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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: sheryl@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:

“We Serve God by Serving Others”

May 24th

Office Hours Monday through Wednesday

9:00am to 1:00pm

Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm

Phone: (509)754-4664

Email: sheryl@umcephrata.org

Pastor Don Dunn…...pastor@umcephrata.org

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

Custodian: Jamie Downing

Nursery Attendant: Hannah Heflin

Pianist: Betsy Pecka

www.umcephrata.org

The United Methodist Church of Ephrata

“We Serve God by Serving Others.”

The Update Newsletter

May 2018

Recently someone asked if I believed in “family curses.” This person witnessed much trauma in her family of origin and someone told her it “looked like a family curse!” I have heard this expression used before and find it to be fatalistic. It brings up a sense of fearfulness that causes other members and offspring anxiety and distress, even though God has blessed them with well being.

Scripture does speak of the “sins of the fathers” coming down to later generations. In Exodus 20:4-6 with regard to idolatry, the consequences are that punishment “extends to the third and fourth generation,” (verse 5). But verse 6 speaks of God’s loyalty and grace “to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my command-ments.” A similar passage is Exodus 34:7 among a few others. Deuteronomy 24:16 speaks of the person of a crime receiving their own punishment. In Ezekiel 18:4 “All lives are mine; the life of parent and the life of the child belong to me. Only the one

who sins will die.” In each of these texts, the commandments of God are taken seriously, followed by judgement when violated.

Both judgement and forms of curses follow, but also overwhelming grace! A person is not fated by their family of origin! Nor are people whose lives appear so messed up as to suffer condemnation, even beyond their living days on earth. I won’t deny that some patterns seem to follow in families, but we are not fated by those patterns.

As for troubled souls who lived hopelessly, I believe that the Good Shepard gathers them in with loving embrace. Ultimately all are his! It is true that much goes terribly bad for many people. Many lose out in life and may be remembered with great sadness. In this Easter season we must remember that in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the power and fear of death and sin were broken! When scripture speaks of judgement, it is intended to help us all to live good. (continued on next page)

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Grief Support: For those going through the shadows, pain, tears and fear of the grief season. Grief Support meets every first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6:00pm.

Every second Wednesday of the month from 10 am until 11 am – Pastor Don leads a Caregiver Support Group. Come and find support and understanding. Come and tell your story. Come and have time to rest in the caring arms of Christ’s love. if that time does not work for you, please call and set up an appointment.

Bible Study: Pastor Don leads a Bible Study group every Wednesday at 2pm, and the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6pm in the Fireside Room. All are welcome and encouraged to join.

Memory Café: For those that are having memory loss issues. The Memory Café meets every second Tuesday of the month at 1:30pm.

Pastor Don

Got Any Unused Watches? During the month of May, please bring your used watches to church for collecting to send to a group that trains disabled veterans to fix and work on watches. They do not have to be in working condition. At the same time, eye glasses and cell phones will be collected to pass on to the groups who have use them. So while you are cleaning for the yard sale, look for these items you aren’t using. Baskets on the alter in the Fellowship Hall will be there to collect your donations.

It is not given to us to say “it doesn’t sound like any hope for him or her!” No, the stone is rolled away, fated judgements and fear have lost their grip.

God has chosen us all! Some live horrible lives, some change as events of life may offer an alternative of hope. Many come to know and find that they are loved. God is love!

Generation to generation can bring its trouble. Infants abandoned, abused, neglected, may grow up mentally and emotionally unable to make a good choices. They deserve our tears, our mercy, and compassion, for God truly loves them too! Upon death they will truly rest in peace, finally home in Christ’s love. “Who will separate us from Christ’s love?” Romans 8:35

On the other hand, people who have had life give them everything and become violent, mean, tyrannical, fear mongering personalities, should be resisted and most pitied. They have not known the love of God. Jesus prayed for such-- “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” This is a difficult prayer but worth pondering.

Ultimately God calls all in freedom towards a gospel of hope, not despair, we are not fated otherwise.

In the hope of Easter,

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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

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 Don.

Prayers for Health, Healing,

and well-being

Rosetta Barnes

Cammy Hatch

David Prince

Lloyd Hales

Abbie Thorndike

Randy Senn

Vera Senn

Paul Floyd

Kim Goll

Dennis Ackerman

Connie Chadwick

Linda Bryant-Smith

Dave Harbert

Kylie Schutzmann

Tabatha

Prayers for Those Suffering From

Long-Term Health Problems

Bob St. Clair Jr

Ed Sivula

Doug Jensen

Ron Gardner

Steven Grass

Brian Davisson

Renee Muse

Richard Hart

Al Davisson

Steve Smith

Bob Craig

Vonn Cabe

Justin Townley

Rosetta Barnes

Rick Grubb

Mary Morin

Dan Anderson

Randy Senn

Marlene Fisk Warren

Edward Warren

Chris Wash

Kevin Harmon

Michael Oliveira

Lane Jensen

Prayers of comfort

for the family and

loved ones of:

Doug Mangold

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Scott & Marna Kellams May 3rd (43 years)

Zack & Katherine Reeve

May 5th (17 years)

Ed & Betty Rogers May 5th (68 years)

Don & Kathy Buhl May 12th (45 years)

Mike & Bev Dell May 29th (60 years)

Elmer Johnston May 05

Ed Sivula May 08

Conner Maddalozzo May 09

Carla Ryan May 09

Ellen White May 21

Rosie Cegnar May 23

Scott Kellams May 23

Mary Morin May 23

Melissa McKnight May 27

Della Moore May 28

Sandy Archer May 29

Cammy Hatch May 30

Shirley Pederson May 31

If I missed your birthday or anniversary, please let me know so

I can correct it.

Sheryl

Please join us for Community

Dinner on Thursday, May 31,

at 5:30pm. Invite friends,

family, and neighbors. All are

welcome! Special dates

• National Day of Prayer, May 3, 2018

• Ascension, May 10, 2018

• Mother’s Day, May 13, 2018

• Armed Forces Day, May 19, 2018

• Pentecost, May 20, 2018

• Victoria Day (Canada), May 21, 2018

• Trinity Sunday, May 27, 2018

• Memorial Day, May 28, 2018

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Circle of Love/UMW

Our meeting on April 16th was attended by a lively group for luncheon of two salads, rolls, mint ice cream, and anise biscotti. Dolores Pheasant took us through illumination of the Lord’s Prayer, then we prayed for the various areas of the church by physically stationing there.

We appreciated Jamie doing a deep cleaning of the kitchen. We contin-ue to disperse the inventory of the Maternity & Infant Closet. We were able to share some with Crossroads Pregnancy Center. We will explore other areas as well after all is inventoried.

Looking forward to our May 21st salad potluck, hosted by Ann Chandler and Vivian Plew. Dessert will be provided. All ladies of he church are very welcome.

Submitted by Ann Chandler

I have invited Rev. Dolores Ford to preach on May 13th, as Bobbie and I will attend the college graduation of a young man we’ve known since 2009. He was in the 7th grade then, and now with three majors will graduate from Carroll College in Helena Montana.

Rev. Dolores Ford has ministered as pastor, served and continues to service in Hospice. She is currently completing courses with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) seminary program in transferring her ordination and standing to that denomination. She has filled in at Memorial Christian Church and ministers once at moth at Wilson Creek Presbyterian. She also ministers to the United Methodist Church in Hartline once a month.

She and her husband, Patrick Ford, live in Adrian. Much more could be added here, but I hope this will be enough to hear her speak with the voice God called her to share.

Submitted by Pastor Don

I have spoken with a few people who are interest-ed in a Bible Study on two Tuesday evenings a month (the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month) at 6pm. This is to allow for persons who cannot attend the Wednesday Bible Study group to have another opportunity. May would be a good time to begin. We can make adjustments time-wise around other scheduled meetings.

Submitted by Pastor Don

United Methodist Family,

Our family would like to say thank you for such a generous gift of cash. We have been able to purchase several items such as a stroller, extra bottles, and a laundry basket. We hope to share all of Nora’s accomplishments in the upcoming years. Thank you again!

With Love,

Cassie, Ryan, Richard, & Nora

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Memory Café

Another successful meeting of the Memory Café! Attendance

was slightly down on a very rainy day. Penny Clees led the

group through some fun activities. Helpers were Maggie

Reynolds, Vera Senn, Ed & Betty Rogers at the welcome

center. Tura Yount and Donna Anderson worked the coffee

and snacks.

The next session will be May 8th at 1:30pm-3:00pm. You are welcome to visit one time or come

to all of the meetings. Information on memory loss and dementia is always available. Helpers

for May will be Bob & Marilyn Bluhm at coffee and snacks, Donna Anderson in the kitchen, and

Louise Sivula, Janis Davisson, and Maggie Reynolds at the welcome center. Hope to see you

there!

Submitted by Dolores Pheasant

Sunday, May 6th, a potluck and game

time will be held after church, sponsored

by the Evangelism Committee. Please

bring a hot dish, salad, or dessert. The

church will provide paper plates, cups,

and plastic tableware service if you

prefer. After eating, you can play

Mexican Train. Two tables, one begin-

ning, and one for those who have played

before, will be organized. A card game

table for youth will be led by Darryl

Pheasant. Playing games is optional,

you can watch and visit with others if

you prefer.

Submitted by Dolores Pheasant

The United Methodist church is having their annual yard sale on June 2nd, 2018. It will start and 8:00 am and end at 1:00 p.m.

We are in need of all your clean, workable items. We cannot sell 8 track tapes, VCR tapes, tv’s , encyclopedias, computers and appliances that need repairs. Please do your spring cleaning now and you can start bringing your items down on Monday, May25th to Thursday, May 28th. Please do not wait till Friday to bring items down. It doesn’t always give us time to sort and price if you wait till Friday.

We also need volunteers to help with table set up, sorting, pricing, and people to help pick up items during the week. On Saturday, we need helpers, cashiers and people to help clean up after 1 p.m. There will be a sign- up sheet on the KIOSK in May. Every little bit donation wise and volunteer wise makes this sale a success. If you have questions, please call: Mary Mantz – 754-4502.

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While in Jerusalem for Pentecost, people from many faraway lands miraculously heard the dis-

ciples preaching in their own native languages. Which of the following modern-day places

was/were represented?

A. Egypt

B. Libya

C. Crete

D. Rome

E. All of the above

F. A, B and D

Answer: E (See Acts 2:9-11.) Just for pun!

• Every calendar's days are numbered. • A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat. • If you've seen one shopping center, you’ve seen a mall. • Acupuncture is a jab well done. • A man’s home is his castle, in a manor of speak-ing. • Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? • Reading while sunbathing makes you well red. • When two egotists meet, it’s an I for an I. • A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion. • The worker who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered. • Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.

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Men’s Breakfast Study is meeting on Saturday, May 5th at 8:30am. The study session will be “What is the

Soul?” All men are welcome to come and have breakfast with us!

In the early Christian church, especially in the East, it became

customary to adorn the heads of the newly baptized with flower

garlands. The practice was likely borrowed from secular society,

in which such wreaths symbolized victory and joy. Just as the

winners in sporting events wore wreaths to celebrate their

triumphs, new Christians donned them to represent the “crown

of life” promised to those who love God (James 1:12).

In athletics, all participants must work hard and only one wins. But Christ won

the victory of salvation and bestows it on us as a free gift. Even our ability to love

God is a gift of the Holy Spirit. And there’s no limit to how many people can

“win”!

Thanks, Mom!

At his graduation, a young man tasked with giving a speech began reading from some notes. “I want to talk about my mother and the wonderful influence she had on my life,” he said. “She’s a shining example of parenthood, and I love her more than words can ever do justice.” The graduate then paused, appeared to struggle a moment and looked up at the audience with a mischievous smile. “It’s really hard to read my mom’s handwriting,” he said.

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Who is Leah Sharibu?

Fifteen year old Leah Sharibu would not

renounce her faith despite friends begging her to

pretend. One hundred ten girls and one boy from

the girl school in Dapchi, a town in Nigeria, were

kidnapped by Boko Haram in February, then

released most of them five weeks late. Leah is

still being held. She has become a symbol of the

persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Submitted by Dolores Pheasant

Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

According to OPEN DOORS, Muslim Fulani Tribe men are attacking Christian communities,

killing, kidnapping, and taking possession of everything in their path. Christians in Nigeria’s

middle belt, in places like Southern Kaduna, Benue, and Taraba, have faced persistent

targeting.

Although there are socioeconomic factors driving this violence, Christians and experts warn to

not ignore the religious motivation. It is part of a concerted effort to Islamize Christians.

What about the United Methodist Church in Nigeria? At a recent conference led by Bishop

John Wesley Yohanna, the four conferences in Nigeria made plans to promote reconciliation

between tribal factions.

The history of the Nigerian United Methodist Church goes back to 1842 with the first Wesleyan

Methodist missionary. In 1923, Methodist missionaries arrived in Bambur. The Methodist

Church in Nigeria has grown to 2,000,000 people with 2,000 congregations. Seventy percent

live in the northeast of Nigeria, the poorest and least developed. The church has a leprosy

center, an orphanage, many schools, and a new university, Wesley University in Ondo.

“Thursday in Black” is a campaign that promotes awareness and prevention of violence against

women and girls.

On April 16, 2018, the Methodist Church of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to

address the crisis of the attacks on the farmer villages. The church lauded the President’s

efforts against Boko Haram terrorists. The church thanked Switzerland, USA, Great Britain,

France, Belgium, and the Red Cross for the release of 101 kidnapped schoolgirls.

The church also called for prayer for the release of Leah Sharibu, who is still being held because

of her refusal to denounce her faith. Also the Chibok girls are yet to be released.

Submitted by Dolores Pheasant

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Bible Study

6pm

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www.umcephrata.org

DATE May 6th May 13th-Mother’s Day May 20th May 27th

Assistant

of the Day Ed Rogers Denis Plew Bob Bluhm Lonny Holleman

Ushers

Ann Chandler Bob Bluhm Denis Plew Christy Price

Greeters Bob Miller Marilyn Bluhm Cammy Hatch Joan Jensen

Liturgist Penny Clees Camille Price Ann Chandler Bobbi Dunn

Coffee

Hour All Church Potluck Jenni Bates Tura Yount Mary Holleman

Lead

Counter Mary Mantz Linda Bryant-Smith Mary Mantz Denis Plew

Assisting

Counter Margaret Treiber Marilyn Grass Herb Reynolds Louise Ingebrigtson

Communion

Servers Christy Price

Barb Deycous

NA NA NA

Flowers Ed & Betty Rogers

68th Anniversary

SERVERS

Quilters meet Tuesdays at 9am

facebook.com/umcofephrata

Wednesdays 6pm