lederman 10/27
*Gudrun Kundert 10/28
Evelyn Larson 10/29
Rose Qualley 10/30
Stewardship Report
August
Year to Date
Expense
Expense
$ 32,703.21
$ 273,287.91
August
Year to Date
Offering
Offering
$ 18,203.11
$ 214,459.74
August
Year to Date
Difference
Difference
$(14,500.10)
$ (58,828.17)
August
Year to Date
Total Income
Total Income
$ 19,076.50
$ 257,133.93
August
Year to Date
Difference
Difference
$(13,626.71)
$ (16,153.98)
For: From:
Rose Wenger Randy & Pam Wyss
Dan & Deb Krattiger
Family & Friends
Fritz Wenger
Gladys Schild
Jerry & Paula Beckman
Barbara Wyss Virginia Goetz
Helen Locher
Dan & Deb Krattiger
Darrell & Margo Indergand
Family & Friends
Pete & Vicki Mueller
Nancy Spoerry
Dee Olson
JoAnn Schwitz
Hedy Swiggum
Faye Gordon
Jane O’Neill
Charles & Ruth Ingold
Richard & Margaret Wyss
Bob & Marion Spoerry
Helen Miller
Bill & Joan Schmid
Marilyn Wells
Geraldine Stamm
Brad & Joyce Binder
Jean Tullett
Dennis & Jane Ganshert
De Paulson
Zwygart Family Partnership
Royletta Moon
Gladys Schild
Scott & Libby Mueller
Jane Paradowski
Fred & Christi Moritz
Harold Neuenschwander John & Katie Baumann
Beverly Stormont Dan & Annette Stormont
Frederick Blanc Helen Locher
Eleanor Stalder
Family & Friends
Henry & Melva Tschanz
Bert Tschanz Marilyn McArdle
Ann Prophett
Dar Schwarzenberger
Kevin & Kris Winkler
Larry & Dianne Kundert
Henry & Melva Tschanz
Royletta Moon
Family & Friends
Jerry & Paula Beckman
Gary & Judith Studer
Jane Paradowski
Roger & Joan Goepfert
Fred & Christi Moritz
Nancy Spoerry
Carla Hartwig
Helen Miller
Hedy Swiggum
Mary Ann Isely
Maxine Armstrong Gloria Rieder
Ann Prophett
Sheldon Steiner Gloria Rieder
Louis & Phyllis Studer
Judy Frazier
Doreen Saunders
Henry & Melva Tschanz
Ann Prophett
Kevin & Kris Winkler
Glenda Fritsch
Helen Locher
Kevin & Sue Leistikow
Marilyn Neuenschwander
Jon & Carol Rufenacht
Dar Schwarzenberger
Bill & Joan Schmid
Jim & Cathy Crubaugh
Jerry & Paula Beckman
Randy & Sue Armstrong
Greg & Kirsten Boll
Betty Schultz Randy & Pam Wyss
Dick & Margaret Wyss
Dan & Deb Krattiger
Roger Rothenbuehler Joyce Bell
Diana Weckerly Gloria Rieder
Dennis & Deb Stoneback
Jerry & Paula Beckman
Dar Schwarzenberger
Randy & Sue Armstrong
Ann Prophett
Bill & Elaine Bethke
Jon & Carol Rufenacht
Glenda Fritsch
Sherry Jackson
George & Barb Cromwell
Geri Berg Dar Schwarzenberger
Jean Schiller Janet L. Hartwig
Richard Nussbaum Kevin & Kris Winkler
Gloria Rieder
Melva & Henry Tschanz
Bill Chambers Melva & Henry Tschanz
Michelle Daehlin Melva & Henry Tschanz
______________________________________________________________
Thank you!
101# was donated to the food pantry!
SCRIP! Please don't forget to continue to purchase Scrip cards for your many purchases of gas, groceries, clothes, etc. Call Judy in the office to make orders for pick up at 608-325-2165. Scrip cards are perfect for gifts as well. Stop by to buy, and help keep the Scrip program, which earns money for our church, a success. Thanks to all of you who support this mission despite our present circumstances.
AMAZON!! If you are an Amazon shopper, go to smile.amazon.com and choose to support St. John UCC (Monroe) and you will be supporting your church financially in yet another way. Please continue to buy Scrip cards in the office. Thanks for your continued support.
The original 2020 calendar has us scheduled to host the week of Oct. 19th thru Oct. 24th. Melva did speak with Rick Gleason Sept. 21st and he said they still have no one in the rotation program at this time. However, he will let us know if and when that changes.
We do need to be prepared, however. Here is the link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4caaae28a6fb6-family12. We will need volunteers willing to prepare an evening dinner meal and deliver it to The Family Promise Day Center. For health safety, you will not be in contact with anyone there. If you have any questions or concerns, call Melva at 608-325-6918 or the church office at 608-325-2165. Check the weekly online news for further updates.
Thank you for your support of Family Promise. Keep it and the families in your prayers.
A NOTE FROM RICK I am working with a single person going into an apartment for their first time and they are looking for some help to get started. I have included a list of items they have provided to me. If you are able to help in any way you can arrange to drop items off at the Family Promise Day Center. Highlighted items are already on hand. Please call ahead at 608-328-2600.
Thanks,
Rick
Bedroom
Nightstand Lamp Hangers Pillow(s)
Bathroom
Toilet paper Plunger and scrubber Towels and washcloths
Kitchen
Microwave Plates Bowls Silverware Toaster Dish strainer Dish sponge/dish scrubber 1-2 ice tray(s) Tupperware Table and chairs Coffeemaker and filters Garbage can and bags Cooking utensils
LivingRoom
1-2 cloth rocking recliner chairs TV stand Blinds for patio door
Orion Family Services is launching the “Orion Family Services Emergency Assistance Fund” and would appreciate your support! Orion Family Services is a CHHSM agency that serves children, youth, and families throughout southern Wisconsin by providing mental health and other related supportive services. The staff at Orion see the challenges people face every day and often feel helpless to assist with financial issues. However, now staff members can apply for grants up to $500 on behalf of their consumers experiencing financial emergencies or barriers. The money may be used for car repairs, rent assistance, moving costs, food, clothing for job interviews or whatever else is required to resolve the emergent need.
Orion hopes to grow this fund to further meet the unexpected and challenging financial and concrete needs individuals and families experience. Donations to this fund give you the opportunity to provide hope and stability, and to impact the lives of those in your community. Donations are tax deductible. Please contact Stacey Parke at sparke@orionfamilyservices.org or 608-270-2511 ext. 15, or write to her at 6333 Odana Road, Suite 20, Madison, WI 53719 if you have any questions or iwould like to contribute to this fund.
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.
Many of us are frustrated in our attempt to become amateur public health officials or epidemiologists in order to make sense of the news avalanche related to Covid-19. We keep looking for definitive answers to help us decide if we can safely return to church, work, school etc. What we do know definitively is that the virus has taught us that few answers are definitive and most answers will change as scientists continue to learn more.
Narinder Kapur, a neuropsychologist, explains that we can be active participants in navigating the steady stream of Covid-19 information by understanding how bias plays a part in the information that we seek when making decisions. Below are some bias types.
Confirmation bias- the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values while ignoring the remainder of the data that is not supportive. This can be seen if evidence is selected where countries have introduced strict lockdowns, physical distancing, face masks, etc, and improvements have occurred, with evidence from countries which have been more lax in safety protocols, but have had similar improvements, being given less weight. It may also lead to ignoring some countries due to their environmental factors and population density.
Common practice bias- reasoning that because something is common, it is also valid. This was evident when the US government trade adviser claimed that because all New York Hospitals were giving Covid-19 patients hydroxychloroquine on admission, the drug was likely to be an effective remedy.
Loss aversion bias- the pain of suffering a loss is outweighed by an equivalent gain. This has been evident when persons experiencing chest pains and possibly averting a heart attack refused to go to the hospital due to their fear of getting the virus.
Framing bias- reactions to information may depend on how it is presented. Data highlighting benefits as opposed to risks will appeal to people—stating that X action will save 90/100 lives will make it more likely to be adopted compared to saying that Y action will result in the loss of 10/100 lives.
Practice these steps when reading/listening to information and before sharing:
1. Take a deep breath and acknowledge triggered emotions.
2. Recognize and reflect on your bias.
3. Confirm the information by checking the credentials of the author and corroborate evidence by utilizing primary resources such as the CDC, local and state health departments and medical/scientific journals.
4. Be wary of screenshots, viral memes, cut-and-pasted text and numbers in relation to context.
St. John’s UCC is confident that the safety protocols to minimize health risks under the guidance of the CDC and the Green County Health Department are based on mitigated bias and reliable primary sources.
If you have questions/concerns regarding St. John’s safety protocols please contact Pastor Todd.
The following are the Prayer Tree Team leaders for the month.
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.
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
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
*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
