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

COMMUNITY GARDEN
There is a proposal to use some of our land to create garden plots for community use. This could include growing fresh produce for the local food shelves. We have a volunteer to till the land, but we need a couple volunteers to coordinate this ministry. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, or having a garden plot, please talk with Pastor Dan.

UNITED METHODIST SUMMER CAMPS
There is a proposal to use some of our land to create garden plots for community use. This could include growing fresh produce for the local food shelves. We have a volunteer to till the land, but we need a couple volunteers to coordinate this ministry. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, or having a garden plot, please talk with Pastor Dan.

LENT
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. We will take a break from our study of THE STORY and have a special Lenten series.

ADULT ALPHA
Christ Church and Riverwood Community Church are offering an adult Alpha class. This will be a 10-week series meeting at Christ Church Sunday nights from 6-8 p.m. (supper provided) beginning January 22. Who is Alpha for? Anyone! If you enjoy good food, laughter and learning in a fun, friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile, this class is for you! Please sign up with Pastor Dan.

Note: There will be no Alpha class on Super Bowl Sunday.

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES
We've begun our small group Bible Studies, but it's not too late to join. These studies are a vital part of our exploration of THE STORY. We encourage everyone to get involved in one of these studies which occur Sunday evenings 6:30 at the Rechtzigel's (see the map handout), Monday evenings 7:00 at church, Tuesday mornings 10:00 at church, and Wednesday evenings 6:30 at church (with supper at 6:00 p.m.).

Note: There will be no study the evening of Super Bowl Sunday.

FRESH BREWED LIFE
Fresh Brewed Life is a gathering at Cannon Valley Coffee House the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 6-8 p.m. The first Saturday will feature live music by Lee Moen and the evening will focus on dialoging about life issues. The 3rd Saturday will feature music by Rebecca DeZurik and will be an evening of worship. Come and see what's perculating!

MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY
Harlan Lichty is planning a missions trip to Alabama in February to help with tornado reconstruction. If interested, talk with Harlan.

WOMEN'S HEALTH NIGHT
Come Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. to take part in discussions and workouts in an environment tailored to allow you to work at your own pace, yet have the support of a group. This will be a perfect opportunity to begin a fitness routine or supplement the routine you already have established! We will have different discussion topics and workouts each week. For more information, contact Jessie Ludden.

IMAGINE NO MALARIA
Malaria causes immeasurable suffering, and is devasting families across Africa. Yet it is 100% preventable, treatable, and beatable. As a leading partner with other groups and global health organizations, The United Methodist General Conference of 2008 committed our denomination's churches to "eliminate Malaria deaths in Africa by 2015." Our commitment is to raise $75 million to save 7.5 million lives, most of them children and pregnant women. This far-reaching, global health care goal is called Imagine No Malaria. Stay tuned, later we will discuss how you are needed in this amazing work of God.

EYES AND EARS FOR THOSE IN NEED
If you have a need, know of a need, or know of a missions opportunity needing finances, please feel free to inquire about our Tithing Fund. Our church sets aside 10% of our weekly income for the sake of ministry. The chair of the Tithing Committee and the first to call is Pat Betzold. Others on the team are Pat Day, Pat Hansen, and Corinne Simonson. These monies are for ministry in our community and in the lives of those who need God's love demonstrated, and you are our eyes and ears. Although Pastor Dan can be approached with needs, it is best to go directly to the committee.

PRAYER REQUESTS
A number of people in church desire to be more effective in prayer ministry and have requested a list of prayer concerns. If you have a prayer concern you want on this list, please give it to Beth Hagemeister or send to the church email. We do our best to be sensitive to privacy concerns. If you mention a prayer request in church but DO NOT want it on the printed prayer list, please let Beth know.

HEAD START
Head Start, a free pre-school program focusing on parent child development, is now enrolling for the 2011-2012 program year. Classes are held 4 days / week for 3.5 hours. Experienced, caring staff provide field trips, creative arts, math, science, literacy, and nutritious meals. Head Start is available at no cost to families meeting income eligibility requirements, and to children with special needs. For more information, see www.threeriverscap.org/programs_headstart.html.

HOW DO WE IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY?
How can our church impact the world we live in? How can we do ministry in our local and global communities? If you see a need or have an idea for a ministry, jot it down. We would like to hear from you. You can give them to Pastor Dan or Jim Mahoney. A group of people is looking at where we are going as a church. We'd love for you to join us.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Looking for assistance in paying your heating and electric bills? Three Rivers Community Action may be able to help. Go to their website at www.threeriverscap.org to read about the Energy Assistance program and download an application. Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2011.

WORSHIP PLANNING TEAM
The Worship Planning Team will be meeting the 3rd Saturday of every month at 9:00 a.m. Little Oscars. If you are interested in being a part of this, contact Pastor Dan or Beth Hagemeister.

LAY READERS SCHEDULE
February 12    First Service -   Gordon Simonson
Second Service    -   Jim Mahoney
February 19    First Service -   Joe Disch
Second Service    -   Maxine Lamm
February 26    First Service -   Roseann Snelling
Second Service    -   Heidi Lund
March 4    First Service -   
Second Service    -   Judy Schlekewy
March 11    First Service -   
Second Service    -   
March 18    First Service -   
Second Service    -   

JANITORIAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for people who would be willing to volunteer to clean the church once a week (anytime between late Wednesday through Saturday morning). A signup sheet is at the church or talk to Harlan Litchy if you are willing. Instructions are posted on the bulletin board.
Feb   9 - 11 Rechtzigel's
Feb 16 - 18 Ludden's
Feb 23 - 25 Lamm's & Mahoney's
Mar    1 -   3 Gordon Simonson & George Johnson
Mar    8 - 10
Mar 15 - 17 Lil & Bob Mahl
Mar 22 - 24
Mar 29 - 31 Mike & Robin Flint

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS
February 12    -   Bailey Ramirez;
February 19    -   Ludden's
February 26    -   Shanna Kimmes
March 4    -   
March 11    -   Bailey Ramirez
March 18    -   Shanna Kimmes
March 25    -   Horn's

CAMP MINNESOTA
Camp Minnesota of the United Methodist Church offers a broad variety of camp and retreat activities year-round, for people of all ages. These camps and retreats provide a chance to learn a skill, meet new people, and encouter God. More information can be found here.

UTS ACADEMY FOR VITAL CHRISTIANITY
The Academy for Vital Christianity, in partnership with the Minnesota Conferences of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church, offers a wide variety of classes designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Christian tradition.
Class Offerings

CUMW NEWS
Prayer Shawl and Prayer Bear Ministries
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.

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.

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. Please refer to the Missions page on how to give to the various relief projects.

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.

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.

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.
  WIC Clinic from 8:30 a.m. - Noon - 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.