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, SEPTEMBER 2022
“Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith”
________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at BRF,
Grace and peace be with all. “How is it with your soul these days?” This is a question that John Wesley who was a founder of Methodism encouraged Christians to ask of one another. In our world today, it can be easy to neglect our souls, because we have become so focused on our family, our job, our finances, or any number of other things, not to mention the Covid-19. Even when we have a free moment, we can find ourselves so tired that we just binge watch something, anything really, trying to catch a few moments of rest in the midst of life’s many challenges. Meanwhile, our souls can get neglected.
What are you doing to care for your soul? Is your soul nourished? Are you going through the darkest valley of death? Are you experiencing the dark night of the soul?
In his book in 2004, The Dark Night of the Soul, Gerald G. May said, we “don’t know the difference between good things and bad things,” and “they have been given to me in the course of life.” We can’t count them separately. They are interwoven in our life. So we are “not as much in control of life as we would like to be.” The dark night of the soul can happen to everyone and such an experience teaches us significant lessons. He writes, “It is a deep transformation, a movement toward indescribable freedom and joy and is an ongoing spiritual process in which we are liberated from attachments and compulsions and empowered to live and love more freely.”
The dark night of the soul “gives deep meaning to life but the meaning is beyond our comprehension.” “But it is true that the meaning is there, that life is much more than coping and adjustment … there is something wonderful at the heart of our existence, and it is about nothing other than love: love for God, love for one another, love for creation, love for life itself.” Our life has meaning in every moment and the meaning is just love. Our life is nothing less than a journey looking for love. No words needed anymore. Everything in our life is for that journey. Somebody looks for something meaningful from worldly things, and those things can become their attachment or addiction. Others look for something from God such as be faith, hope, and love.
May succinctly summarizes the purpose of our human beings that “All human beings are created in and from the love of God, with an inborn love for God that continually arises from God and constantly seeks God. This love is meant to flow for all people and all creation. This is our true human nature.” Love is the sole purpose of all creation including us as human beings.
Let us again look at the Gospel of Luke 10:25-28: “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
Loving God and loving others are not separated. Both are more nourished through worship, prayers, reading God’s word, and getting together with other Christians. Then we should show that love to the world.
May God bless you all to stay in God’s love.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Rev. Inwha Shon

PAGE 3 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2022

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 2 Jaida Decorah
SEPTEMBER 3 Mackenzie Dougherty
SEPTEMBER 4 Leyah Staszak
SEPTEMBER 5 Jann Dahl
Bonita Burnham
SEPTEMBER 6 Thomas Epps
SEPTEMBER 11 David Gjerseth
SEPTEMBER 12 Pamela Bjerke
SEPTEMBER 13 Orville Amborn
SEPTEMBER 15 Catherine Whaley
Lois Epps
SEPTEMBER 17 Maria Lee
SEPTEMBER 18 Rod McGillivray
SEPTEMBER 20 Megan Speich
SEPTEMBER 21 Elijah Arndt
SEPTEMBER 24 Anne Boehm
SEPTEMBER 26 Cheryl Dolsey
SEPTEMBER 28 Georgia Earl
SEPTEMBER 29 James Talley
SEPTEMBER 30 Seth Harelson

SEPTEMBER 2 Ian Phillips
Ember Kapfer
SEPTEMBER 6 Tucker Peterson
SEPTEMBER 12 Maddison Jessen
SEPTEMBER 21 Owen Zenz
Channing Goldsmith
SEPTEMBER 23 Brayden Olson
SEPTEMBER 28 Henry McCullough
SEPTEMBER 30 Erika Phillips

SEPTEMBER 5 Donald & Charlene Galston Dominick & Erika Gentry
SEPTEMBER 7 Larry & Sharon Nemec
SEPTEMBER 8 Harley & Kathie Boehm
Ryan & Kimberly Ransom
SEPTEMBER 15 Darrin & Ann Boehm
SEPTEMBER 20 Tyler & Michelle Kapfer
SEPTEMBER 21 Lawrence & Catherine Whaley
SEPTEMBER 23 Orville & Beth Amborn
Mitchell & Tyler Ammann
SEPTEMBER 27 Kenneth & Luanne Schoolcraft
SEPTEMBER 29 Derek & Marcie Peterson
SEPTEMBER 30 James & Jill Kaphengst

PAGE 4 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2022

FINANCIAL REPORT - For the Months ended July 31, 2022
YTD Balance 2022 YTD Budget % of Budget
Income
Weekly Offerings $ 158,184.31 $ 164,622.00 96.09%
Special Offerings $ 50.00 $ 4,090.00 1.23%
Other Income $ 6,390.71 $ 9,885.00 64.65%
Total $ 164,625.02 $ 178,597.00 92.18%
Expenses
Apportionments $ 18,000.00 $ 25,202.00 71.43%
Programming $ 4,888.08 $ 5,916.00 82.63%
Pastoral Support $ 68,542.52 $ 66,864.00 102.51%
Program & Support Staff $ 32,732.55 $ 41,556.00 78.77%
Operations $ 32,927.71 $ 39,082.00 84.26%
Total $ 157,090.86 $ 178,620.00 87.95%
Difference $ 7,534.16 ($ 23.00)

In the first seven months of 2022, The church’s income is under budget by $13,971.98 or 7.82%. Expenses continue to be under budget by $21,529.14 or 12.05%. 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.
Good News! Praise the Lord! We met our goal in contributions for the repair of the stained glass window. Thank you to all who contributed.

Finance News
Wow! It’s September and it’s time to give consideration to planning for 2023. Planning for your talents in giving to your church and its program, as well as what you can give to financially to support our faith in action.
What do you see as the most important needs in the work of our church—internal programs, as well as outreach missions programs in our community and the world?
How can you support those needs with your time and talents. Let’s talk and plan together for the direction you see your church to head.
In thinking of giving to the church, John Wesley’s famous quote always come to my mind:
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
What and how are you willing to give?
Jim Hornby, Finance Committee Chair

PAGE 5 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 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 6 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2022

Fall time is here. We are excited to see everyone as our regular Wednesday meetings begin again. We are trying a couple new things this coming year, including giving our High School youth a bit more space of their own.
We will have a “meet and greet” on September 7th from 6:30-7pm in the youth group rooms. We will have information about upcoming dates and necessary paperwork needed for parents to fill out. Please come down if available and see our youth space and grab the papers needed for the new year.
Our regular Wednesday night meetings will begin September 14th. We will meet each Wednesday from 6-7pm.
Our Confirmation students will be confirmed on Sunday September 25th during the 9am worship service. We are very proud of what these youth have accomplished over the last 2 years.
The youth group will be serving supper on September 28th for our Wednesday Connection dinners. If any families would like to help by donating items for our meal or help serve, please let Suzanne know.
If you have any questions about our program, please call/text Suzanne 715-896-0224.
Please visit our Facebook page at Black River Falls UMC Youth and the church website at www.brfumc.org for additional and updated information of our program.

Greetings to Members and Friends of United Women in Faith:
United Women in Faith – September 12, Monday, at 5pm, UWF will meet for Fall Fellowship at the Lunda Park Large Shelter. Bring your personal supper and beverage. Program to follow with Suzanne and Ella Goldsmith sharing Mother-Daughter Camp experiences. All women are invited.

PAGE 7 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 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. This class will begin October 13th for 4 weeks, October 20, 27th, and November 3rd. From 6-7pm Please join us!!

PAGE 8 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 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

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 October 1, 9:00am-2:00pm
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. Pick up a book in the foyer.
Pastors sermon series will be on prayer for 7 weeks beginning September 11 and into
October.
Pastor will then emphasize Stewardship for a few weeks as we are coming to the end of the
year.

PAGE 9 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2022

Black River Falls United Methodist Church SEPTEMBER Mission Outreach Committee report
On Wednesday, September 21, at 1:30pm we will again sew for the Patricia Project, which is the making of reusable sanitary pads for young women. We have enough cut materials to make at least 25 more. Please join us. Contact me if you have any questions.
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.
Submitted by
Charlene Galston

Connections

Wednesday Night Connections are back! Please plan to attend the Wednesday Night Connections for a meal, fellowship and devotions. Meals begin at 5:30pm. Below is the current schedule:
September 14 Served by United Methodist Men
September 21 Served by Mission Outreach
September 28 Served by The Youth
October 5 Served by United Women in Faith
October 12 Served by SPRC
October 19 Served by Jim Hoffman &
Wednesday Night Connections will continue through November 16th.

PAGE 11 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2022

What happened on This Day in the History of Christianity?
Gregory the Great
September 3
None of us are all good, and few of us are all bad. We often struggle with decisions, sometimes finding our well-intentioned efforts producing unfortunate results. Thus with Gregory. Born in Rome about 500 years after Christ, his family provided wealth and rank, and he became mayor of Rome at age 33. After his father’s death, Gregory gave his inheritance to the church and the poor, turned his mansion into a monastery, and became a monk.
He was consecrated as Pope Gregory I on September 3, 590, and did much good. He had been burdened for the evangelization of England since seeing blond, blue-eyed British boys being sold in the Roman slave markets. “They are Anglos,” he reportedly said. “Let them become angels.” He sent Augustin to evangelize the British Isles.
Gregory also appointed wise and competent men as church leaders, and he fought apostasy. He encouraged the Visigoths to turn from heresy to orthodox doctrine. He wrote evangelistic tracts to barbarian tribes, and upheld biblical morality. He prepared a training manual for clergy. He wrote liturgy and popularized the Gregorian chant.
But Gregory also established the dogmas of purgatory and the Mass. He encouraged the worship of relics (the remains of deceased Christians), and popularized unlikely legends about the saints. He glorified the past and held tradition equal with Scripture. He drew wild, allegorical lessons from the pages of the Bible. And he claimed universal jurisdiction over Christendom.
With Western Europe in chaos and the Roman Empire shattered, Gregory assumed broad civil control. He ruled most of Italy. He raised an army and defeated the Lombards. He negotiated treaties to avoid Rome’s destruction. He ransomed captured individuals. He collected taxes and supplied food and services to the poor. He, in effect, turned the church into the state.
In so doing, Gregory became the father of the medieval papacy—with all the good and bad that that entailed.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom doesn’t belong to this world.… I was born into this world to tell about the truth. And everyone who belongs to the truth knows my voice.” John 18:36,37b
Morgan, Robert J., On This Day