pastor’s ponderingsfiles.constantcontact.com/41791e10301/59090a45-a8...we will resume activities...
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Pastor’s Ponderings
Central United
Methodist Church 201 S. 5th St.
Milbank, SD 57252
605-432-4766
Fall Worship Times
8:30 am Traditional
9:30 am Sunday School
9:30 am Small Group
Studies
10:30 am Blended
Wednesday Renewal
6:00 pm Fellowship Hall
Lead Pastor – Rev. Thom Bowsher
Emergencies: 432-5363
Youth Pastor – Rev. Melissa Gall
Pastoral Care Pastor/Children’s
Minister – Kristy Liebe
Office Manager – Jen Aden
Office Assistant – Sandy MacMillan
Custodians – Todd & Peggy Morton
Definition: “Discipleship”
It’s common practice within the broader church to toss around words and assume everyone knows what they mean. Have you experienced this? Sometimes it can be like talking to a Nuclear Physicist. We use words like “Narthex” instead of “lobby” or “foyer.” “Omniscient” to describe God as all-knowing. “Doxology” to describe a hymn or verse that praises God. For some, these words are part of their normal vocabulary, but not so much for others.
There are also words that we use that have different meanings to different people as well. “Discipleship” is one of those words. In its most simplistic form, discipleship is how one grows as a disciple. The method, process, model, plan, system (whatever we want to call it) of discipleship is where the grey comes into play.
There have been countless well-documented and canned ways “to do” discipleship that have come and gone. The truth is that discipleship in and of itself is quite simplistic.
The following diagram illustrates the discipleship for a disciple of Jesus Christ. Or stated another way: “A Rhythm of Life for a Disciple of Jesus Christ” because our discipleship should be part of the natural rhythm of our lives.
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(Continued from Page 1)
Again, the idea is simple, it’s: “Up, In and Out”. The difficult aspect to discipleship for
some people isn’t grasping it; the difficulty is found in holding on to it and committing to it!
According to a recent Barna Group survey, only 20 percent of Christian adults are
involved in some sort of discipleship activity—and this includes a wide range of activities such as
attending Sunday school or fellowship group, meeting with a spiritual mentor, studying the
Bible with a group, or reading and discussing a Christian book with a group.
Practicing Christians are more likely to be involved in a variety of spiritual growth activities
than are non-practicing Christians. Yet, even among practicing Christians, fewer than half are
engaged in these four types of spiritual development.”
Unfortunately, Barna’s survey doesn’t address the “why” in this particular survey. For me
personally, I would say it’s a matter of where I am investing myself and my valuable/limited time.
I find this survey very interesting and somewhat perplexing because by definition, a disciple of
Jesus Christ is one in constant discipleship. I would also speculate that if I conducted a survey
here, I would find Central exceeds the 20% stated by the Barna Group.
With that being said, there is always room for some improvement. So, what are your
thoughts on this? What are some of the things I, or Central, can do to help increase an
environment of discipleship that meets the needs of the people of Central and our community?
Growing in Christ, while serving Christ,
Pastor Thom Bowsher
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”.
Acts 2:42 (ESV)
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February Recap
On Wednesday, February 1, both Middle School and High School yoUnited participated in a
lesson about the Purpose of Prayer. We learned about hand prayers, prayer labyrinths, and finger
prayers. We had a good discussion in each group about how prayers are answered (or not!), about
when and how to pray, and the types of prayers we often use.
The next week, our Middle and High School yoUnited groups attended the free “Remedy Drive”
concert at the Milbank Middle/High School. The night start with pizza at the Middle/High School
building provided free for all youth and youth helpers by Milbank’s FCA group. After a time of
fellowship, we all headed down to the theater together and heard Bobby Bugattii and Cade
Thompson perform, followed by some BMX bikers and a skateboarder, concluded by Remedy Drive’s
performance. It was an awesome night – especially because of the diversity of the performances. Our
youth were able to see that being a Christian can look like “outside-the-box” activities – like riding BMX
or owning a Christian-based skateboard company.
After that, our Middle School and High School yoUnited groups helped with the Valentine’s
Day Dinner Theatre “The Cupcake Capers.” Several of our youth helped serve and clean up the meal,
while others acted in the Dinner Theatre performance. The whole night was fun and it was great to
have an activity that included all age-ranges in Central Church!
Wednesday, February 22 was a night off from Wednesday Night Activities as we took a Spring
Break. We will resume activities on Wednesday, March 1 with Ash Wednesday Activities.
Upcoming Event Reminders
Wednesday, March 1. Ash Wednesday. Middle School yoUnited will meet at their normal time (4:00
p.m. – 5:15 p.m.) as we kick off a Lenten Study through the season of Lent. High School yoUnited will
meet at their normal time as well (6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.). High Schoolers will pack backpacks for the
Milbank Area BackPack program at 6:00 p.m., and then we will attend the Ash Wednesday Service
together at 6:30 p.m. *Note: High School yoUnited will conclude for the evening when the Ash
Wednesday Service concludes.
*** Confirmation Students are required to attend the Ash Wednesday Service as a part of the
attendance requirements for Confirmation Sunday.
Wednesday, April 12. Holy Week – No Wednesday Night Activities.
Saturday, April 15. High School Easter Vigil Service. At 6:30 p.m., the High School yoUnited group
will share the Easter Vigil Service they are working on putting together right now. Please join us as
they present and share this worship service – everyone is welcome!
After the Vigil Service on this date, High School yoUnited are once again invited to the
yoUnited Room to watch our annual viewing of “The Passion of the Christ.” A letter regarding this
movie will be sent home in the near future.
Sunday, May 14. High School Senior Recognition Sunday.
Sunday, June 4. Confirmation Sunday.
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No longer will you need to remember to bring your
checkbook or that seemingly nonexistent thing called “CASH” to church. ACH (automatic debit) giving is available at Central as an alternative to writing a check to the church each week or month. You can elect to have a withdrawal done on the 1st or the 15th of each month. The sign-up forms can be found in the Church Office and periodically in the bulletins. For more information, please contact Adam Koplin or Jason Kettwig.
Winter weather
cancellation policy for
Central Church - if
Milbank schools are
closed, then all church
activities are cancelled.
Grant County Food Giveaway
The Grant County Christian Service Council is partnering with Feeding South Dakota to provide over 12,000 pounds of free food to families and individuals in need. On Wednesday, March 8, at the Milbank Fire Hall from 3:30 – 6:00 pm, Feeding South Dakota will have a truck filled with frozen meats, dairy products, canned and boxed goods, bread and bakery items, and fresh produce at
the Milbank Fire Hall. Any households in need of food can take advantage of this opportunity. We are looking for volunteers to assist in this event. The giveaway will be held at the Milbank
Fire Hall from 3:30-6:00 (or until the food is gone) and we will need help with setting up, distributing the food, and with the tear down. If you are able to help, please sign up at the Welcome Center or contact LeAnn Kuper (605-949-0617) or Brenda Maass (605-880-7176) for more information. Just show up at the time you sign up for and we’ll put you to work! Thanks for helping make a difference and see you on March 8th!
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By Sheila Dailie
This month our chronological journey through the Bible will show how God took a
nation of slaves – 600,000 strong – and helped them become organized into a nation ready
to conquer the idol-worshipping nations that occupied the land God promised to the
descendants of Abraham.
While much of the narrative seems repetitive and maybe even boring, we continue to
see the ways that God reveals himself to his people, drawing them close. Even the laws and
the routines of sacrifice are designed to bring the people close to the Father.
Join us on Facebook at “Reading Through the Bible” as we highlight a verse and share
thoughts about our reading.
By Sheila Dailie
As we enter the Lenten season, many of us focus more attention on our spiritual walk
and the disciplines, like Bible reading, Bible study, and prayer, that draw us closer to God.
Moses gives us an example of what drawing closer to God looks like
Moses was the leader used by God to deliver the people of Israel out of slavery and
guide them toward the land God had promised Abraham. When Moses asked to see God’s
face or His glory, we see how God protected Moses. But most importantly, in order for Moses
to request a meeting with God, Moses had a personal connection with the holy God.
And Chip Ingram says that “Great Prayers Are Deeply Personal.”
Listen to the conversation between Moses and God in Exodus 33:17-19. (Prayer is
conversation!) “And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will
do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name. “Moses said, “Please show
me Your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim
before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will
show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”
Taken from “Pray Great Prayers” in Chip Ingram’s book “Good to Great in God’s Eyes.”
This month, try opening your conversations with God like you greet a dear, personal friend
for coffee.
Pray Without Ceasing
Wednesday Night JAM
We will be continuing with our theme of prayer as we enter the Lenten season. Jesus modeled to us the importance of prayer as He journeyed to the cross. We will be journeying to the cross by following His example of prayer. Hope to see you there!
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Our People in Overseas Mission: Staff at Gess (Kissy) Eye Clinic Agape School for Boys, Kenya Solar Oven Partners, Dr. Emmanuel Mefor, Mutambara, Zimbabwe Mission
Our People in Care Facilities: Park Place:
Dorothy Bishop Dorothy Bracht Deloris Richards Lois Jean Miller
St. William’s: Marie Buri Wava Butler Del Cardwell Shirley Hanson Kathy Trapp Ruth Wibbens Verla Miller
Golden Living Center: Caroline Gommer Nadeane Buri
Long Term Prayer Requests: Cheryl Pauli Jesse Bergerud Ione Brehmer (mother of Renae Fox) Matthew Smith Mary Warrey (If you have any updates or know of a name that should be removed, please call the church office.) Committee of the Month: Endowments Committee
Church of the Month: Countryside Covenant
Total Budget Offering $28,696.01
Total Expenses $31,724.23
Back Pack $90
UMCOR $100
Sunday School $86.50
Memorials Discretionary $30 Gess UMC $245
Kids Hope Needs A Few Good Men
As many of you know, our community has families impacted by death. Kids are having to
deal with the loss of their fathers. Kids Hope would be a powerful way to impact these children’s
lives, by having a caring male be a positive role model! Would you please consider becoming a
mentor and making a difference to these kids, who are desperate for someone to show them the
Father’s love? Contact Kristy Liebe at 467-1491 if you would be interested.
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I just got back from a wonderful vacation in Mexico. I admit that I love to swim in the ocean.
There is something so amazing in the power of the waves. Sometimes you can catch one just right.
Riding it to shore is this huge thrill. Other times those waves push you to the bottom and leave
you gasping for air. You feel beat up and wondering which way is up.
Oh, how life can make us feel like we are tossed in those waves. We begin this season on
Lent, which can make us feel tossed about. We can feel the joy for all Jesus has done for us. The
weight of why He had to go to the cross can pull us under. We feel such highs and lows during
this season. My prayer for you is that you can be filled with the wonder of this season! I found that
the waves weren’t so bad when I quit fighting them. Don’t fight the highs and lows, but learn from
them! There is great beauty in both!
Kristy’s Konundrums
By Pastor Kristy
Sunday School Offering for March Supports Kids Helping Kids
During the month of March our offering for Sunday School will be to collect items for the
Pirate Party for Kids Helping Kids. We are asking kids to bring the following donations for each
week:
March 5th- Books
March 12th- Candy
March 19th- Art Supplies
March 26th- Stuffed Animals
The Pirate Party will take place on Friday, March 24. Look for the flyer for more details!
“Throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10).
90 Day Tithing Challenge
Just a reminder to prayerfully consider signing up
for the 90 Day Tithing Challenge. The tithe is a very
practical and tangible way to put God first. If you are not
tithing already, a great way to start is with the 90 Day
Tithing Challenge. If God doesn’t hold true to His promises
of blessings when you take the 90 Day Challenge, Central
UMC will refund 100% of your tithe. No questions asked.
The sign-up sheets are located in the pew offering
envelope slots and in the Church Office. For more
information, contact Adam Koplin or Jason Kettwig.
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We are continuously trying to update our lists. Please notify the church office
with any additions or corrections 432-4766 or [email protected].
Mar. 1 Jim Warrey
Alex Humpton
Elijah Fischer
Jason Bock
Mar. 2 Cori Redmond
Barb Olson
Dalton Fox
Mar. 3 Greg Bohn
Mar. 4 Linda Comstock
Mar. 5 David Gonzenbach
Mar. 6 Beth Brown Mar. 7 Owen Fischer Caleb Rick Mar. 8 Wayne Van Hout
Mar. 9 Shirley Conraads
Bennett Graham
Mar. 11 Tanner Kettwig
Casside Seezs
Kiana Conrad
Mar. 12 Arvid Liebe
Teresa Grorud
Max Liebe
Adam Koplin
Jacob Grorud
Monte Robinson
Mar. 14 Lee Zuver
Mar. 15 Roxie Bohn
Kerissa DeBoer
Mar. 2 Clee & Paula Brakke
Mar. 4 Allen & Diane Stewart
Mar. 13 Robert & Barb Olson
Mar. 16 Dave & Monica Buri
Mar. 17 Ron & Laurie Folk
Anderson, Scott & Susan Baldwin, Kirk & Janis Brown, Beth Conrad, Ryan & Kiana Cummins, Kathy
Falk, Wade & Jennifer Fischer, Charles & Johanna Halvorson, Carol
Holtquist, Gene & Gladys Korstjens, Matt & Kelli Kosse, Frank MacMillan, Sandy Mikkelson, Dan & Tammy
Osborne, Renee Paysen, Jayne Pinkert, Gene & Leah
Schultz, Diane Stewart, Al & Diane Thue, Chad & Amy Tostenson, Ginny Wollschlager, Doug & Renae
Wollschlager, Ryan & Jennifer Yamaura, Vince & Amy
Mar. 20 Brian & Sherri Schneck
Mar. 22 Jody & LeAnn Kuper
Craig & Allison DeBoer
Mar. 25 Richard & Roxie Bohn
Mar. 26 Jim & Sheri Wendland
Mar. 16 Alysha Holmquist
Mar. 18 Mary Kay Bishop
Michaela VanderWal
Mar. 19 Cooper Hupke
Braylen Bowsher
Mar. 20 Scott Anderson
Dick Skoog
Caroline Pearson
Terri Holtquist
Brian Davis
Mar. 21 Dan Mikkelson
Liam Grabow
Mar. 22 Angie Grong
Mar. 24 Weston Trapp
Mar. 25 Jeff Seehafer
Mar. 25 Tyler Keller
Mar. 26 Hunter Schweer
Mar. 27 Ethan Bohn
Rhonda Stengel
Mar. 28 Matt Korstjens
Mar. 29 Carla Trapp
Mar. 30 Darrel Smith
Dave Welter
Tammie DeWald
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Endowments Committee
The Endowments Program was established on November 26, 2000 for the purpose of providing members and friends the opportunity to make charitable gifts to Central United Methodist Church. These gifts will become a permanent endowment of financial support and a living memorial. The program is intended for purposes that are not a part of the church’s established programs, which are funded through the annual operating budget of the church. We are charged with conservation of the principal and to encourage growth of income and principal. Some of the funds are directed by the giver, some of the funds can only be distributed for specific functions, and the gifts we have given come from the distributable account. It is a prayerful goal of the committee to help this fund grow, so we are asking our members to help us in any way possible. Some examples of vehicles used for donating to the Endowment Fund are wills, annuities, trusts, life insurance, memorials, & various types of property. These types of donations may also aid in pre-retirement planning including establishing a living will, living trust, and the need for each person to designate someone to serve as a responsible advocate should independent decision making ability be lost. The Endowments Committee meets 4 times per year to review our financial report from the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation and examine grant applications for special requests that may need initial funds to start a program that will spread the ministry of Central such as aid to the youth of Central for their mission trip, pledges back to the NESD Healthcare Foundation campaign for the new hospital. Initial startup costs for such programs as Financial Peace University & Meals from the Heart have seen benefit from these funds. A goal of the committee is to grow the Camp Fund to help increase aid to youth through scholarships to attend summer church camps and possibly one day fund all tuition for Central youth to camp. Help Central continue to grow funds to help continue helping others to Know & Share Christ!
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Central United Methodist Church,
Thank you for the wonderful Valentine’s Day care package. It’s a fun surprise to receive in the
mail and it reminds me of the loving church family I have in Milbank.
Sincerely,
Courtney Trapp
________________________________________________________________________________________
The Board of Trustees would like to extend a very special “Thank You” to Scott Trapp for his help
in obtaining the roof air conditioner from the old hospital, getting it off the roof, and helping deliver it
to the church garage. We would like to say “Thank You” to Avera Milbank Hospital for donating the
roof air conditioner so that we can use it in the church when we do the roofing project later this year.
Also, thanks to all the other people who helped with this project!
________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Seasoned Citizens.
Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. It was nice to be remembered. The treats in the
colorful pail were a fun variety. I hid the large chocolate bar in my desk to eat on a special day.
May the Lord bless and keep you,
Pastor Beth
________________________________________________________________________________________
My sincere gratitude to my church family here at Central.
I am so grateful to you for all your expressions of caring and concern after I received my cancer
diagnosis. Thank you for your prayers and hugs, and the sense of peace and hope it gave me. Thank
you to those of you who so generously gave of your time to drive me to and from all my appointments
and both surgeries – for checking to make sure I was doing O.K. when home alone after the surgeries.
Thank you for bringing me frozen meals (they really taste good and are so helpful). And of
course, thank you for the generous gift card I received as a Christmas gift.
I am so blessed!
Lucy Armitage
Articles for the April issue of
Central Rays are due on
Tuesday, March 21.
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2nd Annual Pirate Party!
Kids Helping Kids 2nd Annual Pirate Party is on Friday, March 24 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm!
Tickets are $0.25 each and can be used for games, food, and at the Pirate Store! The drawing for
some awesome baskets will be at 7:45 pm. This event is for kids up to 8th grade but all ages are
encouraged to attend and help! Kids Helping Kids helps families in our community going through
different challenges in their life through gift cards, gifts, and other services. If you would like to
donate a basket, food, or your time, there are sign-up sheets at the Welcome Center or contact
Jeny Koplin at (701)-403-9089 or Kristy Liebe at 467-1491.
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Easter Flower Garden
Your opportunity to give spring flowers to church for our Easter celebration is coming
soon. Once again, the Worship Commission requests your help in decorating the Sanctuary for Easter with
Easter lilies, tulips, and other spring plants. You may provide a flowering plant in memory of or in honor of a
loved one for the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning. There are forms at the Welcome Center to fill out with
the name of your loved ones. Please turn your forms in to the office by Monday, April 10, so that names of
the people you want to remember will be added to the 2017 Easter Garden Insert. Plants should be at the
church by 3:00 pm on Good Friday, April 14.
Central Book Club
The Central Book Club is now reading
“The Autobiography of George Muller.” We
will meet to discuss this book at 6:30 pm on
Tuesday, March 21, downstairs in the Youth
Room. Anyone can join us to receive the April
book, “Left Behind” by Tm LaHaye & Jerry B.
Jenkins. There is no cost to you to join the Book
Club. Central Church will provide the books
and all that is asked is a free will donation. If
you are interested in joining, please call Jen in
the Church Office at 432-4766 so that we can
be sure to have a book for you.
Where can you find us?
Television: Radio: ITC Cable Channel 95 KMSD 1510
Mondays at 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Sundays at 11:00 am
Midcontinent Cable Channel 3
Sundays at 5:30 pm www.milbankchurch.org
Mondays at 11:30 am #graceiscentral Tuesdays at 2:30 pm
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SUNDAYS
8:30 am Traditional
Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
9:30 am Small Group
Studies
10:00 am Prayer Group
10:30 am Blended
Worship
MONDAYS
9:00 am The Gathering 5:30 pm CBS Leader’s Meeting 7:00 pm CBS Classes
TUESDAYS
6:30 am Men’s Study
9:15 am Staff Meeting
2:30 pm Life Quest
WEDNESDAYS 3:30 pm MS yoUnited 5:15 pm Lenten Meal 6:00 pm JAM Activities 6:00 pm HS yoUnited
6:00 pm Lenten Service
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Central United
201 South 5th St.
Milbank, SD 57252
Return Service Requested
In This Issue:
Pastor’s Ponderings
Youth Page
Kristy’s Konundrums
Central Book Club
Pray Without Ceasing
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Thank You Notes
Fellowship & Service Group
Calendar
Finance News
Ma
rch
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