Author: Michelle

The Peace Visitor

The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Luke 7:34
Scripture tells us Jesus wept. But I have often said I wish that there had been a scripture that said Jesus Laughed. I know that Jesus was on a mission with a serious and deeply moving message to convey. When we look at Jesus, the picture of Jesus that we find in the Gospels is one of a well-rounded, magnetic personality. He carried children in His arms… Every time one our kids comes forward I feel great joy. When I pick them up in my arms I feel a huge smile break across my face. What’s more is that kids are a great judge of character. What child wants to be around someone who never laughs? He was accused of being too joyful on occasion (the scripture from Luke). He even told John’s disciples that it was not a time for mourning.
One Commentator on the nature of Christ said this; “The very fact that we humans have a sense of humor indicates that God does, too, for we are made in God’s image. (The existence of penguins, platypuses, and puppies also builds a strong case for God’s having a sense of humor!) Jesus, as the Son of God, shares these attributes, including a sense of humor.” I think God must revel in the joys of our hearts too. Praise and Jubilation are not acts of a sad heart. Joy is part of God’s plan.
On August 14th, we will be holding our annual picnic at Riverside Park. It is meant to be a time of celebration and joy. To that end, I am also calling it Holy Humor Sunday. Our Songs, Liturgy and words will be intentionally lighter. We will be in Park with a Splash Pad and Frisbee golf course. So I invite you to join the fun; wear your craziest Hawaiian print shirt, don your straw hat, wear crocs. Encourage the kids to come with a hope of getting wet. Tell the teenagers to pack a Frisbee… God delights in our Joy. I also encourage you to reach out and invite a friend, call and remind a member you haven’t seen in a while, invite whomever you believe would enjoy this function… Tax collectors and sinners aren’t even out of the question… It is okay too if they just come for lunch, let them share in our joy and fellowship.
One more thing, this year the ROSE committee and deacons are doing things a bit differently. WE are grilling Hot dogs and burgers. So your Pot Luck bring-a-long can be bars, or salads or chips and dip… what screams picnic to you? There will be a door prize, an ice breaker and fun for all ages. The scripture from Luke that I used at the head of this article was a criticism of Jesus being among the people. I can’t guarantee it was a picnic along the river that Jesus had attended, but clearly Jesus knew happiness and celebration. As we gather by the river let us do so anticipating gladness.

August 2016

Pastor John

Pastor John’s Theology Word of the Month:
joy. [joi] NOUN
1.a feeling of great pleasure and happiness: "tears of joy" ·
synonyms: delight · great pleasure · joyfulness · jubilation · triumph · exultation ·
Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. It is something or someone that provides a source of happiness. It appears 88 times in the Old Testament in 22 books; 57 times in the New Testament in 18 books.

YOU ARE INVITED. . .
The Peace UCC Community Book Group is reading NINE PARTS OF DESIRE, by Geraldine Brooks. We will meet on September 10th 9:00 a.m. at Ace Bar and Grill. Join us for breakfast, conversation and good company.
Nine Parts of Desire is the story of the author's journey toward an understanding of the women behind the veils, and of the often contradictory political, religious, and cultural forces that shape their lives. Defying our stereotypes about the Muslim world, Brooks' acute analysis of the world’s fastest growing religion deftly illustrates how Islam’s holiest texts have been misused to justify repression of women, and how male pride and power have warped the original message of a once liberating faith.
"Frank, enraging and captivating.”
—The New Yorker

“A rare look at a significant segment of the world's population that literally has been cloaked in mystery for generations.”
— Seattle Times

“Powerful and enlightening…Brooks presents stunning vignettes of Muslim women…and carefully distinguishes misogyny and oppressive cultural traditions from what she considers the true teachings of the Koran.” —Publishers Weekly

Salted Nut Roll Bars
(from the kitchen of Jeryl Michaels)
1/2 stick butter/margarine
1 can sweetened condensed milk
12 oz peanut butter chips
1-1/2 jars peanuts
2 cups mini marshmallows
Melt butter/margarine, milk and peanut butter chips. Take off heat and stir in marshmallows. Stir until melted. Spray bottom of 9x13” pan. Cover bottom with peanuts (1/2 ).
Spoon mixture over peanuts.. Top with the rest of the peanuts. Cool until firm. Cut. Enjoy! Pastor John’s note: These are perfect for picnics!!

On a somewhat related note, it has been requested that we explain what we mean when we ask people to serve coffee hour. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but haven’t been quite sure what you’re getting into, here’s the scoop!
Arrive before the service. The coffee takes approximately 45 minutes to perk, so it will finish during the service. The coffee is in the cupboard just above the coffeepots on the counter outside the kitchen. Filters are also there. 3-1/2 scoops of regular for the large coffeepot and 3 Tbsp of decaf for the small. The instructions are posted on the inside of the coffee cabinet door. (Bruce or Pastor John can help!)
Bring food, homemade or store-bought — the coffee and conversation are the draw! Please don’t worry that it’s not “fancy” enough! The more people who sign up, the better the variety from week to week. Fruits and veggies or cheese and crackers make a nice change, if you’re not a baker.
Help serve. Help clean up. There are usually others around, too. There is spray solution to wipe tables and counters. Empty and rinse the coffeepots. Put the coffee grounds in the compost container. Fill trays and run dishwasher/sanitizer if possible. The instructions are on the wall above the appliance. It takes a while to get up to the right heat, but if you turn it on at the beginning of the coffee hour, it should be good to go within a half hour.
If after reading this, you are still clueless (as I am) but want to be involved, help is always available if you ask! There are many merciful people who know the ins and outs of the coffee, sanitizer, and kitchen.
Have fun! Enjoy the fellowship! Share with others!

FAITH FORMATION FOR SUMMER
The Journeys of Flat Jesus
Here’s what Flat Jesus has been up to so far.
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Jesus spent the day at Laundry Love with Pastor John and many friends.

FAITH FORMATION FOR SUMMER
The Journeys of Flat Jesus
Where’s Jesus? Jesus is anywhere and everywhere you go this summer!
EFlat Jesus takes a break to catch a Weedle in Pokémon Go.
Flat Jesus meets a canine friend at Laundry Love.F
EFlat Jesus explores the Minnesota Conference Office with Conference Minister Steve Boorsma.
Flat Jesus proofreads.F
MISSION
Flat Jesus and the Mission Committee remind you that through August we will be collecting school supplies! Please consider picking up extra supplies as you see the good Back-to-School sales.

August 6 is Hiroshima Day of Remembrance
Two-year-old Sadako Sasaki was living in Hiroshima when the atom bomb was dropped. Sadly, ten years later, she was diagnosed with leukemia, also known as "atom bomb disease."
There is a Japanese legend that says that if a sick person folds 1,000 paper cranes, the gods will make her well again. Sadako spent long hours in bed, folding those paper cranes, and never giving up that hope. When Sadako had folded six hundred and forty-four cranes, and they hung above her bed on strings, her classmates folded the rest.
Today there is a memorial in Hiroshima Peace Park dedicated to Sadako. Children come there and leave the paper cranes they make in her honor.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is based on a true story.
From: About this Book at www.scholastic.com
Cranes for Peace began as a project to collect paper cranes to be sent to Hiroshima, Japan for the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima in honor of the children.
Here’s a great video explaining the significance of the Peace Crane story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy6LEBD0adY
And another with step by step instructions for folding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd9UlOveEYA

Two years ago a decision was made that our general budget would no longer fund a contribution to the UCC OCWM (Our Churches Wider Mission). Instead we decided to allow people to contribute to the fund on an individual basis. We are again doing that this Month of August. Over the coming weeks more information will be share about OCWM and how we benefit from its support. Here are a few basics.
WHY GIVE TO OCWM BASIC SUPPORT?
The United Church of Christ emphasizes God’s continuing testament in the world, the extravagant welcome of our churches and transformed lives.
Because we believe in God’s continuing testament in the world, we…
Take stands for justice and peace
Proclaim God is still speaking
Communicate the UCC message
Help local churches call pastors
Gather for General Synod vision and plan the direction of UCC mission
Teach best practices for pastors and congregations
Nurture formation of those discerning a call to ministry
Because we believe in extravagant welcome, we…
Preach a welcoming and open understanding of Christian faith
Respond to disasters and human tragedies
Feed the hungry
Send help around the world
Reach out to our newest neighbors
Nurture ecumenical and interfaith relationships
Care for our retired UCC clergy and spouses
Foster healthy and vital congregations
Because we believe in transforming lives, we…
Raise our children in faith
Equip leaders for children’s and youth ministries
Foster beauty in worship
Support clergy in their ministries
Provide financing for new church starts and church buildings
Provide administrative services to the church

Pastor John

WOMEN’S RETREAT
September 23-25, 2016 at Pilgrim Point
Join with women of the Minnesota Conference UCC for a God-filled weekend while you enjoy the beauty of Pilgrim Point Camp on the shores of Lake Ida in Alexandria, MN. Download the brochure for a paper registration form and more information.
[Shirley Hoff plans to attend.]
Registration is Open!
Cost: $90/person
This retreat is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and experience God in a profound way. Discover the parallels between basket weaving and our life's journey - the many unique ways in which we are woven together. By the end of the retreat you will have a basket, woven by yourself, to remind you of this step on your faith journey. No weaving experience needed!
Check out other camp & retreat opportunities at Pilgrim Point on our website.

Welcome Back Students Ice Cream Happy Hour!
Friday August 19th
3 PM to 6 PM
Front of the Church
We’re looking for volunteers to hand out treats and welcome our returning student neighbors. Please see a ROSE committee member of Pastor John to sign up.

Jeryl Michaels sends a big “Thank you!” for all the prayers, cards, letters, calls, food, and other support she received from members and friends of the church g her recent surgery.

FROM THE
MAILBOX

Church Picnic / Holy Humor Sunday
8/14/2016 - Riverside Park
Hotdogs and Hamburgers provided.
Bring your favorite Salad, Side or Dessert and your own table service if you wish.
Weather permitting, there is a splash pad for the little ones, Frisbee golf for older ones, and plenty of chairs to relax in for those so inclined.
**Door Prize and ice breaker!**

We are working on an updated directory. Check at the church this month! PLEASE let the office know of any new contact information.
Did we miss your birthday on the calendar? Let us know!

Joke of the Month
A back-to-school joke for you:
Q. Where is the first math homework problem mentioned in the Bible?
Remember to let us know if you are ill or hospitalized. The hospital can’t let us know you are there, due to HIPAA and other privacy concerns. The only way we know to put you on the prayer list and come visit is if you call the office and leave us the information.
Thanks so much!

A. When God told Adam and Eve to go forth and multiply.

Are you able to visit or send a note to
members who are homebound or
living in long-term care?
They would love to hear from you.

Marlys Burke
218 22nd Ave N
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Dolores Honl
2000 15th Ave SE # 217
St. Cloud, MN 56304
Bev Killeen
1115 4th Ave N NS 227
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Leif Larsen
1790 W Mill Street
Paynesville, MN 56362
Bob Levine
520 1st St NE #154
Sartell, MN 56377

Dorothy Matakis
2511 15th St N
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Gary Naegeli
Edgewood Sr. Living
12450 Cloud Dr NE, #128
Blaine, MN 55449
763-754-1723
Lucy Siercks
Good Shepherd Campus 1115 4th Avenue N SL-519 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

The Sunshine Report—Joys and Concerns
Baby congratulations—Jessica and Brandon Schlangen on the birth of Rowan Christine
Get well—Jeryl Michaels
Get well—Eleanor Conrad
Wedding congratulations—Michelle (Seibring) & Shane LaDage
Wedding congratulations—Ashley (Speer) & Travis Steffes
Sympathy—the Hanson family on the death of Lisa’s mother
Sympathy—the AuYeung & Dang families on the death of VanKieu

PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
402 – 8th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301

Staff
Minister: Rev. John Fiscus Cell: (320) 428-8686 E-mail: pastorfiscus@gmail.com
Secretary: Michelle Dettmann Office: (320) 251-6289
Choir Director: Roger Towler Church Office Hours: Tu-F, 2 – 5 PM
Organist: Mark Ochu Peaceucc1908@yahoo.com
Custodian: WACOSA
Conference Minister: Rev. Shari Prestemon Associate Conference Minister: Rick Wagner

Church Council
Moderator: Jon Tufte moderatorpucc@gmail.com
Vice Moderator: Rick Fine
Treasurer: Lisa Hanson
Financial Secretary: Michelle Dettmann
Council Secretary: Val Broste Members at Large: Brad Hanson, Curt Hutchens
Trustees: Brad Hanson, Bruce Michaels, Jim Thares, Linda Vierkant, OPEN, OPEN
Deacons: Rick Fine, Fred Grunke, Mark Hoff, Shirley Hoff, Jeryl Michaels, Roger Towler
Pastor Parish: Michelle Dettmann, Ann Grunke, Bruce Michaels, Liz Thares, Linda Vierkant
Time, Talent & Treas.: Mark Hoff, Curt Hutchens, Norma Tramm, OPEN, OPEN, treasurer ex officio, financial secretary ex officio
ROSE (Reach Out/Special Events): Val Broste, Rick Fine, Ann Grunke, Jack Richter, Bev Tallent
Faith Formation: Michelle Dettmann, Sue Towler, OPEN, OPEN, OPEN
Mission: Eleanor Conrad, Brad Hanson, Shirley Hoff, Becky Nieland, Mary Stamps

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here.”

Faith Formation News
Thank you to those who participated in the Family Day last month. We will be taking a look at the ideas as we decide how to progress. We have already started to look at creating the new “take home” boxes — Food for the Soul! We will also be going through the Quiet Bags to replace, refresh, and reorganize. If there are special favorite items, please let us know! We’ll also look at another summer gathering, maybe at a park or playground, to share a snack, a story and some togetherness. We’ll also be planning a confirmation class. Watch for more information!

The Peace UCC Book Group will meet at Ace Bar & Grill on Saturday, June 18 at 9 a.m. for breakfast and discussion of the book, "The Shack," by William Young. This is an older book but a good one! Read or re-read and join us for lively discussion or for breakfast and listening. There are several copies available at the church office. All are welcome and The Ace breakfast is pretty darn good!

EGFH

Are you interested in joining the church?
Pastor John would like to invite anyone interested in membership to talk to him to set up a time for a brief new member orientation.
“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

Covenant of Peace UCC*
I hereby covenant to join my efforts with those of all who love God, giving of my time, my prayers, by labor, and my substances in mutual endeavor to know, understand, and effect God’s will.
I also covenant to accept such responsibility as may be given me in the church and in the community, to labor toward the increase of allegiance to God, of good will among people, and toward the relief of the adversities which prevent people of all races from achieving their maximum potential.
I also covenant to make Peace United Church of Christ of St. Cloud, Minnesota, my church home while I reside here, to participate in its worship services, its programs for Christian education and growth in faith, its organizational and social functions, to contribute to its financial support, and to extend its influence throughout the community.
I also covenant to cooperate with others through the mission of the church in proclaiming the Gospel, exalting the worship of God, and laboring for the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of human family, looking with faith for the triumph of righteousness and to the life everlasting.
To almighty God, source of my life, goal of my existence, redeemer of my spirit, guide, comforter, and helper in my travail, be praise, glory, and honor forever. Amen.
*covenant – a bond entered into voluntarily by two parties by which each pledges her/himself to do something for the other

Please let us know what you would like to see us do FOR YOU in the future.
A few ideas: a women’s retreat, a study/book group, a one-day workshop, putting on a drama, children reading or singing in worship, interactive Facebook activities…. Pass on YOUR ideas!

The gardens of Peace UCC need YOUR help! For almost 40 years, Sibyl Pelz has been 1 of the many dedicated volunteers taking care of the gardens. She has done a fabulous job seeing to the upkeep of a wide variety of plants. She has decided it’s finally time for her to put her gardening tools away.
Our church property has been a beautiful part of this southside neighborhood. Can we keep it that way? Not without some help! No experience or green thumbs necessary—just people who are willing and able to pull a few weeds!! Thanks!
If you have questions, let us know.

Peace UCC Statement of Welcome
We, the congregation of Peace United Church of Christ, declare and commit ourselves to be welcoming to all people. We, as a community, affirm that every person has worth and is created in the image of God. We recognize, celebrate and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. In accordance with Christ’s commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39), we declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation of The United Church of Christ. We welcome into the full life and ministry of the church persons of every race, culture, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and economic status. We commit to model a community of faith and spirit that works continually toward openness and understanding, offering justice, healing and wholeness of life for all people. Through our diversity we will strive to grow and practice a unity of faith that transcends our differences. (adopted May 20, 2007)

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

New Beginnings

ROSE News

The Reach Out/
Special Events Committee

Words to ponder…
A group is as healthy as its 'social contract' is clear;
a congregation as faithful as its covenant is mutually understood;
a pastor as effective as the pastor's and people's commitment
to trust and integrity is honored, guarded, and fulfilled.
-David Augsburger, Anabaptist author, scholar

Whether you’re just stopping by or plan to stay in St. Cloud a while, come visit us! Even if you’re a duck, you’re welcome here.

Sunday School Report
WORDS TO PONDER:
We need to fill our children’s emotional tanks with unconditional love, because real love is always unconditional. Unconditional love is a full love that accepts and affirms a child for who he is, not what he does. No matter what he does (or does not do), the parent still loves him. ...Of course, it is necessary to train and/or discipline our children — but only after their emotional tanks have been filled.
(The Five Love Languages of Children, Chapman & Campbell, 2005, p. 17)

Growing In Faith Together
GIFT is the new program of Faith Formation from the Christian Education Committee. We chose the name for many reasons: first, it is a GIFT to be able to learn from each other. Second, it is a GIFT to mentor our children, the next generation of church members. Third, it is a GIFT to come like a little child to learn at the feet of Jesus. No matter our age, recapturing that childlike wisdom and curiosity is important! Last (for now) is that it is a GIFT to have a day set aside each month to Grow In Faith Together — all ages together, participating, listening, and actively engaging in discussions about faith, life, and other things! This school year, we’ll be focusing on the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:16, one Fruit per month. This month focuses on LOVE. Please plan to join us for our first GIFT day, September 14 at 9 AM,. We want you, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey. Watch for future GIFT weeks!

Happening in Our Community

Prayer Ministry
Peace United Church of Christ has a Prayer Chain ready to meditate and pray for you, your family, and your friends. If you or your loved ones are in need of prayer, simply call the church office with your request and the prayer chain will be activated. Give as much information as you are comfortable sharing; God will fill in the rest!
Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers as God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6 – 7
For those who wish to be on the prayer chain, but whose schedules make it difficult, we also now have an E-mail Prayer Blast group that will be notified of prayer concerns when the Prayer Chain is activated. If you would like to add your name to this list and hold up our prayer needs at a time convenient to you, please call the office and ask to have your name added to the E-mail Blast List!

NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
ST CLOUD MN 56301
PERMIT NUMBER 499

#

#