Yucca Breeze NewsletterSeptember, 2011
Thank you to each and every one who has made my coming to Hot Springs possible and enjoyable. As many know, I am here as a bridge to your next full time pastor. I'll be available to the church on a three week cycle – two intensive weeks here, then most of one back home in Norfolk, Nebraska. I've tried to prepare a schedule that will provide some morning, afternoon and evening availability. It's flexible so ask and I'll try to accommodate you and your committee or team's schedules. (Aimee has a copy of the plan in the church office).
You have all been very kind in offering this assignment, in preparing the house, in planning “get acquainted” events and in putting me to work. Don't be shy or protective. Ask, and if I can, I'll be glad to serve as pastor to your effort, cause or need. Also know that my ability to recall names is average or maybe a little below so feel free to prompt me with your name and your relationship in the church.
My task as interim is to help walk together through some steps that are known to be helpful in times of pastor change. The tasks are:
Coming to Terms with History: (I'll invite us to review it, learn from it and encourage you all to decide what you want to keep as part of the present and future).
Discovering a New Identity: (I'll invite us to think about how we see ourselves and are seen by others. The challenge is to become clear on “here is how we see ourselves as a church”).
Shifts of Power:(I'll help us realize that some folks will be doing more, less, or different assignments in the church as the pastor leadership is changing. And this is O.K.)
Re-Thinking Denominational Linkage: (I'll be inviting us to consider how United Churches is maintaining its links to all three heritages. Being Baptist and knowing that a Baptist pastor is being sought I'll give some attention to that line of affiliation).
Commitments to a New Leadership and a New Future: (I'll be inviting us to get ready to welcome and work with the new pastor. Let's anticipate and hope for and plan for a vital and exciting future).
To help you get to know me better here are a few bits of trivia about me.
1. In December I'll celebrate birthday #60.
2. My wife and I have a link to the Hills going back 38 years. (I proposed marriage then at Camp Judson).
3. I ride a purple Yamaha motorcycle.I pray God will bless our time together, richly and for the advancement of our call to “make disciples, grow as disciples, and make a difference.” Dale Pracht, Interim
Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary!
1. Jerry Hanson 1. Garry/Pat Strauser
Gary Schweigert 16. John/Carla Johnson
2. Dan Evangelista 22. Charles/Virginia Anderson
3. Virginia Anderson 24. Lyle/Ruth Spicer
Ruth Birrell
4. Cathy Nelson
5. Austin Tomlinson
7. Clara Clay
Phyllis Nowlan
Yvonne Donahoe
10. Mary Puffer
12. Aimee Novotny
McCartney Labor
20. Lee Bristol
24. Jerry Collogan
Veldon Tomlinson
If your name is not included on the Birthday/Anniversary list and you would like me to add it, please contact the church office by email: uc@gwtc.net or call 745-5640.
Announcements:
YOU ARE INVITED
The Tuesday morning Bible study will begin Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 9 a.m. in the fireside room. Beth Moore's "Breaking Free" (freedom in Christ) includes daily assignments and viewing a DVD each session. Questions may be directed to Delores Hickman at 745-5338.
OCTOBER PRESBYTERY MEETING
The church in Brookings is going to host the October Presbytery meeting as a result of the problems with water and sewage at the Aberdeen church. Some of you may have already made reservations in Aberdeen, We are letting you know of the change now so you have time to cancel them. Barb Haggar, Administrative Assistant , Presbytery of South DakotaNOAH’S NEWS
It is hard to believe that summer is almost gone. Gary did his usual mission trips which left me to run the ranch for over two weeks. During that time Becky, ( one of the girls who attends Noah’s Place ) came out every afternoon to assist. What a blessing she was. Becky has been coming out for seven years.
We lost a 33 yr old gelding due to age, at the end of May. "Kota " is missed greatly. So gentle and easy to ride for anyone. We rescued Kota at age 28.
We ask God daily for provisions as we struggle with rising costs just as many others are doing. God does provide through. Many send donations in the mail, some by hand given and some send donations through United Churches. We have been blessed many times over as we offer up ourselves and all that Noah’s Place is.
Recently a mother new to this area brought her son, Anthony, out to the ranch for some special time with the animals. Anthony has some time on Thursdays in the afternoon which does not interfere with days the girls are here. It is rewarding to see Anthony relating to the goats or horses. He is active and then he stops and spends time with one of the animals and makes a connection with the horse or other animals. He spends time with the chickens as well as the ducks. We have seen these special animals be healers over and over again. As you support us you are a part of what takes place.( small miracles ?)
WE appreciate your prayers and good thoughts and support which helps us to continue. God’s blessings to each reader of this Kathy / Gary / Girls / Critters
SCHOOL BAGS
The Missions Team will send school bags to the West River Ingathering For World Hunger at the Spearfish UMC on Saturday morning, September 17. If you would like to be a part of this, bring the following items to the church before September 11 or pick up a bag at the church to put them in.
Each bag needs to contain the following items only. Please do not substitute.
1 pair blunt scissors
3 pads of 81/2"x11" ruled paper (or 150 sheets of loose leaf paper for each pad)
1 hand-held pencil sharpener
1 30-centimeter ruler
6 unsharpened pencils (no advertisements)
1 eraser, 2 1/2 inch
1 box of 24 crayons (only 24) (no advertisements)GARY'S JOURNEYS
Always good to be home. My first adventure was from June 28 to July 4th. This was to go to club rust in Tecate , Mexico. 147 people (some youth and adults) built five homes in the mountain region of Tecate. I encourage anyone interested to look up www.clubrust.com to see how easy it is to get involved in helping our neighbors who have so little. The cost of early registration is $250.00. plus airfare to and from San Diego. From the airport we ride in comfortable buses to the ranch. Food and lodging is part of the registration fee. This was a wonderful experience. There is also an orphanage near the ranch we stay at. Our daughter-in- law, Heather, made arrangements for 140 + deflated soccer balls to be taken to the area.
My second adventure was attending the Hills Alive Christian Music concerts in Rapid City July 17 and 18th. One of the highlights for me was hearing Mathew West. His music and then the invitation he gave for prayer needs. I was asked to pray for two teen girls Shayna and Devon, both age 14 and asking for prayer to be stronger for God. Praise God there are young people out there that are in love with God !
My third adventure this summer was with ABC ministries for the Sturgis rally. This year was different in that the First Baptist Church in Rapid City was the host and that became the headquarters for the calls for help that we answered. The church members supplied frozen meals which needed heating up and serving. It was good seeing some of the Christian bikers that I have gotten acquainted with over the few years that I have been attending this ministry. Again it is good to be home as there is much to do right here.
In prayer Gary Schweigert