Faxon-Kenmar United Methodist Church

Thursday, April 04, 2013

What do we get excited about? What are the things that seem to drain away our excitement? What is the most exciting thing that our church is doing to carry out the purpose God has given to us right now? These are just a few questions that I have had rolling around in my noggin' over the last few weeks. As I look at the financial picture of the church, the ministries that develop disciples, and the outreaches that express our love for our neighbors; I recognized that there are both highlights and seemingly black holes in our picture.

When I arrived here in July of 2012, both the congregation and myself were filled with a great deal of excitement, things began happening, there was a lot of energy, and there was a sense of purpose and movement from God and us. As we come to the end of winter, I sense there is still excitement and there are still things happening, but there is also a niggling of fear and uncertainty. There have been unexpected expenses, repairs, and changes to our plans. One of the high points of last fall was the possible sale of the Becht building. When that fell through, there was a sudden sense of uncertainty of the future. I want to offer a few words and thoughts.

Where we are as a congregation is not new. What we are experiencing has been experienced by congregations before us and will be experienced by churches long after we are gone. These are the times that can and will test our faithfulness and trust in God. The question that arises from where we as a congregation are currently is this:
Are we prepared to trust God and live out our faith without necessarily knowing the future, or will we, out of fear, hole ourselves up?
God's Scriptures are full of examples of people being in the midst of difficult and seemingly hopeless situations. Yet, in continuing to serve God, going where God sent the saints, relying solely on God's providence, these people were blessed. Remember the story of Ruth & Naomi, David & Goliath, David & King Saul, the Disciples after Jesus' death, Paul while imprisoned in Rome, and so many others. God is faithful, worthy of our trust, filled with majesty, rich beyond belief and powerful enough to overcome any and all obstacles that are placed before Him or His people.

As we continue to wonder what the future holds for Faxon-Kenmar, never forget the God we serve. Never underestimate God's plans for us or the church. These may be times that test our faithfulness and trust, but these are also the times that deepen our knowledge of God's never-failing love, God's promise to have plans for our good and not our destruction, and how through God's work in us all things are possible. Keep the faith!

From the Music Director

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Sandwich Sale
It’s almost here! The Ham and Cheese or Turkey and Cheese Sandwich Sale will be held on Friday, April 12th. Start getting orders from friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers. Order sheets are available in the narthex. Orders are due Monday, April 8, 2013. The delicious sandwiches are made fresh on Kaiser Rolls the day of the sale. The sandwiches will be ready for pickup in Stiner Hall from 10 AM to Noon. We will also be pleased to deliver large orders to workplaces. If you need them by a certain time, just let us know. The sandwiches are great for quick lunches or easy suppers. You’d be surprised how many people would be interested if you would JUST ASK them. Help us make a large profit to bring down the debt of God’s Workshop/The Becht Center.
Don’t be a “turkey” and “ham” it up!!!! (Was that a little “CHEESY!”????)

The Organ Account Continues to Grow
To date, we are now over the $60,000 mark (3/4th of the way) toward reaching $80,000 for the new Allen Digital Organ!!!! Praise God for this report! Let’s keep the momentum going and reach our goal as soon as possible! THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of those who have contributed and who have been in prayer for this NEED of our church. If you were in church at 10:15 AM on March 10th, you know that the ciphers would not stop playing unless I turned the organ off, so we had to finish the service using the Grand Piano. Since that time, sometimes the organ works okay and other times not so well.

I am sure that one of these Sundays the pipe organ will cease to exist. As of May 1st the price of the organ will GO UP and it is our desire to have ALL the money needed BEFORE we place the order for a new organ. Please help us reach the goal - NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL!!! Have you thought of honoring or remembering a “special person” in your life with a gift of $200 or more? There are 154 keys on the new organ – we only have 38 keys left to purchase! Join in the excitement of knowing you had a part in providing this new keyboard for our church. May God bless you in your prayerful consideration.

Committee Reports

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Hospitality

Easter Egg Fundraiser Project
A Special THANK YOU goes out to all you who helped with the Easter egg fund raising project in any way. Words cannot express my appreciation of those who helped. I could never have taken on this project without the numerous people who gave up two Saturdays and gave me their talents of making Easter eggs. We had lots of fun and fellowship during this time. All the eggs have been sold. Bills have to be paid and then I will announce our profit that will go toward the Becht Center debt.

Nursery Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to staff our nursery (ages 5 years and younger). Please consider helping in the ministry. I know the parents appreciate this service. The children are wonderful and so very well behaved. The nursery starts after the children’s message and only lasts about 20 minutes, so please volunteer. We would like to have 2 people in the nursery each week.

Easter Sunday Breakfast
The Hospitality Committee would like to thank everyone who brought food for the Easter Sunday breakfast. It was enjoyed by all.

Missions Report

A big thank you goes out to the members of the Mission Committee for sending out “thinking of you” cards to the homebound. A total of 33 cards were sent.

E.T. Circle

“Tote Bag” Craft Night
The next E.T. Circle meeting is scheduled for April 23rd at 7:00PM in Stiner Hall. The ladies will be resuming the “Tote bag” project that has been put on hold several times due to inclement weather. Bags, stencils, paints and brushes will be provided. Please notify Carolyn Mayer at 322-8892 if you plan to attend to ensure there will be enough supplies.

Women’s Banquet
Ladies, plan to attend this special night of fellowship just for you! The E.T. Circle will be having their annual Women’s banquet on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:00PM in Stiner Hall. This will be a fun night of great fellowship, ministry, entertainment and a delicious meal.

Church Rummage Sale
The church rummage sale is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 10th from 9AM to 4PM and Saturday, May 11th from 9AM to 1PM. If you have items that you wish to donate for this sale, please leave them on the stage in Stiner Hall. We are especially in need of children’s clothing.

Trustees Report

There has been an offer on the Becht Building. A counter-offer was made and rejected, so the current offer is once again being reviewed.
An unexpected expense came up last month when a new furnace was needed for the parsonage. Thanks to several generous givers, the furnace has been paid in full.

April Newsletter

Thursday, April 04, 2013
Click to download: Faxon-Kenmar April 2013 Newsletter