Join us for worship in person or online

this Sunday at 9:30 AM!

Finding God in the Mess: "Season of Hopelessness"

Worship and Communion

September 4th with Pastor Gary

1 Kings 19:1-7, Psalm 13, 

Psalm 40:2-3

Today marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Week. Americans across the country will be talking about suicide this week. We’re joining this effort and are inviting us to be a part of the solution—to be aware, to speak up, to care and to bring light and hope to those walking in the dark season of helplessness.  Elijah continues to bring lessons of finding God in the mess…even the darkest messes of our lives.

OUTDOOR WORSHIP PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER 11TH!

Calling all early birds to help set up that day, beginning at 7 am. No special skills required--all are welcomed to help out and to enjoy some extra music as the band rehearses and does their sound check!

Sugar River Restoration Adventure

(a.k.a the MCCI Prescriptions)

In many ways, we are relaunching our wonderful church, and this can be an exciting faith and wellness adventure. These groups are active now, but still accepting more people who have a heart for these ministries! If a leader is already indicated, please reach out directly for more information on how you can be a part of it! If no leader is listed yet, please contact Pastor Gary.

1. Guest Readiness: Hospitality, Leanette Dieck
2. Guest Readiness: Worship, Angela Guthrie
3. Guest Readiness: Facility (onsite and online), Doug Rickels
4. New Apartments Strategy: seeking to reach out and welcome new apartment dwellers in our community, Michelle Swain
5. Staffing/Team Structure Assessment and Realignment: aligning the staff and leaders in a clear and effective ministry structure.

WELLNESS GROUPS ARE ENJOYING SUMMER!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE with the SUGAR RIVER PEDALERS? Our bicycling group is over a dozen-strong and we would love to have you join us too! New people are encouraged to contact Jim Mackey by either email or text or call 608-347-6156 with their intention to ride with us. We have enjoyed it so much that sometimes we DO make adjustments to the schedule in case of rain and we want everyone to be informed! Next ride: September 4 at 11:00. All leave from the church. 

Walking Group: Meets every Friday at 10 a.m. at various locations and walk from there for about 45 minutes. Email Arlys Nilles for this week's location or call or text (608) 279-7596!

Verona Fall Fest is coming back bigger than ever!

Mark your calendar for Friday, September 30th to come out to Hometown USA Festival Park for a celebration of all things fall! Sugar River UMC will have a free craft table for children and welcome you to join us!

Please contact Emma Keller if you would like to help children make some fun memories ...and CRAFTS!

Exciting Event Coming Soon!!

Mark your calendars for our “We’re Glad You are Here” event on Sunday afternoon, October 2 from 1-2:30 pm in our own church parking lot. To welcome our new and existing neighbors in the new apartments across the street and around town, we, along with the United Church of Christ, will be hosting a welcome event.



There will be music and a variety of fun events. A welcome bag will be given to each newcomer.

Here is how you can help! Starting on September 11 we would welcome your donations for the “Welcome bag” we would like to give our new neighbors. There will be a table set up in our church entryway for donations. We are asking you to provide one or more the item corresponding to the letter of your last name. Please feel free to donate all the items requested for a bag if you like:)

On Sunday, October 2 during worship, we as a congregation, will assemble and pray over each of these gift bags for our neighbors.

We are in need of other helpers for our “We’re Glad You are Here” event so if you would like to help please contact Emma Keller at emma.keller@sugarriverumc.org

The bag will be provided:

Family: A - E - Kleenex boxes

      F - I - Toilet paper

      J - M - Paper Towels

      N - R - Clorox Wipes

      S - Z - Pre-popped Popcorn

We are so excited to share our community and welcome our new neighbors!

Group Leaders and Ideas Welcomed!

Do you have an idea for a new small group, or an informational short-course, or even a one-time educational event this Fall or Winter? See Emma Keller or email her today! We encourage new leaders to bless others with their gifts and caring hearts!

Please pick up a brochure at the Connection Center about THREE brand new groups starting VERY soon! Thank you to Jamie Day, Laura Flood, and Emma and Justin Keller for their passion and leadership!

Learning Out Loud (LOL) is on Summer Break, but they will still begin an 8-week study later this month. Please email Arlys Nilles or text or call her at (608) 279-7596 and stand by for updates on dates and times for "The Fruit of the Spirit: Cultivating Christlike Character."

The Men's Morning Group continues to meet via Zoom every Thursday morning at 6:45 a.m. Contact Mike Polk if you would like to learn more about the group or to join them (608) 228-7415!

September Monthly Mission: VASD Winter Gear Drive

While the forecast for today is 85 degrees, before you know it we will be pulling out winter gear! We want to make sure everyone in our community has the gear they need to stay warm this winter! 

We are once again pairing with the Verona Schools to provide warm winter gear to students and families and we need your help! Please look in your closets and bring in the following new or gently used (and clean!) items in any size to the SERVE table in the entrance:

• Winter jackets
• Snow boots
• Snow pants
• Waterproof gloves and mittens
• Winter hats

If you have outdoor wear other than what is listed above (fall jackets, scarves, etc) we kindly ask that you bring those to St. Vincent DePaul or Goodwill as the school social workers have indicated that we can not process those items and it adds to additional work to the sorting process. Thank you for understanding!

Last year we provided winter gear to 154 families in the Verona district...not 154 children, but 154 families...FANTASTIC! How many families can we help this year?

Stay tuned for hands-on opportunities to help process and distribute the gear as well! And thank you for your generosity! Questions? Contact Erin Wilson

SERVE CELEBRATION: THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

This week, thanks to your support, Sugar River UMC wrote a check for $3,165!

The BPNN (Badger Prairie Needs Network) welcomes food donations and financial support year round. You may give through Realm and select Food Pantry or write Food Pantry on your check to the church. All in-person donations can be left in the collection baskets in the church lobby. Contact Kristi Johnson if you have questions or just want to learn more about this significant resource for our community!

Do you prefer to shop online? Check out this link to their Amazon wish list --the orders ship directly to BPNN!

Thank you do all who made the Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, August 29th another success! 

"Allow me to personally thank you for your service. Your blood drive collected 38 units from 40 people, 32 whole blood and 6 power reds and that means more life, more love, more memories for the most vulnerable patients in our community—those suffering unexpected trauma and chronic illness every day. It was a pleasure to partner with you and your colleagues, and we’re so happy to have you in our American Red Cross family. ~Diane Nichols"

Upcoming opportunities at Sugar River UMC will be in November, December and January!  Please make an appointment to give with the Red Cross at rcblood.org/donate.