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.
Monday-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, AUGUST 2022
“Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith”
________________________________________________________________________________________
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” - 1 Cor. 10:12
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at BRF,
Peace and grace be with you all. I pray for all of you that you have had a great summer with your family. As you might know, we still live with variations of coronavirus so we need to be cautious about infection.
Last June, I went to Atlanta, GA, to visit my children and to help my son, who has entered a graduate school, to move out to Augusta, GA. I thank our church members for your kindness to let me have a joyful time with my children. After two weeks of vacation, I came back home and went to my garden. I was surprised that so many weeds had grown, even though a good friend of mine had taken care of it while we were gone. My wife Esther and I worked so hard to pull weeds so we could plant new vegetables.
I realized that our hearts also need to be cultivated well so that we can accept God’s grace and can grow spiritually well. How long have we been away from God during the pandemic? It is true that we were excused from attending worship service at church during the height of the pandemic. Coronavirus has changed us in many areas of life, especially in spiritual life. During that time, nobody was expected to come to church because it wasn’t safe. Going through this pandemic, it seems that many people got out of the habit of from worshiping God at church. I pray that weeds have not grown much in your heart unlike my garden during my absence.
Jesus teaches us the principle of the kingdom of God by the parable of the sower in Matthew chapter 13. The seeds planted on three types of soil (hard ground, stony ground, and thorny ground) were not grown but only seeds planted on the good soil grew well and produced fruit abundantly.
Even though our hearts were once soft and pure, our souls and spirits may not be pure, unless it is well organized and cultivated by the Spirit. Our hearts should not be filled with the worldly things and worries. Therefore we need to abandon those worldly ideals. Our soul is a place in which the Spirit dwells and through which we can connect to the Spirit.
Once our heart has been full of worldly things, it becomes difficult for us to clean it up to receive the Spirit, just as it was difficult to pull weeds in my garden after two weeks of vacation. It is better for us to prevent the weeds from growing in our hearts. As we grow daily, we should feed on the Word of God daily and examine ourselves by the Word in order to live up to Jesus Christ. Spiritual discipline is not a one-time event, but a continuing daily process.
Let us examine ourselves by the Spirit and the Word that we can “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18).
Love in Christ,
Pastor Rev. Inwha Shon

PAGE 3 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

August

AUGUST 3 Kenneth Schoolcraft
Paul Hoffman
AUGUST 5 Robin Hoffman
AUGUST 6 Roger Bue
AUGUST 7 Rhoda Gulso
AUGUST 8 Karen Dolsey
AUGUST 9 John Nimmo Sr.
Keisha Nimmo
AUGUST 11 Kathy Lind
AUGUST 12 Jeffrey Dolsey
AUGUST 13 Denise Hanson
Lawrence Pennekamp
AUGUST 14 Charles Devendorf
Ashley Huber
AUGUST 15 Andrea Hoffman
AUGUST 17 Rodney Zirk
Kelly Boehm
Emma Bible
Ethan Bible
AUGUST 18 Donald Galston
Traci Bailey
Lyn Gates
AUGUST 23 Judy Lee
Jennifer Meyer
AUGUST 26 Marilyn Hoffman
AUGUST 29 Mitchel Gjerseth.
AUGUST 30 Sylvia Crocker
AUGUST 31 Geri Allen
Diane Speich

AUGUST 2 Benjamin Ross
Nixon Wood
AUGUST 17 Isaiah Burnham
AUGUST 22 Reese Cowley
AUGUST 25 Hunter Jessen
AUGUST 26 Hunter Nimmo
AUGUST 28 Kammeron Kapfer

AUGUST 4 LeRoy & Frances Simonson
AUGUST 5 Gustavo & Madelyn Calderon
AUGUST 14 David & Luane Meyer
AUGUST 16 Robert & Marcia Hagen
AUGUST 18 Justin & Danielle Dougherty
AUGUST 20 Jack & Traci Baily
AUGUST 30 James & Roxanne Hostrawser

PAGE 4 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

FINANCIAL REPORT - For the Months ended June 30,, 2022
YTD Balance 2022 YTD Budget % of Budget
Income
Weekly Offerings $ 136,168.31 $ 141,104.00 96.51%
Special Offerings $ 50.00 $ 3,506.00 1.43%
Other Income $ 5,209.68 $ 8,472.00 61.50%
Total $ 141,427.99 $ 153,082.00 92.39%
Expenses
Apportionments $ 14,400.00 $ 21,602.00 66.67%
Programming $ 4,546.38 $ 5,070.00 89.68%
Pastoral Support $ 58,998.92 $ 57,312.00 102.95%
Program & Support Staff $ 28,165.46 $ 35,618.00 79.08%
Operations $ 29,348.34 $ 33,500.00 87.60%
Total $ 135,459.10 $ 153,102.00 88.48%
Difference $ 5,968.89 ($ 20.00)

In the first six months of 2022, The church’s income is under budget by $11,654 or 7.61%. Expenses continue to be under budget by $13,593.08 or 13.32%. Though the church is doing satisfactorily at this time, we continue to ask that you keep praying for our church finances. We thank everyone in our church family for your continued support. Remember these words from Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you give it shall be measured to you again.”
Jim Hornby, Finance Committee Chair

Finance News
The Finance Committee is grateful to all who have kept their pledge giving up to date. It is very important to continue to keep giving on a regular basis throughout the summer because our expenses don’t take a break during this time, and our biggest expenses are prorated over twelve months.
Our church offers electronic giving as a way to automate your regular weekly offering. The electronic giving offers convenience for individual congregational members and provides much needed donation consistency for our congregation.
Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the Church banking account. Call the church office to sign up if you are interested.
Donations through the Venmo System are also acceoted by the church. This allows congregational members to donate to the Church just by using their cell phone. You need to register for a Venmo account to complete this type of transaction. As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Authorization forms and additional information are available in the Church office.
Jim Hornby, Finance Committee Chair

PAGE 5 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

The Church’s Stained Glass Window:
As most of you know the beautiful Stained Glass Window in the Sanctuary was installed in 1994 when the new addition to the church was built. At that time, the cost to purchase and install the window was $80,000.
Willett Hauser Architectural Glass, inspected our window for the first time since it was installed just this last spring. There were several pieces of glass that are cracked, broken, perhaps even missing along with some pieces that are out of the lead channels. The estimate to repair these items is $4,109. Given the original cost of the window and the fact that has been over 28 years since installation, this amount is negligible.
Contributions toward the repair cost of the window are being accepted. Through the end of July, we have received $2,460, with only $1,649 to go. If you wish to contribute, please note “Window Repair” on your check or envelope. Thank you and God Bless.
֍֎֎֎֎֎֎

Happy August. I feel like summer is flying by fast this year. Dare I say, School will be starting soon and we will be back into our regular weekly scheduled meetings.
Until then, though, we will have one more fun gathering this summer. Families, please join us on Sunday August 21st for our Youth Group family picnic. Join us for a lunch picnic and yard games. Please bring a dish to pass. Meat will be provided at the church.
Information will be sent in the mail about out upcoming fall schedule. The plan is to have our first weekly meeting of the fall on September 7th.
If you have any questions, please either call or text Suzanne at 715-896-0224. Watch our Facebook page for any changes or updates.
Suzanne Goldsmith, Facebook: Black River Falls UMC Youth Group
suziegoldsmith@hotmail.com Website: WWW.BRFUMC.ORG

PAGE 6 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 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 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 for this paid position, 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 7 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

Class 101 - An introduction to the church family
We are called to love, learn, teach and minister. Being a mature, faithful Christian is no different. Like any vocation we need training. In an effort to develop reproducible training to move through the stages of Christian maturity: first belonging, second growing through study, third through ministry, and fourth through sharing of faith, Class 101, Class 201, Class 301, and Class 401 have been developed to take us through the steps.
A church should feel like a family. It shouldn't feel like an event to attend, but a place to belong. That's why Class 101 is important – because we weren't meant to go through life alone. When it comes to finding your purpose, using your God-given gifts to serve, and surrounding yourself with community, we're giving you a deliberate path to follow. It's a path that won't confuse you or leave you in the dark.
Class 101 you can expect to:
∙ Learn about why you’re here and why you matter.
∙ Connect with others and start intentionally building your community
∙ Get a glimpse into the history and vision of Black River Falls United Methodist Church
I encourage anyone that is new to Black River Falls United Methodist Church, is in a leadership position, or just curious and want to know more, to attend Class 101. This will be an interactive class with lively discussion. We will meet on Saturday, September 17th from 9 am -1 pm. Lunch will be served and RSVP through the church office is appreciated.
Katrina McGillivray
Chair Staff Parish Relations
Looking forward:
Class 201: Discovering My Spiritual Maturity.
Life wasn’t meant to be lived standing still. We should always be moving, learning, and growing as people and as followers of Jesus. But it can be easy to get stuck in a rut. It’s not that you’re unwilling to grow – maybe you just aren’t sure where to start or what to do next. But it could be as simple as establishing a few key habits in your life to get you on the right track.
Here’s what you can expect:
* Slow down the busyness of your schedule by learning how to develop a daily time with God.
* Stop feeling like you’re alone in your problems by finding the right small group
* Let go of materialism by learning how to give to God first
Class 201 is designed to teach you about these simple habits and show you the different steps you can take to mature and grow as a Christian.

PAGE 8 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

Fresh Expressions – A Fresh Approach to an old Commission
In 2004, The Church of England did a study on decreased church attendance. The results were surprising. While It showed that only 21% of people attend church, 80% of people were spiritual and longed to connect or reconnect a relationship with Jesus Christ. Why the disparity?
The responses they heard were similar to what we hear in the United States: sporting events on Sundays, parents working on weekends or using Sunday as their only day off to rest and catch up. To many, the traditional church style and hymnody feel foreign and do not appeal. Many have been alienated, disrespected, ostracized by previous church experience.
Out of that research the Fresh Expressions, movement was created. This is a form of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of those who are not yet members of any church. It will come into being through principles of listening, service, contextual mission and making disciples; to meet people where they are rather than dragging them, begging them, to come to us. People are met on their own turf, in their own interest groups, and on the mission field.
If you are intrigued in the concept or want to develop and share a strong, Spirit-led relationship with God, you are invited to “Water into Wine Sundays” on the Porch with prayer, study, and sharing. Sundays at 4 pm beginning September 11, 2022. McGillivray’s - 514 Forrest Street, Black River Falls. Assorted beverages provided. RSVP to Rod McGillivray 812-581-9511
֍֎֍֎֍֎֍

Greetings to Members and Friends of United Women in Faith:
A warm Thank You to each of you who sent a donation during our No-Bake Bake Sale fundraiser to support our pledge toward Mission Giving. If anyone still wishes to give, donations can be mailed to Lois Epps, N5911 17th Place, BRF.
As one of our national officers shared, our Mission Giving is a challenge and an opportunity to support life-changing projects that have impacted women, children and youth or newly identified issues that guide our work moving forward.
Harriet Jane Olson, General Secretary for UW in F, shared these phrases in her message from the July/August response (p. 5) where she encouraged each of us to listen, respond, give and act in these challenging times. These thoughts can guide each of us and we open ourselves up to something new and perhaps, unpredictable. Share the enthusiasm. Share the excitement. Look for opportunities to answer questions. Try the new programs and resources. Point to the future. Tackle obstacles. Tell the story.
Looking ahead, mark your calendar for our September meeting to be held Monday, September 12 at the Lunda Large Shelter. We will meet at 5pm for a Bring-Your-Own-Supper and fellowship followed by the program at 5:30pm. Enjoy the rest of this summer season.
Go Forward with God’s Blessing, Luane Meyer

PAGE 9 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

Black River Falls United Methodist Church August Mission Outreach Committee report
Our committee has taken some time off but there is always some work going on behind the scenes.
On July 26 a group of us met to sew for the Patricia Project which is the making of reusable sanitary pads for young women. We were able to make 25 pads and have supplies ready to make more. Another sewing day will be set for sometime in early September. Thanks to everyone who sewed or did cutting and other prep work for our day. Be watching for our next date in the church bulletin and an announcement on Facebook.
Starting in September we will once again begin our Knit for Kids mission outreach project. Our supply of yarn has been significantly depleted. Donations are desperately needed.
Acrylic yarns are best but all would be accepted. So as you are closet cleaning, downsizing, or if you are at yard sales please keep the church and this worthwhile project in mind.
We are always trying to keep ahead of when someone might go on a mission trip and could use some pillowcase dresses to take along. I’ve been keeping the supply of kits for dresses in the gathering area. If you are a sewer it is a quick project and easy to do. Please feel free to take one home. If you have pillow cases, bias tape or trims you could donate, that would be appreciated. All donations can be left at the church office.
Our next meeting will be August 28 at 10:30 to set up a plan for mission outreach for the year. Please join us.
Submitted by
Charlene Galston

Want to know about prayer, or corporate prayer? Join us for a Prayer Workshop!
Want to pray like Daniel or Hannah?
Want to be renewed spiritually?
Please come to learn and pray together in September. The date is TBA.
The Pastor would like to share with you what corporate prayer is:
The necessity in Revival
The focus of Kingdom-centered prayer
Three principles of Kingdom-centered Prayer

	AUGUST 2022
		SUNDAY		MONDAY		TUESDAY		WEDNESDAY		THURSDAY		FRIDAY		SATURDAY
	31	JULY	1		2		3	Intercessory	4		5		6
								Prayer 10:00am						United Methodist Men's meeting 8:00am-10:00am
	7		8		9	Committees:	10	Intercessory	11		12		13
		Sunday Worship Holy Communion Brauner Family 9:00am				Finance 5:30pm Trustees 6:00pm Admin C 6:30pm		Prayer 10:00am
	14		15		16	Committees:	17	Intercessory	18		19		20
		Sunday Worship 9:00am				Worship 5:30pm		Prayer 10:00am
	21		22		23	Committees:	24	Intercessory	25		26		27
		Sunday Worship 9:00am Youth Group Family Picnic 11am				SPRC 5:30pm		Prayer 10:00am
	28		29		30		31	Intercessory	1	SEPTEMBER	2		3
		Sunday Worship 9:00am Missions Meeting 10:30am				Farmers Market Board 6:00pm		Prayer 10:00am		1st day of School
		Routine Activities:	Pre-Confirmation			No Meetings in August			Joyful Noise Choir		To Be Determined
			Confirmation			No Meetings in August
			Youth			No Meetings in August

PAGE 11 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2022

What happened on this day in the history of Christianity?
No Vacancy
July 1
A snug, private hotel room is a welcome site for traveling salesmen after a long day. But imagine arriving at your hotel only to find it so full that rooms had to be shared. That happened on September 14, 1898, at the Central Hotel of Boscobel, Wisconsin. John Nicholson arrived at 9 p.m. to find every room taken. The clerk suggested he share room 19 with a stranger, Samuel Hill.
Before crawling into bed, Nicholson opened his Bible. At age 19 he had promised his dying mother he would read the Bible every night. Hill, asleep in the next bed, awoke. “Mr. Hill,” said Nicholson, “you will pardon me if I keep the light on just a little longer; I make it a practice to read from the Word of God and have a little chat with him before I retire.”
“Read it aloud,” said Hill, jumping up. “I’m a Christian, too.” Nicholson read John 15 and the two knelt for prayer. They stayed up until 2 a.m. discussing the needs of traveling Christians.
Nicholson and Hill bumped into each other again in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. They soon announced plans for an association of Christian salesmen, setting the first meeting for July 1, 1899. Only three showed up—Nicholson, Hill, and William Knights. The men nonetheless launched their organization to mobilize Christian travelers for encouragement, evangelism, and service. They decided to call themselves after the Old Testament character Gideon who was “willing to do whatever God asked.”
Since all the early Gideons were traveling men, the question arose as to how they could be witnesses in the hotels where they spent so much time. Someone suggested the Gideons encourage every hotel they patronize to furnish a Bible for its patrons. At a 1907 Chicago meeting, someone went so far as to suggest Gideons place Bibles in all the rooms of the hotels. The idea was adopted, the first distribution of Bibles occurring at the Superior Hotel in Iron Mountain, Montana, in 1908. Since then over 750 million copies of Scripture have been distributed in over 170 nations.
Gideon said, “When we get to the enemy camp, spread out and surround it. Then wait for me to blow a signal on my trumpet. As soon as you hear it, blow your trumpets and shout, ‘Fight for the Lord! Fight for Gideon!’ ” - Judges 7:17-18
Morgan, Robert J., On This Day