BLOOMING GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

THE VISITOR

Volume 83, Issue 6 THE TWO STEEPLED CHURCH ON THE PRAIRIE June 2019

Readers, Greeters & Treats June 2 Reader: Linda Danks PPRC Reception for Morgan Family June 9 Reader Needed G&T: Chuck and Linda Danks June 16 Reader Needed G&T: Carol Karsten June 23 Reader: Patti Ellingson All Church potluck to welcome new pastor June 30 Reader, Greeter and Treats Needed

Wagons, Ho! On Monday, June 24th, Blooming Grove will be receiving a visit from the 2019 Friendship Wagon Train during their trip from Northfield to Waseca. This dedicated group of volunteers sets out each year on a week-long wagon train to raise funds for children and adults with devel-opmental disabilities. This year, they are raising funds for the Special Olympics. Blooming Grove will be providing lunch for the wagon train and anyone else who turns up to see the horses, wagons, and so on. We plan on sloppy joes, chips, an assortment of bars and cookies, and bottled water. A freewill dona-tion will be taken for the lunch. A sign-up sheet will be passed around during worship, but if you would like to make a monetary donation to help purchase supplies, that would be welcome as well. Donations

may be sent to the church mailing address with a notation that the funds are for the wagon train. If you want to help out, or just come and see the wag-on train, they will be arriving somewhere between 11:30 and noon. We will have a more definite time closer to the date!

MN Annual Conference Love Offering

As a reminder, this year’s Annual Conference Love Offering will go to three projects: Lao Samphan Methodist Church in Laos (60%).

Rev. Daniel Yang, a Minnesota elder, now serves as a UMC missionary in Laos, and works with leaders there to establish a Methodist pres-ence and programs in 17 provinces.

Volunteer Lawyers Network – Immigrant Legal Services Program (20%). Through this pro-gram, volunteer lawyers and staff partner with community organizations (including Northfield UMC) to provide culturally competent services to immigrant and refugee neighbors.

MN Volunteers in Mission Scholarships (20%) to help offset the cost for first-time participants in these mission teams as they engage in hands-on projects that build infrastructure to ensure that nutritional, medical, and educational pro-grams in developing countries become sustaina-ble and locally run.

If you are interested in contributing to the Love Offering, please make your checks payable to BGUMC and note “Love Offering” in the memo line and/or on your offering envelope.

Starting

June 30th

Worship

Service

Will Change to

8:15 a.m.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone for your care, concern, cards, and prayers during my knee replacement surgery and recovery.

--Hjordi Churchill

PASTORS’

FAREWELL

Greetings to you, fellow followers of Jesus.

It has been an honor and a privilege to journey with you. It is truly mind boggling how much has happened in these past two years as we have grown in our faith together.

We thank you for your prayers and support that you have shared with both of us and our children. Ministry, and life itself, is filled with many twists and turns and ups and downs, but knowing that you were present with us through it all really made the difference during our time with you.

We continue to believe today that the Triune God (God the Father Almighty, Jesus His only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit) are why we gather together each Sunday and why we have the hope that we share in God’s promises. Living out our identity as God’s children with you has been a joy that we will not soon forget.

We felt when we arrived, and still do today, that God had led us to Blooming Grove United Methodist Church for a purpose and a season. Unfortunately that season has ended, but our witness to the world and our work in the world has not. Together we each will continue in the sharing of the message of the Living Lord and Savior with our loved ones and with our neighbors, it will just be in different zip codes.

For two years, we have worked side by side, continually exploring our faith. We have worshiped the living Lord in sunshine, in rain, and even in lots of snow. Through it all, we have seen the Holy Spirit continue to work in us and through us as a representative body of Christ..

We thank God for the opportunity that God has given us to live, serve and worship alongside you. We have learned from your witness and your many examples of how to show grace to all. Thank you for being a supportive Christian community. May you continue to experience God’s blessings as you follow Jesus.

We now close this farewell letter with an ending borrowed from the Apostle Paul.

“11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet each other with Christian love. 13 All of God's people here send you their greetings. 14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:11-14)

Blessings,

Pastors JJ and Stefanie Morgan

P r a i r i e L a k e s P a r i s h A c t i v i tP r a i r i e L a k e s P a r i s h A c t i v i tP r a i r i e L a k e s P a r i s h A c t i v i t i e s

June 2019

11:30 am Farewell recep-tion for Pastors JJ and Stefanie Vote on building project by church members

Last day of worship with Pastors JJ and Stefanie

6:30 pm Vacation Bible School Planning Mtg

7 pm BG Coun-cil Meeting

Guest Preacher: Sharon Nelson

Guest Preacher: Sonja Parr. 11:30 Potluck welcoming Kathy King

Service change to 8:15 am. First Sunday

Serve lunch for Special Olynmpics

Wagon Train

2 3 4 5

6

7 8

1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

25 24 23

Waterville Evangelical Worship ..................... 8:30 am Sunday School and Adult Bible Study ................ 9:45 am

Blooming Grove Worship .………….….. 10:30 am

STARTING JUNE 30 worship begins at 8:15 am

26 27 28

GH Bible Study/RC jail

GH Bible Study/RC jail

ll:30 am GH Wor-ship at SCDC

ll:30 am GH Wor-ship at SCDC

ll:30 am GH Wor-ship at SCDC

ll:30 am GH Wor-ship at SCDC

Coding Information GH—Gathering House ODC—Owatonna Detention Center SCDC—Steele County Detention Center RC—Rice County

29

30

Straight River Days—Medford

Dam Days—Morristown

Dam Days Morristown Bullhead Days—Waterville

Happening Yet in May

Sunday, May 26th – Guest Preacher Sonja Parr

Wednesday, May 29th – Joint PPRC Meet-ing with BGUMC, Waterville EUMC, and Janesville UMC at 7:00 P.M. – in Janesville

Treasurer’s Report

April 26 – May 18, 2019

General Budget Income $1,866.00

Expenses Pastors Salaries 1,663.49 Water for Parsonage 44.52 Cell Phone 35.00 Health Insurance 550.00 Pension 222.46 Continuing Education 30.70 Meal Expense 26.52 Mileage 292.61 Hotels 81.09 Softener Salt 6.37 Electric Parsonage 54.57 Parsonage 100.00 Centerpoint Energy 28.90 Internet 35.75 Guest Pastor 100.00 Cleaning 126.00 Excel Energy 49.37 Copier 22.50 Copier expense 84.25 Lent Study 42.71 Bibles 77.79 Total Expenses $ 3,674.60

(Net Income: - $1,808.60)

Other Income Received Tornado Relief 50.00 Restoration 200.00

Paraments

June 2 White June 9 Red June 16 White June 23 Green June 30 Green

JUNE CALENDAR

Sunday Worship June 2—June 23 at 10:30 a.m.

June 30—November 24 at 8:15 a.m.

See the Cover page and the calendar for Major events happening this month.

Cleaning

June 9, 23 Nancy & Susan

Happy Birthday

1 Deb Brecht 3 Michael Kanne 4 Shane Yule 6 Beth Christesen 7 Christ Karsten 7 Penelope Morgan 8 Jenny Nicholson 14 Dave Brisel 14 Mike Nicholson, Jr. 15 Brian Martin 18 Sierra Lustig 20 Caitlin Needham 21 Gil Christesen 22 Raelyn Janke 23 Dylan Carty 27 Megan Schmitz 28 Klye Lustig 29 Lanie Ahlman

Happy Anniversary

1 Peter & Lenore Poole 2 Brian & Carolyn Kanne 11 Ron & Carolyn Engebretson 14 Robert & Sharon Nelson 17 Dave & Sheryl Brisel

Jane A. Anenson, 71, of Mounds View passed away May 13, 2019. Survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert;

Daughters, Patti, Roberta, Lisa (Kosel); Grandchildren, Joseph, Austin, Brittany (Kosel), Robert, Adam, Tyler (Kosel) and Cody (Kosel).

Ladies of the church

(all ages)

You’re invited to a…..

In Honor of Emily Nagel

Emily is registered at Target, Amazon and Menards.

Saturday

July 27

10:00 am

Pastoral Message from Bishop Bruce Ough following United

Methodist Judicial Council Rulings

Bishop Bruce R. Ough – resident bishop of the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of the United Methodist Church

May 3, 2019

Grace and peace to you in this season of Eastertide.

As you know, the Judicial Council recently ruled on legislation

passed at General Conference 2019. While nearly half of the

Traditional Plan remains unconstitutional, some provisions were

found to be valid as church law and will take effect in January

2020. (Read the set of FAQs on the Minnesota UMC Confer-

ence website for more information about what passed and what

it means @ https://www.minnesotaumc.org/blogdetail/faqs-post-judicial-council-ruling-12803659 )

For many, this ruling ripped open the deep wounds sustained immediately after General Conference in

February. It has re-awakened the hurt experienced by those in the LGBTQIA+ community. My heart is

heavy as I acknowledge and lament this harm. Others welcomed the affirmation of traditional marriage

and current language related to human sexuality. These differing responses reflect the depth of our divi-

sion as a denomination.

Each of us has our own convictions about human sexuality based on scripture, tradition, reason, and expe-

rience—and in Minnesota, we have created space for each other’s beliefs and different ways of doing

ministry that are relevant for our unique contexts. We don’t agree on everything, but we have lived as a

covenant community under the big tent of United Methodism, rooted in a Wesleyan understanding of the

gospel and the “catholic spirit,” loving and supporting each other and pursuing our shared mission of

making disciples. Grace pervades our understanding of Christian faith and life. The actions of General

Conference and the Judicial Council rulings do not change who we are as the Minnesota Annual Confer-

ence or who we are in Christ.

As I’ve said before, I supported the One Church Plan that was defeated at General Conference because it

aligns with my dream of a unified global church that honors contextual differences and freely, joyfully

provides space for one another’s ministries and evangelistic efforts just as we have sought to do in this

annual conference. I join with many who are deeply disappointed that the Traditional Plan does not afford

this space that has become sacred to us in Minnesota.

Although none of us knows exactly what is to come, I can tell you this:

We will devote a day of our upcoming annual conference session to consider our identity as an annual

conference, and seek clarity about how God is calling us to be the church and therefore what is next.

There will be conversations around the state for clergy and lay members of annual conference in the

month leading up to annual conference so they can be fully informed and prepared for the conversation

and decisions to be made in June. (continued)

There are movements underway—here in Minnesota and across the country—to create new expres-

sions of United Methodism, and it seems likely that the denomination will change significantly in the

next few years. I am paying close attention to these efforts and commit to staying in close conversa-

tion with those involved so that I can prepare our annual conference, our congregations, and our

leaders for whatever may be next. The 2020 General Conference will be in Minneapolis, and there is

certain to be legislation to help clarify and enable one or more paths forward. Potential scenarios that

I am aware of include:

more progressive and centrist conferences and congregations forming a new denomination;

the Wesleyan Covenant Association becoming a separate denomination;

dissolving The United Methodist Church, dividing all assets, and forming two different

churches;

revising the Connectional Conference Plan so it would pass constitutional review and create

three loosely related expressions of The United Methodist Church;

The United Methodist Church in North America becoming one or more central or regional

conferences with greater autonomy on matters related to the practice of ministry.

There are likely other scenarios or variations of the aforementioned scenarios also being discussed.

However, none of the scenarios have yet coalesced into legislative proposals. Petitions to be considered

by the 2020 General Conference must be submitted by Sept. 18.

I believe the best way forward for the Minnesota Annual Conference is to stay together and stay

strong in this in-between time. I believe we are called to hold and live out of the radical center that

God loves everyone. I am committed to being a bishop who opens the church to all peoples, nations,

and races as stated in our baptismal vows. That includes the full inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ com-

munity. At the same time, I am committed to keeping the doors of the church open to all faithful

followers of Jesus even as we have differing understandings of how we live out our ethic of love.

This is the Wesleyan “catholic spirit.” I will always call us to respect one another and live with an

attitude of convicted humility in the midst of our difference. In this season in which we do not yet

know how the global structure of The United Methodist Church will change, I ask us as Minnesota

United Methodists to continue to hold to our center in Jesus, to stay strong and to stay together so

that, whatever comes, we can continue the good work we are doing to be a church that boldly and

compassionately reaches all people with the love of Jesus Christ.

In the days and months ahead, I implore you to be the leaders and the church God is calling us to be.

Remain true to yourself while also committing yourself to respectful conversation with those who

hold different convictions. Clarify your identity and values as a congregation. Reflect on how you

are called to be in ministry with the LGBTQIA+ community. And most importantly, stay laser fo-

cused on our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

May 16, 2019

Notice of Congregational Meeting Sunday, June 2nd – Following Morning Worship

Greetings from the Blooming Grove UMC (BGUMC) Building Project Team Dear friends in Christ, It is an exciting time at BGUMC as we move together into the future and consider the possibilities of making our church more accessible and welcoming to all – in order to better live out our calling to share God’s love with the world through our Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors. We have been discussing how to make our church handicapped accessible for a number of years. The trustees have looked into options and in October 2018, made some recommendations to the Church Council. A Building Project Team was formed in November 2018 to pursue the process outlined by the Minnesota Annual Conference (aka Conference) for a capital improvement project such as this. A pro-posal needed to be created, presented to the Church Council and approved there, then it would be submitted to the MN UMC District Board of Church and Building Location for their preliminary approval. We have completed this process and recently received preliminary approval from the MN UMC District Board of Church and Building Location to proceed with plans for proposed building projects at BGUMC. Our Building Project Team met on May 1st to discuss next steps. After in-depth conversation, the team decided to propose to the congregation that we focus on Phase 1 immediately: making our building handicapped accessible. This includes building an entryway with handicapped accessible restrooms and a lift that will provide access to the sanctuary as well as the basement. Phase 1 will also include two maintenance projects: shingling the north steeple and fixing the sanctuary ceiling. Our Building Project Team also decided that Phase 2 – the addition of a fellowship hall - will be placed on hold until Phase 1 is completed and further exploration can take place at that time. Enclosed in this mailing is the “May 2019 Building Project Proposal for Congregational Vote on June 2, 2019”. It includes rationale and estimates of costs for Phase 1 (as described above). Funding for Phase 1 will be handled through congregational pledges (payable over 5 years), possible grants for handicapped accessibility, fundraisers, and a bank loan as needed.

Blooming Grove United Methodist Church

Physical location:

43089 180th Street, Morristown, MN

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 171 Medford, MN 55049-0171

www.bloominggroveumc.org

Email: bloominggroveumc@gmail.com

A congregational meeting will be held after church on Sunday, June 2nd to determine whether or not the congregation wishes to proceed with Phase 1. A vote will be taken at this meeting. All BGUMC members are eligible to vote. Per Conference rules, members must be present to cast their vote. Upon congregational approval of Phase 1, the Conference process requires three additional steps prior to construction taking place:

Development of detailed plans and final estimate of cost – with final approval of both by the District Board of Church Location and Building.

Final approval by voting members of the BGUMC Church Council.

Submission of final notification of approvals in #1 and #2 above to Fred Vanderwerf, South-ern Prairie UMC District Superintendent.

As a reminder, after the congregational meeting on June 2nd, there will be a farewell reception for Pas-tors JJ and Stephanie Morgan, so plan to stick around for some tasty treats and to wish the Morgans well as they transition to their new appointment to Bethlehem UMC in Hutchinson. Feel free to contact any of us with questions. We look forward to seeing you on June 2nd! Sincerely, The BGUMC Building Project Team

BGUMC Building Project Team

Name Area Represented Phone #

Hjordi Churchill Church Council Chair 507-456-1825

Jake Goldsmith Member at Large 507-380-8184

Brian Kanne Finance 507-456-8968

Carolyn Kanne United Methodist Women 507-475-0100

Judy Mahler Communications Team 507-456-3937

Marlis Mahler Education & Events Team 507-461-1260

Pastor JJ Morgan Co-Pastor of BGUMC 507-995-6623

Pastor Stefanie Morgan Co-Pastor of BGUMC 507-995-6624

Brad Saufferer Trustees 507-363-6579

Brad Spinler Trustees 507-461-2354

A TIME OF FAREWELLS & WELCOME

Sunday, June 2nd – 10:30 A.M. Worship Thanks & Blessings for Pastors JJ & Stefanie

Sunday, June 2nd will be the second to last Sunday of worship with JJ and Stefanie Morgan as pastors serving BGUMC. We invite you to join together in morning worship, which will include a short program of thanks and blessings for Pastors JJ and Stefanie as they transition to their new appointment at Bethlehem UMC in Hutchinson. After worship and the congre-

gational vote on the building project are completed, we invite you to join us at the fellowship area in the back of the sanctuary for a time of refreshments and individual remembrances and thanks. For anyone who would like to participate in a group gift for the Morgan Family, we plan to pool donations and purchase a Walmart Gift Card that they can use as they settle into their new living arrangements in Hutchinson. Please make donations by writing a check to Blooming Grove UMC - in the memo line state “Pastor Morgan Gift”. Place all checks in the offering plate or give them to Brian Kanne by Sunday, June 2nd. We will present the group gift on the Morgans’ last Sunday with us, June 9th.

Sunday, June 23rd – 11:30 A.M. Welcome & Intergenerational Potluck for

Pastor Kathy King & Family

We invite you to an All-Congregation Potluck Welcome Reception for Pastor Kathy King and her husband Jerry on Sunday, June 23rd at 11:30 A.M. Although Pastor Kathy does not officially begin her time with us until Sunday, June 30th, this will allow time to greet one another before we jump into full swing with our Three-Point Charge with Waterville and Janesville UMCs. We will also gather on the church steps for an updated congregational photo! Come with your families and children to meet our new pastor and her husband over a time of delicious food and outdoor games for kids! If the weather is good – plan to eat outside at portable picnic tables spread throughout the church lawn with room for everyone to gather in the shade. We will set up a giant buffet-style serving table on the sidewalk next to the church to hold everyone’s cooking and baking delights. Please bring: Food to share, i.e. main dishes, sandwiches, vegetables, salads, desserts etc. (You may plug in crock pots, etc. in the basement to keep food warm during morning wor-ship.) The Pastor Parish Relations Committee will provide plates, cups, napkins, and utensils and beverages. We would love to have you join us on this day of welcome and of making new friends.

May 2019 Building Project Proposal for Congregational Vote on June 2, 2019

Need and Rationale It is an exciting time as we move together into the future and consider the possibilities of making our church more accessible and welcoming to all – in order to better live out our calling to share God’s love with the world through our Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors. In this spirit, we have identified the need to make our church handicapped accessible and to continue to maintain our current facility. Historical Perspective The Blooming Grove Church dates back to 1857, when Johann Saufferer hosted Reverend F.R Grotchenmeyer at his home until a log parsonage and log school were erected. The church was originally named the Bethel Church and was yoked with another rural church called Immanuel. In 1951, the Immanuel Church was moved to the site of the Bethel Church, and physically the two were joined to form the Blooming Grove Church. The Bethel portion of the current building dates from 1909, while the Immanuel portion dates from 1883. The two steeples are a local land-mark. With a membership of 100, the Church has maintained a presence in the community that is far larger than one would expect. During 2018, the Church held or participated in eleven different fund-raising events ranging from disaster relief offerings to a tractor pull to benefit the Kamisamba Farm/Training Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Church also participated in ten mission opportunities and education events. At this time, the congregation feels a need to make the Church more accessible and welcoming to the community to facilitate in bringing Christ to the people. Projected Range of Capital and Project Blooming Grove Church underwent a building improvement project in 2002-2003. This included re-roofing the sanctuary and the south steeple, re-siding the Church, re-wiring much of the Church, re-insulating the building including the attic, and having permanent storm windows added. The project was done in two phases, both at approximately $100,000.00. The first $100,000.00 was paid by the end of the project by donations from the congregation and friends of the Blooming Grove Church. The second phase was done with a line of credit that was repaid within two years. The money was raised by a call to the membership and a letter sent to friends of the Church. Sponsor-ships also worked well with people sponsoring a specific item such as a window.

Blooming Grove United Methodist Church

Physical location:

43089 180th Street, Morristown, MN

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 171 Medford, MN 55049-0171

www.bloominggroveumc.org

Email: bloominggroveumc@gmail.com

The current Building Project Team has chosen to implement the involvement of the congregation in the same manner for our 2019 project while also applying for available grants for handicapped accessibility. We have also approached a local bank and were told they would approve a loan for the total cost of the project. To date, the congregation has donated almost $40,000 to the 2019 project.

Projects Included in 2019 Building Project - Phase One New Entryway with Handicapped Accessible Restrooms and a Lift Providing Access to Sanctuary/Basement Estimated cost: $309,508.00 This phase includes: Demolition and disposal of current concrete steps and sidewalks; install compactable fill to grade; and pouring a four inch concrete floor with frost footings. Construction of a 43’4”x22’ building shell with 2x6 stud walls; energy efficient windows and doors; three existing arched windows moved to new construction; electrical and mechanical to code (plumbing/HVAC); interior walls, ceilings, and trim finished to owner’s specs; new stairs with oak treads, skirt board, and rail-ing system; and exterior siding to match existing building. Vertical platform lift with 750 lb capacity; 40x54 inch platform with hydraulic controls; ADA telephone; fire doors; automatic openers; UL controller; braille plates; freight lift permit; shop drawings; installation; and wiring of the lift. Installation of new septic system. Handicapped accessible bathrooms, as per code. Detailed construction blue prints by Widseth Smith Nolting Architectual and Engineering.

Building Maintenance: Re-Shingle North Steeple Estimated cost: $19,872.00 This includes: Labor, lift, and materials to take off and dispose of all existing shingles and to install new Landmark Solid Shingles.

Building Maintenance: Install a new Dropped Ceiling Tile System in the Sanctuary and Chancel Estimated cost: $19,812.00 This includes: Labor and materials to create a new ceiling dropped down just below the rounded corners.

Our last 2nd Sunday, Funday! was spent making special things for special people. We made cards (connected hands creating a heart where they connect) stating “It takes a big heart to hold a small hand”, and also a ‘pot of flowers’ picture, whereby a handprint becomes the stems, and the flower blossoms are made with fingerprints and thumb-prints. Sweet Mother’s Day gifts, but also suitable to save and present to Dad on Fa-ther’s Day, or just to give to someone special – on either day or…….on ANY day. We

rounded out the session with a spontaneous demo of a couple of dances by our youth – the FLOSS and the ELECTRIC SHUFFLE. Guess that got all the wiggles out (got a few giggles out too). You’ll notice in the pictures that Brad is washing his hands. Yes! We did it again – messy hands seemed to be an ongoing theme this year. But sometimes life IS messy; though if you’re with a bunch of friends through the mess, it can be a good thing.

See ya next fall!

Left: The Electric Shuffle

Right: The Floss

Celebration Sunday

A beautiful sunshiny day, Mother’s Day, colorful Easter Garden still radiant at the front of the church – what’s not to celebrate! And yet, we celebrated even MORE; Bibles were presented to our 4 youth who will be entering 4th grade next year: Colsten Almendinger, Penelope Ni-cholson, Regan Poe, and EmmeLou Schmitz were all recipients of their own new Bible (Regan was absent but will be getting his). A 12-years-in-the-making ac-complishment was recognized as 2 of our youth will be HS graduates this spring. Cody Kosel (who’s grandma Linda received his gift, due to Cody’s ab-sence because of serious medical issues of his other grandma), and Jacob Gasner (also absent, but we still celebrate his accomplishment with a gift from the church). Cody is thinking of entering the medical field. Volunteers in abundance included Sunday School teachers and subs: Karrie VanZuilen, Marlis Mahler, Mike Nicholson, Beth Christesen, Brad Sauf-ferer, and Patti Ellingson; and additional volunteers who’ve facilitated 2nd Sunday, Funday! events: Alli-son Janke and Sheryl Brisel. Kudos to all these dedi-cated volunteers. And our faithful piano/organ accom-panists, whom we dare not take for granted as they share their musical gift with us Sunday after Sunday, were praised. And finally, the church was presented with the banner made during one of the 2nd Sunday, Funday! activities. About 2/3 of the banner’s “artisans” were there to present the banner, which currently has found a home hanging on the sanctu-ary’s west wall. Amongst numerous handprints and footprints, the banner reads, We are entrusted to be His hands & His feet – here, today. Yes, indeed! A glorious day of celebration.

Save the dates!

Friday evening, Aug 23rd, Saturday, Aug 24th, & Sunday,

Aug 25th Friday eve Aug. 23rd, Saturday Aug.24th, & Sunday Aug 25th BGUMC is holding a Mini-VBS. Watch for updates & registration forms in the July & Au-gust Visitor. If you’re interested in helping (in ANY capacity, &/or in the planning process, our next VBS meeting will be Mon. June 10th at 6:30 pm in the Fireside Room.

More FFA News

The Medford FFA Banquet was held May 11th. Several an-nouncements were shared at this banquet. Our own Mikayla Janke is

the 2019-2020 chapter president. Mason Nagel is the 2019-2020 chapter reporter. And Mikayla Janke also won the prestigious Norman Borlaug Science Achievement Award. This award is presented by The Alumni Society of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and serves as a catalyst for students to consider a career in food, ag-riculture, or natural resource sciences. Recipients of this award receive recognition by their high school and the University of Minnesota, an award certifi-cate, a book for themselves with a copy for their high school library, and a $1,000 scholarship upon successful enrollment in CFANS. Norman Borlaug was an American biologist who graduated from the University of Minnesota with his PhD in 1942. To pay for his education, he worked various jobs, including one during the De-pression with the Civilian Conservation Corps. He worked with the unemployed, many of whom were hungry. This experience left a permanent impression on him of how food changes people. After World War II, he moved to Mexico City to work with the Cooperative Wheat Research and Production Pro-gram, where he developed a semi-dwarf wheat that was high yielding and rust resistant. This wheat led to increased production in many underdeveloped countries around the world and led the fight against starvation. Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work. A building on the Uni-versity of Minnesota – St. Paul campus is named in his honor. It houses the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate. Congratulations to Mikayla and Mason on their achievements!

Please keep the

following people in your

prayers.

Brad Saufferer’s co-worker, and family, and their

13 year old niece, who is now staying with

Brad’s co-worker.

Prayers of excitement for Luke VanZuilen, who

was offered a full-time teaching job at the Mid-

dle School in Farmington, MN, where he did his

student teaching!

For those in our church family who are mourning

the loss of a child through miscarriage in this past

month.

The daughter of a co-worker of Marlis Mahler

who is experiencing difficulties and struggles.

Prayers of thanks from Marlis Mahler for the on-

going support of the congregation as she walks

one-step-at-a-time through the path of restoring

her home.

Prayers of sympathy for the family of Brian

Diffendorfer, age 54, of Owatonna, who passed

away after battling cancer. Brian was a friend of

Carol Karsten through past employment.

Prayers of excitement from Nolan Engebretson as

he shared that his mom, Carolyn, has now retired

from Federated!

The family of Carolyn Kanne’s Uncle Dave, in

Ohio, who passed away in May. In particular,

please hold his wife Doris in love and prayer.

Eleanor Saufferer, who was admitted to the

Owatonna ICU for a number of days to re-

balance electrolytes impacted by one of her medi-

cations. Eleanor is now at the Short-Term Rehab

Unit of Koda Living Community in Owatonna –

working to regain her strength.

Prayers of congratulations for Allison, grand-

daughter of Dave and Sheryl Brisel, who was in-

ducted into the National Honor Society.

Prayers of thanks for safe travels as Dick and

Trudi return from their wintering in Arizona!

Leaders of our country and around the world.

Caregivers of persons with health concerns.

Prayers for the safety and well-being of children

in the midst of concerning family situations.

For all of us to remember we are all a part of the

community and body of Christ in the world.

All others who have been lifted in prayer this past

month, both aloud, and silently.

Reaching Out in Care

to BGUMC Community

We invite you to support three events that closely

touch the lives of families in our BGUMC commu-

nity who have experienced tragic loss. Your sup-

port can come in many forms: ongoing prayers,

notes or conversations of encouragement, financial

gifts, or your presence at upcoming events. Please

consider how you might reach out in care. Thank

you.

Saturday, May 11th

A Memorial Benefit was held

in Dundas for the family of

Chad VanZuilen, who died at

age 37 as the result of a Feb-

ruary 24th snowmobile acci-

dent. Chad is the nephew of

Cris and Karrie VanZuilen.

Sunday, June 30th at 1:00 P.M.

The 9th Annual Fit for Britt

Walk/Run will be held at Shager

Park in Faribault. The purpose

of this benefit is to remember the

life of Brittney Landsverk, niece

of Cris and Karrie VanZuilen,

and to raise awareness regarding

drunk driving. Brittney died as the result of an

April 2010 car accident in which the driver had

been drinking and the car ended up in the Cannon

River. 20-year-old Brittney Landsverk was swept

away by the river and did not survive.

Saturday July 20th

from 1:00 – 5:00 P.M.

A benefit for Dustin and Christine

Sletten in Memory of Taylor will be

held at the West Concord American

Legion. Taylor is the niece of Mi-

chael and Allison Janke. This bene-

fit is to help Dustin and Christine with the costs

they have of losing their daughter on April 11th at

age 16. Its purpose is also to raise Mental Health

Awareness and Suicide Awareness.

Updates from the PPRC

Morning Worship in

a Three Point Charge

The joint PPRC groups from BGUMC, Water-ville EUMC, and Ja-nesville UMC have had

the privilege to meet together with Pastor Kathy in advance of her appointment to begin conversations regarding the look and feel of a three-point charge. Pastor Kathy brings with her great energy and enthu-siasm for ministry in rural communities and our joint PPRC is excited for all that is before us. While we have only begun our conversations, we have already affirmed a morning worship schedule for our three churches, as proposed by BGUMC. This is a place to start, and the schedule may evolve as we go. In our conversation, we considered the importance of: Finding options that would allow Pastor Kathy to

be physically present in each of the three church-es on Sunday mornings as much as possible – in order to provide consistent opportunities to build relationships.

Taking into account the impact that difficult win-ter driving may bring.

Giving Pastor Kathy time to breathe on Sunday mornings - so that a three-point charge does not create unrealistic expectations of our pastor.

Pastor Kathy’s love of early, early mornings. Sunday Worship Times – to begin June 30th First Service: 8:15 - 9:15

BG/JV alternate this service on 6-month ro-tation. See below.

Visiting time with Pastor Kathy before church

Worship from 8:15 - 9:00 Visiting time with Pastor Kathy from 9:00 -

9:15 Second Service (WV): 9:30 - 10:30 (WV also

has Wednesday evening services that Pastor Kathy will likely attend 2x per month) Members of the congregation lead first por-

tion of the service so that Pastor Kathy has extra time for travel.

Worship from 9:30 - 10:15 Visiting time with Pastor Kathy from 10:15 -

10:30

Third Service: 10:45 - 11:45. BG/JV alternate on 6-month rotation. See

below Members of the congregation lead first por-

tion of the service so that Pastor Kathy has extra time for travel

Worship from 10:45 - 11:30 Visiting time with Pastor Kathy after

church First and Third Service Rotation June - November:

BG first service during the time of year when weather and road conditions are very predictable for early morning driving on the part of Pastor Kathy and church members.

JV third service. December - May:

JV first service during the time of year when weather and road conditions are un-predictable for early morning driving on the part of Pastor Kathy and church members.

BG third service to give time to assess weather, roads, and parking lot.

BG Sunday School time TBD by BG Education & Events Team – likely to remain consistent throughout the year.

Invitation to Help Plan &

Coordinate July 21st Pizza Farm Worship

Service

On Sunday, July 21st at 10:30 A.M., Blooming Grove UMC will be host-ing our 2nd annual outdoor worship service at the Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm in Blooming Grove Township. A group of us from BGUMC will gather together several times in early June (dates/times TBD based on the schedules of the group) to make plans for this service - and we would be delighted if you would like to join in on helping to coordinate the event this year! We will be planning the service with Pastor Kathy King (officially our new pastor as of June 30th) and with Emily Knudsen of the Pleas-ant Grove Pizza Farm. If you are interested in being part of this great adventure - for advanced planning - or for coordi-nating the day of the event - or for both, please let Judy Mahler know by Friday, May 31st. Thank you so much for your consideration. Feel free to call Judy with any questions @ 507-456-3937.

MN UMC Annual Conference

June 18-20 in St. Cloud

Cindy Saufferer will attend the MN UMC Annual Conference as the lay representative for BGUMC. Please support her efforts there with your prayers. Here is a snapshot of the Conference Sessions:

Tuesday Celebration of Holy Spirit breakthroughs in the

Minnesota UMC and all we are accomplishing together.

Separate clergy and laity sessions to take care of business items specific to each group.

Celebration of pastors who have died over the past year, those who are moving into retirement, and persons taking major steps in their ministries through ordination/commissioning.

Wednesday Collection of the 2019 Love Offering. Two teaching sessions led by Rev. Dr. Mark

Teasdale, professor of evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Focus: Church leaders are often bombarded with material that suggests it is only through human effort that the church will be effective. The study of evange-lism starts with the assumption that God is active, and we are invited to participate in what God is already doing. Teasdale will explore evangelism in a new way and talk about expressing our faith clearly, articulately, and authentically.

Focus on “Our Changing Landscape” in which attendees will take time to learn about and process what happened at General Conference 2019, hear from the Minnesota delegation, and talk about the future. Attendees will engage in conversations around our identity as an annual conference and where we go from here, and will try to develop an aspirational vision that reflects who we want to be as an annual conference.

Legislation and action items to be discussed and decided upon as an organizational body.

Thursday Dedication of the 10,000+ Lydia Project scarves

that Minnesota and Dakotas United Methodists made to give to all delegates, alternates, bishops and spouses, dignitaries, visitors, musicians, and other guests at General Conference 2020 – to be held in Minneapolis. This will include the scarves made by the women of BGUMC.

Information from the Dakotas-Minnesota Area Host Team for General Conference 2020 – includ-ing plans for welcoming and providing hospitality to visitors and opportunities to become involved as a volunteer.

Legislation and action items to be discussed and

decided upon as an organizational body. Closing worship, including communion and

Episcopal Address by Bishop Ough, and the set-ting of appointments.

UMW MINUTES

The UMW met at Theresa’s May 15th. Cindy gave a lesson on the UMW’s study “Woman United for Change-150 Years in Mission”. Cindy reported $410.00 was re-ceived for the Legacy Fund Easter morning. The Secretary’s report was accepted as read.

Upcoming Events:

Mission U at Kelly Inn July 12-14 Cindy will lead the study of Woman United for Change

Mission U too July 27 at Asbury Park UMC Duluth. Study on Mark

Scholarships are available for both events

Southern Prairie District UMW Day Apart June 11th at Fairfax UMC.

$500.00 in scholarships will be given to two Medford students May 20th. Carolyn will present. The 2019 Blooming Grove UMW Scholarship win-ners were Medford seniors Kelsey Walock and Jacob Gasner. Congratulations to these two graduates! For scholarship fund raisers, we will take orders for homemade pies for Thanksgiving. Pre-orders will be taken. More information will be published in the newsletter starting in the July issue. A Bridal shower will be given for Emily Nagel July 27th at 10:00 A.M. Invitations will be sent out. Helpers are Carolyn, Char, and Theresa. The Special Olympics Wagon Train will be passing through on their route from Northfield to Waseca. They will stop at Blooming Grove at noon for rest and lunch. We will serve sloppy joes, chips, cookies, bars and bottled water. Cindy will get the water. We expect to serve 80-100 people. There will be a free-will offering which the UMW recommends will go to making the 150 year old church accessible to all. Making Blooming Grove more recognizable as an “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” church was explored. Our next meeting will be September 18th at Carolyn’s. Theresa will have the lesson.

Pie Trivia

The word pie is derived from the mag-pie, a bird that collects miscellaneous

objects in its nest!

Be watching The Visitor for more pie trivia and the opportunity to order pies from the UMW for your Thanksgiving feast!

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED to: Box 171, Medford, MN 55049

June 2019

The•Blooming•Grove•Visitor Since 1936

Blooming Grove United Methodist Church 43089 180th Street, Morristown, MN 55052

(NE corner of Waseca County) Mail to: P.O. Box 171

Medford, MN 55049-0171 Website: Www.bloominggroveumc.org Email: bloominggroveumc@gmail.com

Check us out on Facebook!

Pastoral Care and Emergency and General Pastoral Questions:

Pastor Stefanie Morgan’s phone: 507-995-6624 Email: stefaniemorganmt@gmail.com

Pastor JJ Morgan’s phone: 507-995-6623 Email: pastorjjmorgan@gmail.com

If you would rather read your copy of the Visitor online, (and in color) check us out at www.bloominggroveumc.org To unsubscribe or to be added to our email distribution list, contact cherysouth@gmail.com

Requests for Prayer Chain Email: Chery Southworth at

cherysouth@gmail.com

Visitor Staff: Chery Southworth, Visitor Coordinator

26651 Elmore Avenue Morristown, MN 55052

(507) 339-3534 CherySouth@gmail.com

Judy Mahler, Editor Carolyn Kanne, Writer

Sunday, June 2nd – Morning worship with Litany of Blessing

& Farewell for Pastors JJ and Stefanie Morgan and Family

Immediately following worship: vote by members of the congregation regarding moving forward with Phase 1 of the build-ing project – Handicap Entrance and Bath-rooms and repair of north steeple and sanc-tuary ceiling.

Following the congregational vote: fare-well reception for Pastors JJ and Stefanie Morgan and family

Sunday, June 9th – Last day of worship with Pastors JJ and Stefanie Morgan

Monday, June 10th–6:30 VBS Planning Meeting Wednesday, June 12th – BGUMC Council

Meeting at 7:00 P.M.

Sunday, June 16th – Guest Preacher Sharon Nelson

Sunday, June 23rd Guest Preacher Sonja Parr After worship: All-congregation Potluck

Welcome reception for Pastor Kathy King and her husband Jerry (this will allow time to greet one another before we jump into full swing on June 30th)

Monday, June 24th – BGUMC serves noon lunch to the Special Olympics Wagon Train as they pass through Blooming Grove Township

Sunday, June 30th – we begin ministry together with Pastor Kathy King in the context of a three-point charge with Waterville EUMC and Janesville UMC. BGUMC worship time changes to 8:15 A.M.

Looking Ahead to July Sunday, July 21st – BGUMC and World Beat

Connection partner to lead morning Worship at the Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm at 10:30 A.M.