Olive Crest United Methodist Church
7180 North 60th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68152

Our Pastor

Rev. Debra Tompsett-Welch

Need a Daycare?

Hearts

Minds

Doors

Olive Branch Newsletter For October 2000

Table of Contents

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

The Olympics and Justice

By Rev. Michael Lee Burgess

A couple of weeks ago I was over at mom and dad's working on The House when I went to the basement looking for a tool (I do NOT understand how they move about on their own). While I was down there I saw a color picture of a very pretty young lady gymnast with an article titled "Gymnast Stripped Of Medal". "(AP) Andeena Raducan, the pint-sized Romanian gymnast whose looks and talent remind many of Olympic champion Nadia Comeneci, was stripped of her all-around gold medal Tuesday after testing positive for a banned drug. The Romanian team doctor who gave the 16-year-old Raducan the drug in two cold medicine pills was expelled from the games… Raducan took Nurofen, a common over-the-counter medicine, because she had "a bit of fever and flue," said Prince Alexandre de Merode, IOC drug chief. But the drug contained pseudoephedrine, which is on the IOC’s list of banned stimulants. "We consider it was an accident. The medication was prescribed by the team doctor," de Merode said. "She is not directly responsible. The fault lies with the medical doctor." "But we have rules and we have to apply the rules," he said…. (Associated Press, appearing in the Tuesday, Sept 26 Omaha World-Herald) And from the New York Times, Sept 27, "…And no one is alleging the 4-foot-10, 82-pound Raducan took the drug from any sinister reason. A stimulant like pseudephedrine causes the heart to race, the last thing a gymnast wants when she is about to do aerial somersaults on a balance beam that is 4 inches wide. Even the International Olympic Committee conceded that the team doctor was to blame for this blunder. "She’s certainly not guilty of intentional doping," said Dick Pound, the committee’s vice president and the head of the World Anti-Doping Agencly. But it does not matter, the I.O.C. says. Whatever the circumstances, Raducan tested positive for a banned substance." And from the Sept 28 New York Times "…The three-member panel acknowledged that pseudephrine did not enhance Raducan’s performance, but ruled that the positive drug offense violated the Olympic anti-doping code. ‘A strict liability test must be applied,’ the court said in a brief opinion, ‘the consequence being automatic disqualification as a matter of law and in fairness to all other athletes.’"

Do you feel that there was something wrong with that decision, that somehow you had to be "talked into it" by arguments about law and fairness? There is something wrong with it. I was outraged, here is a young lady who has worked for at least 10 years for one thing and one thing only, to be the best at her sport. And in Romania that would have been her full time job, every day for all those ten years. Now she has to lose her medal because it wasn’t "fair"? A matter of law? We have fallen so far short of justice. Then I realized that many people, even presuming that they believed she was innocent of knowing she was doing anything wrong, would have found nothing wrong with the Court of Arbitration’s argument, and I realized I had found my article for October. (Sometimes God has to hit me on the head with a 2x4)

What do we know about how God uses the word Justice? We already know that Jesus did not like legalism, or replacing the letter of the law with the spirit of the law. An example is in Matthew (12:7) where he defended his disciples for eating grain on the Sabbath in apparent breaking the "law" of no work on the Sabbath.

If you look up Justice in the The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible you will immediately get bounced to the word Righteousness: (pg 80-85, book R-Z) "…righteous is in the OT the fulfillment of the demands of a relationship, whether that relationship be with men or with God… Generally, the righteous man in Israel was the man who preserved the peace and wholeness of the community, because it was he who fulfilled the demands of communal living…. Thus righteousness… is not an impartial decision between two parties, based on a legal norm, such as is known in Western law, but protecting, restoring, helping righteousness, which helps those who have had their right taken from them in the communal relationship to regain it. Righteousness is the fulfillment of the communal demands, and righteous judgments are those which restore community."

And from Compassion by Matthew Fox "The Hebrew idea of justice approaches our notion of holiness, piety, and righteousness… This justice, as the basis of human conduct, must embrace all activity, especially in the relationship of an Israelite with his neighbor." We see works of mercy becoming acts of justice in the Hebrew notion of zedakah, which literally means "righteousness" or "justice" but which is usually translated as "charity." In this kind of charity the action taken is not "a favor to the poor but something to which they have a right, and the donor, an obligation." Thus rabbis teach that "the poor man does more for the householder (in accepting alms) than the householder does for the poor man (by giving him the charity)(pg 11)…. "Lutheran theologian and exegete Krister Stendahl…" "it is important to revive and revitalize the biblical meaning of judgment (krisis) as that establishment of justice which by necessity means mercy for the wronged and loss for those who have too much." The English and German languages are dualistic, he points out, in the distinctions they make between the words "justice" and "righteousness" whereas the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew make no such dichotomies. "Righteousness and justice – are the one and only justitia" he declares. "We ought not to be busy about balancing judgment and mercy, for they are much more closely aligned that we had imagined:…" "For what is mercy for the have-nots is judgment for the haves…"(pg 12)

So what does that mean in our modern world? It means we have lost sight of justice and let the letter of the law become an idol with the false promise of "fairness". How did the decision of the IOC restore broken community? Did it leave you feeling good about the Olympics and part of the brotherhood among nations that it professes to promote? Was it "good sportsmanship" and "noble" behavior that inspires us all to be a bit more tolerant and careful of our neighbors as we strive for excellence?

In an earlier era, one of the mayors of one of our great American cities used to occasionally sit as judge on the night court to help keep tabs on his city. A poor man was brought in on charges of vagrancy. After hearing the case he said, "Because it is the law, I fine you $5.00 even though I know you don’t have money to pay. But I will pay your fine for you." Then he turned to the courtroom, the reporters and spectators watching the evening show, "And I fine you all 25 cents each for living in a city where a man can be so poor that though no fault of his own he has to break the law." He took his hat around and collected 25 cents from everyone and gave it to the poor man that he might buy food and no longer be in violation of the law. Though that act did not revolve around the letter of the law, it was Justice as God sees it.

I think that we have lost sight of Justice in our world. We make legal decisions on precedence to such an extent a computer could make our decisions for us. Yet Justice requires individual judgment and a call to more than just law. We are called to a higher law, one that requires that law and mercy be always mixed to create Justice. This is a hard thing to try to live out in our world, but it was no different in Jesus’ day, or the days of the prophets and they all heard God calling them to Justice. We can also hear if we remember to help each other listen.

Help me listen as I help you, and together we will be build the Kingdom of God here where we live.

Your brother-in-Christ. Rev. Michael Lee Burgess

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Sunday Bible Readings

December 24^th, 4^th Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

This Month's Birthdays
and Anniversaries

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Next Month's Birthdays
and Anniversaries

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Announcements, Events, And Opportunities

More information about these happenings can be found in the Church Office, on the calendar, or on the church bulletin boards. If additional assistance is needed ask Gabbie the office secretary. Scholarships may be available for some events. For regularly scheduled meetings, please see the calendar.

Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts meet at Olive Crest United Methodist Church. Meeting times are in the Calendar.

If anyone wants to use a wheelchair to get into church, there is one available at the back of the sanctuary for that purpose.

Harvest Dinner

2nd Annual Dinner Theatre – "And Then There Was One"

Sequoiah Singles 2000 – A Retreat for Renewal – October 13-15 A weekend for Worship, Training and Fellowship.

Harvest Home Dinner on Sunday, October 15 from 11:30 to 1:30PM at Trinity UMC. Come join us for ham dinner, delicious salads and homemade pie.

Crop Walk is Sunday, October 8th, starting at 1:30 PM from First Christian Church, located at 6630 Dodge Street. Everyone is welcome to come and walk or to sponsor a walker. Sandwiches will be served to the walkers right after church.

Santa’s Stocking Holiday Shoppe – Saturday, October 21, from 8am-2pm. Great Holiday shopping opportunities! Something for everyone! Lunch is available. Proceeds to benefit Faith-Westwood United Methodist Church Youth’s Summer 2000 Mission Trip! 4814 Oaks Lane – Millard.

Heading South in October! Join Marv, Suzanne, Walt, Nancy, Carol, Bill and Joan as we head for a VIM experience at Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA, October 21-29. Total cost of trip is $435.

Marriage Encounter Weekend – November 10-12 at Camp Comeca. "A weekend of discovery…a lifetime of love."

VIM trip to Belize, working on construction projects in and around Belize City. On February 17-25

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

The Spiritual Life

By Rev. Jane-Elizabeth Brakhage

This month we move from the outward Disciplines toward the corporate Disciplines. Our first corporate discipline is the Discipline of confession. Now for some of us it might seem strange to include the Discipline of confession in the corporate disciplines rather than the inward disciplines. We may feel that confession is between us and God alone. While this is true, there is also biblical evidence for corporate confession and there is room for both kinds in our devotional life.

"We are grateful for the biblical teaching, underscored in the Reformation, that ‘there is one mediator between God and [people], the man Jesus Christ’ (1 Tim. 2:5)" (Celebration of Discipline, p. 145). This Scripture tells us that we no longer need to have sacrifices offered for us, that we can go to God directly and receive forgiveness. But Scripture also says "to ‘confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another…’ (James 5:16) (p. 145). Foster reminds us "that both are found in Scripture and neither need exclude the other" (p. 145).

Scripture also tells us that Jesus gave all of his disciples the authority to forgive sins in his name in John 20:23. So any Christian has the authority to forgive the sins of another Christian brother or sister. So why don’t we make use of this authority more often? Foster says that it is probably because "we often view the believing community as a fellowship of saints" rather than a fellowship of sinners (p. 145).

When we see the believing community as a fellowship of saints, it is difficult to confess our sins to another because we feel everyone is holy and we alone are a sinner. We alone struggle with sin and its effects.

When we see the believing community as a fellowship of sinners, "we are freed to hear the unconditional call of God’s love and to confess our needs openly before our brothers and sisters. We know we are not alone in our sin. The fear and pride that cling to us like barnacles cling to others also. We are sinners together" (p. 145-46).

Now, why do we need confession at all. Foster says that it is through the cross that confession makes sense. It is through Jesus’ willingness to take our sins upon himself through his great love for us that confession makes any sense. "Jesus knew that by his vicarious suffering he could actually absorb all the evil of humanity and so heal it, forgive it, redeem it" (p. 143). "Without the cross the Discipline of confession would be only psychologically therapeutic. But it is so much more. It involves an objective change in our relationship with God and a subjective change in us. It is a means of healing and transforming the inner spirit." (p. 144).

Since the Disciplines are something we do, how does confession work? Foster reminds us what St. Alphonsus Liguori writes about a good confession. "For a good confession three things are necessary: an examination of conscience, sorrow, and a determination to avoid sin" (p. 151). Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

When making an examination of conscience, it is good to remember two things. The first is to avoid making a too general examination. It is easy to avoid the shame and embarrassment caused by our sin by giving a general confession. But a general confession does not bring God’s healing. Only by confessing and bringing our sin into God’s light can we experience healing. People came to Jesus to be healed of specific sins, not general ones.

The second thing to avoid is too close an examination. A good examination is important, but we do not want to dwell on or wallow in our sins. Foster suggests setting aside a certain amount of time for the examination (10 minutes or so) and sticking to it. You don’t need to find every single little sin for an examination to be thorough.

Now let’s look at sorrow. Like love, sorrow is a matter of the will, not the emotions. Foster defines sorrow as "an abhorrence at having committed the sin, a deep regret at having offended the heart of the Father" (p. 152). Foster reminds us that "sorrow is an issue of the will before it is an issue of the emotions. In fact, being sorrowful in the emotions without a godly sorrow in the will destroys the confession" (p. 152).

And finally, we must desire to avoid sin. I love the quote from John Wesley "Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God…such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth" (p. 152). Now, remembering the example of Saint Paul, we know that there are times when we will continue to do what we do not want to do and not do the things we want to do. Sometimes we cannot find within us the desire to give up our sin. At these times, we must then ask God to give us the desire to give up our sins.

Now, when we have decided to that we need to go to one of our Christian brothers or sisters and make a confession, how do we choose someone? There are several criteria for choosing someone to act as your confessor. Remember, all Christians are given the authority to hear confession and offer absolution, not just the ordained clergy. Foster offers these guidelines in selecting a confessor: "spiritual maturity, wisdom, compassion, good common sense, the ability to keep a confidence, and a wholesome sense of humor" (p. 153). These qualities help a person to listen to someone’s confession.

So, what do you do if someone asks you to hear their confession? What do you do to prepare yourself to hear your brother’s or sister’s confession? Foster reminds us that Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that "anybody who has once been horrified by the dreadfulness of his own sin that nailed Jesus to the cross will no longer be horrified by even the rankest sins of a brother" (p. 154). "This is the one thing that will save us from ever being offended in the confession of another….Once we see the awfulness of sin we know that, regardless of what others have done, we ourselves are the chief among sinners" (p. 154).

We can prepare ourselves to receive a confession through prayer. First, we pray for an increase "of the light of Christ within us" (p. 155). With the light of Christ within us, we can radiate to others who need it. Second, we pray for discernment so that we can minister to them after the confession. When we listen to a confession it is important to learn to be quiet so that we can discern the movement of the Spirit in the confession.

Third, we need to pray for the person as they make their confession. Needless to say, this should be done "inwardly and imperceptively" (p. 156). "Also, you are praying that they will share the ‘key’ that will reveal any area needing the healing touch of Christ" (p. 156).

After the confession, "it is extremely important that you pray for the person and not just counsel them. Before or during the prayer we should announce to them that the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ is now real and effective for them" (p. 156). We should also pray for the wounds caused by sin and the prayer could include the laying on of hands. The laying on of hands "is an elemental teaching of the Bible and is a means through which God communicates his life-giving power (Heb. 6:2)" (p. 156).

"The Discipline of confession brings an end to pretense. God is calling into being a Church that can openly confess its frail humanity and know the forgiving and empowering graces of Christ. Honesty leads to confession, and confession leads to change. May God give grace to the Church once again to recover the Discipline of confession" (p. 157).

Our next corporate Discipline will be worship. Until next time, may the peace and grace of Christ be with you,

Rev. Jane-Elizabeth Brakhage, Missouri West Conference UMC
(a good friend of Rev. Michael’s, shared with permission).

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Peace With Justice

By Jason McGuire

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." –Matthew 5:9

What a gift we have in God through his desire for family. Family identities come in varying and diverse manners but their reasons for cohesiveness are due to that glue God gave us in our souls. That glue of desires that binds one to another. We all have families, as is evident by our very existence. Some are in accord, others are in disruption and yet even others are in separation. I should think that the great majority of us lie in the mid-grounds of disruption. Isn't that a little harsh, you might ask? When I mean disruption I mean we're out of the type of Harmony that God shows all his wayward children, that of unconditional love. Of course that doesn't mean unconditional free licensure but it does mean the freedom to live as individuals within the identity of the whole, or family. We've all been children, some have children and yet others might desire to have children in the future. That means there is a need for support, consideration, tolerance, compassion, structure, and discipline when necessary but above all there is the need for the greatest of resources: Love.

As families grow together the individuals in those families may venture off into lives of poverty, wealth, honor, dishonor, fruitfulness and/or wastefulness. They may explore areas of life that may seem alien to their elders and even, in some cases, against the wishes of their elders. What I'm suggesting is that none of us can be certain as to what our families will grow into because it's always changing with the lives of the individuals within those families. This can be threatening, challenging and for some even representative of the gradual deterioration of the family identity as it once was known. If we recognize that it is the nature of God that our spiritual family is always in change, as is actualized by the events of religious history and the universal invitation to the table of Christ, we may be able to feel a little less threatened when our family identities no longer have a sense of stability. It may very well be that through God those instabilities may be the result of a growing family experience and not necessarily a dying one. Think about this, if you've ever begun a family of your own or plan to. What will those new additions become? How will they live? What will they do? Who can know the answers to these questions but God?

In the mean time, maybe we should focus more on questions like how can we show them our love, as they become that which God knows them best to be, even when we don't agree? Conflict occurs most often at home, usually between what one family individual desires from another in their person-hood and vice versa. That means there is potential for a lot of family stress, as is evident in the talk shows. However, it also means it's here that we have the foregrounds to learn about and practice conflict resolution. If we are to find that our biological families are worth the effort towards finding peaceable living then it seems only right that we'd have to consider the same for our spiritual families as well. After all, isn't it the Peace of God that we try to share with each other and wish for toward the souls of others every Sunday in Church.

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Missions

by Kurt Lambrecht

To My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Greetings once again!

Kind of hard to tell that fall is upon us already, isn't it? We did have one week of fall-like weather about a week ago or so, but it is looking kind of like summer again, at least for the next couple of days. If the five-day forecast is right, we may even see our first snow of the year, though I hope it is minimal, and that it warms up again. Guess it is a sign of getting older, but snow just doesn't seem as fun as it used to be. I'd just be happy to see rain all winter, after the harvest in in, of course. I wonder if that is part of the whole "putting away of childish things" that Paul speaks of in 1st Corinthians, 13.11. But what of the children mentioned in Matthew 19:14, when it says that it is to them that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs? Well, my opinion is that it takes a combination of such to get through life. An adult outlook on reality, but be able to look upon it with the wonder of a child, and enjoy life, since it is a commodity too precious to be squandered just on the necessities, though enjoyment of life is a necessity, otherwise one become embittered with things in general, like Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Though he eventually did come around, and start enjoying life again. So, nothing is impossible in God's hands.

CROP Walk is Sunday, October 8th, starting at 1:30 PM from First Christian Church, located at 6630 Dodge Street. Feel free to join us for fun, exercise, and camaraderie, as well as helping a worthy cause. And if you are unable to attend, there are a few of us, me included, who are looking for sponsors yet, in my case being too busy as of late with work and the farm to actively seek sponsors. So find us at church on Sunday and help. And as always, Pearl Food Pantry can do with our help. It is getting to be the time of year when those who have little can have their hearts uplifted and their hopes and faith restored by a warm meal. Remember them now, and give what you can.

As for Missions, the Health Fair went astoundingly well! Thanks to everyone who helped, whether it was making healthy snacks for everyone, or did registration, or sat things up, or any of the hundreds of jobs that made the event a success. Kudos for everyone involved. As for future project, there are a few, which I bring up as they come up. Spring is going to be a most interesting season this coming year!

As for YAH!, the play preparations are coming along, and we should be ready by our October 27th premiere date. And I do believe that the fall Highway Clean-up is coming up soon. I shall keep people posted on things as soon as I am informed. Well, that's all, folks! At least for now. I shall hope to see everyone in church this Sunday. Take care, and God Bless.

As always, I remain Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant in Christ Jesus, Kurtis W. Lambrecht

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Church Family Highlights

by Hazel Gregg

Mark’s birthday party, which had a Mexican theme, was a big success. The youngsters had fun knocking down the piņata. There were cries of "Neat!" and "Oh, lookie!" as they scrambled for the contents. Mark’s mother noticed that one little boy’s pile was much smaller than the rest. "David, you didn’t get very many," she said as she offered him more candy and trinkets. David replied, "I have all I need." Perhaps we have all we really need, too. We should look around us. Have we purchased things that we could live without? Maybe it was the latest fad or brand-name item. Instead of always wishing for more, we should be grateful for what we already have. Our Father, forgive our greed and obsession with possessions. You bestow many blessings on us, and we thank you. Amen.

The Olive Crest Health Fair was a success, according to the reports from one person on the committee. This was a huge task and something that we have never had before, with the exception of the C.P.R. classes held quite some time ago. Thanks to the committee!

We are thankful that Lerrine Pafford was well enough to be in church with us on September 17^th. God is good and prayers do help. Warren Teal says that he is feeling better. Keep praying. Darlene Piper was also in church on September 17. She says she is still tired but is gaining on that feeling. Shirley Eirich is better. I know that I am going to forget some of you, please forgive me. Sometimes the prayer list is quite long.

The men’s spaghetti supper was also a success. People like to eat.

The organ concert was a wonderful thing. We should have had a larger turn out for it. Those of you that did not come really missed hearing many things played by a professional on the organ. Thanks to Ted and Joyce for getting this man!

Those that went to Camp Fontenelle for the pork and chicken Bar-B-Que on Sunday the 17^th, report that the dinner was a good as always and the fellowship is always there for all. You can stay and visit as long as you wish. Sometimes it is helpful to get there early if you want to pick up some craft items. Also there are a few food items. It is good to support our youth camps. Those that are able to go, always have a good time, food, fun, and fellowship, with other Christian youth. Or, if some do not know what Christians are like, they learn through this kind of thing.

Les McMullen and Pam Downs were married at Olive Crest on Friday, September 15^th.

On September 30^th, Selena Kirsch and Brett Tavener were married at St. Columbkille in Papillion.

We are glad that the choir is back from their summer break. Thanks!

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Health Fair Held

by Hazel Burgess

The Health Fair held on September 16 was well attended. A large amount of educational material was available and nutritious snacks were enjoyed by all. The ladies of our church baked the snacks. David Dennison from the Health Department, and volunteers from Holy Name church presented demonstrations of a no impact exercise class. Those interested in enrolling in a class at our church may contact Carolyn Faulhaber or Gabrielle Staben in the church office. The mission committee is anticipating starting a low impact exercise class here at Olive Crest which would be taught by David Dennis of the county health Department for a while until someone from Olive Crest is trained and would take over.

Proceeds from the Bake Sale and Health Fair were donated to missions through church apportionments and totaled $35.00. Funds provided for the health fair will also be used to purchase a Blood Pressure Gage. Blood Pressure cuffs in regular and large sizes will be provided for Olive Crest United Methodist Church by the County Health Department for use in our blood pressure monitoring program. Someone will be available to take blood pressures after church on the fourth Sunday of every month. The blood pressure equipment will be kept at the church, so if someone needs a reading at another time just ask someone who knows how and the equipment is here. We do need to keep a record of use for the health Department and as soon as they are available we will have wallet cards for any one who desires to keep track of their own blood pressure and have a record for your Doctor if needed.

At some time, if there is interest, we would like to start a walking group with the assistance of the Health Department.

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Kids Over 60

Program 2000-2001

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Young @ Heart

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Quilters

We finished one quilt and started another. $115 was turned over to the church. Since 1992 we’ve done 9 quilts and probably turned over at least $1,000.00! So we keep trying. We are now working on number 10.

Ernestine Chadwell
Darlene Widman
Lois Peyton

Many more before us, too numerous to mention.

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

United Methodist Youth News

Jr. High Spiritual Youth Conference. November 3-5 at Camp Comeca for 6-9 grade youth.

Sr. High Spiritual Youth Conference. December 27-29 at Camp Comeca for 9-12 grade youth.

Fall Rally 2000 on Sunday October 1^st from 4-7pm at the United Methodist Church in Geneva. "To have fun while we grow in faith."

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

United Methodist Men News

Monday, October 9^th at 7:00PM meeting.

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

United Methodist Women News

Monday, October 9^th at 7:30PM Evening Stars will be held at Willie Steucklin’s

Tuesday, October 3^rd at 9:30AM Morning Glories

Sunday, October 22^nd at 10:30AM – UMW Sunday. Kay Smith will be preaching.

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Day Care News

Fall us upon us and our time on the new playground is drawing to a close. The children are really enjoying the new equipment. In the spring we will reevaluate the playground and make any adjustment that may have to be made in regards to gravel and additional retaining wall blocks. Our picnic table will also be repaired and painted in the spring. Please come and support the Daycare at their fundraiser. YAH (Young at Heart) is presenting a Dinner Theater again this year to help us buy new equipment (like high chairs) "And Then There Was One" will be performed on Friday, October 27^th. The salad will be served at 6:00PM. Flyers and tickets will be available soon. Yours in Christ, Carolyn & Staff

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Monthly Offerings To God

Juanita says that in August we gave to God $9,842.17, while we spent $11,662.12 We sent in $3,200 towards Apportionments which brings us up to $6,600 towards our total of $14,264 (that means we are about at where we should be for June, even though it is October). Our Checkbook is at -$3,523.34, which is better than last month. Thank you for making up ground since last month, but we need to keep working hard for the rest of the year.

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

Olive Crest United Methodist Church 2000 Budget

Report by Marvin Widman, Finance Committee Chair

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

A Message from Church Council

The Olive Crest Church Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 26. This was the meeting to plan the budget for the coming year. We had a really good turnout, which was appropriate for the concerns of our church. We must pay close attention to our spending if we are to achieve our goals and continue to have a vital, thriving church. Carolyn Faulhaber Reported that the Health Fair sponsored by the Outreach and Witness committee was a great success. It looks like more good things will come from this event in the future, too. The United Methodist Men had their annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday the 23^rd and despite it being game day and a late date change it was still a big success. No more fund raisers until January so the men can rest a bit and enjoy some time off. The United Methodist Women have a Harvest dinner coming up on October 7^th. The proceeds will go toward new furniture for the upstairs lounge area. They have said that anyone in the congregation is welcome to contribute to this cause. The Women also have UMW Sunday coming up with Kay Smith as the speaker. (She is the wife of a former pastor at Olive Crest for the newcomers in the church.)

Day Care has paid for their new equipment and will be adding some finishing touches to the playground. The YAH Group will have a fundraiser, their dinner theater on the 27th to buy indoor equipment. Our faithful Sunday School Superintendent, Arlene Newell has started a reading club for her Sunday School children. She needs new or in good shape Bible Story books and she also needs a sturdy set of book shelves that will fit under the window in the class room. If you have a donation, check with Arlene.

Have you given your brochure on Olive Crest to a friend yet? If you need another, there are some on the information table in the back of the sanctuary. The trustees report that that there will be an all-church cleanup day on Saturday the fourth of November. This will be an indoor as well as outdoor cleanup to get the building and grounds ready for winter. Remember to pray for the spiritual and financial health of our church for the coming season. We will be having some big goals to meet with the annual meeting and charge conference. Please do your part as a member to get your budgets and reports in on time.

Until next month, Your friend in Christ, Tymna Vacek, Church Council Chair

Back to Top     Table of Contents     Newsletters Menu     Home Page

If your phone number is changing for any reason (moving, changing carriers, or whatever) please give us your new number.

Upcoming Events