Yucca Breeze NewsletterMarch, 2010Pastor's Corner:CAN WE BE CHRISTIANS AND BE SENSITIVE?Brit Hume made a statement in December about the situation that Tiger Woods finds himself in: "He's said to be a Buddhist. I don't think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith. ... Tiger, turn to the Christian faith, and you can make a total recovery." Hume received a great deal of criticism for this statement, even though his statement in reference to Buddhism is correct. Buddhism has no concept of sin; therefore, redemption and forgiveness in the Christian sense is meaningless in Buddhism.
Some criticism of Hume comes from those who believe it is not his place to proselytize. Yet Brit Hume was faithful to the Great Commandment that Jesus gave to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Hume was living within his Christian belief system. Some that criticized him would feel more comfortable if Christians would keep their beliefs to themselves and out of the public arena. That, however, would be a repudiation of what Jesus has said we are to do. Jesus directed us to be the 'leaven' in the dough . the 'salt' in the world.
I personally believe the reason many criticized Hume is because the breakup of a marriage should be a private issue, not a public issue as our national media has made it whenever a celebrity couple breaks up. It seems we have a culture that condones public criticism, but condemns a public call to forgiveness and redemption. Granted, when you address a person about their sins, it's more productive to do it in private unless it's a call for national repentance. I think the advice Brit Hume offered was correct, but I don't think doing it before several million viewers was apt to have a redemptive effect on Tiger or his family.
Those that criticized Hume for his lack of sensitivity displayed the same lack of sensitivity they criticized Hume for displaying. I personally think that Brit Hume's statement was correct, and, yes, he may have missed an opportunity to be sensitive to Tiger Woods' feelings & beliefs. But it was still probably the best advice Tiger was ever going to get, even if delivered poorly.
As a whole, I believe our society generally displays a lack of sensitivity to the beliefs and feelings of others, and that often includes Christians. In seeking to follow the Great Commission, Christians all too often forget the Golden Rule, "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31).
The idea that I can have my way and "to heck with everyone else" is about as far from the Christian stance as one can get.
Is there someone you have wronged with this philosophy? If so, this is a good time of the year to seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
"Do to others as you would have them do to you."Your fellow traveler on the Journey , Pastor Morris Nelson
ANNOUNCEMENTS:PLEASE SHARE YOUR TALENTS!
The search is on! We know there is hidden talent out there, and were asking one and all to submit written devotions to include in a United Churches collection. Devotions are a way to spend time with God, which is crucial to the normal development of each of us as Christians. Most of us have daily communication with our Lord pre-planned times of prayer and/or one sentence comments to Him as we go about our daily lives. Always remember that He hears us!
So, as you go about your day, think about a subject or topic that would work well in a devotion or food for thought and prayer. It doesn't need to be lengthy or grammatically correct. . .you may add a scripture, a couple of questions for group discussion, and a short prayer at the end if you so desire.
You might want to consider writing devotions as a group project (Bible Studies, Teams, Committees, etc.). We welcome and encourage each and every one of you to take up your pencil and paper (your typewriter or computer) and give us your thoughts and prayers in the form of a devotion! When finished, drop it off at the United Churches office or send it to uc@gwtc.net Thank you and may God Bless You!
SPAGHETTI SUPPER WEBSITEThe group putting on the Hot Springs Spaghetti Supper has created a website where you can check on the latest news about the supper. If it has to be canceled due to weather, they will post that information on the web site on the day of the supper. There is also a calendar that shows the dates the supper will be held. The web address for the Hot Springs Spaghetti Supper is: http://www.thehsss.com
HEAR ALL ABOUT IT - THE IDITAROD
(THE LAST GREAT RACE)Mark your calendar to spend an exciting time learning what the Iditarod Sled Dog Race is all about. The date is Sunday, March 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in our Fellowship Hall. The program will include the history of the race, inform you about the dogs and mushers plus some exciting stories that have happened along the trail. There will be a surprise model, treats, songs and videos.
This time of fun will be presented by 2 long time avid fans and a special guest who was in Alaska during the inaugural race. Refreshments will be served. A free will offering will benefit the Hot Springs food pantry. Or if you prefer, please bring a non-perishable food item for the pantry. See you on the trail!
CHURCH BAND
The band has adopted the name The Dynamics. They 're closing the month of February by entertaining at Pine Hills Retirement Center. They will be playing at Woolys restaurant in the near future. Watch for announcements of their activities. If you are part of a group who would enjoy having them perform, talk to one of the band members.
MISSIONS:
SHAWL MINISTRY
The Mission Team makes shawls and lap throws in crochet, knitting and quilting. Pearl Risinger, Gloria Korell and Nancy Cuckler teach these needle works on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm after the spaghetti supper at The United Churches. If you know how to do any of this needlework or want to learn, we will be happy to teach you, so you can help us make these projects for the communities that are hurting, the needy, police, fire department, nursing homes, assisted living, State Veteran's home and V.A. Those who go on the missions trips also take these to distribute.
LOOSE CHANGE OFFERING
The loose change offering in January amounted to $291. 20 and was given to the local community food pantry. The offering on February 28th is designated to the Schweigert Noah's Place Girls Ranch. Check the breeze monthly for reports on their activities. March's offering on March 28 will help support our church's summer camping program. We have a variety of programs available to our members through our three denominations, including Camp Judson, Camp Rimrock, Pioneer, and Storm Mountain Center. This offering will be added to funds available to assist in giving partial scholarships to people who wish to attend a camp, especially youth. Look for materials displayed at the church, giving information about camps, and come to the camp Sunday program scheduled for April 11.NOAH'S NEWS
We continue to get through the cold weather doing a count down to Spring. the deer are eating our supply of hay as they are unable to get to grass. They number around 18 per night (these are the ones we see ). Let us know if you need any deer to eat your garden, we will gladly share. We also have around 30 turkeys that partake of what is put out for the chickens. The mothers bring their babies and as grown-up turkeys they bring their babies. Wouldn't it be something if we did that in regard to taking our children to Church? We have adopted a 25 year old mare who needs some TLC . We named her Naomi which means"joy in the Lord " . She is very friendly and well behaved. She now is wearing a purple plaid blanket that gives her a "glamour girl look ". The girls really enjoy giving her love and attention. She does have a problem in a tendon in her left hind leg; she fits right in with many of the others. Thank you for prayers during this time of trial. Gary continues to heal and get stronger every day. God is our ultimate healer. Please visit anytime. Noahs PlacePOTLUCK FAVORITEMOM'S CARROT SALAD
2 lbs. of Carrots-sliced & cooked till not quite done
1 Lg. Onion-chopped
1 Green Pepper-chopped
1 can Tomato Soup
1/2 cup Oil
Cook 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup sugar until sugar is dissolved.
Mix all ingredients and refrigerate.
Best if set overnight. Keeps for quite a long time
Pat Buchholz
THANK YOU
I greatly appreciate the prayers and cards and the visits while in the hospital. the care I recieved was the best. My first stop was to the V A as I was having pain . I was then helicoptered to Rapid City Regional . All the staff at both facilities were great. I was very anxious to get to church my first Sunday home. Church family are very important to Kath and me. I am looking forward to going to Tecate, Mexico this year again. That is scheduled for late June. In prayer, Gary Schweigert
LENTEN SEASON
Each Wednesday we will be celebrating the Lenten season with a Soup & Bread Supper at 6:30 pm followed by a service at 7 pm covering the Six Attributes of Lent:
Feb. 17-Repentance
Feb. 24-Sacrifice
Mar. 3-Humility
Mar. 10-Commitment
Mar. 17-Faith
Mar. 24-Service
March, 2010
Birthdays Anniversaries1 Timothy Puffer 16 Don/Sheila DeVries 2 Mavis Erwin
9 Pat Holwell
Carla Johnson
10 Marianne Scott-Drobny
11 Linda Hanson
12 Joann Walker
13 Delores Hickman
16 Bob Novotny
17 Dorothy Sharp
Jim Hansen
21 Roy McKown
23 Rhonda Koucourek
24 Ruby Slater
25 Mary Jane Cape
Kevin Cape
Donna Scott
Jim Zwetzig
27 Thor Swift
29 Marv Wilkinson
31 Frank Hamilton
If your name is not included on the Birthday/Anniversary list and you would like me to add it, please contact the church office by email: uc@gwtc.net or call 745-5640.