Battle Ground Community UMC
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
January 2020
  We are people of faith who gather to worship and love God,
care for one another, and share God’s compassion with the world.
Pastor's Ponderings
To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Lynda Johnson brought to my attention this powerful video on what we believe and the call to "take Jesus back." I've often said that I feel it's my calling to reclaim my Jesus from the Religious right who characterize the Jesus I know and love so deeply, to someone I can't even recognize.

I invite you to watch this powerful video and pray for clarity in what you believe and what you see in the world around you. And finally, how is God calling you to respond?
I wish you a very Happy New Year and may our church continue to thrive in 2020 as it has done so in 2019.

Peace Always, Susan
How We Worship
WHAT ARE THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS?

Ever wonder? Well the 1 2 days of Christmas are the 12 days that make up the Christian Christmas Season from Christmas Day, December 25th through January 5th. On January 6th we celebrate a new Christian season called Epiphany.
DE-GREENING OF
THE CHURCH

Saturday, January 11th
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
A Penny for Your Thoughts

The worship team is going to be assessing how our Advent worship went and determine if we should incorporate more of these elements in our worship time every Sunday. 

We ask you for your help. The worship team is interested in enhancing worship so that everyone is touched in some way by the Spirit at some time of the service. Please email your CONSTRUCTIVE criticism to  pastor.boegli@gmail.com . 

It is important that we hear about the things you enjoyed just as much as the things you did not enjoy. Otherwise, all we get for feedback are negatives and that is not helpful for our work.
Thank you for your help, The Worship Team
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN WORSHIP:

Guided by Grace, Love & Light : Opening Up Into Ourselves 
Let's get out of our heads and move into our hearts. God's grace, love and light are everywhere. During worship from January 12 up until Ash Wednesday when Lent begins, we will be exploring these life changing experiences and we'll learn together how to recognize God's gifts that are abundant and eternal .
How We Learn
NEW BIBLE STUDY with NO HOMEWORK!

BEGINS:
Wednesday, January 15 at 5:30 - 7:00 pm
and Thursday, January 16 at noon - 1:30

Dr. John Dominic Crossan, presents a DVD series on the world of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus.

Here's more....
Renowned historical Jesus scholar, Dr. Crossan, presents his life's work developing the unexplored matrix of Jesus' unique time and place. Dr. Crossan delves into Jesus' historical landscape to unearth the forces that shaped Jesus' circumstances and message. His findings are presented in a revolutionary new multimedia format that allows the viewer to understand the multi-faceted connections between Greece, Rome and the Jews that shape our understanding of Jesus today.

Join us for learning and grappling with Jesus' challenge to all of us.
NEXT FFISHSTICKS
January 12the during worship

Interested in teaching? Teachers are on a rotations schedule and we're always looking for more help so that teachers don't miss too many worship experiences. Contact Laurie Metzger if you're interested in helping.
FAITH IN ACTION SCHEDULE
Monday at 4:30

January 13 - Fill event calendar with activities youth want to do. Parents encouraged to come and offer input.

January 20 - MLK day - NO FIA
Youth Winter Camp @ Twinlow 
January 18-20, 2020
Twinlow Camp & Retreat Center

Twinlow in inviting all middle and high school campers to their Winter Camp, January 18-20th over MLK weekend. Come for the classic Twinlow experience, but with broomball, sledding, and snow.
 
The camp is already half full so act soon! Cost is only $85 and registration ends January 11th. Learn more and register CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

*NOTE: Pastor Susan is unable to take a Sunday off at this time and cannot drive/chaperone. An adult/parent will need to be able to join our youth.
Leap Into Abundant Life! - Crest to Coast Missional District Training

First United Methodist Church of Olympia
1224 Legion Way Southeast Olympia, WA 98501
Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 8:30 to 2:30
$10 registration

All clergy and laity are invited to this Leap Day training by the GNW Innovation and Vitality Team. If you desire vital ministry for your church and community, this training is for you. The day will include engaging worship, practical workshops, and connecting with other United Methodists.
Greater Northwest Five-Day Academy
for Spiritual Formation

Registration is now open for the Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation being held next Summer in Federal Way, WA. The academy will focus on the theme "The Power of Story" with faculty Leticia Guardiola-Saenz, PHD, and Ray Buckley. Participants will be given time and space to respond to this theme through silence, written and spoken word, prayer, worship, and community sharing.
 
You can learn more and express interest on Facebook  here . Click the button below for registration information.

NOTE: Ask Pastor Susan, Betty Curphey or Kelly Andrews about this intense spiritual and learning experience. These retreats fill up very quickly.
Gathering for Certified Lay Ministers and Certified Lay Speakers in Crest to Coast Missional District
 
Sat, February 1, 2020. from 10:00 AM - 3:00
Chehalis United Methodist Church
$10 registration
 
This special gathering is for current CLMs, CLSs, and laity who feel called to those ministries. The day will be filled with community building, information sharing about the CLM/CLS process, and a workshop on Spiritual Gifts.

To learn more about these ministerial leadership certifications click below:
How We Serve
‌
QUILTS FOR KENYA!!

Get your orders in soon. Pastor Susan's commitments are filling up!
Click below for Pastor Susan's letter regarding ordering a custom quilt to support Kenya:

NORTH COUNTY FOOD BANK:
FAR EXCEEDING OUR GOAL THIS MONTH!
Keep Up the Great Work!

FOR DECEMBER - 207 pounds!

(100 pounds a month is our goal, so don't forget to bring in your non-perishables :))
Just one Thing

Please continue to bring in items, especially socks and underwear for this ministry. If any more information is needed, contact John Epler.
HELPING THE HOMELESS:

HELPING THE HOMELESS



Our thanks to Doug Shaul for taking responsibility for this ministry!

   The Bagman says: If you don't have a "homeless - please help" bag in your car, please take one from the larger bin at the back of the sanctuary.  The larger blessing is to the giver.

FAMILY PROMISE DATES

We are currently hosting a family:

 December 29, 2019 through January 12, 2020

There are still many ways to serve in this ministry; contact Jean brown or Vicki Swalling. We will be hosting for Family Promise again from May 17 to May 24, 2020.
SPECIAL OFFERING for
Peace with Justice
Your Peace with Justice Sunday gifts change lives in places where the joy of knowing Christ is mixed with the tragedy of violence. United Methodists relate to this special Sunday by seeking peaceful solutions, creating and supporting peace-related ministries in their conference and learning about peaceful, just efforts around the world.

How We Pray
Join us for Centering Prayer
every other Sunday from 12:30 to 1:45 pm

We meet at 12:30 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Sundays
of each month from 12:30 to 1:45 pm.
DO YOU PRACTICE PRAYER?

We are always looking for folks who practice prayer.
If you would like to be a part of this important ministry, please contact Jan Shaul at 360-624-5142 and let her know you want to be put on the prayer chain.
How We Have Fellowship
2019 New Family Members

If you haven't yet met any of these very very fine people, please take it upon yourselves to enter into relationship with your new sister/brother in Christ. As a church family we should know everyone by name.

Gaylene Angelos, Ileana Ruiz, Nancy Montgomery, Cece Kiino, Sarah Goss, Rich Goss, Deb Durrant, Donna Davis, David Davis, Cary Adams, Amy Rose Adams, Ruth Miles, Milo Miles, Amy Kenney, Darryl Mar, Kathy Mar, Lori Rodriguez and Jim Rodriguez
Meet Baby Adams

Lyndie Owen Adams
December 14, 2019 8 lbs 6 oz 21 in

BABY SHOWER
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
10:00 am here at the church
WINTER DINNER FELLOWSHIP

Have you been invited to someone's home for dinner? Have you hosted a dinner for new folks? It's time to schedule our "Get to Know You" Fellowship dinners again. If you are interested in hosting or receiving an invite, please contact Pastor Susan as she will randomly put together guest list's so that we can all get to know one another better.
Crafters' Retreat

It is that time of year again — we are making arrangements for our 10th Crafters’ Retreat!

               When: March 24-26, 2020 
               Where:  Beachcomber's Haven, Gleneden Beach, OR
               Cost:    $125 - $145 per person, plus food and snacks.

The estimate of the room cost is based on a range of 10 – 12 attendees.  If fewer than ten, the cost will increase.
 
Gleneden Beach is just south of Lincoln City, Oregon. Beachcomber’s Haven is a family-oriented resort with a variety of accommodations on the coast.  We have reserved the 4-unit building, which sleeps 12 comfortably and includes “The Sandbox.” The 4 units have fully equipped kitchens; bed linens and towels are provided.  Meal preparations are shared by those attending—usually 2-3 crafters being responsible for 1 meal.  Those meals are—2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 1 lunch. Lunch on the day we depart is devoted to using up the leftovers, either before leaving or as an on-the-road snack. 

The Sand Box room is well equipped with tables, irons and ironing boards, lots of light, a small kitchenette and bathroom.  Each crafter needs to bring supplies for her own project.  In the past, projects have included painting, knitting, scrapbooking, quilting/sewing, and sometimes no specific project, just the time away to visit and get to know other women.

To reserve your space or if you have questions please contact Joyce Belcher. We are looking forward to another get-away with friends. 
Events Worthy of Our Support
CONTRA DANCING with
RICH and SARAH GOSS

Let's get a group going on...
Friday, January 9th at 
7:30 for beginning teaching and 
Dancing starts at 8:00 until you drop!

COME JOIN THE FUN; ALL LEVELS WELCOME 
HAZEL DELL GRANGE • 7509 NE Hazel Dell Ave
Administrative Stuff
AD COUNCIL:

All committee members, please submit your monthly summaries to the church office in preparation for the AD COUNCIL meeting on Tuesday, January 21st at 6:30 pm.



Put It On Your Calendar
WEEKLY:
Every Monday - TinkerBelles at 10:00 am
Every Tuesday - Brush Offs at 9:30 am
Every Wednesday - Bible Study, 5:30 pm
Every Thursday - Men's Group at 10:00 am; Bible Study, 12:00

*************************************
December 29 - January 12 - Family Promise Host Weeks
Monday, January 6 - NO FIA
Saturday, January 11 - De-Greening of the Church, 9:00 - 12:00 pm
Sunday, January 12 - Worship Team, 11:20 am; Centering Prayer, 12:30 pm
Monday, January 13 - FIA at 4:30 pm; Trustees, 5:30 pm
Tuesday, January 14 - Nominations, 10:00 am
Saturday, January 18 - Baby Shower for Adams Family, 10:00 am
Sunday,January 19 - Core Finance, 11:20 am; Outreach, 11:20 am; Church and Society, 11:20 am
Monday, January 20 - Martin Luther King Day; NO FIA
Tuesday, January 21 - ALL Finance Meeting, 5:30 pm; AD Council, 6:30 pm
Sunday, January 26 - Centering Prayer, 12:30 pm
Monday, January 27 : FIA at 4:30 pm
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES
January 25 - Dick and Carolyn Ordway
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!

January 7 - Ryan Danver
January 8 - Wendell Bohna
January 8 - Emma Metzger
January 11 - Amy Kenney
January 12 - Bob Jones
January 16 - Joann Geurds
January 24 - Vicki Swalling

DON'T SEE YOUR BIRTHDAY HERE?
MAKE SURE TO LET US KNOW WHEN IT IS!!
More Information About Us
Pastor Susan has a blog.

You can read it at - recovingpastor.blogspot.com 
Find us on Facebook . Once you're on your Facebook page, type " Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church " in the search window and you will find us there. Then LIKE US and you will get weekly updates. Don't be shy about passing on the information you find there to your friends. Let's spread the word about the best kept secret in Battle Ground!
Check out our website. We have lots and lots of opportunities for serving in many different ways.
Pass on the news to your friends.
STILL WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Contact Pastor Susan to share a cup of coffee/tea/whatever and learn more about our amazing faith family.

pastor.boegli@gmail.com

  To all, including those who have known the pain of exclusion or discrimination from church or in society, we offer a place of welcome, respect, and love. It is in this spirit that we invite ALL* people to join us on a journey of faith.

*As a reconciling congregation, ALL people are welcome including people of any race, sexual orientation, gender identity, faith history, socioeconomic status, physical and mental ability.