Who Are Your Saints? What Did They Teach You?

Every year on the first Sunday of November, like

Christians across the centuries and around the globe,

we honor our dear departed ones with the tradition of

All Saints Day. How the tradition is marked varies

from congregation to congregation and year to year.

Here at NMUMC we typically set aside a space in our

worship for individuals to light candles in honor of

loved ones who have passed on.

We will continue that tradition this year with an

added element. You will still have an opportunity to

light a candle in silence if you like, but you will also

have an opportunity to speak briefly (if you wish)

about what you learned about faith from the

individuals you are honoring. We honor our dear

departed as saints because we recognize that they

have led us part of the way on our journeys of faith.

As we honor them, we need not keep the lessons we

learned from our saints to ourselves in silence. May

the beauty of their lives live on in the sharing of what

they have shared with us.

Saints are people we have known intimately, and

people we have never met. The faith lessons we

have learned from our saints may be simple or

profound (or even profoundly simple).

As we prepare to gather once again around the

Lord’s Table in remembrance of Jesus and in

remembrance of the ones who have led us in the way

to follow Christ, be thinking of what you have gained

that you might share with our community. We need

much help on this journey we call faith. It is important

that we not forget the help we have already been

given.

You can share a brief lesson, a favorite scripture,

or simply call out a name. Take some time to think

about what you might like to say. The last thing we

want is for you to be

taken off guard by this

opportunity, only to

realize on the drive

home what you wish

you had said. This

time of reflection is a

gift. May you be

blessed in these

coming days as you

spend some time with

memories.

November 2011

Our God & All People

SUNDAYS Coffee & Communion Chapel

8:30 AM

Sunday School for all ages

9 AM

Worship 10:15 AM

Child care provided during Sunday

School and Worship

Fellowship following service

the

newsletter

of

www.northmasonumc.org ◊ 360.275.3714 ◊ office@northmasonumc.org

In this Issue

Nov. Activities p. 3

Ongoing Activities p. 4

Oktoberfest-ival p. 5

Thank you’s p. 7

Veterans p. 8

Calendar p. 9

and much more

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Curious about UMVIM? Steve Meacham’s

sermon on Laity Sunday has inspired many to ask

questions about all of the opportunities to serve those

in need through our denomination’s disaster response

programs. Now you have an opportunity to learn

more about how you might be able to serve.

Have you wondered about volunteering for a mission

project but just were not sure of what is required.

Would you like to explore some options for serving

others as a volunteer through the United Methodist

Church? Would you like to build stronger bonds with

others in and outside of our congregation? Would

you like to demonstrate a caring Christian presence to

those in need? Are you ready for a life changing

experience that does not demand enormous changes

in your life? If you are interested in getting together

with others to explore the potential of organizing a

group from our Church to assist with a mission project

please call Steven Meacham at (360) 432-3514.

Page 2

It is with pride and joy that we support Dr. Guy

Kasanka taking care of people living with HIV/AIDS in

Kamina, Dominican Republic of the Congo. We

appreciate hearing stories about his ministry and how

he is helping people. Below is the latest update we

have received from Dr. Kasanka. Jan Olmsted

Mr. Monga Wakumyeju lost his wife in an accident

and married Mrs.Mukadi 10 years later in 2005. Three

years after the wedding, Mrs. Mukadi started

coughing. She lost weight, and had a fever every day.

In spite of the opposed opinions of their families, the

couple has showed love and assistance during this

hard period. They decided to go for medical screening

in many health centers but did not find any

satisfaction. Three months ago, a nurse from their

village directed the couple to come to our voluntary

counseling and testing centre for HIV/AIDS. After the

test, the couple received the anti retro viral treatment

every month, with a supplement of nutrition. There are

172 people that come every month for treatment to

our Centre. And more than 100, who are not yet

eligible for ARV treatment, are treated for

opportunistic infections.

Shungu Clinic has improved the service of health care

thanks to a donation from the generous United

Methodist congregations and UMCOR health. Twice a

week, we do surgery at Shungu Clinic to help people

that cannot afford the cost in public and private for

profit health facilities. In supporting your missionaries,

you show the love in Jesus Christ, and evangelize

worldwide.

Thank you very much for supporting my ministry,

thank you for saving lives in Africa.

Dr. Mwana Ngoie Kasanka (Guy)

Missionary Update:

Dr. Kasanka’s work in Africa

All Saints Day is not the only point in this time of

year that calls for lighting candles. Did you realize

Advent begins before the end of this

month? Be prepared and get your

candles ready for your advent wreaths

before Thanksgiving weekend distracts

you and catches you off guard!

An advent wreath need not be

anything complicated. 5 candles

arranged on your table will be sufficient.

The time you take for the meditation is what’s important.

You can garnish the arrangement with whatever

seasonal décor moves you. One candle for each of the

four weeks centers our hearts on different aspects

related to our anticipation of the coming

Christ Child. Then, keep Christ at the

center of your Christmas festivities by

lighting the Christ Candle at the center of

the arrangement on Christmas morning.

We will once again provide

meditations for daily lighting of your

home wreathes. Have your supplies

ready so you can begin this important tradition on time

this Nov. 27th.

Page 3

1 Gary Walter

2 George Paslaski

10 Larry Bonzer

11 Carol Hart

16 Renee Harris

21 Judy Forney

23 Judy Mastick

28 Jean Headley

29 NMUMC

November

Birthdays

November

Anniversaries

13 Leon & Carol Hart

25 John & Ruth Wiechert

November Activities

Taste and Talk Once a month in

October and November, groups of 4-6

have the opportunity to enjoy good

companionship & good food. We will

take a break for December & start again

in January. If you are interested in attending, call Joyce at

275-0151 or e-joyce jstrattononhaven@msn.com.

Coalition of Churches

and Community will hold

their 3rd Annual Fair Trade Bazaar

at NMUMC 9-4 PM on Sat. Nov.

5th. The bazaar will feature Cookies-by-the-

Pound, Soup Lunch, Mixed Evergreen Holiday

Wreaths, Hats and Gloves for Kids, Table of

Treasures, and Fair Trade Items from around the

world that help support a fair standard of life in

third world countries. Come to find unique gift

items or a plate of cookies to enjoy.

Welcome to our newest members!

Phyllis Cass transferring from Aldersgate UMC

and Aidan Roswell’s baptism on September 25th

Thanksgiving Baskets The

Outreach Committee will be collecting

items for Thanksgiving baskets to deliver

to 3 families from Grapeview. A turkey is

displayed in the Fellowship area for

everyone to “pluck feathers” listing items needed for the

baskets. Items listed on the feathers need to be returned

to NMUMC by Sunday, November 20th so the baskets

can be assembled and delivered before Thanksgiving.

Happy Birthday to Elaine Perron

who celebrated her 80th birthday with her church

family and friends on October 2nd.

Daylight Savings Time ends

Sunday, November 6th.

Set your clocks back 1 hour.

Did you notice how “outstanding” our t-shirts were at

the Oktoberfest-ival? If you would like to purchase

one for future NMUMC events, (Charge Conference

Dec. 4) place your name and size on the sign-up

sheet in the hallway. $10 each at time of delivery.

Order will be placed Mon. Nov. 21st.

Thanksgiving Dinner "Dear Congregation,

You are invited to a Thanksgiving Dinner to be held at

NMUMC at 4 PM on Thanksgiving day, November

24th. Turkey and Dressing will be provided,

pot luck complimentary items are welcome.

Your hostess will be Janice Olmsted. Please

RSVP to Jan by November 20th."

Education Hour for all ages at 9 AM. Elementary and

youth classes (grades 1-8) downstairs. 4-5 year olds in the Quiet

Room next to the Sanctuary. Younger children will be cared for

in the Child Care Room. Adults have two classes to choose from:

Faithlink current events discussion downstairs and “When

Christians Get it Wrong” video/discussion in the church library.

Page 4

Emergency Food Resources Collection NMUMC donates to three groups in our area

the first Sunday of each month alternating between the Belfair Food Bank, NW Community Resources and Coalition of Churches & Community. November 6th collection will go to the Coalition of Churches & Community. Thank you for helping those in need in our community! December collection will go to the Belfair Food Bank.

3rd Sunday Lunch Are you spiritually fed by

worship, but your stomach growls for something more? Join us for

a meal and stimulating conversation to digest, Sunday,

November 20th for lunch. Location to be determined.

Wednesday Free Lunch Bunch hosted by

NMUMC will provide the meal at the Belfair Community Baptist Church on November 16th from noon-1 PM . If you can help in this community outreach program, call or see Judy Mastick or Lynn Coffman.

Hats for Children We are branching out in our Hat

making and will now call our group "Hats for Children". We will

continue to make hats for the Coalition of Churches, but will also

give hats to other organizations not covered by the Coalition

(Hood Canal School, Head Start program, Salvation Army and an

Orphan Program that will deliver hats in their service area). Our

group enjoys making hats and feels this blessing is part of our

“mission.” Come and join us Friday, November 4th from

11-3 PM in the church library.

Men’s Breakfast A time of fellowship, sharing

stories, and even breakfast! 8:30 AM, Saturday, November 12th

at the Airport Diner. Fathers/grandfathers are always welcome

to bring their sons/grandsons and friends too.

Praise Team rehearsal is offered for those who

enjoy singing in worship with guitars and keyboard each

Tuesday. Anyone interested is welcome to join us!

Bible Study for men and women is held at 10 AM until

noon each Wednesday around the library table to discuss issues

with prayer, thoughts, wisdom, and humor with Pastor Austin.

Ladies Christmas Brunch The Ladies at NMUMC

invite friends and family to a Christmas Brunch and gift giving on

Saturday, December 3rd at 11 AM. We will have a speaker from

the Northwest Children’s Outreach Program describing how their

program is progressing after coming to Belfair more than a year

ago. UNWRAPPED items for the Northwest Children's Outreach

will be collected. Items needed: clothes for children birth to 18

years. Especially underpants and socks, small towels and wash

clothes for babies, and games and books for all ages (they put a

game & book in every order). No hats or mittens. If you wish to

help in the kitchen, contribute to the brunch or clean up, please

contact Lynn Coffman or Judy Mastick.

Women Wonder November’s book will be "A Prayer

for Owen Meany", by John Irving. It’s an amazing book about knowing that there is a plan for you no matter how insignificant you may feel. For those who like to watch movies, the movie version is called "Simon Birch" The movie is moving and amazing as well. December’s book will be a book by Debbie Macomber: “One Simple Act – Discovering the Power of Generosity”. Debbie walks a new path with this nonfiction title….a useful, inspiring study of an under-practiced art; written by one who has received, given and witnessed generosity. Meeting dates and locations will

be announced soon.

Church Charge Conference will be held

Sunday, December 4th - 1:30 PM - Silverdale United Methodist

Church, 9982 Silverdale Way NW. This is an important meeting to vote

and make decisions for 2012. Please plan to attend.

Change of Address for Jennifer Roswell

4468 Eastway Drive SE

Port Orchard WA 98366

Georgia’s House (started by members of Bremerton

UMC) is a shelter in Bremerton for homeless women and children

and those who have experienced domestic violence that opened

their doors in April 2011. A list of supplies and more information is

available in the office if you would like to help.

Reel to Real Tape Recorder Larry

Seaward has two 5" reels of 1/4" tape made in 1973

with Ghale text materials. Does anyone have a reel

tape recorder that could transfer these text materials

to CD? If so, please contact Larry.

Ongoing & Upcoming Events

Page 5

Oktoberfest-ival celebration Our Oct. 8th Okotberfest-ival was another

successful event thanks to EVERYONE! The

afternoon weather cooperated with craft vendors

on both floors. Festivities continued with home

made soups and baked items for sale. The silent

auction and German dinner followed with oompa

music with the Chicken Dance by the Home Town

Band getting everyone dancing!

Our Presence

Our Prayers

Sept. 25 - 62

Oct. 2 - 67

Oct. 9 - 48

Oct. 16 - 63

Oct. 23 - 62

Thank you for your

presence

Men and women serving our country.

Those affected by floods and earthquakes.

Carol Alexander, Donna Buehler, Allen

Ptolemy, Scott Roswold, Rhoda Bunn,

Linda Williams, Joanne Wilkinson, Linda

Williams, Marilyn Boze, Leon & Carol Hart

for healing and medical concerns.

Thank you for your prayers

Our Service

Page 6

Our gifts throughout October have been bountiful with the

sharing of energy for our Oktoberfestival and Stewardship Drive

2012. Oktoberfestival will be reported by Joyce in this newsletter.

The actual deposits will show up next month under October

income. Stewardship was introduced and shared through the

voices of George Paslaski, Juanita High, Michael Deignan and

Bob Helm. Thank you for sharing your “first fruits” with NMUMC.

Your pledges are making it possible for us to “Love and Serve

God with your Gifts.”

Income collected in September 2011

Total Income: September $11,393.83

Pledges received to date: $88,149.75

Open plate received to date: $9,385.84

Pledges giving in full: 35%

Pledges overpaid: 26%

Pledges underpaid: 39%

Our budgeted Expenses monthly are on track. Electricity and

propane use will increase during these cooler months.

Expenses paid in September: $12,946.51

We are recruiting for the position of Financial Secretary and

thank Grace McGregor for her careful work in the current

position. If you are interested speak to Austin or Carmen.

Carmen E. Caporale

Thank you for your gifts

Our Gifts

Thank you’s to: The 28 people who signed up for escrip and

shop at Safeway. NMUMC has earned $88.46 for our

Good Samaritan Fund to help those in need in our

community. (Contact Dona if you would like to know

how much your purchases earned for the church.)

Dona Chidester for donating 9v batteries.

Rachel Bearce for volunteering to operate the

computer for Sunday morning overhead projections.

Jason Perron joining the Praise Team as our

drummer.

Dean from Home Town Band wanted to say

“thanks to you and your church” for hosting another

great Oktoberfest-ival! I always look forward to it and

I know many of our band members do, too.

Tom Miller for planting daffodil bulbs in the

columbarium and front planters.

Junior (Eman Mannah) as our new church

cleaner.

Jean Whitney for taking the recycling and

sharing the North Mason Life & North Bay Review.

Sue & Tom Miller donating rubber bands for

the office.

The church railing is painted! A huge thank

you all those who scraped, sanded, prepped, and

painted the railing. Our terrific volunteers were: Bob

Hager, Jean Whitney, Ron Mastick, Bob

Anderson, Tom Lenhart, George Paslaski, & Van

Vande Bossche.

Tom Miller for the final lawn mowing of the

season.

More thank you’s on page 7.

In our membership vows we commit to

faithfully participate in the congregation’s

ministries through our prayers, our presence,

our gifts, our service, & our witness.

We tend to look at the bottom line to measure

the SUCCESS of an event such as OKTOBERFEST-

ival. The number of shoppers seemed to be down this

year, so the profit line isn't as high as it has been in

some of the previous festivals. And yet many of the

vendors had a very successful day and were pleased

with the results. All but about two bowls of

soup were sold for lunch with homemade

pretzels making lunch a SUCCESS.

Thank you’s to Phyllis Cass for

the pretzels and thanks also to Linda

Williams, Phyllis Merhaut, Grace

McGregor, & Dale Messerschmidt for

the tasty soups. Thanks to all the good cooks who

provided goodies to help make a delectable SUCCESS

of the bake sale. Thanks to Barbara Goodell & Joyce

Stratton for the pastries. Special thanks to Lynn

Coffman, for managing once again a SUCCESSful

silent auction; to Dan Goodell for being our emcee

again; and to Judy Mastick for managing once again a

tasty Bavarian dinner. It takes a lot more people than

can be listed here to make OKTOBERFEST-ival such a

SUCCESS. So thanks to all those who helped plan, set-

up, clean-up, advertise, press apples, cook food, serve

food, and all the other details that may have slipped my

mind for the moment. It was a day of serving others, of

sharing our home with folks from the community...a

major element in defining the SUCCESS of

OKTOBERFEST-ival.

We tried a few new twists, I.e., the

beverage garden, homemade pretzels, and

homemade cinnamon twists. We are

considering other possible improvements or

modifications for next year. Let us hear

your thoughts on what you might like to consider to help

make OKTOBERFEST-ival 2012, or maybe Harvest

Festival 2012, a SUCCESS.

Last, but not least, special thanks to the

OKTOBERFEST angel who gifted the Stratton's with a

Chinese lantern plant! We're enjoying in on our deck for

the moment. THANK YOU!

Joyce Stratton - Oktoberfest-ival Chairperson

A Page of THANK YOU’S Page 7

A special thank you to the Methodist Church for your

generous donations, and to all of you who have already

contributed this year toward our FOOD FOR KIDS food

backpack fund. We have many more requests from the

schools for these weekend foods this year, and we don't

want any of our kids to have to go to bed hungry.

Thanks and Blessings to all,

Monna Haugen, Coalition of Churches & Community

Oktoberfest-ival Auction

Once again, the Silent Auction was a winner. We

auctioned 38 items from 20 generous members. The

total was $1,095 for NMUMC programs. Thanks to all

donors and winners.

Thank you, Nancy Bacon, Betty Vaughn, Dona

Chidester, Joyce and Bobby Stratton, Phyllis

Cass, Lynn Coffman, Katie Ladner, Linda

Humphrey, Judy Mastick, Darlene Paslaski,

Carmen Caporale, Debbie Boad, Rachel Bearce,

Lynne Lenhart, Phyllis Merhaut, Jennifer

Landreth, Phyllis Cass, Linda Williams, Evie

Deignan, Ruth Wiechert & Pastor Austin.

How do

you define

SUCCESS?

A heartfelt thank you from Gene and Linda

Williams: After a fairly stressful year with family issues, we

both ended up with some personal medical concerns. Surgery

and monitoring have put us both back on the road to recovery.

We are overwhelmed with the huge support we have received

from our Church family and want you all to know how very grateful

we are for your concern, prayers and support in the form of phone

calls, visits, flowers, gifts, food and cards. We are overwhelmed

and want everyone to know how much we love and appreciate

each and every one of you. Thank you for making this a time of

renewal as well as physical healing.

Thank you for who you are – our Church!

Thank you for School Supplies

Special People make Special Schools! Thank you

North Mason United Methodist Church for the school

supplies. Hood Canal School staff

AND . . . . .

Grapeview School would like to thank you very much

for your generous donation of school supplies. We

have found that more and more families need help and

in many ways. Your donation has helped both in the

classroom and individual students. It is so nice to work

in such a supportive community. Again, thank you from

the bottom of our hearts ♥ !!

Joan Jensen, Principal Grapeview School

Page 8

A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check made payable

to ‘the United States of America’ for an amount of ‘up to and include My life.’ by Roger Post

Ken Boad was in the Army Reserve for 6 years

Larry Bonzer was in the Air Force from 1951 to 1956 in Libya and Germany in special services

Floyd Chidester was in the Navy from 1972 to 1978 on the east coast and Scotland as a submarine nuclear

electrician

Bill Chisholm was in the Air Force for 10 years and also a Desert Storm Veteran

Wes Dearinger was in the Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1955

Michael Deignan was a Sergeant in the Air Force from 1963-1967

Bob Hager was in the Army Reserves from 1949 to 1963 obtaining the rank of Captain in Aviation and

Research and Development for the Navy stationed in California, New Mexico, Texas and Washington

Houston Hamilton currently serving in the WA Army National Guard with the Field Artillery Unit

Hunter Hamilton currently serving in the Army with the Field Artillery Unit stationed at Ft. Lewis

Steven Meacham was in the Coast Guard from 1971 to 1974 in the Coast Guard Band for 1 year and Air

Search and Rescue for 3 years

Bob Merhaut was a Commander in the Navy for 8 years active and 15 years reserve

Tom Miller was in the Navy SeaBees from 1957-61 in carpentry, roofing, painting and masonry work.

Attended Builders School in California, stationed in California, Alaska, Philippines, Guam and

Okinawa

John Nester was in the Navy for 22½ years on Polaris and Trident submarines

Frank Perron, Jr. following his ancient mariner ancestors by serving in the Navy from 1968-1994 in the

1st Gulf War and waters off Viet Nam and Somalia

Gerry Post was in the Army from 1946 to 1948

Alan Ptolomey was in the Army/Air Force from 1944 to 1947 in the US as a mail clerk

Larry Seaward was in the Marines during the Korean War from 1950 to 1951 and received the Purple Heart

medal

Michael Snow retired from the Navy after 23 years of service as a submariner stationed in California, South

Carolina, Connecticut, Maine and Hawaii

Bobby Stratton was in the Army for 20 years stationed in Korea, Viet Nam, Germany and various other duty

stations in the continental US

Hal Thomas was in the Navy for 2½ years during WW II then recalled to Korea for 2 years as a sonar

technician and received a citation from President Roosevelt for capturing a German sub

Tim Turgeon currently in the Navy stationed at Bangor Submarine base

Van Vande Bossche was in the Marines in electronics from 1951 to 1955 and served in Korea

Herb Veit was in the Air Force for 4 years

Gary Walter was in the Air Force from 1957-1962 as a Chinese and Korean interpreter

John Wiechert was in the Army from 1953 to 1955 in Korea as an engineer

Gene Williams was in the Army from 1968 to 1990 in Korea, Vietnam and Germany in

air defense

For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know

provided by Gene Williams who received this from a helicopter pilot in 1968

Veteran’s In Our Congregation

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Tuesday Praise Team Rehearsal

in the Sanctuary

Wednesday Morning Bible Study

10 AM in the Church Library

DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS each week through November

Care Giving Support - Mondays 1 PM

with Joyce Stratton

Spiritual Growth Through Meditation -

Moving the meetings to Friday’s at 6:30 PM

to be held initially at Abel Wellness Center in

Belfair - possibly moving around to different

homes with Norma Robertson.

Connecting Faith and Life -

Wednesdays 7 PM with Jan Olmsted

Our Bible and Ourselves - Wednesdays

2 PM with Jan & Jerry Post

November 2011 Calendar

1 Lay Leadership meeting 3:30 PM

3 SPRC meeting 6:30 PM

4 Set-up for Fair Trade Bazaar

Making Hats for Children 11-3 PM

5 Fair Trade Bazaar 9-4 PM

6 Communion; food collection

Stewardship drive ends

Daylight Savings time ends

10 Women Wonder book club @ Lynne

Lenhart’s home

11 Veteran’s Day-office closed

12 Men’s Breakfast 8:30 AM Airport

Diner; Finance Committee 10 AM

13 Trustees noon meeting

16 Lunch Bunch @ BCBC

Outreach Committee meeting 3 PM

20 3rd Sunday Lunch

22-29 Pastor Austin on vacation

24-25 Thanksgiving holiday-office closed

27 1st Sunday in Advent

Decorating for Advent

Committee Meetings

Tues. Nov. 1 Lay Leadership 3:30 PM

Thurs. Nov. 3 SPRC 6:30 PM

Sat. Nov. 12 Finance 10 AM

Sun. Nov. 13 Trustees 11:30 AM

Thurs. Nov. 17 Outreach 3 PM

Thurs. Nov. 17 Ad Council 5 PM

We are located 1½ miles north of Belfair on Route 3

Office: 360-275-3714 Mon-Fri 9-3:30 PM

Mailing Address: PO Box 1197, Belfair WA 98528-1197

www.northmasonumc.org office@northmasonumc.org

Pastor: Austin L. Adkinson

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for

the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'

Bryan Boad - Ken & Debbie Boad’s son stationed at Ft. Lewis after a 3rd tour of duty in Iraq

Chris Britton - Jan Olmsted’s grandson at Camp Hovey in Korea in the Heavy Artillery Division

Cain Claxton - Leon & Carol Hart’s grandson who is on his 3rd tour of duty to Kuwait after two tours in Iraq

Gaven Eier - Wendell & Phyllis Fleener’s grandson in the Marines going to Afghanistan

Houston Hamilton - Tom & Lynn Hamilton’s son in Field Artillery with the WA National Guard

Hunter Hamilton - Tom & Lynn Hamilton’s son in Field Artillery

stationed at Ft. Lewis

Aislinn Miner - Judy Mastick’s granddaughter in the Army stationed

in Germany

David Parsons - Joyce Stratton’s nephew stationed at Ft. Lewis

Please contact the office if there are any other service men/women to be listed

25140 NE State Route 3

P. O. Box 1197

Belfair, WA 98528-1197