The Circuit Rider
Battle Ground
Community UMC
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
January 2021
 We are people of faith who gather to worship and love God,
care for one another, and share God’s compassion with the world.
REMEMBER!

The church's new email is:

Please update your electronic address.
Pastor's Pondering
Whew!  What a year! I wish I had a crystal ball, and I could tell you for certain when we can see each other’s faces, hug one another, sing loud and strong!  But, alas, I don’t have one.

It occurred to me, that although this year has been difficult, it also offers an opportunity to learn a little bit about ourselves.  (Goodness, it’s not like we haven’t had time to reflect!)  I invite you to ask yourself the question, “What did you learn about yourself in 2020?”

Let me share an example about what I’ve learned about myself that I just didn’t “get.” Music.  Music was never a must.  Sure, I like James Taylor, Vivaldi, and Christmas songs.  But it’s not something I particularly need in my life.  I’ll go for long drives, or quilt, or walk happily in silence.

Ken on the other hand is continually starved for what I define as NOISE.  Listening to a good electric guitar solo that shreds (as he calls it) is like prayer to him.  (Weird… I know). Experiencing the house shake on its foundation due to the highest quality speakers, is worship for him.

When Covid-19 shut down our church, a main grief among many of you was the inability to sing together.  I heard the value many of you have in that element of worship, but I myself never seemed to particularly value it. I thought, “To each his/her own.” I probably experience something in worship that you don’t necessarily care about.  

Then one day, I walked into the sanctuary while Patrick was playing the organ.  (The organ…YUCK!) _ But when I stood in our beautiful sanctuary and felt the music reverberate through my body, I was moved in a holy way.  For Christmas, not singing “Silent Night” or “Angels We Have Heard on High” all together as one voice, left an enormous hole. 
 
It’s said that there will be a “new-normal” when we gather together again.  My “new-normal” is going to be an appreciation for singing together and hearing the choir offer a beautiful anthem, allowing the gentle contemplative music of Taizé to center me, laughing when Darryl plays like he’s dancing, and Patrick shaking the church with what can only be described as the Holy Spirit.   My “new-normal” is going to be an appreciation of music that I didn’t understand in February of 2020.
 
I’m wondering…. What have you learned about yourself in 2020?

May many blessings fill you in 2021,
Pastor Susan
How We Worship
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN WORSHIP

For the next 6 weeks, we will worship by pondering what it means to be a disciple, what things we need to do to grow toward God and what practices will help us along our journey. Basically, we are going to explore how to be the best disciple we can be.

As usual, every Sunday morning, you will be sent a zoom link so that we can be together as we worship OR you can worship when it's convenient for you by clicking on the YouTube video.
DO YOU ENJOY LITURGIZING?
How about Singing?

Pastor Susan and Patrick are always looking for ways to include as many people as possible in our weekly worship service. Please email Pastor Susan if you are interested in participating. (She can't read your mind, so don't wait to be asked.)
How We Learn
OLD TESTAMENT STUDY BEGINS!
Wednesdays at 4:00 pm
8 weeks - January 6 - February 24th

Books are in the Church office. Cost is $12.
You can also download on your kindle.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN US. JUST EMAIL PASTOR SUSAN.

Explore the Old Testament's story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Hear the magnificence of a Creation hymn, discover the law and wisdom teachings, listen to the warning of the prophets and explore the poetry of the Song of Solomon.

In the two weekly video segments, first gain insight from biblical scholars and then take a visual tour of archaeological sites, ancient artifacts, and other physical remains, related to and illuminating scripture and events.

This eight-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts.
How We Can Help
I want to thank you all for what you have given. I really appreciate all that you have donated in the past and it is all welcomed by Lydia and her staff at the school district.

Thank you, John Epler
EXCELLENT JOB PEOPLE!

HERE'S WHAT YOUR GENEROSITY BROUGHT IN:


For every $1.00, the North County Food Bank can purchase $10.00 worth of food at the Vancouver Food Bank!! So, that means your dollar is worth TEN TIMES the amount!! Monetary donations are very valuable!

At this time, the Food Bank would actually prefer monetary donations as opposed to food donations (however, food is still welcome!). Please send your checks to the church, with "Food Bank" on the memo line; that way we can keep track of our monetary donations for Outreach.
COME FILL UP THE FOOD BANK WAGON.

For December, 81 pounds were donated!
Nancy makes the drop off every Friday morning, or sooner if needed.
How We Pray
JOIN THE PRAYER CHAIN

Would you like to be part of the Prayer Chain? Contact Pastor Susan at [email protected] if you want to be added to those who regularly pray for those in the congregation and beyond.

We gather for weekly prayer on Tuesdays at 11:00 am. If you would like to Zoom in, contact Pastor Susan and she will send you an invite.
YOGA - A WAY TO STAY FOCUSED AND SANE

One of the things I did on my staycation was practice yoga each morning. My niece, who lives in Turkey, is a very accomplished yoga instructor. You can visit her website and try out her classes for yourself. I so loved to center my day with the snap, crackle and pop of my body with each stretch and bend.
Money Information
Just because we're not gathering, 
doesn't mean we don't need your offering to pay our bills. 

The Facts
Please be aware that the average offering per month is $16,363. If we continue to receive that monthly offering, our finances won't be affected and we won't have to make any cuts at this time.

You can easily help by tithing on-line: 
Simply click on the church website, click "MORE" and then select "On-line tithing" then, follow the steps from there. It's safe and easy!


OR
Mail in your offering to: 10300 NE 199th Street, Battle Ground WA 98604
OR
You can set up with your bank an Auto Check service where your bank would regularly send the church your offering. There is no extra charge to do this.
FINANCE REPORTS

Click below if you would like to see the breakdown in detail.
You can see additional reports in the binder in the church office.

Monthly: Total Income: 25,085.37
Monthly: Total Expenses: 15,707.21

YTD: Total Income: 104,842.54
YTD: Total Expenses:68,238.62

   Calendars for Outreach

There are some beautiful calendars for sale in the Narthex, with lovely artwork by our own Dianne Earnest.
Available are: 5 large at $12.00 each, 5 small at $7.00 each.
They are located beside Epler's Jellies and Jams in the Narthex.
All Proceeds go to Outreach.
Need more information, email Dianne Earnest.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
JANUARY BIRTHDAY
CELEBRATIONS!

January 7 - Ryan Danver
January 8 - Wendell Bohna
January 8 - Emma Metzger
January 9 - Wendy Rice
January 11 - Amy Kenney
January 16 - Joann Geurds
January 20 - Flo Graham
January 24 - Vicki Swalling
January 26 - Stan Rice
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES:

January 25 - Dick & Carolyn Ordway


Don't see your birthday or anniversary here? That would be because
we don't have it in our records.
Make sure to let us know when it is so
we can celebrate YOU!
More Information About Us
Pastor Susan has a blog.

You can read it at - recovingpastor.blogspot.com 
Click Here for Facebook
Check out our new 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.
(NOT AVAILABLE TO MEET
FACE TO FACE DURING COVID)

 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.