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Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

Paid

Ephrata, WA

Permit No. 5

The United Methodist Church of Ephrata 117 C. Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 - (509)754-4664

E-mail: info@ephratamethodist.org

Thank you for supporting the work of the church through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness as we pursue our mission:

“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.”

February 17th

Office Hours Monday through Thursday

9:00am to 1:00pm

www.umcephrata.org

Phone: (509)754-4664

Email: info@umcephrata.org www.umcephrata.org

The Update February 2016

The United Methodist

Church of Ephrata

“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.”

Pastor Harriet Wilkin…...pastor@umcephrata.org

Administrative Assistant: Sheryl Downey…….sheryl@umcephrata.org

Custodian: Jamie Downing

Nursery Attendant: Hannah Heflin

Lent Begins

Ash Wednesday

Happy Valentine’s Day

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When most people think of February normally the word Love comes to mind. What does it mean to LOVE something/ someone? Jesus said we are to LOVE our neighbor as we LOVE ourselves. What does it mean to LOVE ourselves? Part of that is caring for our body, mind and spirit. Car-ing for ourselves means eating right, exercising, being a part of a support group – staying in touch with friends and family that are there to listen,

prayer and meditation, organizing our medical information, writing down in-formation that would be helpful for our funerals/ memorials or gravesite ser-vices – what are our wishes.

Those items might seem a little overwhelming when first reading through them, but when taken in steps all are manageable and show that we love ourselves and we care about others.

The church sanctuary is open Monday through Thursday each week from 9 am to 1 pm for you to come in and have some quiet time to reflect. Bibles

are available in the pews and if you like to read through a hymn or two, you are welcome to do so.

Granted with the snow on the ground it might be harder to take a walk around town or in the coun-try, but try to find some time to enjoy all that God has created. What is the first thing you see each day in nature that you consider to be a blessing from God?

Taking time to eat a nutritious meal can be sometimes difficult. Taking the time to prepare our meals for ourselves and our families has a way of showing how much we value ourselves and those that we care about.

Organizing our medical information can be a big blessing over time. It helps reduce our stress and helps when seeing a doctor to have everything ready for them. Sandy Archer is available to help you. She has the forms that you can fill out on your own or she can help you. Sandy will be availa-ble on Sunday, Feb 7

th after the 10 am Worship Service in the social hall to talk to you about the

forms or just to find out more information about what the Care Ministry is all about.

Organizing and planning one’s funeral/ memorial or gravesite service is not something we want to think about, however, the more that is written out for the family the easier the process is for the family. What is/ are your favorite Bible verse or stories and how has it or how have they guided you in your faith walk with Christ? What is/ are hymns or songs that have touched your life and brought meaning to your journey with Christ? What are some stories about your life that you would like shared? What are your wishes for that day we celebrate your life? These are just some of the questions to think about and then write down your thoughts. I am available to sit down with you to organize and plan your funeral/ memorial or gravesite service. Please call the church office to set up an appointment time either at the church office or I can come to your home.

Lent is a time that we can take to reflect on the above items. Lent is a time we can follow the ex-ample of Jesus as he was in the wilderness for 40 days. Granted during that time he was being tempted by Satan, it was also a time for Jesus to learn how much he loved his heavenly Father and what he, Jesus, truly valued. What do you value? What does it mean to love? What does it mean to care and love for ourselves? What does it mean to care and love for our family and our neighbors?

Blessings,

Pastor Harriet

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GRIEF TALKS

For those going through the shadows, pain, tears and fear of the grief season. Grief talks meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm to

7:00pm in the Fireside Room. Quilters meet every Tuesday at 9am

Choir

The Choir will start singing again on February 7th. Practice will be at 9:00am that day. Director Margaret Treiber would like to see former members return and hopes for a few new voices. Margaret states that it has worked out to have practices held on Sunday mornings rather than Wednesday evenings, saving choir members a night out. Anyone is welcome to join the fun!

Care Ministry:

In October 2015, Sandy started the Care Ministry. The Care Ministry was started to help support the Caregivers in our congregation to help with having forms available to help with navigating the medical system. This ministry is close and dear to my heart. I know first-hand the importance of having medical information when seeing a doctor or when needing to go to the hospital. The forms that Sandy is providing are forms that I created while I was my Mom’s caregiver and from Jim’s experience as a paramedic.

On February 7, 2016, we will have a special Sunday; “Care for yourself and Love for Family.”

Sandy will have a table setup with packets of the forms and be available to chat with regarding the Care Ministry. Sandy is available on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the Pastor’s Study or call Sandy 760-9747 to set up an evening appointment.

Starting Wednesday, February 10th

, 2016, every 2nd

Wednesday of the month, from 10 am until 11 am – Pastor Harriet will be leading a Caregiver Support Group. Come find support. Come tell your story. Come and have a short Bible Study. If that time does not work for you, please call and set up an appointment.

Blessings,

Pastor Harriet

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FINANCE UPDATE *

In an attempt to be transparent and inform you of our financial outlook, the Finance Committee includes a monthly financial update in our church Newsletter. Please note, the giving totals for this month’s information only records giving through the end of December 2015.

Giving to General Fund As of December 2015

2015 Budget $153,390 New Balance $116,356

Treasurers Report As of December 2015

Year to Date Income $127,915 Year to Date Expense $125,594

Percentage of Apportionments Paid As of December 2015: 100%

We thank you for your financial support of the church’s ministries and programs!

If you would like information on your giving or an update on your progress toward your financial pledge to the church, please contact someone on the Finance Committee by phoning the church office at 754-4664. * Figures are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Sunday, March 6th

Assistant of the Day: Bob Bluhm

Usher: Gary Archer

Greeter: Louise Ingebrigtson

Liturgist: Linda Bryant-Smith

Coffee Hour: Marilyn Bluhm

Lead Counter: Denis Plew

Assistant Counter: Louise Ingebrigtson

Servers for February

Assistant of the Day:

7th: Scott Kellams

14th: Denis Plew

21st: Harold Chadwick

28th: Camille Price

Ushers

7th: Lonny Holleman

14th: Joan Jensen

21st: Don Morin

28th: Bob Bluhm

Greeters

7th: Marna Kellams

14th: Vivian Plew

21st: Linda Bryant-Smith

28th: Mona Kaiser

Liturgist

7th: Sandy Archer

14th: Margaret Treiber

21st: Jenny Bunkelman

28th: Camille Price

Coffee Hour

7th: Dolores Pheasant

14th: Della Moore

21st: Christy Price

28th: Tura Yount

Counters

7th: Denis Plew & Louise Ingebrigtson

14th: Linda Bryant-Smith & Marilyn Grass

21st: Kathy Buhl & Mary Morin

28th: John Morris & Margaret Treiber

Sunday School Teacher

7th: Jamie Downing

14th: Christy Price

21st: Maggie Reynolds

28th: Katherine Reeve

Flowers

21st: Ed & Tura Yount

28th: Bob Miller

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FUNERAL INSTRUCTIONS (fill in, cut out, and return to Pastor Harriet if you wish)

1. I wish my service to be held at:_________________________________________________________

2. I request the following music:__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

3. I request the following Bible verses: ____________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

4. My funeral director is: _________________________________________________________________

5. I would like a tribute video played at my service: Yes________________ No________________

6. I am a Veteran and would like military honors at my service: Yes__________ No___________

7. Special information/requests: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Name (printed):__________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________

THE ART OF EXTRAVAGANT WELCOME Make Worship Participation Comfortable

“The hour is coming and is now here… [to] worship in spirit and truth.” (John 14:23, NRSV adapted)

Help people participate comfortably in worship by helping them understand your traditions and habits. The spirit and truth of Christian worship is a spirit of community and the truth of love. Yet, every worship service has its own traditions and language. Churches that welcome and include everyone in worship are churches that reflect Jesus’ calling to love both God and neighbor. Help visitors and newcomers participate as fully as they want by helping them understand your worship traditions and language. Worship handouts can include instructions about when to sit or stand, when to sing or listen, and how to participate in rituals like communion or prayer. Worship leaders can give clear signals about when to stand or when to speak, easing every worshipper into comfortable participation. Ushers can provide handouts and hospitality to every person, including children and latecomers, to extend extravagant welcome. Worshippers who help others feel welcome are vital in expressing your church’s invitation and inclusion. Before wor-ship, explain to a visitor how to share their prayer requests or when children will be invited forward to participate. Hand your neighbor a hymnal opened to the right page or point to the screen when a person looks confused. Review written handouts and worship patterns to improve communication and maximize your welcome for full inclusion. Work together to create an environment that invites and encourages participation for every person present. When we create a community that is welcoming and inclusive, we help people to worship in the spirit or Christ’s love and the truth of God’s grace. ©2016 Mary J. Scifres for Mary Scifres Ministries at www.maryscifres.com Permission is granted to subscribers for reprinting, editing, and adapting in your church

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Walking Together in Truth Laity retreat: March 4-6, 2016

Lazy F, Ellensburg "Doesn't wisdom cry out and understanding shout? Atop the heights along the path, at the crossroads she takes her stand. By the gate before the city, at the entrance she shouts: I cry out to you, people; my voice goes out to all of humanity." Proverbs 8:1-4 You are invited to join with clergy and laity at the upcoming Seven Rivers District retreats as we explore truth. This is a place to find rest and renewal, build relationships, ground yourself spiritually, and gain leadership tools and techniques. Come and be in community with others from the Seven Rivers District as we learn, worship, rest and play.

"Truth is a way of being - a journey, a process, a spirituality, a relationship with God through Christ, a way to see the world as God sees it, and a way that leads to action to restore the blessings that flow from God to all." Eric Law, Holy Currencies

Betty Rogers February 8th Zack Reeve February 12th Jeff Pheasant February 16th Christy Price February 16th Kathy Buhl February 18th Marlene Albee February 24th Allyson Downing February 25th Mia Reeve February 25th Janice Niehenke February 27th If you had a birthday and it wasn’t listed here, please let us know so we can add you.

UMW Men will meet Saturday,

February 6th, at 7:30am for breakfast

and study. Bob Del Mar will be the

cook and host. This video study will be

the last in the current session and the

group will choose a new study.

Ed Rogers is the facilitator. All men

are welcome and encouraged to join.

Fun & Fellowship

We need someone to be

the facilitator of Fun &

Fellowship as Dolores

Pheasant is stepping

down. No one has

volunteered to host

future meetings so far.

The UMW Circle of Love will meet February 15th at noon in the Fellowship Hall for a luncheon. Hostesses will be Rosie Cegnar, Irene Gans, Bonnie Schuh, and Dolores Pheasant. The programs will be about favorite Valentine gifts of diamonds and chocolate. Both have dark sides of human trafficking that we should be aware of. All ladies of the church are invited for food,

fellowship, fun, and learning.

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YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULE 2016

February 7th: Ice Skating? (Superbowl)

February 21st: Life-Size Sorry

March 6th: To Be Scheduled

March 20th: Scavenger Hunt

April 10th: Art Garden

April 24th: Bowling

May 15th: Ice Cream Social

Please join us for Community Dinner,

Thursday, February 25th, at 5:30pm.

All are welcome. Invite your friends and

neighbors.

The Community Dinner volunteers, led

by Camille & Christy Price. Photo’s

submitted by Marilyn Bluhm.

Who Was St. Valentine?

One legend contends that Valentine

was a priest who served during the

third century in Rome. When

Emperor Claudius II decided that

single men made better soldiers than

those with wives and families, he

outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realizing the injustice of

the decree, defied Claudius and

continued to perform

marriages for young

lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s

actions were

discovered, Claudius

ordered that he be

put to death.

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UMW SPECIAL MISSION RECOGNITION

Special Mission Recognition pins are presented each year to two people. These pins are present-

ed to those in our church who has made an outstanding contribution to the church or to UMW. A monetary donation was given to missions in each of their names to the District UMW who then passes it on to the National UMW. Ed Rogers and Louise Sivula were this year’s recipients.

VIVIAN PLEW

Our Ephrata United Methodist Woman of the year is a lady who came to Ephrata in 1968 via Omak, Brewster, Pateros, Cheney Augsburg, Germany. She was born in Omak, grew up in Brewster and graduated from Pateros High School. She attended Eastern State University until she and her husband got married. All of their children were born while they were stationed in Augsburg, Germany. Vivian conquered Polio at the age of 12 and underwent a successful experimental muscle transplant from the knee down. She has been an assistant librarian at Columbia Ridge Elementary, teacher’s aide at the middle school and had the job of correcting English papers. She also has worked at the Methodist Church for many years, office manager, & has held many offices in both the church and Sunday school. Presently, she leads funeral/reception team # 3. Vivian has served as secretary of our UMW for several years and still fills in when needed. For several years she has been in charge of the seasonal centerpieces in the Fellowship Hall. We enjoy see-

ing the passing of seasons with these bright colorful additions to our tables. More recently, however, she has taken up “bleacher warming” as she cheers for 4 grandsons as they play baseball. We are proud to award Vivian Plew as our woman of the year for 2015. Pictured above is Ann Chandler and Vivian Plew. Article and picture submitted by Joan Jensen

Ed Rogers and Ann Chandler Louise Sivula Ann Chandler

Photos and article submitted by Joan Jensen

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“I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141: 1-2

One of the most wonderful gifts we are given is the gift of prayer. We can pray for one another in times of need as well as times of celebration.

To join the email prayer chain, email Sheryl at sheryl@umcephrata.org

PRAYER REQUESTS

Prayers for Pregnant Moms & Their Babies

Because of our Maternity Closet and our concern for moms and babies, we are asking for the congregation to pray for those whose due date is near and also pray for God’s precious little ones: Dakota: Feb 16th Lillian: May 1st Lasean: July 1st

Please let us know if someone should be added or taken off our prayer list by contacting the church office: Also contact the church office if you know of someone in need of a visit by our Congregational Care Team or Pastor Harriet.

Prayers for Health, Healing,

and well-being

Steve VanEss

Cammy Hatch

Cleta Helmick

Jim Fisher

Rosetta Barnes

Cherie McGruen

Ken Gausman

Eleanor Gausman

Irene Gans

Bob Winters

Duane Ward

Bob Cegnar

Randy Senn

Lynette Follett

Kahl

Dan Anderson

Pat Boyd

Don Deycous

Ann Chandler

Doug Jensen

Henry Senn

Cameron McKnight

Prayers for Those Suffering From

Long-Term Health Problems

Bob St. Clair Jr

Ruth Walker

Hazel Scoby

Susan Smith

Mary Baird

Dick Hoyt

Ed Sivula

Doug Jensen

Ron Gardner

Steven Grass

Shirley Morris

Brian Davisson

Renee Muse

Richard Hart

Al Davisson

Orin Smith

Bill Nelson

Steve Smith

Bob Craig

Vonn Cabe

Ray Gans

Chris Wash

Kevin Harmon

Andrew Michaud

Michael Oliveira

Lane Jensen

Prayers of comfort

Loved ones of :

Carol Ketz

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Newsletter Folding, 9am

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3

7 8 9 10

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

28 29

Worship, 10:00am

Communion

Sunday School 9:00am

Care Ministry9:30am-

Worship Team, 5:30pm

GRIEF TALKS, 6:00pm

Quilters 9:00am

Quilters 9:00am

Quilters 9:00am

Quilters 9:00am

Worship, 10:00am

Worship, 10:00am

Worship, 10:00am

Choir, 9am

Evangelism 4pm

Choir, 9am

Care Ministry9:30am-

Care Ministry9:30am-

Sunday School 9:00am Choir, 9am

Youth Group 6pm

Choir, 9am

Church Office Closed

Care Ministry9:30am-

Sunday School 9:00am

Sunday School 9:00am

Youth Group 6pm

Caregiver Support, 10am

Ash Wed. Service, 7pm

UMW Luncheon, 12pm

www.umcephrata.org

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Newsletter Folding, 9am

www.facebook.com/umcofephrata

Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday

4 5 6

11 12 13

19 20 18

25 26 27

Community Dinner 5:30pm

Care Ministry 9:30am-11:30am

UMW Meeting, 11am

Men’s Breakfast 7:30am

Care Ministry 9:30am-11:30am

Care Ministry 9:30am-11:30am

Care Ministry 9:30am-11:30am

Caregiver Support, 10am

Ash Wed. Service, 7pm