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:
8:00am. - 4:00pm.
Monday-Friday
Telephone:
715-284-4114
Website: brfumc.org
“You Tube Live:
BRFUMC

THE BLACK RIVER
FALLS
UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
"To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world ."

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 you. Lately I feel some changes when I look through a window at my home. The wind is getting chilly and leaves are getting colored. I no longer feel hot air that soaked me with sweat this past summer. Rather, I have suffered from a seasonal allergy just a week ago that I had a headache, sinus, and sore throat. Fortunately, I got better by the help from an angel who gave me a medicine and health supplements. I pray all of you get through this fall season well.
In oriental culture, people refer to the autumn as the season of high sky and fat horses. This means we can see wonderful autumn days with clear and blue skies and a bountiful harvest. Allegedly people eat more and get fat more in fall than in summer because one of the hormones in our body, which plays a part in reducing appetite, decreases in the fall. In addition, we can easily find a variety of food and fruits in every area in fall. I ask myself, “How much do I need to eat in order to feel happy?” The word ‘eat’ also is used in every area of life, as if we live only for food. It seems that the human craving is endless.
Our Lord Jesus says, “People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every Word of God.” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus spoke these words just after fasting over forty days when He responded to Satan’s temptation by God’s Word. When we are hungry, we automatically look for something to fill our stomach. However, our Lord Jesus didn’t find anything to eat for Himself. Rather He wanted to care for His soul, not his belly. Because hunger is an unavoidable pain of human beings, craving is a basic desire for human beings to fill the emptiness and void. Such desire has no limit. People feel such a need in many aspects of our lives, like politics, economy, relationship, and spirituality.
What is the difference between human beings and animals? God created us in His image. This means we are created to look for something beyond the worldly things. The Apostle Paul says in Colossians 3:1-2, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Yes, we are born again by the water and the Spirit. We are destined for eternity.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, I encourage you to feed yourself with the Word of God and grow up to Jesus Christ our Head. We have hope for eternity in Jesus Christ who overcame the death. I pray all of you will live in the abundance of God’s grace.
Let us feed ourselves with the Word of God and the Spirit so we could be well in this uncertain time. God bless you.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Rev. Inwha Shon

PAGE 3 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1 Clint Johnson
OCTOBER 2 Marin Stowe
OCTOBER 3 Stacy Brown
OCTOBER 5 Gertrude Bue
Jone Hoffman
OCTOBER 6 Michelle Kapfer
OCTOBER 7 Larry Nemec
Richard Lee
OCTOBER 9 Marlene Meyer
OCTOBER 11 Todd Gates
OCTOBER 12 Kianna Heller
OCTOBER 13 James Heller
OCTOBER 15 Kristian Hoffman
OCTOBER 16 Ezra Johnson
OCTOBER 17 James Earl
Don Stender
OCTOBER 18 Janet Gilbertson
OCTOBER 20 Sarah Shon
OCTOBER 25 Gary Shankey
OCTOBER 26 Elaine Know
Robert Lind
Perry Jackson
OCTOBER 27 Dennis Melichar
Amelia Hoffman
Kaylee Peterson
OCTOBER 30 Garret Gjerseth
OCTOBER 31 Esther Shon
Darrin Boehm

OCTOBER 4 Mark & Amy Hoffman
Tyler & April Schoolcraft
OCTOBER 9 David & Rita Casper
OCTOBER 15 Barry & Karolyn Gjerseth
OCTOBER 25 Zackery Olson & Renata Caponigro
OCTOBER 28 Leroy & Sarah Wiersma
OCTOBER Jason & Kristin Breining
OCTOBER 30 Inwha & Esther Shon

OCTOBER 2 Avery Brooks
OCTOBER 10 Alanah Gaier
OCTOBER 12 Anna Moore
OCTOBER 21 Megan Gartner
Mason Jessen
OCTOBER 23 James McCullough
OCTOBER 24 Wesley McCullough
OCTOBER 29 Brody Staszak

PAGE 4 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2022

FINANCIAL REPORT - For the Months ended August 31, 2022
YTD Balance 2022 YTD Budget % of Budget
Income
Weekly Offerings $ 176,848.31 $ 188,140.00 94.00%
Special Offerings $ 50.00 $ 4,674.00 1.07%
Other Income $ 7,050.74 $ 11,298.00 62.41%
Total $ 183,949.05 $ 204,112.00 90.12%
Expenses
Apportionments $ 18,000.00 $ 28,802.00 62.50%
Programming $ 5,088.08 $ 6,762.00 75.25%
Pastoral Support $ 79,376.68 $ 76,416.00 103.87%
Program & Support Staff $ 37,465.91 $ 47,494.00 78.89%
Operations $ 37,187.70 $ 44,664.00 83.26%
Total $ 177,118.37 $ 204,138.00 86.76%
Difference $ 6,830.68 ($ 26.00)

In the first eight months of 2022, The church’s income is under budget by $20,163.95or 9.88%. Expenses continue to be under budget by $27,019.63 or 13.24%. Though the church is doing satisfactorily at this time, we continue to ask that you keep praying for our church finances. We also ask that you prayerfully consider how you might help the church in the coming year.
We thank everyone in our church family for your continued support.

Finance News
Fall is the time when the church needs to build the budget for the coming year. Besides the normal budget requirements such as salaries and building upkeep, as finance chair, I would really like the congregation to look at where we might develop and support programs that would benefit our church family and the community as a whole. Before deciding your “Estimate of Giving” and/or through your time and talents, please consider how we can best serve and share our faith through new and existing programs.
The Mission Outreach Committee has requested money for Senegal Nutrition Stations, for Essential Needs, and for Ingathering Collection for Conference giving. We have new and exciting music happening at church, Connectional Meals, and small group studies. The opportunities for outreach are not limited to what I mentioned; there is room for so much more.
However, all these programs will need our support both financially and through our time and talents. How can we serve Christ through our giving? “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13.
Jim Hornby, Finance Chair

PAGE 5 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 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 OCTOBER 2022

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Are you thankful for having a Pastor who:
Is dedicated to growing you Spiritually?
Is concerned about the congregations well-being?
Is on-call 24 hours a day 365 days a year?
Makes daily sacrifices for you and this congregation?
Makes the Word of God and His Truth plain and simple so we can apply it to our lives?
Pastors are people too. Give thanks to God for our Pastor and his wife Esther.
Show them you appreciate their calling to our church.

Join us for Worship at 9am Sunday October 2nd for World Communion Sunday. During communion, there will be different breads from around the world. After worship, we will have fellowship with breads, cheese dips and spreads.
The youth will be going to Hidden Trails Corn Maze in West Salem on Sunday October 9th. We will leave the church at 10:30am. We will stop in Sparta for lunch and return to the church around 4pm.
The youth will go to Cain's Apple Orchard during youth group Wednesday October 12th. We will return by the end of youth group at 7pm.
Please join the youth as they serve breakfast on Sunday October 16th after worship. There will be a free will offering.
Reminders:
Worship 9am Sunday, fellowship following in Gathering area. Everyone welcome.
Wednesday Connections, meal and devotion 5-6pm in Fellowship Hall, everyone welcome.
Pre-Confirmation 5-6pm each Wednesday.
Youth Group 6-7pm each Wednesday.
Confirmation each Wednesday. 7-8pm.

PAGE 7 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 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 10:30am at the church. RSVP to Rod McGillivray 812-581-9511

Why should I pray?
5 Powerful Reasons to pray.
Prayer Attracts God
Prayer Moves Angels
Prayer Attacks Demons
Prayer keeps us Safe
Prayer Transforms Others
Consider the following:
Who needs your prayers?
How devoted have you been to prayer every day?
How can you start praying differently?
How can my prayer become effective?
This workshop is for all who would like to enhance your prayer life. By improving your prayer life, you will grow closer to God and understand what the will of God for your life is.
Come Join us for a Prayer Workshop, Saturday October 1, from 10am to 2pm.

PAGE 8 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2022

Black River Falls United Methodist Church October Mission Outreach Committee report
Our next meeting originally scheduled for October 2 has been postponed due to unforeseen conflicts until a new date can be determined. Be watching the church bulletins for a new date and time.
On Wednesday, September 21 at 100 PM a small group gathered to sew for the Patricia Project which is the making of reusable sanitary pads for young women. We have 45 completed pads that I will be taking to Lodi WI to my contact there plus 29 more from a local Home and Community Education (HCE) club. From there they go to Kansas City to have snaps applied and then sent on to Africa. It’s truly amazing how it all comes together. Another sewing date will be set for sometime in November. Be watching the newsletter and the bulletins for more Information.
Starting October 1, 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. World Vision is asking for hats, mittens, scarves and sweaters for all ages of children. Also requested are blankets either knit, crochet or fleece that are 36X45 inches. We will wrap up our project May 1. Our goal will once again be 100 items.
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.
Some backpacks and other school items were found during some cleaning done this summer. On request of the Forrest street school counselor the items were taken to the district office there they will be available for all teachers to use or distribute as they see fit.
Our committee is re-evaluating the projects that our church supports as we enter the budget planning process. Many feel that it is important to continue with our local projects as well as one national and international project. Some projects could be directly budgeted for versus taking up individual collections for. There is grant money available through the United Methodist Church for projects. We have been brainstorming some ideas, one of which would be to have some start-up money to form an ecumenical group in our county with local pastors again.
Charlene Galston

PAGE 9 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2022

To Members and Friends of United Women in Faith,
The season of fall brings colored leaves, pumpkins galore, pumpkin spice and cinnamon, cool nights and days!, and time to gather and celebrate UWF. Our October monthly meeting is Monday, October 3, at the church. A lite supper of soup, rolls, and dessert will be served at 5:30pm followed by a faith message. At 6:00pm, Dana Rave will share a program, Family, Faith, and Flowers. We invite all women to join us for an evening of fellowship.
Our October project is to replace the towels in the church kitchen. We are asking those attending the October 3 meeting to being a dishcloth or dishtowel as a donation to the kitchen supplies. Those not able to attend are also welcome to add to this donation, as well. A small basket will be placed in the Gathering Area during the month of October.
UWF will serve the Wednesday Connection meal on October 5.
On Sunday, October 16, UWF will honor a member with our annual Special Mission Recognition. This recognition gives us the opportunity to highlight the mission work of a member whose time and talents have been shared within our church, the greater Jackson County community, and missions beyond our local borders.
Luane Meyer

Connections

Wednesday Night Connections are back! This week the Youth will sponsor the meal. Join us for a meal, fellowship and devotions. Meals begin at 5:00pm. Below is the current schedule:
September 28 Served by The Youth
October 5 Served by United Women in Faith
October 12 Served by SPRC
October 19 Served by United Methodist Men
October 26 Served by Mary Loveland
November 2 Served by Imelda Kelley
Wednesday Night Connections will continue through November 16th.

Class 201: Discovering My Spiritual Maturity.
This class will be held for 4 weeks beginning Thursday October 20, 5:30-6:30.
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 11 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2022

TRUNK OR TREAT

BRFUMC

Trunk or Treat is a Halloween event where people gather and park their vehicles in a parking lot. They open their trunks or backs of their vehicles, decorate them and pass out treats from their trunks. This event provides a safe, family environment for trick or treaters.
When: Monday, October 31, 5-7pm
Where: BRFUMC Parking Lot
Park & Decorate 3:00-4:00pm
Trunk or Treat 5:00-7:00pm
Interested in hosting a vehicle? Contact the church office at 715-284-4114 or email at brfumc@gmail.com. You may also contact Suzanne at 715-296-0224 or email her at suziegoldsmith@hotmail.com
Please reserve your spot by Monday October 24th. If you are unable to host a trunk but would like to help, we accept monetary donations (to purchase candy) or candy donations for this event. Please bring any donations to the church office or gathering area.
Please note: for safety of everyone, no vehicles will be permitted to enter or exit the parking lot until the event is over.

PAGE 12 BRFUMC NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2022

What happened on This Day in the History of Christianity?
One Woman’s Crusade
October 3
Was the first Thanksgiving really held by the pilgrims shortly after the Mayflower anchored at Plymouth? Texans claim the first Thanksgiving in America was proclaimed in Palo Duro Canyon by Padre Juan De Cadilla for Coronado’s troops in 1541, 79 years before the Pilgrims.
At any rate, Thanksgiving as an annual national holiday was slow in coming. Throughout early American history, some leaders issued Thanksgiving proclamations; some did not. Many were against it for various reasons, and Thanksgiving was an on-again, off-again affair… until Sarah Hale (1788-1879) got hold of it.
Sarah was a young widow with five children and a millinery shop. She used spare moments for writing, and in 1823 her first book appeared. She was soon hired as editor of a small magazine. Then, in 1837, she was named editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, the nation’s foremost women’s magazine. Circulation mushroomed. Godey’s wasn’t a Christian magazine, but Sarah, an Episcopalian, was a devout Christian who injected religious issues into her editorials.
In 1846 she launched a crusade to establish Thanksgiving as a holiday. She wrote stirring editorials about it, and November issues featured Thanksgiving poetry, stories, and turkey recipes. She pelted politicians with personal letters on the subject, and by 1859, 30 governors had agreed to a common day of Thanksgiving.
Still, no national holiday emerged. As America lurched toward civil war, Sarah tried a new tactic. Disunion, she wrote in 1859, could be averted by Thanksgiving: “If every State would join in union Thanksgiving on the 24th of this month, would it not be a renewed pledge of love and loyalty to the Constitution!?”
But war erupted in 1861. In 1863 she wrote President Lincoln, laying before you a subject of deep interest… the day of our annual Thanksgiving made a national and fixed union festival. The beleaguered president finally agreed, and on October 3, 1863 he established Thanksgiving as a national holiday for the last Thursday of November. Even in war, Lincoln said, we can count our blessings: “They are gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
Tell the Lord how thankful you are,
Because he is kind and always merciful.
Tell the Lord how thankful you are,
Because he is kind and always merciful. - Psalm 118:1,29
Morgan, Robert J., On This Day