August 2016 Messenger draft - Lenexa United Methodist Church

Lenexa United Methodist Church • August 2016
“Journey together toward spiritual
and community wholeness.”
FRESH START
SUNDAY
August 28
Plan on worship
Then lunch and
the Hoop Shoot!
A lot of fun going on!
LUMC All Congregation Lunch
after 10:30am worship
Meat and drinks will be provided
Bring a side dish or dessert to share
HOOP SHOOT
West Parking
Lot
Fun for all ages
Sign up for
shooters and
sponsors
All proceeds benefit
LUMC’s Hillcrest Transitional
Housing Apartment
2
PASTOR’S PEN
Friends,
As you may be aware, the South Central Jurisdictional Conference of the
United Methodist Church was held in mid-July in Wichita, Kansas. A major
focus of the conference was that of electing Bishops to serve in various
Episcopal Areas. Once the Bishops are elected, each conference delegation
has a small amount of input into where each newly elected bishop, as well as those currently serving
in the boundaries of the Jurisdiction, is assigned.
This year, Bishop Scott Jones, who has been our bishop for the past 12 years, was assigned to serve
the Texas Conference, which includes the Houston area. Our new bishop, the Rev. Dr. Ruben
Saenz, Jr., the first of the three bishops elected at Jurisdictional Conference, comes to us from the
Rio Grande Conference, where he served as director of connectional ministries and executive
director of the Mission Vitality Center in Rio, Texas.
According to information in the Great Plains Connection, Bishop Saenz, a native of Rio Grande City,
Texas, earned a bachelor’s of science degree in secondary education from Stephen F. Austin State
University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and was a high school teacher and coach in Rio Grande City for
six years until he began working full time in a small jewelry business that he and his wife started in
1984.
In 1993, they sold their business and moved to Dallas, where he began studies at the Perkins School
of Theology at Southern Methodist University. When he earned his master’s of theology degree at
Perkins, he was presented with the Perkins Faculty Award for the
student who best exemplified the goals and mission of the school.
In 2009, he received his doctor of ministry degree from Perkins.
During his pastoral career, Saenz served churches in Dallas, El
Paso and Edinburg, Texas. Saenz and his wife, Maye, have four
children, Aaron (Iris), Christina (Matthew), Ruben III, and Isaac.
Their first granddaughter is due later this year. For more
information about Bishop Saenz, you may go to the Great Plains
Conference website at www.greatplainsumc.org.
Bishop Saenz will begin his ministry in the Great Plains
Conference on September 1. We are invited to join him in 100
days of prayer as he makes this transition.
As we near the September 1 date, prayer cards will be available to help guide your prayer time.
However, you need not wait until September 1 to pray for Bishop Saenz, Bishop Jones and the many
other bishops who were elected to serve the United Methodist Church.
I invite you to also be in prayer for Bishop Bob Farr, former director of connectional ministries from
the Missouri Conference, as well as Bishop Karen Oliveto, an openly gay pastor who was elected
bishop in the Western Jurisdiction. She will serve as my sister, Anita’s bishop in Colorado.
Peace,
Peggy
WORDS ON WORSHIP
3
Season after Pentecost – New Beginnings
August 7
12th Sunday after Pentecost –
“Things Hoped For”
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16;
Rev. Peggy Hillmon Preaching;
Communion at all services
August 14
13th Sunday after Pentecost –
“Neither Here Nor There”; Hebrews 11:29-12:2;
Rev. Tyler Kaufmann preaching
August 21
14th Sunday after Pentecost – “New Relationships”
Jeremiah 1:4-7; Lay Leader, Tammy Shepherd, preaching; Communion at
9:00am
August 28
15th Sunday after Pentecost – “Standing Tall”
Luke 13:10-17; Rev. Peggy Hillmon preaching;
Fresh Start Sunday, All Congregation Dinner and Hoop Shoot
WORSHIP IN THE PARK
8am in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
(87th & Lackman)
Bring a blanket or lawn chair
Rain will bring the service
back to Schneeberger
Last Sunday will be August 21st
HEAVENLY HALF HOUR
AUGUST
7
14
PATHFINDERS
SPECTRUM
21
28
DASHERS
BRANCHES/HEALTH MINISTRY/FOUNDATIONS
4
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not
hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as
these." Matthew 19:14
EVENING CAMP REVIEW
We hosted 21 kids at our Olympic themed Evening Camp. The kids enjoyed hearing
from Ed Broxterman (pictured) about his experience at the 1996 Olympics
Acolyte Training
And
Pizza Party
3rd graders welcome!
Join us for a pizza and ice cream
party in Schneeberger at 11:30
on August 21.
Acolyte training/refresher will follow
in the Sanctuary.
Get Excited!
Wednesday
night fun
begins
September 7
GROWING IN GRACE Children’s Vocal Choir
6:15-7:10pm Ed Bldg 201
Children ages 4 years old – 6th grade are
invited to come join the Growing in Grace
Choir and meet our new director,
Liesel Stephens
Celebration Bells
Children’s
Handbell Choir
7:10-7:55pm Music Room Main
Bldg
MISSIONS
5
BE A SHOOTER – BE A SPONSOR
HELP SUPPORT
HILLCREST TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
The Missions Team is looking forward to the annual Hoop Shoot Free
Throw contest which will be on August 28, Fresh Start Sunday. This is
a really fun event and is an annual request from those who have
participated in the past. All ages can be shooters as there are hoops
for kids as well as adults. Sign-ups for shooters is going well. If you
would like to be a shooter and didn’t get a chance to sign up, please
contact Bernie McNichols at 913-764-4033 or contact one of the
committee members.
Beginning Sunday, July 31, and continuing until the day of the event, those wanting to
sponsor a shooter can sign up on the board outside the sanctuary. All proceeds from this
fun event will benefit the Hillcrest Transitional Housing project.
HELP US MEET OUR GOAL! Now through August 7,
Missions continues to collect facial tissues for Sunflower School.
The goal this year is 1,000 boxes. The only specifications are:
No lotion; the large box, 180 to 200 per box; and any
brand is ok. Drop your donation off across from Wesley
Room. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
Missions Team
The LUMC Book Club
Wednesday, August 17
Noon in Room 105
Our next meeting is August 17 at Noon in Room
105 and we are discussing Me Before You by JoJo
Moyes. It is a great book and I will have a copy available for you to
borrow soon. Heavy topic about end of life issues as well as what brings
us joy. If you get in a jam and can't read the book or want a
refresher...see the movie that is out for it is very good!!!
We've decided to read Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo
for our September 21 meeting. It was highly recommended and there
are 3 copies as well as audio CDs in the JOCO library.
Just email Linda Stoker at [email protected]
if you have any questions.
6
LUMYouth
LUMYouthNEWS
YouthNEWS
What’s happening for Mid and High
Schoolers
Sunday, August 7th : 5 to 7 pm
LUMYouth Fun 
Sunday, August 14th : 10:30 to 11:30 am
LUMYouth Parent Summit
This important parent meeting will prepare us
all for the upcoming semester of LUMYouth
programs and activities.
ALL LUMYouth
Parents are encouraged to attend. Thank you!
…Then from 3 to 7 pm
LUMYouth to Rockbottom
Sunday, August 21st: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
LUMYouth SERVE
at Grand Avenue
Methodist Temple
…Then from 5 to 7 pm
LUMYouth Fun!
Sunday, August 28th: 5 to 7 pm
LUMYouth Fun!
It is HOT outside so we are
going to stay cool and
watch a cool movie!
Mid-Hi Sunday School meets
at 10:30am in Room 119.
Senior Hi Sunday School meets
in the Loft at 10:30am.
PEANUTS 2016
Your PEANUTS did an outstanding job on their
July Mission Trip. Traveling to Colorado Springs
this year, we worked with “Partners in Hope
and Housing” (PIH). PIH has 60 housing units
that they have developed to be transitional
housing. Their program seems very similar to
Hillcrest Housing that we partner with here in
town.
Twenty-two youth and nine adults spent the
week weeding, trimming yards and trees,
building decks, painting numerous things,
replacing 2 storm doors, and fellowshipping
together. We also enjoyed one afternoon at the
“Garden of the Gods” and another riding zip
lines.
We have been told that at least a few of our
younger participants came home “changed”
persons…listening to K-Love and helping much
more around their own homes as well as
helping neighbors.
All PEANUTS participants are grateful to the
perpetual support of the LUMC community of
faith. Their participation fee covers only a
portion of the expense. The greater portion of
the mission trip is underwritten by funds raised
at their annual Chili Luncheon and Auction.
Thank you so much!
POKEMON GO AND LUMC
7
This summer’s latest craze is Pokemon Go. Players search areas of the city
for Pokemon locations and then capture the Pokeman characters. The
Inviting Ministries Committee has been challenged to “think outside the
box” as we work on our proposal for “Reaching New Neighbors.” As we
discussed the Pokemon game, we realized that there were a lot of Pokemon
Go spots in Sar-Ko Par Trails Park. What better way to reach new neighbors
than to invite the Pokemon Players to join us for our Worship in the Park. It
is easier to get on the app early in the morning as opposed to the evening
hours. If you know Pokemon Go players, invite them to worship with us in
the Park and then go searching for Pokemon.
Also, the LUMC is also a Poke Stop, as are many spots in Old Town Lenexa.
Also there is a Pokemon Gym at Santa Fe and Noland Road. Again, Sunday
morning is a great time to play the game. With so many Poke Stops around
the church, invite players to worship, or if they are playing, invite them to
stop for a bit of fellowship during Heavenly Half Hour.
So whether the players are looking for
Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, or
Pikachu, invite them to worship with us
at the Park, church, or just stop by for
Heavenly Half Hour. “Think outside
the box!”
LUMC Young Adult Gathering
UNDERGROUND
COMMUNITY
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
A Gathering for
College Students,Young Adults,
and Young Parents
6pm FREE FOOD
6:30pm LIVE JAZZ FELLOWSHIP
Free child care provided for
ages 9 and under.
August's Health
Tip:
Eat Berries!
*Raspberries
and
blackberries have only 60
calories in one cup and are both excellent
sources of fiber.
*Blueberries are one of the richest sources
o f p ro a n t h o c y a n i d i n s .
These
phytonutrients decrease free radicals levels
that are linked to disease and aging.
*Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and the
antioxidant properties they contain may
also help to prevent cataracts.
ReCYCLE ReCAP
8
It a good time to remind everyone that recycling helps everyone. The church has
increased “recycle pick up” to twice a week rather than once a week to help alleviate a
full container. Our recycling efforts are making a difference!
For those items that can’t go into the recycling bin, take a look at the chart below for
ideas on where to dispose your goods. It’s time for a FRESH START so please include
recycling in your routine.
Items
Where
Benefit
Call with Questions
Alkaline Home Batteries
Olathe, KS
Mission, KS
www.recyclespot.org
913-971-9311-Olathe
913-715-6900-Mission
Eyeglasses
Box on the Outreach
Counter (outside the
Church Office)
Julie Nitcher:
913-888-5600 or
913-599-1138
Yellow and Green
The church
“Paper Retriever”
receives money
container; southwest based on weight
corner of church
of what we collect
parking lot
Church Office:
913-888-5600
Ink jet and laser cartridges, cell
phones and laptops
Green Kiosk outside
the Church Office
Church Office
Compact Fluorescent Light
Bulbs (CFL)
Kiosk at Home Depot
by Service desk,
Lowes, Best Buy
Newspapers, Magazines, Junk
Mail and other paper
Plastics
Aluminum cans
Tabs from Soda cans and
others
The church
receives money
for many of these
Ronald McDonald
Ronald McDonald
Cardboard house on
House
the Outreach Counter
by Church Office
Local store
Church Office
Rechargeable Tool Batteries
and light bulbs
Kiosk at Home Depot
by Service Desk, and
Lowes
Local store
Computers and other
electronics
Goodwill
Goodwill
913-782-5714
HILLCREST HOUSING UPDATE
9
If you haven't already heard, donations made to the Hoop Shoot
this year benefit our Hillcrest outreach ministry.
Hillcrest
Transitional Housing offers a "hand up not a hand out" to move
homeless families into self-sufficiency. In our area of Kansas they
provide 38 apartments. Of these 38 apartments, 22 are for the
basic "90 day program" of increasing education and basic living
skills and building a more solid financial foundation for each
tenant. Six additional units are for "graduate housing" - a
program for those 90 day graduates who benefit from extended time. Ten units are for
homeless youth ages 16-21 for up to 20 months. In 2016, there have been 26 graduates, 12
in the past 90 days. These 12 saved $16,053 and paid off $34,470 in debt - all successes
exceeding 2015.
Your donations to Hillcrest fund the "rent" on an apartment each year, as well as provide
stocking of the pantry each time a new tenant joins us, and the purchase of necessary
household items as they become needed. The apartment we support is here in Johnson
County near 95th and Bluejacket. In addition, many of you have provided specific furniture
and household goods to furnish the apartment - for all these donations we are very grateful.
Thus far in 2016, one of our tenants has successfully graduated; the other tenant was
unsuccessful in meeting her goals.
The following is an update on the future direction Hillcrest Transitional Housing is taking.
Chuck Arney , Hillcrest Director, has informed us of their goal to provide in 2017 youth
housing near the current Hillcrest apartment building we sponsor here in Johnson County.
Homeless youth is a growing problem in Johnson County. At one Shawnee Mission Public
School administrative meeting attended in the past couple of years, it was reported there are
over 900 youth in this school district alone who are homeless. In addition, the homeless 1621 age group is an attraction for the "human trafficking" that unfortunately is alive and well in
the KC area. It is hoped with availability of no cost rent and the support of case managers,
this vulnerable population can find a new direction for their lives.
How can we help? While monetary donations are always welcome (their goal is $600,000
and they have raised $300,000), they will look forward to having assistance with landscaping,
exterior painting, and replacing sliding doors. Inside the building, they hope to get new sinks
for the kitchen, new bath/shower fixtures, and new flooring. Of course painting the interior
will need to occur as well. In addition, Hillcrest will soon open a "thrift store" in our area,
and welcome your donations of clothing, furniture, household goods - "almost anything",
Chuck said, with the exception of "no tube TVs". The location of this thrift store will be 79th
and Quivera.
Members of the Hillcrest team will keep you posted as more information is available. In
addition, Chuck Arney will be joining our church services in October. Watch for more
details.
10
2nd Quarter Financial Highlights
Giving to the operating budget picked up in the 2nd quarter. We were $1,066 ahead of 2nd
quarter 2015, but the unusually low 1st quarter, still has us behind for the year. We were
finally able to withdraw $914 from the Mildred Thomas Budget Bequest which helped a
little. Expenses continue to run behind budget so we have been able to still pay all bills
current and pay our mission share to the Great Plains Conference.
The church financials, however, are so much more than just the Operating Budget. In the
2nd quarter, we received $64,875 in contributions to the building fund, enabling us to pay
$35,000 in additional principal, as well as our monthly payments. The balance is now under
$800,000. The preschool has paid 100% of their $75,000 pledge to the Building Fund.
Additionally, you gave $492 to United Methodist Special Offerings and $553 to other
outreach ministries. The VBS children collected $136 for the United Methodist Committee
on Relief. The Susanna Circle donated $111 to the Christian Blind Mission. $650 was
received to support the Underground Community Gathering. $1,385 was contributed to
Endowment Funds on Endowment Sunday. All of this on top of food donations for the
Multi-Service Center food pantry, tissues for Sunflower, the list goes on and on.
Thank you for your generous financial support of the work that God is doing at LUMC!
Financial Update
General Operating Fund Contributions Received June 2016 $33,230
Building Use, Fundraising and Other Income Received
$1,380
Income from Bequest
$914
Total Operating Income Received June 2016
$35,524
Mission Shares Paid June 2016
Mission Shares Paid Year to Date
Budgeted Mission Shares Year to Date
Total 2016 Mission Share
$4,500
$26,800
$26,771
$53,542
Miscellaneous News
11
MESSENGER NEWS
The deadline for the September issue is
noon, Thursday, August 18. Submit to
[email protected] or put items in
Debbie’s mailbox in the Church Office. The
latest issue of the Messenger will be on our
website by the last Thursday of each month.
You may also pick up a copy at church. If
you’d like to have the Messenger mailed to
you, please contact the church office.
Dear Lenexa United
Methodist Church,
Thank you for your kind
donation of 235 lbs. to our
food pantry. Our staff and
the families we serve are
so thankful for your support.
Sincerely, Theresa Hicks, Manager, North
Central Multi Service Center Food Pantry
PLEASE REMEMBER THE NEEDS OF
THOSE WHO RELY ON THE MULTISERVICE CENTER DURING THE
SUMMER MONTHS.
Johnson County
Multi-Service Center
Food Pantry Needs:
Flour, sugar, canned fruit-pineapple,
fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges,
condiments-ketchup, mustard,
mayonnaise, salad dressings, canned
spinach, rice, snacks, laundry and
dish detergent, and deodorant.
Place your donations in the gray bins
outside the church office.
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Those serving in the military
(including their friends and families):
•
•
Pay Your Contribution Automatically
Have you fallen behind in your giving to the
church? Never get behind again. Have your
contribution automatically deducted from
your checking or savings account. You may
sign up for a weekly or monthly deduction.
Pick up a form outside the sanctuary or
contact Linda Stokes (913-888-5600 or
[email protected]).
•
•
•
•
•
Have you remembered the Church in
your estate plan? For more information
contact Endowment Chair Alan Beyer, or
your financial advisor.
LCpl Hunter HiIsabeck, USMC
(Linda and Ken Joseph’s nephew)
Russell Newman (Flona Halley’s
nephew) beginning his tour in
Afganistan
Sergeant Eric Hampton, (Nora
Lee Walter’s grandson) Kuwait
Chris Johnson, Army (Nancy
Stone’s nephew) serving in
Afghanistan
LTC George Hammar (Tammy
Shepherd’s brother-in-law)
Katy McClary
Maj Justin White (Kris
Scarborough’s nephew) returning
state side and will be stationed in
Oklahoma City, OK
Please let the church office know if the
status of any military member has
changed.
12
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Rev. Kristin Stoneking will be speaking on the
election of the first openly gay Bishop in the
United Methodist Church, Bishop Karen Oliveto,
at Grace United Methodist Church on Monday
August 8 at 7 pm. Kristin is the Executive
Director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation and
a United Methodist pastor. She is the daughter
of Rev. John Stoneking who served at LUMC 1978-1984. All are invited.
Grace UMC is at 11485 S. Ridgeview in Olathe.
If you have not already "liked" the Lenexa UMC Facebook page, now is a great time to do so. To find the church Facebook
page go to www.facebook.com/lenexaumc. Please post to the church’s wall to share an accomplishment or a time you
were particularly touched by something at church.
If you enjoy twitter, join the conversation about YOUR church. Follow us at http://twitter.com/lenexaumc.
CHURCH STAFF
Peggy Hillmon, Senior Pastor
Tyler Kaufmann, Associate Pastor
Jennifer Bryan, Ecumenical Community Outreach Pastor
Abra Petrie, Barbara Pendleton, Ann Ober, Children’s Ministries
Lisa Freeman, Youth Ministries
Lori Campbell, Director of Preschool/CDO
Blair Penney, Nan Hulett, Liesle Stephens, Trey Bures, Jenny Ewing, Music Staff
Linda Stokes, Debbie Hansen, Office Staff
Lenexa United Methodist Church
9138 Caenen Lake Road
913-888-5600 / 913-888-5609 fax
[email protected]
www.lenexaumc.org
Lenexa, Kansas 66215
Preschool/ CDO: 913-888-6300
www.facebook.com/lenexaumc
http://twitter.com/lenexaumc
All Are Welcome at LUMC