"Contact" the Havelock Christian Church Newsletter May, 2005 We Celebrate the Family of God It's time to get out those grills and begin savoring the taste of food cooked outdoors over the coals. What could be more fun than a church family cook-out? On Friday evening, May 6, at 6 pm, bring your choice of hamburgers or hot dogs to grill and a salad or dessert to share. Drinks will be provided. The grills will be all fired up and ready to go by 6 pm, so come join the fun. Kids, grandkids, neighbors and friends -- all are welcome. Special Mother's Day Worship Women, Sunday May 8 is our special day! We will be recognizing the special role women play in the home and the life of the family as we celebrate Mother's Day at HCC. There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place Pentecost marks the time when God poured out the blessing of his Holy Spirit upon the Disciples following the death and resurrection of Jesus. The story is dramatically told in Acts 2, how the spirit came with the sound like the rush of a mighty wind, filling the house where the Disciples were waiting. The people who quickly gathered at the strange sound were astonished to hear the Disciples speaking, but the people from "every nation under heaven" could understand them, each in his or her own language or dialect. What a similarity to today's world -- we may not need to speak in other languages (although that would help, even in Lincoln, Nebraska), but we need to seek God's help in finding ways to make the Christian message understandable to those around us. Some of us are used to listening to scripture in language that has become very familiar to us. Perhaps there are others in our families and among our friends for whom scripture is almost a foreign language. Some of us know and love old hymns and can even sing several verses without looking at the words. For others, those same songs may not make any sense at all. As we celebrate Pentecost this year, let us be open to the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that we can speak of the gifts of God's love, using words and actions that make the message come through for all of God's children. Songfest Sunday Set for May 29th We'll lift our hearts in song on May 29th, as we enjoy another Sunday songfest. Old songs, new songs, whatever you choose, we'll sing! Take a few minutes in the next few weeks to pick out some favorites and have them ready to suggest. Max's Musings It's spring. The grass is growing. I need to mow the lawn. I don't like to mow the lawn. On my list of fun things to do, mowing the lawn is not even a close 2 millionth. I look at the coming months and all I see are a parade of grass cuttings hitting me about once a week (unless there is a lot of rain). That's at least 30 mowings before I can put away the lawn mower. No matter what you do to your grass, it seems that it needs to be mowed again. So why do people spend a small fortune to fertilize their grass? Just to make it look greener? Don't they know that all they are doing is making more work for themselves? I remember in Montana a very favorable situation when it came to mowing the lawn. I only mowed the lawn 4 times, maybe 5 times. You see, Montana has a short growing season, about 60 days. If one pushed back the starting of the mowing just one week and then skipped the last week all together -- you only mow 4 or 5 times. Definitely doable! So, why does the Bible talk about the grass that withers? Around here there's no such thing. Just turn on the sprinkler and you have the green grass of home. Back in the time of Jesus, there were no sprinklers. It was rain all the way, baby. Imagine what no rain would do to the lawn back then. I remember when we lived in Oklahoma, if no rain fell, our yard would experience what we called a ''brown out.'' The grass would turn a lovely light brown, about the color of coffee with two creamers. I didn't have to mow because I refused to pay money to water the yard just so I could mow it. After a while the rain would come, the grass would turn green, and I would pull out the mower once more. But a brown out in the time of Jesus meant that sheep went hungry. When sheep went hungry there was a ripple effect that hit everybody in the community. Grass that withered was serious business. Having roots that only reached the bottom of the topsoil did not provide enough water to sustain the plant in hard times. Likewise, having spiritual roots that only take in nutrients from the surface will not sustain us when trials come our way. We need to grow our roots deep, to the living water that was promised by our Lord. Tapping into that supply will keep us healthy and enable us to grow in wisdom and in spirit. Oh, don't worry about growing tall. Remember, I hate to mow. Love & Peace Max May Scriptures and Titles May 1 - 6th Sunday of Easter 1 Peter 3:13-22 "Arsenic - A Healing Agent" May 8 - Ascension Sunday Mother's Day Luke 15:1-10 "Women of Wisteria Lane" May 15- Pentecost Celebrate Birthday of the Church Acts 2:1-21 "Measuring the Wind" May 22- Trinity Sunday Matthew 28:16-20 "Special Ops" May 29- 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Songfest Dates to Remember May Birthdays 4 - Richard Westling 5 - Lisa Horak 7 - Cathy Tudor Virginia Woodrum (#80) 10 - Daniel Herman 13 - Stephanie Wilson 14 - Judy Seibert 17 - Rick Stump 19 - Glenna Burgeson 25 - Bill Adams George Buell 27 - Max Nelson 29 - Joe Herman 30 - Sabrina Nimmich Samantha Nimmich May Anniversary 18 - Irene and Howard Sewell   Prayer Focus 1 - Plattsmouth First Christian, Rev. Michael Lincoln 8 - York First Christian, Rev. Ronald Johnson 15 - Aurora First Christian, Rev. Samuel Fox 22 - Omaha North Side Christian, Rev. Nancy Brink 29 - Murray Christian, Pastor Larry Hammons   Upcoming Events Regular Meetings and Events: 2 - Friendship Bridge Meeting, 7 pm 4, 11, 18 - Choir Rehearsal 9 - General Board Meeting, 7 pm Communion to be shared with shut-in members on May 1 - We'll bring more than a May basket when we come to see you on May Day. It will be our regular time for fellowship and sharing the sacraments. We look forward to seeing you! Bible Studies enter final week -- Since Easter, a number of us have been enjoying regular weekly discussions based on the recent Philip Gulley and James Mulholland book, If Grace Is True - Why God Will Save Every Person. The chapters and discussions have been very thought provoking. The May 3 / May 5 studies will be the last of the current sessions. A special thanks to Pastor Max for this great series. We look forward to another one to be announced soon. Break out the burgers and the hot dogs; it's picnic time! -- Come rain or come shine, we're going tocook out on Friday night, May 6. Put on your jeans and tennies and join the church family for a great evening of food and fellowship. We'll provide the drinks and the grills ­ bring your favorite meat and a couple of side dishes to share (salads, desserts, chips, etc.). The first burgers will go on the grill at 6 pm. Don't miss it! Mother's Day Worship on May 8 -- Bring families and come to worship on Sunday, May 8, as we honor the important role that mothers and other women play in the life of the family and the church. Dads, kids, be sure Mom has a pleasant restful morning that day. Pentecost Sunday is May 15 -- Wear RED! In keeping with our HCC tradition, we'll dig out our red dresses, shirts, ties, and scarves to remind us of God's extravagant gift of sending the Holy Spirit to be with us and in us at all times. The Holy Spirit helps us to feel the presence of the God of the universe in whom we live and move and have our being. Come celebrate the church's birthday on Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Offering will be received May 8 and May 15 -- What better focus could there be for the Pentecost Offering than the starting of new churches. In Lincoln, we are blessed with two brand new Disciples congregations that are really going great. This year, half of our Pentecost Offering will go toward the building fund for the new South Pointe church here in Lincoln. The other half of the offering will give a helping hand to other new church groups across the country. Last year, we came within $4 of $500. Let's top that $500 mark this year! Weber Family Sale set for third week of May -- A note from friend Carolee (Weber) Johnson indicates that the family is planning a sale of Della and Irv Weber's household goods and collectibles. The public sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 20th and 21st. The house is located at 6910 Adams, and there is limited parking off Adams Street on Shirley Court. Church friends are welcome. CYF meeting scheduled for May 22 -- It was tough to find an open date, with all of the May activities, but the young people and their sponsors will gather for a 7 pm meeting on Sunday, May 22nd. Come, and bring a friend. Choir Party planned for May 25th -- The choir will help George Buell celebrate his birthday (and the last week of regular choir rehearsals for awhile) with a party at John and Jean Dale's home, 6110 Leighton. John will grill the burgers, and we'll have a variety of beverages on hand. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. The time is 6:30. As always, choir members, present, past, and perspective ­ along with their families ­ are invited. It's time for another Songfest! We'll have the Chalice Hymnals and some of the older books on hand. Pick your favorites, and we'll make a joyful noise unto the Lord on Sunday, May 29th. Our singing will be the sermon for that day. By singing just first and last verses of each song, we should have time for lots of favorites. Every Sunday is Pantry Sunday -- It's always important to remember those who are less fortunate than we are. Many places in scripture, we find Jesus reminding us that God has a special place in his heart for the poor. He wants all to be aware of their needs and lend a helping hand. HCC, you do a great job. Keep up the good work. FYI Silent Auction and Soup Supper is a great success! The Builders Club, with lots of help from the rest of the church members, put on a festive event on Saturday, April 23rd. Lots of nice items were given to be auctioned off, and several created quite a stir (you'll have to ask Mike or Steve or Gene about the handmade necktie). All in all, we raised $567(!), which the Builders Club will use throughout the year to help with local and regional projects. In the past, we've helped organizations like Child Saving Institute in Omaha, Lincoln Action Program, People's City Mission, the Verdon Christian Church, and other worthy causes. Thanks, so much, for all who donated gifts, brought food, and participated in the big event! Shorts from the Board Checking account at $205.12. Savings account going down - needing to borrow to meet bills. Report from Financial Review Committee - recommendations: talk to congregation, encourage extra contributions. Easter Offering for Missions $575! Thank you received from American Cancer Society for Daffodil Sunday. Lifeline to use the church on June 28th. Max and Cindy to attend General Assembly in Portland. Applications for church camp are available. Max on vacation June 26 - July 3. Finances need a boost -- As you can see from the Board meeting notes, we're experiencing a little financial difficulty. The difference between our monthly budget need of $5,600 and our monthly receipts (averaging $4,500 during January, February, and March) is kind of scarey. Several issues are creating the problem: Heating bills have been high this winter, creating a cash flow problem. We have an investment in 100th anniversary items that are still on hand. The 2005 pledges weren't high enough to support the budget. The Board discussed a lot of alternatives. We decided on a several-pronged approach to the problem: Hold down spending as much as possible, Use some funds that had been set aside to pay for the copier to meet the bills, and lease the copier, Plan another fund raiser or two throughout the year, Encourage members to make special gifts if at all possible or increase regular giving to help out, and Begin a "Feed the Pig" campaign. You may have already noticed the attractive ceramic piggy bank on the table in the fellowship area. Well, she's there for a reason. We're inviting members to drop their change in the piggy bank each Sunday morning to help meet the HCC budget. We'll keep track of the amount this raises and provide a monthly report. Some of us have found that our change really adds up at home if we regularly empty our pockets. We're hoping it can help HCC for awhile. Jack Rosecrans and Joe Herman will be providing us with an update in the weeks to come. Please give prayerful consideration to how you can help. CYF'ers have lots of activities during April ­ During spring break, ten CYF members, guests and sponsors spent an enjoyable Wednesday afternoon at Hollywood Bowl showing their talents with the pins. Danny and Kristina won the first game, as they tied with a score of 74 pins each. The next game was never in doubt, as Tyler started strong and finished with 93 pins. On Saturday, April 9, the group went to see the movie, "Coach Carter." It presented a useful and timely message applicable to today's youth. Ask a CYF'er what he or she learned from "Coach Carter." Christian Growth Task Group Report - Six members of the Christian Growth Task Group met for their regular monthly meeting on April 4th at the church. In recognition of the role that friendships play in attracting new members to the church family and in nurturing those already part of the faith community, it was agreed to change the name of the group to "The Friendship Bridge." Events to be sponsored or co-sponsored by this laity group during 2005 include: April 23 - Pancake Feast and Family Fun Night (which was a big success!) May 6 - 6 pm - The First Barbeque of the Season, to be held in the church parking lot. June 8 - 6:30 pm - Fellowship Dinner and Regular meeting of the Friendship Bridge group, hosted by Mike and Judi Yost. June 24-25 - Cooperative Vacation Bible School held in cooperation with the HCC Christian Education ministry team and Bethany Christian Church. October 14th and 15th - Craft Fair. Booth space (includes one 8-foot table) available. Contact Dori Yost for rental rates and to reserve your space. The next meeting of the Friendship Bridge will be held on Monday, May 2, beginning at 7 pm in the church library. Anyone with an interest in planning fellowship activities for young and older adults is welcome. Pastor Max to embark on continuing education project -- As part of the Lily grant to the Christian Church of Nebraska and the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ, Pastor Max has received a grant to improve his ministerial abilities. As a result, Max has requested training in helping churches in times of change or transition. Many churches like Havelock have responded to renewal efforts but still find it difficult to find ways in which to continue becoming vital congregations. This training will enable Max to learn skills that can be helpful in providing insights on how to address these issues and leadership skills that will help him and church leaders to meet the demands of a changing church. The training is divided into three sections. The first part will be held in Delray Beach, Florida, May 16th to May 20th. The second part will consist of a project designed and carried out with Havelock Christian as a partner in the project. The third part will be back at Delray Beach on October 31st to November 4th. Here the project will be reviewed and used as a summary lesson, along with the projects of the other members of the course. There are 20 people enrolled in this course, coming from states ranging from New York to California to Texas. The Ministers Covenant Group recently gave approval for the course and funding through the PEP project, and the proposal has been forwarded for final approval. Word received from former Pastor Bob Swanson ­ Bob recently sent a copy of the bulletin from First Christian Church in Columbia, Missouri, where Bob has been elected to serve as Elder, an honor which means a great deal to Bob. He writes, "Now I am a bonafide layman. When I was a UMC Pastor, I was an "Elder in Full Connection." But now I enjoy quite an honor in a prestigious Disciple congregation. I join my late father who was an Elder in the West Bluff Christian Church in Peoria, IL for 35 years and my 99-year-old mother who is an Elder Emeritus in the same congregation." Bob has also been a member of the chancel choir of the First Christian in Columbia for a year. He says its "quite an experience." Bob sends greetings to all at HCC. Great to hear from you, Bob. We're delighted with your honor.   In Our Church Family Our hearts go out to Jack and Mary Jo O'Donnell and family with the death of their son Shawn on April 4. We are keeping you in our prayers, Jack and Mary Jo. We're also holding Susan and Gail Hanneman and the rest of the Marsh family in our thoughts and prayers with the death of our good friend Alberta Marsh last week. Alberta was a vital and active member at HCC, having served as Elder, Chair of the Elders, and President of the CWF at various times. We will all miss Alberta's warmth, humor, and kind spirit. We send greetings to our shut-in members as the merry month of May begins. Keith and Elaine Althouse remain at Grammercy Hill ­ they're looking forward to move to a bigger apartment in a couple of weeks, so they can be together. We're thinking of Howard and Irene Sewell, with an anniversary coming up on the 18th. Olive Montgomery is delighted to announce the birth of a new great grandson, Joshua Todd Jeffrey, born in early March to granddaughter Kelley and husband Travis Jeffrey. The proud family includes big brother Nathan, and grandparents Jean and Dennis Crounse. Jessie and Don Riblett are doing well with the warmer spring days. Don has a new great granddaughter, born March 24th. Her name is Taylor Star Lasneskic. The proud parents are Don's grandson Billy and his wife, and the grandma is Don's daughter April. Greetings also to Nellie Covert, Jim Donaldson, and Eva Barnes. We hope you are all doing well. We need to be remembering our friend Doris Johnson in our prayers. I learned last Sunday that our own Julie Hefner is helping provide care for Doris at home, and I'm so glad for that. We send our love, Doris. Our "almost centenarian" Merlin Walters, who is currently staying with Louise Schleich for a few weeks while the elevator at his condo is being replaced, had a little fall recently. We're glad to report he is improving. He's getting so much good care, he may be spoiled by the time the elevator is repaired. Take care, Dad. We got a nice note from Jim and Wanda Cameron in early April. Wanda reports that Jim is still at a Rehab Center in Montrose, getting therapy a couple of times a day for the broken hip. There is some improvement, but recovery is slow. It's great to hear from you two. We hope things are on the upswing finally. Sharon Jordal is also struggling with a slow recovery. She's minding the doctors every way she can, and we hope it pays off sooner rather than later. It was good to see you last week, Sharon. We hope to see you again soon. The Havelock family has several graduates looking forward to big new beginnings: Kayla-Marie Ann Yost will be graduating from Lincoln Northeast in early June. Kayla is the daughter of Judi and Mike Yost, and granddaughter of Dori and Duayne. Her plans are to go on to college in the fall, studying to be an elementary teacher. Congratulations, Kayla! Travis Sewell, son of Lori Sewell and grandson of Irene and Howard Sewell is a member of the Lincoln Northeast's class of 2005 as well. Best wishes to Travis and family. Betty and Alvin Niemeyer and family are proud of granddaughter Jessica, daughter of Bob and Diane, who will be graduating on Sunday, May 15 from Norris High School. Congratulations to Jessica! Nickelle (Hammons) Booe is finishing her Bachelor's degree in Education from College of Saint Mary, with commencement scheduled Sunday, May 15. She is the daughter of Barbara and Roger Hammons. Nicki and husband Eric will be celebrating with family and friends later in the week. Hooray, Nicki!! The Hammons also have a niece, Erin Hammons, daughter of Keith and Hyla, who is graduating from Weeping Water High School this month. It doesn't seem that long since the flying trip across the snowdrifts when Erin was born. Mercy, how quickly the time goes. Congratulations to Erin and family! It's a double celebration in the Woodrum family. The graduate is grandson Michael Leung, son of Jo Ann and Bill Leung. Michael is completing his degree at UNL in computer engineering. To round out the family event, Virginia is celebrating her 80th birthday on Saturday, May 8th. Wow! What a neat way to celebrate! Congratulations to both David and Virginia. Melissa (Missy) Bickford is another of our Lincoln Northeast graduates this year. Missy is the daughter of Derald and Karen Bickford, and niece of Rick and Mary. Best wishes to Missy and her family! The Dale family will be heading to Lawrence, Kansas on May 23rd to celebrate with grandson Chase Thompson as he is promoted from 6th grade into Junior High. Chase ("Spud") is the son of Mark Dale Thompson and Kristi Thompson and grandson of John and Jean Dale. Stay tuned for additional announcements in the June newsletter. (Please contact your editor with details if you have a graduate in your family.) Speaking of big celebrations, the Yost family managed to surprise Mike last week-end with a party for his 50th birthday! Home to celebrate her birthday as well is daughter Shandra, who is serving as our lay reader for May. (Welcome home, Shandra!) Also joining in the celebration was sister Sheryl Hansen. Sheryl and Byron are celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary on May 2nd. Congratulations, all. Kudos for April go to . . . Pastor Max for the excellent Bible studies during the month. Jean Holt and all of those who helped with the luncheon for the Marsh funeral. Jack Rosecrans and the Builders Club, along with all who helped make the Silent Auction such a big success. Deb Herman and the Friendship Bridge Committee for a great Pancake Supper and Fellowship evening. We had a great turnout. Our Treasurer Jack Rosecrans and Financial Secretary Joe Herman, who put in many hours working with church's finances on our behalf. On the Lighter Side I have a generous supply of quips about women and mothers. A few from noted celebrities: "The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy." (Helen Hayes at 73) "My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed..." (Erma Bombeck) "The phrase 'working mother' is redundant." (Jane Sellman) "I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once." (Jennifer Unlimited) "If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them." (Sue Grafton) "I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on." (Roseanne Barr)   And from Things My Mother Taught Me... My mother taught me RELIGION..."You'd better pray that will come out of the carpet." My mother taught me LOGIC..."Because I said so, that's why." My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS..."Shut your mouth and eat your supper!" My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY..."If I've told you once, I've told you a million times: Don't exaggerate!" My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION..."Just wait until we get home." My mother taught me ESP..."Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you're cold?" Happy May!   Newsletter Archive Calendar, May 2005 1 - Sunday - Daylight Savings Time begins, Spring Ahead 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship Communion to Shut-ins 7 pm - CYF Meeting 2 - Monday 7 pm - Friendship Bridge meeting 3 - Tuesday 8 am - 8 pm - Election Day, polls open at the church 7 pm - Bible Study 4 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 5 - Thursday 10 am - Bible Study 6 - Friday 6 pm - Church Fellowship Night 7 - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm - 40th Anniversary Celebration at Kamp Kaleo 8 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Mothers' Day Worship, Pentecost Offering 9 - Monday 7 pm - General Board Meeting 11 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 15 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Mothers' Day Worship, Pentecost Offering 18 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Rehearsal 22 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship 7 pm - CYF 26 - Tuesday 7 pm - Bible Study 27 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Party 29 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Songfest Worship 30 - Monday Memorial Day Serving During April: Elders: Presiding - Dori Yost Shut-in Communion - Jean Dana, Dan Herman / Hope Bickford Members of the Diaconate: Preparing - Clovis Boardman / Judi Yost Serving - Roger Hammons, Jean Dale, Ron Uarich, Mike Staberg, Anna Peacock Shut-in Communion - Mike Staberg, Dan Herman, Hope Bickford Lay Leader: Shandra Yost Greeter: Jack Rosecrans Editor - Jean Dale Copying and Mailing - Anna and Curt Peacock Mailing Labels - John Dale

Disciples of Christ   Visitors Welcome Home Maps Calendar Teens "Contact" Newsletter "Contact" Newsletter Archive Recipes Photographs About the Congregation   Regional Ministry General Ministry