Author: UMC

Black River Falls
United Methodist Church
100 North Fourth Street
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Return Service Requested
54615
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

INWHA SHON, PASTOR
Worship Service: 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School:
9:15 a.m. (September - May)
Office Hours:
7:45am. - 3:45pm.
Tuesday-Friday
Telephone:
715-284-4114
Website: brfumc.org
“You Tube Live:
BRFUMC

THE BLACK RIVER
FALLS
UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
“Serve, Teach, and Love
as We Grow in Faith”

THE BLACK RIVER FALLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
NEWSLETTER, MAY 2022
“Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith”
________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus at BRF UMC:
Peace and grace be with you. I hope you have had a joyful Easter. First of all, I appreciate that we have been through this Lent season together, with sermons of “Transformation,” and the series of Vincent Van Gogh devotionals every Wednesday. I would like for us to go see an immersive Van Gogh Exhibits together one day.
Second, I appreciate that so many church families attended Easter Sunday worship service to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection together. Third, I appreciate that our COVID-19 pandemic, that has lasted two years, appears to not be as severe as it was at the beginning and many people are feeling safe enough to return to church to worship in person together again. It has been wonderful to see some members at church whom I have not had the opportunity to meet due to the pandemic.
However, I am saddened by the news about the continuing war and tensions in Ukraine and other countries. I pray for those who are injured and victimized and separated from family by war. I personally experienced the suffering of family separated due to war (Korean War 1950-1953). My late father was separated from his family in North Korea in 1953 and not reunited again. I pray that there is no more war, tension, and discrimination on earth.
Easter is all about change. Easter changed our history and is the most important event in Christian history. More than that, it is still changing individual lives today. Easter changes us from good to better. We are no longer darkness. Ephesians 5:8-10, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”
We are now Easter people who represent all goodness, righteousness and truth, rather than all bad things, unrighteousness and deception. How do we bear the fruit of the light? I believe we can’t bear that on our own, but with the power of God, with the grace of God, and with the love of God, we can. We don’t need to hide ourselves in fear, hurt, and self-centeredness any more. Let us open our heart, mind and life to God so that we could change and please God as children of light. God is alive within us.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Rev. Inwha Shon

PAGE 3 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER MAY 2022

MAY 1 Todd Perry
MAY 2 Vione Brauner
Mark Hoffman
Kyle Allen
Emily Ward
MAY 3 Robert Uhrig
MAY 6 Christine Kinley
MAY 8 Mary McCann
MAY 9 Ruth Hart
MAY 10 Matthew Gates
MAY 11 Rebecca Beohm
MAY 12 James Hornby
MAY 14 Clarice Rush
Chelsey Gile
MAY 15 Marcia Devendorf
MAY 18 June Koehler
MAY 19 LeRoy Simonson
MAY 20 Lynda Overman
Marcie Peterson
MAY 21 Suzzane Hefty
MAY 22 David Meyer
MAY 23 Elvina Dambach
Marilyn McKeeth
MAY 24 Boston Gilberg
MAY 25 Suzanne Goldsmith
Joshua Ward
MAY 26 Frances Simonson
Emma Rogers
MAY 27 Mary O’Brien
Steve Harelson
Leah Olson
MAY 29 Ann Zillmer
MAY 31 Kate Phillips
Zachary Johnson

MAY 2 Isaac Hoffman
William Hoffman
MAY 3 Jaxson Brown
MAY 5 Karnelia Sroka
MAY 8 Kyle Hansen
MAY 9 Everett Gile
MAY 11 Sawyer Schoolcraft
MAY 12 Noel Rogers
MAY 15 Zowie Hunter
Alexander Olson
MAY 25 Bret Dougherty
Benjamin Breining
Alvin Gentry
Henry Gentry
MAY 27 Ethan Olson
MAY 28 Braiden Elmore

MAY 1 Freddie & Donna Dolesy
MAY 4 Mark & Carol Jarrett
MAY 9 Charles & Marcia Devendorf
MAY 10 David & Kimberlty Gjerseth
MAY 15 James & Debra Ward
MAY 16 Jerry & Lynda Overman
MAY 18 Gary & Rhonda Ammann
MAY 29 Jeffrey & Barbara Hagenbrock
MAY 30 Patrick & Diane Moe
MAY 31 Todd & Lisa Perry

PAGE 4 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER MAY 2022

FINANCIAL REPORT - For the Three Months ended March 31, 2022
YTD Balance 2021 YTD Budget % of Budget
Income
Weekly Offerings $ 53,068.31 $ 70,552.00 75.22%
Special Offerings $ 0.00 $ 1,753.00 0.00%
Other Income $ 2,511.59 $ 4,236.00 59.29%
Total $ 55,579.90 $ 76,541.00 71.86%
Expenses
Apportionments $ 3,600.00 $ 10,801.00 33.33%
Programming $ 2,071.04 $ 2,035.00 101.77%
Pastoral Support $ 27,740.80 $ 28,656.00 96.81%
Program & Support Staff $ 14,580.59 $ 18,309.00 79.64%
Operations $ 17,502.73 $ 16,750.00 104.49%
Total $ 65,495.16 $ 76,551.00 85.56%
Difference ($ 9,915.26) ($ 10.00)

In the first quarter of 2022, The church’s income is under budget by 27.39%. Again this is typical for these winter and early months. We project an improvement in this area for the 2nd quarter of 2022.. Expenses continue to be under-budget by $11,055.84 or 14.44%. We continue to ask that you keep praying for our church finances. Remember these words from 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Jim Hornby, Finance Committee Chair

THANK YOU!!
Thank you to everyone who had a part in coloring the Easter poster we put out in the Gathering Area and Fellowship Hall. Alot of connections were made while so many used their creativity.
SUMMER CAMP
There is still time to sign up for Summer Camp. There are brochures and scholarship forms in the hallway by the youth group rooms. If you have any questions, please call Suzanne 715-896-0224.
UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP EVENTS
May 4th youth group 6-7pm
May 11th youth group 6-7pm Youth hosting Wednesday night connections supper and devotion.
May 18th youth group 6-7pm Last night of youth group for the school year.
The youth will be have some summer events. Please watch the mail, facebook and church webpage for dates and activity plans.
ONEFEST
One Fest will take place on July 29-31 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 225 Edward Street, Chippewa Falls, WI. Tickets for adults, (ages 18 and up) are $60.00. Youth (ages 11-17) are $30.00. Kids 10 and under are free. Tickets are good for the entire weekend.
It’s a time to connect with family and friends, and connect with the body of Christ. OneFest features many of today’s well-known artists on two different stages. Come and listen to Christian Music with artists such as David Crowder, Matthew West, Tasha Layton, Austin French, Mac Powell, Eagle brook Music, Maddie Rey and Sidewalk Prophets.

PAGE 5 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER MAY 2022

LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES CLASS

Pastor Inwha will be leading an Advanced Lay Servant Class focusing on Prayer
When: May 13-14, Friday 6-9 pm/Saturday 9am-4pm
Where: Black River Falls UMC
Leader: Pastor Inwha Shon
Deadline to register: MAY 30th. Contact church office or Pastor Inwha.
Registration Fee: $10 plus Meals ($10)
A handbook will be provided and it is highly recommended that it be read in advance: "Prayer: Experiencing Awe and intimacy with God" written by Timothy Keller.
Table of contents:
1. Corporate prayer 1: The Necessity in Revival
2. Corporate prayer 2: The Focus of Kingdom-centered Prayer
3. Corporate prayer 3: Three Principles of Kingdom-centered Prayer
4. Personal prayer 1: Heart-at-rest Prayer
5. Personal prayer 2: Change-the-world Prayer
6. Personal prayer 3: A Plan for Daily Prayer
7. Meditation 1: Doorway into Deeper Prayer
8. Meditation 2: Doorway into Deeper Prayer
9. Praise and Adoration
10. Confession and Repentance
Appendix A: Suggestions for Group Prayer
Appendix B: Prayer Walking in the C

Beginning Wednesday April 20, Worship Services were held each Wednesday evening at 5:30pm. These services will continue through May 20th. Dinner will be served for your convenience. Each week a different committee/group of the church will conduct the service. If you would like to be a part of the Wednesday Worship Services, please contact Andrea Hoffman for more information.
Join in Worship and Fellowship with others as we grow Spiritually

PAGE 6 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER MAY 2022
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Message to Members and Friends from United Women in Faith:
Yes, our name has changed and for our members and prospective new members in our community, this is an opportunity to use new resources and programs to support each other and women, children, and youth.
Over 150 years, the organization’s name has changed several times to better include women in different life stages and styles. The name changes were adopted to signal a change in the life of the church as well as the lives of women and how they organized and expanded the direction of mission. In 2022, we may still see changes within the church and as we do, we can and will nurture a strong and active UWF open to all women.
The name, United Women in Faith, is part of a refreshment of our organization that includes a new look and feel of inclusiveness. New and improved programs, including the expansion of on-line and in-person outreach to build on participation, are being designed to better nurture our current members and to welcome and reach out to women of diverse backgrounds and life stages.
I look forward to sharing information on the new logo and exciting programs such as Soul Care Retreats and Mission u program that will be accessible and adaptable for use in small groups and in our local churches.
You will continue to see United Methodist Women as the legal name in correspondence on the national level. On the conference, district, and local level, our structure and mission work will remain the same. As women in faith, we will continue to put our love into action.
To take part in activities to learn more about the history and changes that United Women in Faith has experienced in the past few decades, be sure to join us at our regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 2 at 5:30pm at the church.
Have you heard about the new Wednesday Connection at church which starts with a meal from 4:30-5:30pm? United Women in Faith will be hosting on Wednesday, May 4, so join us for the meal followed by devotions from 5:30-5:45pm. Youth groups, small groups, and music to follow.
Go forward with God’s blessing,
Luane Meyer

MAY 2022
	SUNDAY		MONDAY		TUESDAY		WEDNESDAY		THURSDAY		FRIDAY		SATURDAY
1		2	Committees	3		4	Intercessory	5		6		7
	Sunday Worship-Holy Communion Jubellation Choir 9:00am		Mission Outreach 5:30 UWF Circle Meeting 5:30pm				Prayer 10:00am Worship 6:00pm		Joyful Noise Choir 5:30pm				UM Men Meeting 8:00am-10:00am
8		9		10	Committees	11	Intercessory	12		13		14
	Sunday Worship--Blessing of the Sweaters 9:00am / MOTHERS DAY		OFFICE CLOSED		Finance 5:30 Trustees 6 :00 Admin C 6:30		Prayer 10:00am Worship 6:00pm		Joyful Noise Choir 5:30pm		Lay Servant Ministry 6-9pm		Lay Servant Ministry 9-4pm SHP Bed Build Project
15		16		17		18	Intercessory	19		20		21
	Sunday Worship-- Joyful Noise Choir 9:00am						Prayer 10:00am Worship 6:00pm		Joyful Noise Choir 5:30pm
22		23		24	Committees	25	Intercessory	26		27		28
	Sunday Worship--9:00am Graduation Sunday		UWF Circle of Grace (Young Women) Time TBD		Worship 5:30 SPRC 6:30		Prayer 10:00am Worship 6:00pm		Joyful Noise Choir 5:30pm
29		30		31		1	JUNE	2		3		4
	Sunday Worship-- Joyful Noise Choir 9:00am				Farmers Market Board 6:00pm
	Routine Activities:	Pre-Confirmation			Each Wednesday 5:00pm			SPIRIT!		No rehearsals in May
		Confirmation			Each Wednesday 6:00pm			Bells		No Rehearsals in May
		Youth			Each Wednesday 7:00pm			Joyful Noise Choir		Each Thursday 5:30pm

PAGE 8 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER MAY 2022

There are lots of reasons to buy Scrip Cards. Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, weddings, showers. Maybe you are hosting a backyard picnic. Buy yourself a card to get the food and supplies needed. Stop in the Gathering Area on Sundays, or call Marcia at 715-284-3346. I don't mind you stopping at my house to pick up cards, if that is more convenient. Just call first to see if I have what you need.

Seeking Applicants for Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
We are blessed to have younger families with children in our church. The Staff Parish Relations Committee is looking for a person to lead the of Children’s Ministry.
This is a rewarding 5-10 hour/week opportunity for someone with love and enthusiasm for helping children learn about the Bible, God’s unending love and grace, and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. The coordinator works closely with the Children and Youth Activities Committee to select curriculum for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School (VBS). Additionally, they will help to recruit teachers for Sunday School (grade 4K – 5th grade) as well as coordinate and oversee VBS. Other responsibilities include the ability to evaluate the need for additional programs to support our families and children and work with our music coordinator to provide music for Church School.
If you, or someone you know would be interested in this position, please contact Carol Hornby at 715-896-7684 or chornby@centurytel.net
Katrina McGillivray
Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee

PAGE 9 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER MAY 2022

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE:
For the second time, the sleep in heavenly peace bed build project date has been changed. The Bed Build project will now take place on Saturday May 14th at 9:00am. The project will be held at the United Methodist Church rear parking lot.. We will be meeting from 9:00am to 3:00pm that day and will expect to build 60 beds. Thank you to everyone that has volunteered or made a donation. Donations of bedding, especially pillows, (preferred new for twin size beds) or monetary donations are still being accepted. Please pray the weather will cooperate so we can get these beds built for those in need. The Black River Falls United Methodist church congregation graciously donated $994.00 towards this project. Praise God and thank you all who contributed to this worthy cause.
KNIT FOR KIDS:
Completed projects were submitted by April 30 for the Knit for Kids program. Pastor Inwa Shon will be blessing the knit or crochet items on May 8th before they are sent to World Vision for distribution. As I write this we are getting closer to our goal of 100. Keep up the good work. Donations of gently used pillow cases are still being accepted for dresses for little girls.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Check out the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church website for volunteer opportunities for other projects around the state. The URL is as follows: wisconsin+vim+national+trips+2022+-1+updated+3.22.22.pdf (wisconsinumc.org) There are still some events where help is needed. In May, help is needed to prepare Pine Lake for campers this summer. There is scholarship money available if you need some financial assistance to participate. Reach out to Marcia Hagen or Andrea Hoffman for more information if needed.
SEWING DAY:
As restrictions are eased related to the pandemic, now endemic, I am considering hosting a sewing day at the church to work on the Patricia Project. We have many pieces that are partially completed and it would be great to get them finished and sent on their way. If you would be more comfortable working at home independently, let me know. Otherwise be watching and listening for a date sometime this month.
OTHER MINISTRIES:
The committee is exploring other ways that we can provide ministry to our community. Items considered are; once a week hosting a meal that is open to the public, working with other churches to help the homeless.
A reminder, that our next meeting will be Tuesday May 3, at 5:30PM to review of the bed build project and for the blessing of the sweaters.
Charlene Galston
715 284 9544

PAGE 10 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER MAY 2022

What happened on this day in the history of Christianity?
To Serve the Armies
May 3
Before the Civil War, few chaplains served with American armies. But on May 3, 1861, the Southern Congress approved Bill 102, stating, “There shall be appointed by the President, chaplains to serve the armies of the Confederate States during the existing war.”
On May 3, 1862, Rev. A. C. Hopkins, Presbyterian pastor from Martinsburg, West Virginia, joined them, commissioned as chaplain of the Second Virginia Regiment.
Hopkins wasted no time. On May 16 he led the men in a day of fasting and prayer. Two days later he conducted Sunday services at Mossy Creek. The ensuing week found him consumed by the wounded, dying, and dead.
During the Seven Days’ Battle near Richmond, he marched all day in the hot sun and spent a sleepless night ministering to the wounded and dying. The next morning, attempting to preach to his men on the line, he collapsed, strength gone. He was carried to the rear to recover, but when he returned to the front ten days later, he learned that his best friends were dead. Hopkins sank into despondency. Heavy losses at Malvern Hill further drained him, and Hopkins felt he could no longer continue.
He retreated for a season of intense prayer, and soon Bible classes were organized and flourished. Evangelists visited the brigade, and religious services were followed by group discussions, prayer meetings, and baptisms. Large sums were raised to provide Christian literature for ravaged cities. Generals and officers were saved, and prayer meetings were conducted three times daily.
In all, between 100,000 and 200,000 Union soldiers and approximately 150,000 Southern troops were converted during the Civil War revivals. Whole armies on both sides became vast fields, ready for harvest. And many of the soldiers who perished went to heaven through the efforts of chaplains like Rev. A. C. Hopkins, who continued hard in service until the bitter end.
With the Civil War, chaplains earned a lasting place with American troops around the world. Don’t be afraid! I am with you. From both east and west I will bring you together.
I will say to the north and to the south, “Free my sons and daughters! Let them return from distant lands. They are my people—I created each of them to bring honor to me.” Isaiah 43:5-7
Morgan, Robert J., On This Day