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Columbus United Methodist Church

222 S. Dickason Blvd. Columbus, WI 53925

March, 2011

In This Issue
1950s2010s March Anniversaries March Usher Schedule Scripture Readers for March March Fellowship Time Schedule March Birthdays Ecumenical Lenten Services Family-Friendly Friday Night Film Wish List Mission Offering for March New Front Light Timer Upcoming Sermon Topics Children & Youth Ministries UMW News Call to Prayer and Self-Denial Selling Bibles (A Little Humor) Easter Lilies Recruiting Servers for Communion Soup Supper World Day of Prayer Financial Update Confirmation Retreat Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Seminar 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
1950s 2010s
Do you remember the 1950s? It was, among other things, the time when more people attended church than any other time in our nations history. Leaders in the community were usually also very active in their church. Women wore hats and sometimes even gloves to church. Men wore suits and ties. Much has happened since that time. The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968, by the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. I was among the first in our congregation to be confirmed not as a Methodist, but as a United Methodist. Since merger, we United Methodists have been trying to cope with membership loss, as we lose members to other community activities, an increasingly mobile and less rooted society, megachurches, church scandals, over-committed families, and more. In this world of ideas, where almost anyone can put up a web site saying almost anything, our church is trying to share a message of grace. To do that, United Methodist Communications has begun something called Rethink Church. This is not just a program, but an effort to get our story out through social media and other new ways of communicating. If you go on the web site rethinkchurch.org, youll find a quote of the day, a question of the day, the offer of a free New Testament, a way to be part of online chats about current issues, and even facebook and twitter links. The site has lots of photos, and some teasers to hook you into learning about history, celebrities with UM ties, marriage, helping people overseas, etc. The site is plain there are no hidden messages; its all out front. On this site, and on www.umc.org, we are trying to use new media to tell the same story weve been telling for a long time: Jesus loves you. There is more than enough grace for

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you. Choose to commit yourself to Gods grace. Christ makes all things new. I recently read a quote by Albert Outler: Heritage is claiming the past for the sake of the future. Nostalgia is mortgaging the future for the sake of the past. We are trying to use our heritage to share the good news now and in the future. Pastor Jim

March Anniversaries
3/1 3/11 3/12 3/30 3/31 Bill & Karen Hamilton Bill & Judy Kluetzman Brian & Katrina Wodill Milt & Pat Kluetzman Jesse & Shirley Felland Matt & Katie Bodie

Change of Address
Ronald Steindl Swifthaven Assisted Living 124 Henry Street, Apt. 212 Edgerton, WI 53534

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 10-3) Pastors home phone......920-623-9641 E-Mail: columbusumc@wisconsinumc.org Website: ............................. www.cbusumc.com Pastors E-Mail: jcotter@wisconsinumc.org

The Voice

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March Usher Schedule


March 6th: Don Pritchard, Ann Ehlenfeldt, and Wanda Guenther
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Happy March Birthdays!


Janice Bolan Ruth Griffith Wesley Karow Brandi Baker Ann Ehlenfeldt Gene Hake Dawn Balfanz Laura Shippert Mandy Rego Jeanette Eggie Rachel Plantenberg 17 Ron Guenther Brittany Lange 18 Bill Kluetzman 21 Della Dartt 23 Jim Cotter Stella Noonan 28 Mary Ann Shippert 29 Kristopher Caswell 30 Megan Rake

March 13th: Dan & Patsy Roe and Ron & Carol Balfanz March 20th: Stuart Smith and Roger & Mandy Rego March 27th: Philip & Peggy Waterworth and Dorothy Hake

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Check Out Our Web Site!

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

This year, Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13th. Be sure to move your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.

Scripture Readers for the Month of March


March 6th: March 13th: March 20th: March 27th: Ann Ehlenfeldt Lois Smith Mary Baker Patsy Roe

Jesus prayed. Jesus observed the Sabbath (mostly). Jesus celebrated the Judean holidays. Jesus practiced the spiritual life of a Hebrew male of his time. What does that mean for us? How can we learn from the spiritual practices that Jesus himself practiced? That's the theme of our Ecumenical Lenten Services in 2011. Ecumenical Lenten services will take place on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., preceded by a soup supper at each church, serving from 5:30 to 6:30. Ash Wednesday is March 9, with worship on the five Wednesdays following and during Holy Week. All are invited to this shared worship. The offerings taken will be divided into equal thirds among Kindred Kids, Salvation Army and the Ecumenical Association.

Fellowship Time Schedule March Volunteers


March 6th: March 13th: March 20th: March 27th: Jason & Mary Theilen The Goetsch Family Phil & Peggy Waterworth Rita Jordan

The Voice
Family-Friendly Friday Night Film March 11th at 7:00 p.m.

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Columbus United Methodist Church invites you to attend the Family Friendly Friday Night Film on March 11th at 7:00 p.m. This fun-filled evening will provide your family with some great entertainment. No admission fee or charge for treats. This months feature is a classic Disney tale certain to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. There is wonderful movie magic in the animated dragon and the music is marvelous. You will want to sing along. Pete's Dragon is the story of a lonely orphan boy who runs away from a cruel foster family. He stumbles upon a loveable Dragon named Elliot and the two become inseparable companions. The dragon is visible only to the young boy, leading the townspeople to assume Pete is slightly tetched! The adventures that unfold will be sure to make you laugh and touch your heart! You will be glad when Pete finds happiness with his "new" family, lighthouse keeper Lampie. As always, volunteers for ushers, food servers, set up and clean up are always needed. Everyone is welcome!! We hope you can attend and bring a friend!

Esther Circle will not meet in March.

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

The Voice
Mission Offering for March
Throughout the year, United Methodist congregations celebrate church-wide Special Sundays with offerings. The Wisconsin Conference has also designated Special Sundays. The Special Offering for March is Golden Cross Sunday, which supports health and welfare ministries that are in covenant with the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin. These include nursing homes, crisis shelters, the Madison Hospital Chaplaincy, Northcott Neighborhood House in Milwaukee, and United Methodist Childrens Services. To learn more about these and other ministries in Wisconsin, visit http:// www.wisconsinumc.org and click on Missions. Your Missions Committee

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New Front Light Timer


The canopy lights may be turned on in the entryway for evening events. The timer is simple to use. If you would like instructions, please see Mike Toth, Pastor Jim or Wanda.

The Missions committee would like to thank the congregation for its continued contributions to the Mission Offerings. In December, we raised $379 for the Salvation Army, and in January, $1205 for Human Relations Day. Thanks especially to the individual who donated $1030 to the Human Relations Day offering. God has blessed our congregation with many generous givers!

Upcoming Sermon Topics


Sunday, March 6th: Wednesday, March 9th Sunday, March 13th: Wednesday, March 16th: Sunday, March 20th: Wednesday, March 23rd: Sunday, March 27th: Wednesday, March 30th: Holy Communion, Mission Moment, God Be With You, Exodus 18:14-24, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28 Ash Wednesday Service at Columbus UMC, Pastor Bob Moberg preaching, Following Jesus: Forehead, Fingers, and Feet Nakedness as Self-Awareness, Genesis 3:1-8, 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, Matthew 6:25-30 Lenten Service at St. Jeromes, Pastor Lee Zortman preaching, May You Have a Good and Sweet Year Nakedness and Privacy, Genesis 9:18-27, James 2:14-17 Lenten Service at Nazarene Church, Pastor Adam Case preaching, Could Jesus Be Your Dinner Guest? Saving Your Skin, Psalm 20, Mark 14:43-52, 2 Corinthians 11:24-31, Ephesians 6:13-18 Lenten Service at Olivet Congregational U.C.C., Father Steve Kortendick preaching, Daily Prayer - Then and Now

The Voice
March News & Notes : Children and Youth Ministries Coordinator
Sunday School Our March Rotation will continue our journey with Jesus from the manger to the cross. We will learn about the disciples and being fishers of men and women. Cooking with Mr. Mike (Toth) will be a delight as fish-shaped pizza helps reinforce the stories we are learning. Mrs. Bennett & Anna Ehrke will add their special touches with projects in the Creation Station, Games and Storytelling in the Tent of Tales. Our Rotation materials will lead us through the Lenten Season with many exciting opportunities to hear and understand the marvelous stories of Jesus!! You are welcome to come and visit!!

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Family Friendly Friday Film is Petes Dragon March 11 at 7 pm .for this classic Disney tale. We are hoping for new volunteers to assist in this ministry. We can use treat providers (simple is good./nothing fancy needed!) help during the movie, serving snacks, and cleaning up following the film. Tell your friends about this great opportunity for family entertainment. We want to reach out to as many people as possible. Children (of ALL ages) are encouraged to attend!! Lets make this our best attendance ever!

Lenten Soup Supper! March 9th Ash Wednesday service will be here. Our Confirmation youth have graciously signed up to help with the soup supper prior to the service. Serving times will be 5:30 to 6:30. mark your calendars. We hope you will join in as able whether it is to work, bake bars, or attend and support this endeavor!!

** Safe Sanctuary It is a blessing to begin this wonderful program that is an official policy of our church. It is wonderful to be a part of a congregation that holds the children and youth so close to their hearts. We will pray for the children and the adults who will work with them. We are called by God to care for the children. The following prayer used in the Sunday Service dedicated to Safe Sanctuaries seemed most appropriate. Read it, think about it, pray it. Ask God to guide us as we seek to protect and love the children and youth in our church, community, country and the world. Lord, today we thank you for children, all the children of the world, the big ones, the little ones, the friendly ones, and the surly ones. Lord, we pray especially for children who are hungry, thirsty, unwanted, unloved, abused, or abandoned. We praise you for foster and adoptive families, for grandparents and cousins and uncles and aunts that open their hearts and doors. We pray for children who have no one to take care of them and for the ones outside our sanctuary doors who are riding their bikes or playing on Sunday morning because we have never invited them in. Lord, forgive us and prick our consciousness so we see and hear them more clearly. God bless you!! Love, Mary Baker

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UMW NEWS
Pat & Eileen Bennett Iraq, October 2009

The United Methodist Women met for a program about Women In the Military on February 10th. Eileen Bennett gave an informative and interesting talk about her experiences and the changes she has seen since she first joined the Air Force. Many people were interested in seeing the letters she had and commented on the wording (specifically where the word he was used instead of she in reference to Eileen). She also shared some photos from back in the dayahhh to be young!!!

Of course we began with fellowship over refreshments. During the business meeting one of the circles reported that they had been talking about green issues that morning and discussed (among other things) that UMW should be more paper conscious. Therefore we will be seeing more of my computer and less of the paper copies. Next month we will be celebrating a Day of Prayer and Self-Denial Friday the 11th. Our meeting will be another program given by Julie Miehe on School of Christian Mission. There is also an opportunity in Franksville on the 26th to hear speakers address the issue of infant mortality in the state. And coming April 1st and 2nd is the annual District Retreat. Check out the UMW bulletin board in the hallway for sign-up information. Your UMW President, Peggy Goetsch Women are observing the Call to Prayer and Self-Denial on Friday, March 11th. Anyone interested is invited to the church library between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The theme for this year is Give the Gift of Love. If you cannot come to the church library, you may participate at home. Resources are available for your use. The Call to Prayer and Self-Denial is a special observance for United Methodist Women. Through it they are challenged to engage in prayer and to reflect upon stewardship as they respond to needs in specific areas of the mission program of the church. The Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offering in 2011 will support the Retirement Benefits Fund. This fund provides pensions and health care for retired United Methodist Women deaconesses and missionaries. Please consider participating in this observance.

Congratulations to Danny and Genese Brisky on the birth of their daughter, Gemma Lizabette Brisky. She was born January 26, 2011. She was 6lb 10oz and 19 1/2 in long. Her big sister, Iris, just loves her baby sister. Iris can't give her enough kisses. The proud grandparents are Gary Premo, Joan Premo and Ken & Jean Brisky.

The Voice
Selling Bibles (A Little Humor)

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A pastor concluded that his church was getting into very serious financial troubles. While checking the church storeroom, he discovered several cartons of new Bibles that had never been opened and distributed. So at his Sunday sermon, he asked for three volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to sell the Bibles door-to-door for $10 each to raise the desperately needed money for the church. Jack, Paul and Louie all raised their hands to volunteer for the task. The minister knew that Jack and Paul earned their living as salesmen and were likely capable of selling some Bibles. But he had serious doubts about Louie who was a local farmer, who had always kept to himself because he was embarrassed by his speech impediment. Poor Louie stuttered badly. But, NOT WANTING to discourage Louie, the minister decided to let him try anyway. He sent the three of them away with the back seat of their cars stacked with Bibles. He asked them to meet with him and report the results of their door-to-door selling efforts the following Sunday. Anxious to find out how successful they were, the minister immediately asked Jack, "Well, Jack, how did you make out selling our Bibles last week?" Proudly handing the reverend an envelope, Jack replied, "Using my sales prowess, I was able to sell 20 Bibles, and here's the $200 I collected on behalf of the church." "Fine job, Jack!" The minister said, vigorously shaking his hand..."You are indeed a fine salesman and the church is indebted to you." Turning to Paul, "And Paul, how many Bibles did you sell for the church last week?" Paul, smiling and sticking out his chest, confidently replied, 'I am a professional salesman. I sold 28 Bibles on behalf of the church, and here's $280 I collected.' The minister responded, "That's absolutely splendid, Paul. You are truly a professional salesman and the church is indebted to you." Apprehensively, the minister turned to Louie and said, "And Louie, did you manage to sell any Bibles last week?" Louie silently offered the minister a large envelope. The minister opened it and counted the contents. "What is this?" the minister exclaimed. "Louie, there's $3200 in here! Are you suggesting that you sold 320 Bibles for the church, door to door, in just one week?" Louie just nodded. "That's impossible!" both Jack and Paul said in unison. "We are professional salesmen, yet you claim to have sold 10 times as many Bibles as we could." "Yes, this does seem unlikely," the minister agreed. "I think you'd better explain how you managed to accomplish this, Louie." Louie shrugged"I-I-I re-re-really do-do-don't kn-kn-know f-f-f-for sh-sh-sh-sure," he stammered. Impatiently, Peter interrupted. "For crying out loud, Louie, just tell us what you said to them when they answered the door!" "A-a-a-all I-I-I s-s-said wa-wa-was," Louis replied, "W-w-w-w-would y-y-y-you l-l-l-l-l-like t-t-to b-b-bbuy th-th-th-this B-B-B-B-Bible f-f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-bucks---o-o-o-or--- wo-wo-would yo-you j-j-j-just llike m-m-me t-t-to st-st-stand h-h-here and r-r-r-r-r-read it t-to y-y-you?"

The Voice
We invite you to provide a lily to decorate our Sanctuary during the Easter season. These plants may be given in memory of or in honor of someone (please be sure to include this information on the clipboard). The plants are available at $14.00 each and you may place your order through Palm Sunday on the clipboard to be passed around on Sunday mornings or by calling the Church Office at 623-3625. The lilies may be taken home after the worship service on Easter Sunday.

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World Day of Prayer


World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of women of many faith traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March. The Columbus-Fall River celebration of World Day of Prayer will be held at Columbus United Methodist Church on Friday, March 4, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. There will be a Fellowship Hour after the service. Participants in leadership roles come from several local churches. All women in the local area are invited to attend. On Friday March 4, 2011 the women of Chile invite us to join with them in an opening procession, carrying a "panera", the name that Chileans give to their everyday bread basket. Bread is central to their daily life and sharing bread is a universal sign of hospitality. Enduring a devastating earthquake in February, 2010, and two other earthquakes since January, 2011, the women of Chile further encourage us to enter a process that draws us into the Bible, into the context of Chile and into the real situations of our lives and communities. How many loaves have you? What are your gifts? What can you share? These are questions we are asked to ponder as we reflect on the meaning of the theme, How Many Loaves Have You?

Recruiting Servers for Communion


Have you sometimes thought that you'd like to be a Communion server but weren't sure just how to do it? Have you thought to yourself, "I can't do that, because I don't know what to say?" Perhaps the Lord has been nudging you to serve in this ministry. Here's your chance to volunteer! We'll be passing the clipboards and using a method similar to that of Scripturereader volunteers. Select a month, make a note of it, and pass it on. We'll have a brief session soon to provide some simple training and answer any questions you may have. Questions??? Call Patsy Roe, 623-9110, for more information.

We will be hosting the Lenten Soup Supper on Ash Wednesday, March 9th!! Please join us for delicious soup, applesauce, cornbread and bars. We would appreciate volunteers for helping in the dining room, serving, clean up and of course baking those wonderful homemade bars. Sign up at church or call the church office at 623-3625. Invite your friends and family! A freewill offering to cover expenses will be taken that evening.

The Voice
Financial Update Columbus United Methodist Church
1 January 2011 22 February 2011 Income Total $27,155.41 94% of budget* assuming a linear income stream each week Expenses Operation Expenses $264.00 26% of budget spent* assuming a linear expense stream each week Program Expenses $662.56 84% of budget spent* Staff Support $13,118.99 67% of budget spent* Property Maintenance $4,508.94 123% of budget spent* Total Expense - $158,534 84% of budget spent* Additional Notes Apportionments Two months will have been paid by the time you read this. *These figures are for the budget for the portion of the year indicatednot for the full year.

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Confirmation Retreat
Our ten Confirmation students with four Chaperones will be attending a retreat at Camp Lucerne March 11 & 12. They will study about spiritual fruit, United Methodist beliefs, prayer and more. Please keep them in your prayers.

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage


The key to a successful marriage is not finding the right personit is doing the right things. If you do the right things, youll succeed . . . if you dont, youll fail. Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaver Dam is offering a two-day Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Video Seminar on Friday, March 4 th, from 6:30 9:30 p.m. and on Saturday, March 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage is a wildly entertaining and informative marriage event designed to:

Office Hours
The hours for the church office have been changed. The new hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bring hope and positive change to marriages Create better communication in marriages Help spouses better understand each others needs Rekindle romance in marriage relationships Appeal widely to husbands, even those who may typically resist marriage events and seminars.

'Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up

The video seminar is hosted by International Speaker Mark Gungor. Registration is $35.00/couple and $18.00/single. For more information, call 887-7211. Childcare is available.

The Voice
Columbus United Methodist Church
PO Box 392 Columbus, WI 53925-0392
___________________________ RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, WI 53925 Permit No. 1

Upcoming events you might want to know about!

Friday, March 4th:


12:00 Fellowship Time 1:00 World Day of Prayer-Church Women United at Columbus UMC Sunday, March 6th: 9:00 a.m.Traditional Worship/Communion 10:00 a.m.Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m.Sunday School 10:30 a.m.Contemporary Worship/Communion Wednesday, March 9th: Soup Supper at Columbus UMCServing 5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.Ash Wednesday Service Thursday, March 10th: 7:00 p.m.UMW Meeting Friday, March 11th: 9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m.Call to Prayer & Self-Denial 2:00 p.m.Leave for Confirmation Retreat 7:00 p.m.Family-Friendly Friday Night Film Wednesday, March 16th: Soup Supper at St. Jerome Catholic ChurchServing 5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.Lenten Service at St. Jerome Catholic Church Friday, March 18th: Newsletter Deadline Wednesday, March 23rd: Soup Supper at the Church of the NazareneServing 5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.Lenten Service at the Church of the Nazarene Wednesday, March 30th: Soup Supper at Olivet Congregational U.C.C.Serving 5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.Lenten Service at Olivet Congregational U.C.C.

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