Acts & Facts Newsletter
1300 N Vine Street
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-3342
www.eumcabilene.org
Volume 20  Issue 4  April 2017
MOTHERS AND SONS
You’re Invited
WHAT: Mother & Son FUN Night
WHO: Moms (or Mother-like figures)
Our Vision . . .
to Reach the lost
to Disciple Believers
and Equip all for ministry
(with sons age 4—single, college age)
WHEN: Saturday, April 8 at 6:30pm
WHERE: Emmanuel Worship Center
WHY: To build up your son, teach him honor,
and enhance the mother-son
relationship. (and have fun!!)
COST: $12/family PRIOR to event.
(Please remit RSVP and submit payment by April 3.)
OurMission
A Community of Families
Working Together
To Develop Christ Followers
(BASEDUPONEPHESIANS4:15-16)
Our Purpose . . .
“The transformation of
families through a
relationship with Christ
and His church so that we
may live, laugh and love
with all of our hearts.”
from Pastor Shane
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will
live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you
believe this?” (Jn.11:25-26)
Well…do you? That is the question Jesus asks every human being. The resurrection of
Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle ever witnessed. There were more people who
witnessed Jesus Christ walking around after his resurrection than saw Columbus
discover America. Unfortunately, the resurrection is doubted while the other is accepted
as fact. I came across this article that reminded me of the struggle many have with the
resurrection of Jesus:
“In the book, Raised? Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection, author Jonathan
Dodson writes, ‘The resurrection is a dividing line—a parting claim." Here's how he
illustrates that "dividing line":
“The resurrection is like a river that parts a road. People are on the road approaching the
river. Arriving at the river of the resurrection, you look across it to where the road
continues and see quite a few cars are there. In your doubt, you can't imagine how
people got to the other side of the river. How did they get across? How can rational
people come to the belief that Jesus died and rose from the dead?
“Faith is the unnoticed ferry, lying hidden near the bank of the river
that can take us from the riverbank of doubt … to the other side of
belief in the resurrection. [But] it's not blind faith … You don't cross
by closing your eyes and wishing Jesus' resurrection was true. No.
You cross with your eyes wide open. This is an informed faith, faith
in a historical plausible resurrection, attested by hundreds of
witnesses, one proven to be worth believing.”
He is risen indeed!!!
CONGREGATION
SUBMISSIONS
Church-Wide Bridal Shower for
Abigail Young on
Saturday, April 8, 2017 1-3pm in
Church Sanctuary.
Brent Hirsch and Abigail Young are
registered at Walmart, Target, and Dillard's.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee met with District Superintendent Rev. Dee Williamston and Pastor Shane to receive his resignation effective 6/30/17
and start the process of replacement. Dee was very
attentive to input from the SPRC on what we were
looking for. She came back in a couple weeks to introduce us to new appointment, gain our agreement
and sign paperwork. Both congregations were notified at 3pm, Monday, 2/27. It was clear to all involved that God had directed everything.
A transition team is being formed at Emmanuel and
will meet in April.
We cannot thank Shane and Toni enough for all
they have done for us in the past 9 years.
It is essential to continue to pray for our congregation, and for the Britts and McClure's as they work
to sell current homes, leave their friends, family,
church family, jobs, community, school and find
new home, new friends, new jobs, new schools...
Thank you,
James Hedstrom
SPRC Chair

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Sunday, June 11, after our 10AM
One Worship Service
We will enjoy a time of food and fellowship as a
farewell luncheon for Pastor Shane, Toni & family.
A potluck lunch will be held immediately after
morning service. The following will be provided by
the church, meat, drinks, plates, and utensils.
Please sign-up or call the church office if you
plan to stay for the meal.
Would you please help by bringing the following if
your last name begins with—
A-M—please bring a side dish to share (vegetable,
salad, relishes etc.)
N-Z—please bring a dessert to share (cake, cookies,
fruit tray etc.)
Please bring enough to serve your size of family that
will ensure that we have plenty for all!
NOTE: If it is too difficult for you to prepare and bring a
dish, we still want you to come and enjoy this time together with your church family!
Scholarships for the year 2017-2018
Wilma Green, a long time active member of
Emmanuel, established the Wilma and Lester
Green Memorial Scholarship. Scholarships
totaling up to $2,000.00 are available for the 20172018 school year. Mrs. Green set up the following
criteria for the Wilma and Lester Green Memorial
Scholarship:
1. Applicants must reside in Dickinson County,
Kansas, with a preference for youth active in a
Dickinson County church and/or newspaper
carriers from the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.
2. Applicants must attend one of the following
schools: Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina,
Kansas; McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas;
Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas; Baker
University, Baldwin City, Kansas; Bethany
College, Lindsborg, Kansas; Sterling College,
Sterling, Kansas; Any vocational or community
college located in Kansas
3. Scholarship recipients must maintain a
cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0
scale and be a full-time student as determined by
the institution of higher education.
4. Scholarship recipients can apply in successive
years for the scholarship, assuming that they meet
all other criteria.
5. Applicants must show a financial need for the
scholarships.
Applications may be obtained at the church
office and returned by Friday, April 14.

The Drew Kroeker Memorial Scholarship, will be
offered for the 2017-2018 school term. Following
are the criteria for the EUMC Drew Kroeker
Memorial Scholarship:
1. Preference will be given to residents of
Dickinson County.
2. Parent(s) and student must be regular
attendees at Emmanuel United Methodist Church.
3. Attendance at any Kansas college.
4. Must be a first year freshman.
5. Scholarship recipients must maintain a
cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5
or higher on a 4.0 scale and be a full-time student
as determined by the institution of higher
education.
6. Applicants must show a financial need for the
scholarship.
7. The award for the 2017-2018 school year will be
$2,000.00 which will be issued $1,000.00 for each
semester.
Applications may be obtained at the church
office and returned by Friday, April 14.
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
Confirmation Ceremony. April 2. We will be celebrating the 12 students who completed the confirmation class
on Sunday, April 2 during the first part of the Omega Service. The confirmands are:
Mason Cook, Ethan Diercks, Roc Engle, Alyvia Johnson, Robbie Keener, Ryan Longenecker, Brandon Parker,
Bailey Rock, Ashton Roth, Nathaniel Tompkins, Claire Weishaar, and Kyler Welling.
Mother/Son Fun Night. April 8, 6:30pm. Moms (of boys ages 4-single, college-age),
don’t miss this opportunity to BUILD this important relationship. A young boy’s life that is
CONSTRUCTED around honor, integrity, humility, and civility starts with his relationship
with his mother (or mother-figure.) This fun night will include fun activities, a chance to
CONNECT, to CREATE, and to Dance with mom. Fill out the bulletin insert or call the church
office to sign up. RSVP by April 3. Cost is $12 per family.
Guatemala Team Meetings. April 9 and 23. Meetings #7 and #8
are scheduled for noon to 2pm on the above days.
Hangin in the Youth Wing—Friday, April 7, 21, and 28 from 3-5pm.
(None on the 14th because of Good Friday.) Come hang out!
SUMMER CAMPS to register for:
Amp It Up Camp. June 1-5. This Worship Team camp is designed for high school students and is
located on the Southwestern College Campus in Winfield. This is an awesome time of worship and
learning. Cost: $100 (if registered before 4/15) and $150 (if registered after 4/15). Talk to Marc if
you have questions. Register at: http://www.sckans.edu/other/amp-it-up
Middle School Extreme Kansas Camp. June 26-30.
Register at: http://shawnammons.wixsite.com/extremeencounters.
Cost: $245 or $285 (depending on package). Due Date: before 4/14 for current price,
increases $25 after 4/14. When checking out, click the button for “Pay Balance
Manually”. The $50 registration fee can be paid out of your church account, and the bill
will be sent from the church for the remaining balance at the end of May. This link also
works for High School EKC which is being held on June 19-23.
High School Summer Camp. July 16-21. Incoming freshmen through graduating seniors have
the opportunity to attend this year’s Midwest Regional Camp at Golden Bell Camp.
Located in Divide, Colorado, this camp is fun and spiritually rewarding.
Registration forms will be available sometime in May (whenever I get them, I will get them to you!!).
CHILDREN’S MNISTRY NEWS
The Well (End of Year Party)
We’ve had a phenomenal year of The Well this year! We’ve
learned about the crazy love of God, what God says about us,
learned about our friends in Guatemala, and truly learned how to
experience God through worship prayer, and reflection. On April 19
at 6:30, we will close out the Well with a end of year party. More
details are to come so be on the lookout!
Palm Sunday: Kids will be waving the palm branches as we celebrate the coming
of our King Jesus for Palm Sunday. Kids will meet in Room 105 where they will line
up and receive a palm branch to wave during a special song during service.
Easter: Easter is upon us! This year we will be celebrating during the
Sunday School hour with our specific classes! We will begin with a special
celebration Kick Time at 9:55 and move to our normal classes for activities and more!
Easter is a great time to invite friends, so invite one or two or twenty! See ya then!
5th Grade Recognition:
On Sunday, April 30, we will be recognizing our 5th graders during children’s moment as they
move on up into the youth group! Be praying for these kids as they enter into a new season of
life with new challenges and new opportunities to shine for Jesus! We will be celebrating the
5th Graders with a party at Carol Russell’s house where they will receive a special Bible to help
them begin their journey forward.
VBS Dates: They’ve been set! Mark off your
calendars for July 10-14 from 9 am-12 pm each day for Vacation Bible School! Be on the
lookout for more details as they come about! I’m so excited to see how God SPEAKS to us this year at VBS!
Diaper Drive: The youth are going to Guatemala in June! There are lots of different
needs at Eagle’s Nest Orphanage, but one need we’ve discovered is one for diapers! There
are many little ones that come through the doors of Eagle’s Nest and as a church we can
be part of blessing these kids! The brand that is preferred is Huggies and we are looking
for all different sizes! We will begin collecting diapers in a playpen in the Tower entrance
on April 23 and will continue until the end of May! So start collecting those diapers!
If you have
volunteered in the
church in ANY way,
this party is for
YOU. Come and
enjoy food,
fellowship and fun!
Please RSVP to the
church by April 17!
DID YOU KNOW—
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
Come to The Well
"A gathering for all ages,
to challenge the heart,
feed the body and renew the soul!"
The last “Well” of the season will be held on Wed.,
April 19. On Wed., April 26 we will honor our volunteers at “Volunteer Appreciation Night”.
Wednesday nights at Emmanuel Church
5-6 pm - Before the Well - Middle & High School
Hang-out time, Room 300
6 pm - Food for the body (meal), Worship Center
6:30—7:30 pm - Food for the Soul
(Break out groups: Children; Youth; and Adults)
WITH SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF:
Sunday, April 30—One Worship at 10AM
ONE WORSHIP SCHEDULE at Emmanuel
We have scheduled six occasions when all of us at
Emmanuel are invited and heartily encouraged to
gather together for one worship service at 10:00
a.m. This would be an excellent opportunity for
you to invite a friend, relative, acquaintance or
neighbor, to worship with you.
Dates of One Worship Services in 2017—
January 29, April 30, July 30, October 29,
December 10 (Children’s Christmas Program),
December 31
PRAYER FOR WORLD/NATIONAL CONCERNSPresident Trump
U.S. Troops & their Families
Israel
Supreme Court nominee Judge Gorsuch
Constitution to stand
Persecution of Armenia Christians
Health Care
Immigrations Policies
Victims of wildfires & tornados
Unity in our families & country
FBI & CIA
Homeland Security
Country of Sri Lanka
Congress
Pro-Life laws

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
COMING SOON
May 7, 2017—Graduation Sunday (High School)
May 10, 2017—Last Day of Preschool for M/T/W
May 12, 2017—Last Day of Preschool for Thu/Fri
May 13, 2017—SHS Graduation—2:00PM
May 14, 2017—Graduation Sunday (Preschool)
May 14, 2017—AHS Graduation—1:30PM
May 19, 2017—Wedding Rehearsal
May 20, 2017—Wedding
May 21, 2017—CHS Graduation—2:30PM
May 28, 2017—Memorial Service of Light Service
May 29, 2017-Memorial Day, Church Office Closed
June 1-5, 2017—AMP It Up Camp, Winfield, KS
June 7-10, 2017-Annual Conference, Grand Island, NE
June 11, 2017-One Worship Service at 10AM; followed
by “Farewell” luncheon for Pastor Shane & Toni
June 10-17, 2017—Guatemala Mission Trip
June 19-23, 2017—High School Extreme Kansas Camp
June 23, 2017—Wedding Rehearsal & Dinner-5:30PM
June 24, 2017—Wedding—5PM
June 26-30, 2017-Middle School Extreme Kansas Camp
July 4, 2017—Independence Day, Church Office Closed
July 10-14, 2017—Vacation Bible School
July 16-21, 2017—High School Camp, Divide, CO
July 30, 2017—One Worship Service at 10AM
July 31, 2017—4H Fashion Review
Trudy Neely (mother of Susan Parker)
Bob Purdy (husband of Karel Purdy)
Edith Phillips (grandmother of Allison Sluder)
Joan Johnson
Phyllis Graham
Marilyn Weller (sister-in-law of Rita Macy)
Helen Mettlen
Mary Macy (mother of Bob Macy)
Mahlon Engle (grandfather of Matt Engle)
Cory Kauffman (husband of Tricia (Riordan) Kauffman)
John Dunlap (wife of Karen; father of Brad & Bryan)
PRAYER REQUESTS:
PRAYER FOR OUR LEADERSHIPPastor Shane & Toni
Marc Riegel
Rachel Heidorn
Kaitlin Kendel
Rita Macy
New Pastor McClure & family
Confirmation Ceremony—April 2
Mother-Son Banquet—April 8
Palm Sunday
Good Friday
Easter
Volunteer Appreciation Night—April 26
Graduates
Widows & Widowers
Foster Care Families
Call the church office (785.263-3342) if you have a
prayer request. Your need will be prayed for by
50 Prayer Chain volunteers. In addition, all
prayer requests will be listed in the
bulletin for two weeks.
April 2017
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
30
Sat
1
5th Grade Recognition
NO Discipleship Classes
10:00am One Worship
Sunday
1:00pm Piano Recital,
WC, Kitchen
2
3
5
6
8:45am Alpha Worship
1:00pm Men’s Video
11:30am GALS Bible
9:55am Discipleship
Study, 201
Study, Conf. Rm 1
Classes 4:00pm Piano Lessons,
3:30pm Small Group, 211
11:00am Confirmation
205
Class Recognition, WC
11:00am Omega Worship
2:00pm Bell Choir
Rehearsal, 205
5:00pm MS/HS BTW, 300
6:00pm The Well, WC, Kit.,
102, 104, 204, 205, 300
6:30pm MOMS in Touch,
203
6:30pm Adult Bible Study,
211, Conf. Rm 1
8:00pm Worship Team,
WC
3:30pm Small Group, 211 3:00pm Youth HitYW, 300 Noon Set-up for Bridal
6:30pm Girl Scout
7:00pm Girl Scout
Shower, WC, Kitchen
Meeting, 205
Meeting, 205 1:00pm Bridal Shower,
7:00pm Girl Scout
WC, Kitchen
Meeting, 211
6:30pm Mother/Son Event,
7:00pm Trustee Board
WC, Kitchen, 300
Meeting, Conf. Rm. 1
7:00pm Prayer for Nation,
Children & Youth,
207 Charles Rd.
9
11
12
13
Palm Sunday
1:00pm Men’s Video
Study, 201
8:45am Alpha Worship
4:00pm
Piano
Lessons,
9:55am Discipleship
205
Classes
11:00am Omega Worship 5:45pm Girl Scout
Meeting, 213
Noon Guatemala Team
Meeting, 300
2:00pm Bell Choir
Rehearsal, 205
9:00am Ladies Bible
Study, 201
11:00am Equipping Staff,
Office
11:30am GALS Bible
Study, Conf. Rm 1
3:30pm Small Group, 211
5:30pm Mission Ministry
Meeting, Conf. Rm. 1
8:45am MOPS, WC, Kit.,
Tower,102, 104, 106, 205,
211, 214
5:00pm MS/HS BTW, 300
6:00pm The Well, WC, Kit.,
102, 104, 204, 205, 300
6:30pm MOMS in Touch,
203
6:30pm Adult Bible Study,
211, Conf. Rm 1
8:00pm Worship Team,
WC
1:30pm Staff Meeting,
Conference Room 1
3:30pm Small Group, 211
6:30pm Girl Scout
Meeting, 205
7:00pm Prayer for Nation,
Children & Youth,
207 Charles Rd.
16
18
19
20
10
Easter Sunday
8:45am Alpha Worship
9:55am Discipleship
Classes
11:00am Omega Worship
23
HOLY COMMUNION
Diaper Drive for
Guatemala begins
TODAY
8:45am Alpha Worship
9:55am Discipleship
Classes
11:00am Omega Worship
Noon Guatemala Team
Meeting, 300
17
4
7
8
14
Good Friday
NO Emmanuel’s
Preschool
Church Office Closed
21
15
1:00pm Stroud/Cooper
Wedding, WC
????pm Bell Choir Dress
Rehearsal, WC
22
1:00pm Men’s Video
5:00pm MS/HS BTW, 300
11:30am GALS Bible
Study, 201
Study, Conf. Rm 1 6:00pm The Well, WC, Kit.,
4:00pm Piano Lessons,
102, 104, 204, 205, 300
3:30pm Small Group, 211
205
6:30pm MOMS in Touch,
203
6:30pm Adult Bible Study,
211, Conf. Rm 1
8:00pm Worship Team,
WC
DEADLINE for May
3:00pm Youth HitYW, 300 7:00am Prairieland Food
Acts & Facts Articles 6:00pm Miller/Hahn
Distribution, Kitchen,
3:30pm Small Group, 211 Wedding Rehearsal, WC,
Tower
6:30pm Girl Scout
101, 103, 205 4:00pm Miller/Hahn
Meeting, 205 7:00pm Girl Scout
Wedding, WC, 101, 103,
7:00pm Girl Scout
Meeting, 211
205
Meeting, 211
7:00pm Prayer for Nation,
Children & Youth,
207 Charles Rd.
24
27
25
26
28
1:00pm Men’s Video
8:45am MOPS, WC, Kit., 3:30pm Small Group, 211 3:00pm Youth HitYW, 300
9:00am Ladies Bible
Study, 201
Study, 201 Tower,102, 104, 106, 205, 6:30pm Girl Scout
Meeting, 205
4:00pm Piano Lessons,
211, 214
11:30am GALS Bible
7:00pm Prayer for Nation,
205
Study, Conf. Rm 1 6:00pm Volunteer
Children & Youth,
5:45pm Girl Scout
Appreciation Night,
3:30pm Small Group, 211
207 Charles Rd.
Meeting, 213
Kitchen, Yard
8:00pm Worship Team,
WC
29
Acts & Facts Newsletter
1300 N Vine Street
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-3342
www.eumcabilene.org
YOUR STAFF:
PHONE EXT.
785-263-3342 POSITION
CELL
PHONE
E-MAIL
PERSON
[email protected]
Pastor Shane
224
Senior Pastor
785-366-3431
[email protected]
Rachel Heidorn
225
Minister of Children &
Emmanuel’s Preschool
Director
817-403-5125
[email protected]
Marc Riegel
221
Associate Pastor / Youth Minister 785-307-0741
[email protected]
Kaitlin Kendel
223
Ministry & Worship
Coordinator
785-491-0697
[email protected]
Rita Macy
220
Office Coordinator
785-200-0725
[email protected]
Pam Rothfuss
222
Financial Administrator
[email protected]
Jessica Weissenbach
233
Preschool Teacher
It’s important for people to know their ministers are available when someone has a question, needs some help, or just wants to talk
for awhile. Our office coordinator, Rita Macy, will be happy to receive your office visits, telephone calls, and email messages. We
work diligently to use the communication resources available, such as voice mail and cell phones to be available most of the time
for question. Our pledge to the congregation is to respond in a timely and courteous manner. When someone calls and says, “It’s
urgent,” we will be contacted by the quickest means possible. The ministers are often out of the building for a variety of ministry
tasks. They are available to schedule an appointment with you at your convenience. Please contact us if we can be of help to you.
We want to be available to serve you!
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
MILITARY SERVICE
If you are wanting to put an article into the May Acts & Facts Newsletter, please have the article to the church no
later than the 20th of April. You may either put it in Rita’s slot in the wooden boxes hanging on the wall in the
tower entrance, or e-mail it to Rita at [email protected]; please indicate that it is for Acts and Facts.
Articles may be edited.
Following are names of active servicemen connected to Emmanuel. Please keep them and
their families in your prayers. If there are others connected to our church that are presently
serving, please get their name to the church office.
Michael Brabender (husband of Tanya Brabender) US Army
Eric Cooper (husband of Monica Cooper) Kansas Army National Guard
Joseph Dallas (husband of Angie Dallas) US Army
David Fulton (Clarence & Eileen Garten’s grandson) US Army
Travis Gregg (Sherry Osland’s nephew) US Navy
David Grindle (husband of Rebecca Grindle) US Army
Anthony Johnston (Joan Boyd’s grandson) National Guard
Kyle Jones (husband of Megan Jones) US Army Reserve
Brandon & Alaina (Deines) Perez (Sherry Osland’s daughter & son-in-law) US Air Force
Brandon VanMeter (husband of Andrea VanMeter) US Army
Stop by the tower entrance display and pick up a prayer list
of those serving our country.