News
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' "
Isaiah 52:7
More news and events can be found in the River Valley District Newsletters, Currents.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for people who would be willing to volunteer to vacuum the church one a week (late Wednesday
through Saturday morning). Sign up sheets will be sent around on Sunday or Talk to Harland Litchy if you
are willing.
A RESPECTFUL REQUEST
We respectfully request that between 1st and 2nd services visitation be limited to the Narthex, and the
Sanctuary kept as quiet as possible to allow the Praise Team to warm up. This includes refraining from
interrupting the people in the sound booth as they are needed for sound check.
Thanks and God bless,
The Praise Team
UMCOR DISASTER RELIEF
The Advance is an
accountable, designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church that ensures 100% of each gift is used
for its intended mission or ministry.
For years, Haiti has been devastated by hurricanes, flooding, political violence and earthquakes. Already a country living in extreme poverty, the massive earthquake on January 12, 2010 and it's after shocks have caused incalculable loss of human life and destruction to the homes and livelihoods of millions of people. Give to Haitian relief online at UMCOR Haiti Emergency, or put a check in the collection plate payable to “Christ Church” and on the memo line write “Advance 418325, Haiti Emergency”.
Provide emergency relief and long-term development support for disaster-affected communities in Chile which was struck with earthquake in February 2010. Give online at UMCOR Chili Emergency, or put a check in the collection plate payable to “Christ Church” and on the memo line write “Advance 3021178, Chile Emergency”.
Year after year, UMCOR's greatest need is for funds that aid international emergency relief. While some disasters are popular in the media, which raises awareness and funding to assist in recovery, others go unheralded and therefore without the same resources to recover and rebuild. Media coverage or not, UMCOR responds and dispatches much-needed funding to relieve the immense human suffering that can occur in the wake of natural and human caused disasters. To give to International Disaster Response, go online to UMCOR Disaster Response, International, or put a check in the collection plate payable to “Christ Church” and on the memo line write “Advance 982450, International Disaster Response”.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEALS
Would you be willing to take a turn and prepare a meal for Wednesday night? Meals should be kept simple
and kid friendly. If so, please talk to Pat Betzold, or sign up on the sign up sheet.
Mar 10
Ed & Gina Little
Mar 17
Beth Hustad & Kari Letourneau
Mar 24
Potluck
CUMW NEWS
Prayer Shawl and Prayer Bear Ministries We feel blessed that this ministry is so comforting to so many and we will continue this symbol of caring
and of God's love, but we do need your help. Please join the knitters and crocheters in making shawls, blankets,
or quilts. The UMW has patterns, yarn and needles. See Marilyn Otte. Thank you for your caring.
If you know of someone who would benefit from physical and spiritual comfort through a prayer shawl,
let Marilyn Otte, Pitsy Olson, or Cindy Lichty know. Prayer shawls
are given with prayers as a symbol of our caring and of God's love. This ministry is not limited
to members of our church, but include families, friends, and neighbors or anyone seeking comfort. We give thanks
for the monetary donations toward the purchase of yarn, and for the volunteers who have joined this ministry
in knitting and crocheting the prayer shawls. Keep an eye for out for upcoming information on the prayer
shawl ministry.
Scarves and Mittens
During the holidays, a plastic tub of mittens, scarves, sox and caps were taken to the Randolph School to be
distributed as needed. These were accepted with many thanks as there is definitely a need for these items
for students. Thanks to all of you who donated items. In addition, Pitzi Olson crocheted 65 scarves of
which 30 were given to Ruth's House and 35 to Union Gospel Mission. God bless you, Pitzi.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry has been in existence for only 4 years, but during that time our church as prayed
over and given out over 400 handmade prayer shawls. We have also given 18 prayer scarves, and 14 baby blankets.
19 children have received prayer bears with clothes and a blanket. 6 lap robes have been given to those
receiving chemo. All these were filled with prayers for the receiver and their loved ones. We are grateful
for all of you who have crocheted and knitted and to those who have donated money for fleece and yarn.
UNITED METHODISM 101
New to our church? Longtime member interested in knowing more about the UMC? Sign up for a
free online course in UM Basics.
JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF
When a loved one dies, our lives change. The period of grieving or mourning that follows such a loss can be
confusing, unpredictable and challenging. Sharing that journey with others who have recently experienced
similar losses helps us move forward on our path with mutual support and companionship. Journey through
Grief groups meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for 90 minutes at First Congregational Church
Cannon Falls. Free; no registration required. Call Carol at (651) 385-3345.
PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARDS
Consumers hit hard by the recession can cut their prescription costs by using the PS Card, a free
prescription discount card available from the UM Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. PS Card
allows individuals with no prescription drug insurance or insurance that does not cover certain drugs
to enjoy pricing discounts. The discounted drugs are available at 56,000 pharmacies across the U.S.
There is no co-pay or fee. Visit
www.pscard.com/refs/uma for more information and to download your own card
CANNON FALLS PREGNANCY CENTER
is offering several programs. GNO (Girls Night Out) is designed to help moms in the community reach out to
girls that are already in their circle of influence. It is an evening of fun where Mom shows the girls a
video called The Truth About Guys. This is an awesome video that helps girls find their inner beauty.
MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) is another moms group that encourages moms to come together to learn, share
and experience this important season of mothering in a caring and accepting atmosphere. In addition there
is a support group for those who have been affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. For more
information, to join a group, or help facilitate a group, contact Jennifer Miller, 507-263-8000,
lifechoice@frontiernet.net.
GIVING
To meet our budget on a weekly basis we need $3,000.
Feb 7 -
$5,012
Jan 31 -
$1,473
Jan 24 -
$1,522
Jan 17 -
$4,733
Jan 10 -
$2,535
Jan 3 -
$2,289
Our year to date average has been $2,927.
TELEPHONE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
Do you have trouble using your telephone? The State of MN Telephone Distribution Program can help.
This program loans phone equipment free of charge to people who are hard of hearing, deaf or who have a
speech impairment or a physical disability that limits one’s ability to dial or hold a standard phone.
More information and applications can be found on the bulletin board.
REQUEST
We are delighted that our church is being used by so many different groups. It is our desire for the
facility to be well utilized, but we would ask, to keep the costs down and to aid our volunteer
janitorial staff, that you would clean up after your activity is finished. Thank you for your help.
NEW UMC WEBSITE
After more than two years of development, United Methodist Communications is proud to announce the launch of
the newly redesigned UMC.org, the Web site of the people of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist
Communications invites you to visit www.UMC.org
today and take a look at the new resources and features
available to you. You will be able to use UMC.org to find leadership resources, learn more
about what’s going on in the church globally, register your congregation’s needs to connect with volunteers,
help seekers find your church, and much more. For a quick introduction to the organization and features of
the site, view the video at
www.UMC.org/Launch.
MEMBERSHIP
If you are interested in becoming a member of our church, we'd love to have you join us. Contact Pastor Dan with
your desires and we'll set the date. We don't pressure anyone to join, since that has to be your desire. Being a
part of "us" does not require membership, only your participation. You have freedom to make your own choice.
Having said that, we would love to have you officially join our ranks. If you are so inclined, contact Pastor Dan.
SUNDAY MORNING TREATS
Several people have asked about the treats in the narthex every Sunday morning. The treats are furnished by members.
There is no sign up sheet. Every is invited to bring a treat from time to time. If you leave a donation, it is
divided between the United Methodist Women's ministries, and the Sunday School.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS
If you are interested in learning more about the questions Christians are asking themselves today, about spirituality,
faith, and theology, Pastor Dan has an extensive personal library that he is very willing to share. The topics are
far-reaching and the authors represent a range of thought and a variety of writing styles. There's also talk of starting
a book group sometime next year.
RANDOLPH FOOD SHELF
There is a need for the following items: dish soap, cooking oil, kleenex, deodorant, laundry detergent.
There is NO need for peas, greenbeans, or corn. There already is enough for 10 years!
We want you to know that if you have friends that have a need for food, The Randolph and Cannon Falls food shelves are available. If there is a special need, contact Corrine Simonson, Cindy Landon, or Pastor Horn.
The Randolph Food Shelf is located at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on highway 56 just north of Randolph.
Their phone number is (507) 263-9182.
It is open as follows for those living in the Randolph School District.
- 1st Wednesday, 8-10 a.m.
- 2nd Wednesday, 4- 6 p.m.
- 2nd Saturday, 9-11 a.m.
- 3rd Wednesday, 4- 6 p.m.
- 4th Wednesday, 9-11 a.m.
- 5th Wednesday, Closed
If there is an emergency need, or other special needs, contact Corrine Simonson, Cindy Landon, or Pastor Horn.
The Cannon Falls Food Shelf is located at First English Lutheran Church. Their phone number is
(507) 263-3042. It is open as follows.
- 1st Saturday, 10-12 a.m.
- 2nd Thursday, 10-12 a.m.
- 3rd Thursday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- 4th Thursday, 10-12 a.m.
If there is ever an emergency need for food, please don't hesitate to contact either food shelf or our church representative, Corrine Simonson.