THE VISITOR
A NOTE FROM PASTOR STEVE
March 2016
LENTEN REFLECTIONS
John 13:3-5 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that
he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer
robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to
wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.
Do No
Harm
Jesu, Jesu,
Fill us with Your love,
Show us how to serve,
The neighbors we have from You.
Kneels at the feet of His friends,
Silently washes their feet,
Master who acts as a slave to them.
I can’t help but think that Jesus would have been flabbergasted at the idea foot washing
would become a ceremonial ritual done in a church building once a year. Of course we
are in service to the world in many different ways on a regular basis but I have been
thinking for some time that a planned Day of Service rather than a symbolic foot
washing ceremony would be the best way to celebrate Maundy Thursday.
John 13:12-15 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to
the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me
Teacher and Lord-- and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and
Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have
set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
The symbols and rituals or our worship can have a powerful impact on our lives. In a
foot washing ceremony we feel both the intimacy and humility that comes from being
served. However, being in direct contact with people in the role of servant not only helps
others in some concrete fashion but also provides that supremely essential human contact
of spirit to spirit that conveys love and dignity for all.
Just as important as the actual healings that Jesus preforms is the spirit to spirit
connection. Can you imagine being a leper required to announce your leprosy so people
could keep their distance. It is like people with AIDS in the 1980’s when fear was
rampant and they were shunned from schools and swimming pools. The most important
ministry was not the meal brought in or the medicine provided but the acknowledgement
of their humanity with the direct eye contact, holding of hands and letting the stories be
told.
Loving puts us on our knees,
Serving as though we are slaves;
This is the way we should live with You.
Jesu, Jesu,
Fill us with Your love,
Show us how to serve,
The neighbors we have from You.
Do Good
Stay in
Love with
God
Inside this issue:
UMW News
2
Finances
3
Education Committee
4
Lent Schedule
5
Heart Locker
7
Worship Helpers
8
Calendar
9
Maundy Thursday Serve Day 10
THE VISITOR— PAGE 2
WOMEN’S WANDERINGS AND
WONDERINGS
Blessing for Lent
Give up excess
Give up indifference
Take up change
Take up challenge
Lift up hurting
Lift up healing
Overcome
Since I am “a little bit Irish”, I just love this blessing. Lent is a special time in our church calendar and an opportunity to renew
our commitments.
Our new 2016 membership directories are now available. Circle chairs have distributed them and others are available in the
office.
All our Circles welcome new members, watch the bulletins for our meeting times and enjoy the fellowship and inspiration as
we continue the journey together to fulfill our Purpose of being in mission.
Our next Leadership Team Meeting will be March 3 rd at 10:00 a.m.
We will be enjoying another WINTER PICNIC at noon and will celebrate our Call to Prayer and Self-Denial as well as
welcome a special guest. All are welcome to join us!
“Mission is not just the calling of our local Missions Committee
and United Methodist Women, it is the
challenge of all baptized believers.”
“DO YOU KNOW WHERE the MONEY GOES?” is this month’s question..
The February 2016 Response features maps that offer a glimpse of where United Methodist Women member’s Mission Giving
and special offerings are at work in the world helping women, children, and youth. Our mission approach is to empower
women and youth to care for themselves and their families and to provide leadership to their communities wherever there is
need. We support schools, hospitals, agricultural projects, youth network and more. Grants are given to United Methodists,
women’s groups, ecumenical organizations and grassroots groups both nationally and internationally. We also support
programming needs in many areas. Specific reports and statements can be found at www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/
finance. Your gracious giving changes lives for women, children, youth, and families down the street and around the world.
Next month, let’s look at the specific projects we support locally!
May God bless each of us in this holy season of Lent.
Please keep each other, your Leadership Team and all of
our missionaries, deaconesses and mission projects in your
prayers whether here in Kalispell, nationally, or globally.
(Jean Davis, President)
Don’t Forget to Visit our Fair Trade Coffee Cupboard!!!
THE VISITOR— PAGE 3
FINANCIAL REPORT
2016 Epworth Budget
2015 in review
Budget
Income
Expense
Deficit
$208,092
$208,043
$217,497
( $9,454)
Yellowstone Conf Mission Shares
Church and Society
(Mission & Outreach)
28,000
2,300
The deficit amount included 100% of our conference mission
shares which was not originally budgeted for in our 2015
figures. Also, an extra $2,940 was paid for a 2014 insurance Administrative Council Program Fund
payment that we didn’t get billed for until 2015. We had
sufficient money in our checking account to cover this deficit.
Worship Committee
2,500
3,000
Our 2015 income received was from the following sources:
Church School
500
Youth Council
200
$3,422
Finance
200
$400
Annual Conference Expenses
1,500
Office
4,600
Pastor
103,550
Pledged funds
$143,644
Unpledged
$57,632
Loose offering
Other
2016 Review
Budget
$220,650
Pledged funds
$155,014
Estimated Income
from other sources
$65,636
Our 2016 Budget allows for a payment of 90% of our
conference mission shares.
Paid Personnel
35,000
Trustee Improvements
(including Utilities/Maintenance)
Utilities
30,000
Property Taxes and Insurance
8,300
Stephen Ministry
500
Family Activities
500
Total Budget 220,650
THE VISITOR— PAGE 4
NURSERY NEWS
SMITH MEMORIAL DAY CARE is named after Marguerite R. Smith
who was an educator. She graduated from Flathead County High
School and taught at Evergreen School for two terms and Pine
Grove School for two years, right out of high school. She went on
to get a college education at Denver University, University of
Washington, and Columbia University. She taught at Flathead
County High School for two years and was County Superintendent
for two years, resigning to continue her college studies. After
which, she taught at Western Montana College, University of
Arkansas and Iowa College. She returned to Kalispell in 1943 and
taught 18 years in Whitefish. She was a member of Epworth
United Methodist Church from 1911 until her death in 1966.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES has taken a little break,
but now we are off to the races again. Our first activity is our
annual Butter Braid and Pastry Puffin sale. All proceeds go
towards college scholarships that benefit graduating seniors and
college sophomores. This is a great way to show our youth that
there are loved even after they leave our doors and go off to
peruse continuing education.
Our second project is our Lent Breakfast for Dinner. We will be
hosting the Lenten meal on March 9th. Come ready to eat yummy
breakfast foods, Gluten free pancakes will be served for those that
would like to go Gluten free.
Lastly we are working on a Spring Tea. We as a committee are not sure of the date as of yet, but stay tuned in for
upcoming information. It will be a wonderful day, a great way to celebrate all the women of our church, and bring in
EPWORTH SINGLES
Organizing the singles group has begun with lots of fun ideas and enthusiasm such as field trips to Bison Range,
Buddha's in Arlee, Ross Creek Cedars, fall drive to Yaak and Eureka, Glacier Park for a picnic and to walk the boardwalk
at Avalanche Creek. Other plans include eating out, attending concerts, plays, movies, pot lucks and game playing and
much more. If interested, forms will be in the back of the Narthex to be filled out and can be put in the collection
plate. First event is to eat dinner at the Back Room of the Night Owl in Columbia Falls on Sunday, March 13. Meet at
the back parking lot of the church at 3:20 to car pool. If interested in joining us, call 752-1153 by March 12 so we can
have an accurate count for the reservation. Notate if you will need to be picked up.
UMW WINTER PICNIC MARCH 3
A Winter Picnic will be hosted by the United Methodist Women at 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 3. The menu will
feature Sloppy Joe's and ice cream as well as lots of sunny smiles. Leadership from Sparrow's Nest, a home for
homeless youth in our community, will present a program. Sparrow's Next is "dedicated to ensuring safe, supportive
housing for homeless high school students in Flathead County". We will also have our Call to Prayer and Self-Denial
which is time for us to reflect on our mission as Christian disciples and as United Methodist Women. All are
welcome. Please join us.
THE VISITOR— PAGE 5
MARCH 2016 EDUCATION COMMITTEE
While temperatures are beginning to warm and snow slowly melts
away, Sunday School discussions and plans are turning to Lent and
preparing for Easter. Using the "Deep Blue" Curriculum, Preschool-3rd
grade students are learning about the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the
calling of his Disciples, some of what life was like for them at that time,
and God's plan for our lives today. 4th-6th grade youngsters are also
learning stories and messages from the Bible, and creating Puppet
shows to share these teachings with others in the
congregation. Classes continue to be from 9:45-10:45, with music
worship held together until 10:00, and separate classes continuing after
that. Older youth, adults, and friends are welcome to join any of the
classes, as help is always welcome.
Coming calendar items include:
March 13
Daylight Savings Time begins (set clocks ahead!)
March 20
Palm Sunday (Children's and Adult choirs sing)
March 27
Easter Sunday (No Sunday School today)
April 3
Sunday School classes resume
July 18-22 Epworth VBS
Epworth's VBS (Vacation Bible School), which will be about "The Fruit of
the Spirit," will be July 18th- 22nd this year. We are looking for friends
to join in as we begin to explore related Bible teachings and plan for
this rewarding, adventuresome week for our youngsters who are 4years old and up. If this describes you, come see
what a "fun week" REALLY means! For further information or questions, feel free to call:
Carmen Field 752-7667 or Willi Leatzow 253-2801
THE SEASON OF LENT SCHEDULE
Supper, Service, & Worship – 6 pm supper followed by information presenting opportunities for service in the Flathead
Valley, then at 7 pm we will move into the sanctuary for worship Groups who are hosting the suppers Feb. 17 Worship Committee
Feb. 24 Choir
March 2 Stephen Ministries
March 9 YAFA
March 16 TBA
Palm Sunday, March 20, will be celebrated with one service at 10 am that will include the palms, children’s music, and
the Chancel Choir. Coffee fellowship will follow at 11 am.
The order forms for Easter flowers to honor loved ones will be in Sunday bulletins in March.
Holy Week will continue with Maundy Thursday becoming a service day ,a Good Friday service at 7 pm, and our Prayer
Vigil beginning at the conclusion of the Good Friday worship. Sign-up sheets to participate in the Prayer Vigil will be
available during the suppers and on Sundays. We encourage you to experience this meaningful part of Lent.
Easter Sunday will start with a sunrise service planned by the Epworth confirmation class, then an early breakfast. The
Administrative Board will be cooking breakfast as in past years. Thank you!
A very exciting idea was presented to the Worship Committee - a membership initiative that will involve all groups
within Epworth who want to play a part. More information to follow.
THE VISITOR— PAGE 6
EPPIE, THE MISSION MOUSE SAYS:
I am so glad to be back! I really missed everyone. I just love the new dress I have for Lent.
During the Lenten season many adults give up something as a way of remembering what
Jesus gave up for us and how much God loves us. But I’m not sure giving up chocolate or
milkshakes is a very big sacrifice since it’s only for forty days! Since I am a Mission Mouse
and you are all Mission Kids, I think we remember Jesus best by following his example
every day by trying to always be kind to each other. Maybe you could keep a list for those
forty days of all the great and kind things you do? Don’t forget the Easter Bunny is coming to Epworth too. We’ll
have lots of fun!!
REV. ANDRE CASSULE
Rev. Cassule (Ka –sue-lay) serves Mbuco United Methodist Church near the town of
Caculama. He is a graduate of Africa University (2008), where he received a degree in
theology. Besides being the pastor of a rural church, he also teaches Christian education,
evangelism and church history at Quessua School of Theology where local pastors are
trained. Being a pastor in a rural area, he is also a farmer. He is working with the people
of his church developing a plot of land that will help support the ministries of the church.
They are growing tomatoes, cassava and potatoes.
Born and raised in the rural area in the eastern part of Angola, he has experienced the
affects of the civil war. Many people who had sought refuge into the cities are returning
back to the villages to re-start their lives due to the prevailing peace. This is bringing about changes to the local
churches. He has been active in the rural areas helping bring about reconciliation to the different factions that
existed during the war as well as being an evangelist.
Rev. Cassule is married and has three daughters and one son. His full name is Andre
Cassule Zundo Vieira. He speaks English, as well as Portuguese and Kimbundu
This April Rev. Andre Cassule, a pastor in the East Angola Conference of the UMC, will be
visiting Yellowstone Conference. Specifically, he will be in the Flathead area April 13, 14,
15.
As you know, YAC has been in partnership with the East Angola Conference of the UMC for almost 13 years. We now
support 66 pastors (all pastors serving a church) at $50 a month. Some churches help support the two missionaries
serving in East Angola: Ken Koome and Kutela Katembo. Last spring YAC and RMC bought a truck for Ken to use in his
work. We have supported a number of the Advance Specials related to Quessua Methodist Mission.
THE VISITOR— PAGE 7
SPARROW'S NEST QUILT PROJECT
Eight ladies plus Claire Andersen from the Sparrow's Nest board
had a very productive and informative afternoon at the Feb. workshop. However, more help is needed. The next one is scheduled
for Mon., Mar. 7 at 1:00 in Fellowship Hall. All materials and supplies will be provided. We will also work on smaller quilts for orphans in Pignon, Haiti.
The Heart Program is a nonprofit organization that works
hard to meet the needs of students in Kalispell School Districts #5 and #50, whom are struggling with homelessness.
The Heart Program consists of three parts: The Heart
Locker, The Heart Markets, and the Heart Fund. Please
click on the other pages to learn more about each part of
the Heart Program.
We are doing some unique and exciting things to help support these struggling students. Be A Part Of It!
HEART LOCKER
1. Pass along kids clothing from size 5 (kindergarten), up through High School sized
items.
2. Give a few hours of your time to help sort and organize donated clothing.
3. Donate school supplies and/or personal hygiene products.
HEART MARKETS
4. Donate Snacks and “Grab-and-Go” food.
5. Donate gift cards in $10 increments from places where students could get a
meal on the weekends/summer.
Example: SUBWAY is the most popular choice, for givers and the students in need.
HEART FUND
6. Monetary donations are always needed and greatly appreciated.
If you are a business, church, group, troop, club, organization, or association I
would appreciate the opportunity to come and speak at your next gathering. There truly is something simple every
person can do to help these students.
ANY QUESTIONS?
Please Contact: Nichole Heyer, Homeless Education Liaison
(406) 751-3630, [email protected]
THE VISITOR— PAGE 8
Lay Readers FIRST SERVICE
March 13—Elizabeth Cummings
March 20 Emily Masar
Flowers for the Altar
March 13—Debbie Sapp
March 20 Char and Kathy Moulds
Lay Readers SECOND
SERVICE
March 6—JoAnn Graves-Gil
March 13—Bev Webster
March 20—Joyce Ivey
March 27 Katy Zundel
Ushers
1st Service—Ron and Anita
Hoye, Rock and Shannon Jones
2nd Service– Ken and Bette
Haugan
Snow Removal
Feb 29-March 6
Doug & Linda Conners
Mar 7-Mar 13
Rick & Rena Hagen
Mar 14-Mar 20
Jim Cross
Mar 21-Mar 27
Blake and Diane Stout
A NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS
AND FRIENDS OF OUR
EPWORTH !!!
The 2016 Fellowship Families lists are out. Some of you may
have been asked to be part a different group and hope you
will look forward that new experience. It is so important that
we support each other through participation in this service to
each other. EVERYONE is an important member of our 17
groups. We have marvelous coordinators who reach out and
contact every member on their list. It is just one way we care
for each other.
Fellowship Families:
Group 10
3/6/2016
Ron & Georganna Hartung
Shannon & Denise Nalty
Rocky & Bev Webster
Jeff & Janelle Houston
Linda Anderson
Ken & Maxine O’Brien
Steve Wilson
Bob & Bev Braig
(summer)
Kendra & Cory Tombarge
Marcy Yates
Jay & Karen Davison
Group 11
3/13/16
Skip & Boni Stout
Lila Kruckenberg
Mitch & Mollie O’Brien
Deb Hunt
Larry & Carmen Field
Willi Leatzow
Kathy Moulds
Charlene Moulds
Michelle Smith
Group 12
3/20/16
Lew & Nina Savik
Cliff & Cynthia Thorsen
Phyllis Claridge
Chuck & Julie Olson
Susan Hulslander
Joyce Cottet
Philis Adams
Lorraine Graham
Millie Storie
Rock & Shannon Jones
752-2031
756-6104
755-1540
If you cannot physically help, consider donating food or funds
or simply praying for this fellowship. Most importantly,
RESPOND to your coordinator!! (Let them know what you can
do or give them your regrets.) As we treat each other with
love and courtesy, we truly IMITATE CHRIST. The 10:30 a.m.
Coffee Hours need EVERY ONE of us to participate. Enjoy
each other as we serve each other!
THANK YOU
To those members who donated funds for our new monitors in the sanctuary
To Kalispell Electric employees who hung the new tvs on their lunch hour
To our trustees who have been dealing with repair issues in the daycare bathroom and kitchen
off of the Cameron Room
THE VISITOR— PAGE 9
MARCH 2016
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
29
1
2
3
10:30 AM Bible
Study
7:00 PM Bible
Study
7:00 PM Valleyaire
s
9:00 AM Stephen
Ministries
6:00 PM Lenten
Supper/Service
6:45 PM CIAMiddle School
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
10:30 AM UMW
Leadership Team
12:00 PM UMW
Winter Picnic
7:00 PM Quilters'
Guild
8
9
10
7:00 PM Bible
Study
7:00 PM Valleyaire
s
9:00 AM Stephen 1:30 PM Daycare
Ministries
Board
1:00 PM Piecemak
er Quilters
4:30 PM UMW
Esther Circle
6:00 PM Lenten
Supper/Service
6:45 PM CIAMiddle School
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
28
6
7
10:30 AM Bible
Study
1:00 PM Quilting
Workshop
13
14
15
16
17
11:00 AM Education Committee
12:15 PM Stephen Ministries
10:30 AM Bible Study
7:00 PM Bible Study
7:00 PM Valleyaires
9:00 AM Stephen
Ministries
6:00 PM Lenten
Supper/Service
6:45 PM CIA- Middle
School
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
9:30 AM UMW Sarah
Circle
1:00 PM UMW Rebecca Circle
1:30 PM Rebecca
Circle
7:00 PM UMW Dorcas
Circle
22
23
24
7:00 PM Bible Study
7:00 PM Valleyaires
9:00 AM Stephen
Ministries
1:00 PM Piecemaker
Quilters
6:45 PM CIA- Middle
School
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
29
30
7:00 PM Bible Study
7:00 PM Valleyaires
9:00 AM Stephen
Ministries
7:00 PM Choir
20
21
10:30 AM Bible Study
6:30 PM Committee
Meetings
7:30 PM Administrativ
e Council
27
28
10:30 AM Bible Study
31
Friday
Saturday
4
5
11
12
18
19
25
26
1
2
Open Hearts. Open Doors. Open Minds.
Epworth United Methodist Church
329 2nd Ave. E.
Kalispell Montana 59901
406-257-6849
[email protected]
Return Service Requested
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVE DAY
WHAT: Serve Day is an opportunity for all members of the Epworth
community to come together to provide hands-on service to various
charitable groups in the Flathead. It is a corporate reminder of who we are
as a commitment to impacting our community all year - a representation of
what who we are as a church.
WHEN: Thursday, March 24 (Maundy Thursday)
WHERE: Wherever you can serve; being at home on the phone or gathering
in groups to clean the neighborhood or visiting shut-ins or care facilities.
EXPECT: To have a great time of fellowship and joint laboring with your family, your Sunday School class members,
your Life Group, or new friends! A chance to learn about what is happening in our community and ongoing
opportunities to serve.
What if you knew that on one specific day your whole church family was acting out their faith in service. What if
instead of symbolically washing our feet we used our hands and feet and voice to do as Jesus modeled. It could be
that you call on a neighbor on a periodic basis. Make Maundy Thursday that day to call them that week. Did you or a
group of you volunteer to clean a part of the church? Make Maundy Thursday the day you come and work and see
and visit with the others doing likewise. Do you read at the school or volunteer at the hospital or make quilts and
shawls? Either gather on Maundy Thursday to sew or deliver the quilts on that day in person. Do you donate to the
food bank? Bring the food there in person on Maundy Thursday.