St. Peter's United Church of Christ
Inman, Kansas

“When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’” Luke 2:22-24

“and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’” Matthew 8:2-4

“When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Luke 22:14-20

During this time of COVID-19 I hear many times each day people asking the question, “When will we get back to normal?” I am not sure life was ever “normal”. What I think people may be getting at when they lament the lack of “normal” in their lives is the absence of ritual.

Diana Butler Bass, American historian of Christianity and an advocate for progressive Christianity, as well as a prolific writer had this to say about loss of ritual in her blog post titled, “Making It Up As We Go”.

We’ve lost much this year, including the loss of ritual.

Formal holiday rituals like Easter and Passover. Less overtly religious ones like baseball’s opening day or July 4 parades. Other rituals, too: graduations, birthdays, anniversaries. There were no summer weddings or baby showers. No

in-person church or synagogue or temple. Even with friends falling ill, and the deaths that have occurred, no hospital visits or funerals to attend.

We also lack informal rituals, the practiced regularity that made up daily life – coffee with friends, the neighborhood book club, the gripe session with co-workers at the bar near the office, working out at the gym, dinner at a favorite restaurant. These are rituals, too - routines that connected us to one another, how we offered friendship, forgiveness, advice, and care. Familiar, repeated acts that framed hours, days, weeks, and months – the habits that composed our lives – have vanished.

Ritual links us to others, shapes our memories, and marks our years. Even the least liturgical and non-religious among us understands ritual in these ways. My friend, Casper ter Kuile, who writes on “soulful practices” says, “rituals make the invisible connections (of) life meaningful, visible.” COVID has robbed us of ritual.

On my personal Facebook page, I asked the question, “What rituals have you lost during this time of COVID-19?” I received a few responses. Here is what people shared.

“Seeing friends in person, going to the gym and the community of people I saw almost every day.

My loss of work routine, I haven't worked a 40 hour week in 5 months. While I want things to return to "normal", many of the new routines in my life are good while others are quite detrimental to my life. Looking forward to the day my gym reopens so I can get back into better physical shape.”

“Will certainly miss the ritual of the State Fair. Family's been showing livestock almost every year since about 1960.”

“I miss the ritual of greeting. That warm feeling you get when we gather for Adult Sunday School with people who have known each other for 20 years, and how they stop everything to welcome the newcomer.”

As you can see from those responses some rituals are related to church and others to secular activities. For me some of the church related rituals I have missed is not being able to share communion together on Easter morning. Not having the children parade around the sanctuary waving palm branches on Palm Sunday. And even though it is not the easiest thing for me to do I miss having the children come forward during worship to share some time together.

On the secular side, I believe this is the first summer in many years that my daughter and I have not attended a baseball game. I missed cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for the Inman Museum on Memorial Day following the cemetery service. I missed that service as well. I believe that this was the year that I was scheduled to represent the Ministerial Alliance at the Memorial Day service.

I think you get the idea and my point. Almost anything that we do again and again is a ritual and part of our normal. One thing that we need to remember is that God is always with us. “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” (Joshua 1:9) This is indeed one NORMAL that will never change.

Peace and Blessings

Pastor Dennis

************

September Birthdays

2 Dennis Schroeder

Kella Rose Schierling

Hailey Spears

13 Shirley Friesen

18 James Bornholdt

24 Tanner Knackstedt

September Anniversaries

30 Pastor Dennis Ureche Ordination

*************

Please pray for these people

on their designated day in September

1) Gene and Karen Schierling

2) Roy and Shivawn Schierling

3) Dennis and Crystal Schroeder

4) Jerry and Ruth Sisson

5) Cassie Spears, Levi, Hailey

6) James and Sophia Stephens

7) Freddi Stowe

Jessica Stucky, Haley

9) Allen Thiessen

10) Merle and Karen Thiessen

11) Verla Thomason

12) Jim and Donna Toews

13) Lamont, Kelly Turcotte, Aoife, Loki

14) Pastor Dennis Ureche and Diane Miller

15) Marcelyn Wittorff

16) Lois Wright

17) Kathy Zimmerman

18) Norman Achilles

19) Scott and Connie Achilles

20) Adam and Katie Albers, Cash

21) Phyllis Armstrong

22) Kara Ayers, Elian Dorantes, Maya

23) Adolyn Bartels

24) Rosetta Bartels

25) Dan and Fay Binder

26) Cody and Ashley Bornholdt

27) James Bornholdt

28) Tim and Terri Bornholdt

29) Steve and Theresa Buller

30) Richard and Beverly Castleberry

Revised Common Lectionary Readings

for September

September 6 Exodus 12:1-14

Ezekiel 33:7-11

Romans 13:8-14

Matthew 18:5-20

September 13 Exodus 14:19-31

Genesis 50:15-21

Romans 14:1-12

Matthew 18:21-35

September 20 Exodus 16:2-15

Jonah 3:10-4:11

Philippians 1:21-30

Matthew 20:1-16

September 27 Exodus 17:1-7

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

Philippians 2:1-13

Matthew 21:23-32

************

Betty Bengston, James Bornholdt, Kyle Buller, Terry and Karen Fay, William Forehand,

Vicki and Rusty Johnson, Gretchen Kimble,

Danny Parr, Loren and Denise Postier,

Kairos Prison Ministry, Gene and Karen Schierling, Jim and Sophia Stephens, Elva Rump, Dr. Keith Fredricks, Missy Friesen Family

***********

We Mourn with You

Family and Friends of Chris Harper

Women’s Fellowship Meeting

Thursday, September 3

2:00 p.m.

**********

St. Peter’s UCC

Fall Schedule will resume

Sunday, September 6

Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m.

*****

Sunday School will resume

Sunday, September 13

9:30 a.m.

***************

Communion

Sunday, September 6

*******

Labor Day

Monday, September 7

***********

Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, September 12

7:00 a.m., Harvest Café

Two Congregational Meetings

Scheduled for September

Two Congregational meetings are scheduled for September. The first special meeting is set for Sunday, September 13. At this meeting, the Church Council will present proposed changes to the church’s by-laws. The meeting will be held in the sanctuary immediately following worship.

The second meeting is Sunday, September 27, and is the required Fall Congregational meeting. At this meeting we will be voting as to whether to accept the proposed by-law changes that were presented at the special congregational meeting held on September 13. Updates from teams, Pastor’s report and financial information will be shared as well. This meeting will also take place in the sanctuary immediately following worship. There will not be a meal served for either meeting.

Please plan to stay so that as many members as possible can take part in the governance of the church.

************

Church Council

Wednesday, September 23, 8:00 p.m.

************

Inman Classic Car Show and Santa Fe Days

Saturday, September 26

More information is on the City of Inman Facebook page

Inman Community Food Pantry

Open each

Tuesday- 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday-10:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Contact Person

Diane Miller

620-585-2670 or dmiller5906 @gmail.com

******

Thank you to everyone who volunteered or donated food/non-food items to the Inman Food Pantry during August. We served 22 individuals/families, and they expressed their gratitude for the food pantry being available to them.

As we head into September, we have a continuing need for the items on this list.

Hamburger Helper, spaghetti sauce and spaghetti, chips (any kind), saltine crackers, snack crackers, cereal, breakfast type bars, peanut butter, jam and jelly, pancake mix (complete) and syrup, pasta, noodles, canned chicken (no tuna), Jello, cake mix, frosting, pie filling, flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil, mayonnaise, and salad dressing. Also asking for nonfood items: toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, toothpaste, hand lotion, laundry soap, fabric softener, bleach, dish soap, spray cleaners, foil, plastic wrap, and Ziplock bags.

***************

“The Walk is Virtual. The Need is Real.” You are invited to support the Reno County CROP Hunger Walk sponsored by Church World Service!

The Reno County Food Bank and the Christian Soup Ministry receive a quarter of funds; the rest supports global ministries with people who need food, water, and shelter.

By October 1, please (1) Write a check to “CWS-CROP.” Put [the name of your church] on the memo line. Send your check to Emanuel Lutheran Church (140 E. 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS, 67502)

OR (2) Give securely on-line at https://www.crophungerwalk.org/hutchinsonks Click “Donate,” then “General.” Every donation will be acknowledged. Questions? Contact the Coordinator, Eileen Porter, at hporter2@wisc.edu or 608-957-6432.

Thank you for helping our neighbors—local and global!

***************

Women’s Fellowship Thursday, Oct. 1

Communion Sunday, October 4

Men’s Breakfast Saturday, Oct. 10

Neighbors in Need Offering Sunday, October 14

Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, October 16

Church Council Wednesday, Oct 28

St Peter’s United Church of Christ

107 North Pine, P.O. Box 506

Inman, Kansas 67546

620-585-2627

Fax 620-585-2628

Parsonage 620-585-2670

Website: stpetersuccinman.org.webs.com

Church –stpetersuccinman@gmail.com

Pastor Dennis Ureche—ureche1@aol.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

September 2020

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. Dennis Ureche, Pastor

Ellen Neufeld, Organist

Beverly Castleberry, Church Secretary

Worship Schedule

Sept. thru May: Sunday School 9:30 AM

Morning Worship 10:30 AM

June thru August: No Sunday School

Morning Worship 9:30 AM

Followed by Brunch

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.”—Ephesians 4:29

“Is it true? Is it good? Is it necessary?”—Attributed to Socrates, Buddha, and others

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

—Epictetus, Greek philosopher

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”—Thumper’s mother in Bambi

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”, is an old saying that I believe we all are familiar with. Robert Fulghum, author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten puts a different spin on that saying with this, “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts.” What Fulghum is saying is, words can and do hurt. What we say can affect the people we interact with beyond our intent and our imagination. How we say it can convey our ideas correctly or send the listener into a rage.

Most (even those introverts out there) of us love to talk, and we think our ideas are the best ones in the world. Sometimes we push our ideas onto others without recognizing that the listener may have good ideas of their own. In Ephesians, the author reminds us that we need to speak carefully so that our audience, of one or of many, can understand our ideas and hear their sincerity.

Some of us love gossip. We love to talk about the good things that happen to others, and, even more, we love to talk about the bad things attributed to those same persons. When we have some delicious tidbit to share in a group, we need to stop and think about whether it is true (did you fact-check it?), good (not juicy, but will it leave the listener feeling happy once having heard this?), and is it necessary (will it expand the conversation?). In many cases, probably not.

If we listen twice as much as we speak, we can make sure our words are helpful, not harmful. Sometimes we are in a rush to get our voice heard, and we stop hearing what others say, and we are on top of their statement before they have even finished their final sentence. That can cause a problem—they may have expressed our exact idea in their closing words, and now we look like we are trying to steal that same idea.

Have you been in a parking lot, waiting for the slowest driver in the world to pull out so you can grab that prized close-to-the-front-door space? What goes through your mind? I am not putting those thoughts into words; you know what they are, and I’ve thought them, too. You might even say them to whoever is in your vehicle with you! Won’t you feel awful if your companion turns out to be a relative of that pokey driver?

Words are important, necessary, and complicated. When we choose them well, our speech is accurate, and that is pleasing to God. When we spout off from the top of our head or black part of our heart, neither our intended recipient nor God will be happy.

It has been said that there are three things that can never be retrieved:

The arrow once sped from the bow

The word spoken in haste

The missed opportunity.

Think before you speak! Don’t be the person who has to make a statement similar to “I had my tongue wrapped around my eyetooth, and I couldn’t see what I was saying” in apology to the recipient and in repentance to God.

Blessings and peace.

Pastor Dennis

August Birthdays

3 Cody Bornholdt

Katie Bornholdt Albers

7 Jim Toews

9 Richard Castleberry

10 Barb Sisson

22 Verla Thomason

Norma Ray Friesen

25 Carolyn Pauls

26 Jessica Schierling

30 Freddie Stowe

August Anniversaries

3 Jerry & Ruth Sisson

8 Dan & Fay Binder

16 Scott & Connie Achilles

17 Raymond and Jeanne Osborn

Dennis and Crystal Schroeder

21 Kendall and Becky Knackstedt

*************

Just for Fun. Did you know?

Did you know 11% of people are

left handed ?

Did you know an ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain?

Did you know lemons contain more sugar than strawberries?

Did you know rabbits like licorice?

Did you know the first letters of the months July through to November spell JASON?

Did you know a cat has 32 muscles in each ear?

Please pray for these people

on their designated day in August

1) Rosetta Bartels

2) Dan and Fay Binder

3) Cody and Ashley Bornholdt

4) James Bornholdt

5) Tim and Terri Bornholdt

6) Steve and Theresa Buller

7) Richard and Beverly Castleberry-John

Gary Ely

9) Gene Ely

10) Gladys Erksin

11) Tim and Cindy Fay

12) Norma Friesen

13) Shirley Friesen

14) Todd and Janell Harman-Max, Rachel

15) Matt, Brenna Harris Suttyn, Kru, Mac

16) Gretchen Kimble

17) Kendall, Becky Knackstedt, Kristen, Tanner

18) Phyllis Knackstedt

19) Vicki Lindenberger

20) Mike and Dorothy Luty

21) Mike and Kimba McCormick

22) Randy and Darcel Miles, Aisjha

23) Dave and Cynde Neufeld

24) Rachel Neufeld

25) Ellen Neufeld

26) Ray and Jeanne Osborn

27) Charlie and Carolyn Pauls

28) Lenore Postier

29) Loren and Denise Postier

30) Elva Rump

31) Devin and Jessica Schierling Karson, Kash, Kella

Revised Common Lectionary Readings

for August

August 2 Genesis 32:22-31

Isaiah 55:1-5

Romans 9:1-5

Matthew 14:13-21

August 9 Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

1 Kings 19:9-18

Romans 10:5-15

Matthew 14:22-33

August 16 Genesis 45:1-15

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Matthew 15: 10-20, 21-28

August 23 Exodus 1:8-2:10

Isaiah 51:1-6

Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 16:13-20

August 30 Exodus 3:1-15

Jeremiah 15:15-21

Romans 12:9-21

Matthew 16:21-28

************

Betty Bengston, Virgil Bengston,

James Bornholdt, Kyle Buller,

Steve and Theresa Buller, Terry and Karen Fay, William Forehand, Vicki and Rusty Johnson, Gretchen Kimble, Danny Parr,

Loren and Denise Postier, Kairos Prison Ministry,

Gene and Karen Schierling,

Jim and Sophia Stephens, Connie Achilles,

Amy Phillips, Verla Thomason

**********

We mourn with you

Craig Appleby Family and Friends

Mike Rice Family and Friends

Communion

Sunday, August 2

*******

Women’s Fellowship

Thursday, August 6

2:00 p.m.

******

Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, August 8

7:00 a.m.

Harvest Café

******

Sunday, August 9

Kara Ayers will be our

guest speaker

and Sunday, August 16

Rosetta Bartels

will be our guest speaker

while Pastor Dennis

is out of the office for vacation.

**************

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, August 21

12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

********

Inman Museum

Ice Cream Social

Saturday, August 22

6:30 p.m.

Featuring Idlewood Trio and

Sunflower Stompers Clogging Team

Homemade Ice Cream

Event is outside. Bring a lawn chair.

Donations welcomed.

****************

Church Council

Wednesday, August 26

8:00 p.m.

************

Pleasant View Home Worship Service

Thursday, August 27

6:30 p.m.

PVH Chapel

*******

Inman Community Food Pantry

Open each

Tuesday- 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday-10:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Contact Person

Diane Miller

620-585-2627 or dmiller5906 @gmail.com

St. Peter's is staffing the food pantry during August. Volunteers are needed for the following dates. Training is provided.

Tuesday, 8-4: Joyce Anderson, Verla Thomason

Thursday, 8-6: Ruth Sisson, Need 1

Tuesday: 8-11: Need 2

Thursday, 8-13. Need 2

Tuesday, 8-18: Verla Thomason, Need 1

Thursday, 8-20, Need 2

Tuesday, 8-25, Joyce Anderson, Need 1

Thursday, 8-27, Need 2

**************

Requested items for the Food Pantry

Hamburger Helper, spaghetti sauce, chips (any kind), saltine crackers, snack crackers, cereal, breakfast cereal type bars, peanut butter, jam and jelly, pancake mix (complete) and syrup,

pasta, noodles, canned chicken (no tuna), Jello, cake mix, frosting, pie filling, flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil, mayonnaise, and salad dressing.

Also asking for nonfood items: toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, toothpaste, laundry soap, fabric softener, bleach, dish soap, spray cleaners, foil, plastic wrap, and Ziplock bags.

Farm to Families Program

is part of the CARES Act and is available for anyone.

A box of produce, dairy, and milk is available every Friday at the Inman High School

at appx. 11:30 a.m.

More information and times are posted on the city’s Facebook page

**************

Mark Your Calendars

St. Peter’s UCC

Fall Schedule will resume

Sunday, September 6

Morning Worship

10:30 a.m.

Sunday School will resume on

Sunday, September 13

at 9:30 a.m.

Proper social distancing

and precautions will be required.

**********

St Peter’s United Church of Christ

107 North Pine, P.O. Box 506

Inman, Kansas 67546

620-585-2627

Fax 620-585-2628

Parsonage 620-585-2670

Website: stpetersuccinman.org.webs.com

Church –stpetersuccinman@gmail.com

Pastor Dennis Ureche—ureche1@aol.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

August 2020

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. Dennis Ureche, Pastor

Ellen Neufeld, Organist

Beverly Castleberry, Church Secretary

Worship Schedule

Sept. thru May: Sunday School 9:30 AM

Morning Worship 10:30 AM

June thru August: No Sunday School

Morning Worship 9:30 AM

Followed by Brunch

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”—Matthew 7:12

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”—Matthew 25:34-40

“‘The second is this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’”—Mark 12:31

The Theology of the Face Mask

During a Zoom meeting with KO Conference clergy and our Conference Minister, Edith Guffey, we were discussing the wearing of face masks in our states of Oklahoma and Kansas. While we were talking, Edith asked the group whether or not any of us had ever considered the theology of the face mask. Usually when you have a group of clergy gathered and you want to quiet the group, you ask who would like to lead prayer. That was how quiet this group became when she raised her question. I was one of those who had nothing to say in response to Edith’s question, but I have been thinking about it, and I believe now I have an answer for her, and you lucky readers get to read about it.

We have survived being told to shelter in place, and we have just gotten back into the swing of some normal routines. Now, Governor Kelly, as of midnight, July 3, 2020, has made wearing face masks in public mandatory. Up until that date and time, face mask wearing in public has been only highly recommended. Now we are being asked to wear face masks wherever we go: the grocery store, the hardware store, and any other places we can enter—we are now required to wear masks. Yes, even in church.

I don’t want to get into a discussion about individual rights and all the other arguments floating around as to why we, as United States citizens, can’t be told what we have to do with our bodies. I would, however, like us to look at wearing face masks from a Christian point of view. You know the whole WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) line of thinking, or better yet: what has Jesus taught us as his followers to do. Or maybe even better, “What is the loving thing to do?”

So here are some words I have come across and adapted to these circumstances in which we find ourselves today. Please know that these are my thoughts, and they represent only me. Also remember that I am always available to answer your questions or discuss our opinions on this topic.

So, the big question is, “Why are we being asked (told) to wear face masks?” I believe it is not because it really protects us, but rather so we might protect others from us. So, to wear a face mask is a tangible act of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31, Matthew 22:39,

Mark 12:31, and other passages not quoted here). What, theologically and biblically, does it mean to cover my face, to mask myself, to protect others--maybe even a member of our congregation?

I believe that wearing a mask is very much an act of love. I viewed an animated short recently that depicts the difference between Heaven and Hell. It is the picture of a long banquet table laden with wonderful food. There are two of these tables, one in Heaven and one in Hell. As the people gather to eat in both places, they are each given spoons with 6-foot handles (sounds like social distancing) and told they must only use these oversized utensils to eat. It appears at first glance that it will impossible to ever get anything to eat.

In Hell, the greatest eternal food fight ensues as each person desperately tries to feed him or herself. Food flies everywhere. People injure one another and themselves with these six-foot spoons. In heaven, after a few moments of thinking this through and giving thanks to Christ for their salvation, the people discern that even though they cannot feed themselves, they can feed one another. Nothing even falls on the floor.

Wearing a mask can be viewed a similar way, “My mask protects you, and your mask protects me.” I would call that an excellent theology and practice of agape love—love at the highest level.

Another way to look at the theology of the face mask is to turn to science. Years ago, Margaret Mead, the famous anthropologist, was asked by a student to explain; what is the first real sign of civilization in a culture of people. The student expected to hear about clay pots, tools for hunting, grinding stones, or religious artifacts.

“But no,” Professor Mead said. She noted that the first evidence of civilization was a 15,000-year-old fractured femur found at an archaeological site. A femur is the longest bone in the body, linking our hip to the knee. In societies without the benefits of modern medicine, it took about six weeks of rest for a fractured femur to heal. This discovered bone had been broken and had healed.

Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger; you cannot drink or hunt for food. Wounded in this way, you are prey for your predators. No creature survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal, because you would be eaten first.

But a broken femur that has healed is evidence that another person took the time to stay with the injured person, that someone bound up the wound, carried the person to safety, and maybe tended him or her through recovery. A healed femur indicates that someone helped a fellow human, rather than abandoning the person to save his or her own life. So helping someone else through a difficulty and sharing needed tasks, like growing crops and gathering resources, is actually where civilization began.

Maybe if we looked at wearing a face mask as the loving thing to it would help. We could count ourselves in the company others who did what might not have been the popular thing, but rather the loving thing. People like the Good Samaritan, the father in the prodigal son story, or even Jesus who never seemed to worry about the popular thing but rather always did the loving thing.

So, my friends, I encourage you to wear your masks, and I will wear mine. In so doing, we will be caring for those around us. For Jesus reminds us that when we have ministered to the least of these, we have ministered to him and also fulfilled the greatest commandment by doing unto others, as we would desire others to do unto us.

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Dennis

Please pray for these people

on their designated day in July

1) Rachel Neufeld

2) Ellen Neufeld

3) Ray and Jeanne Osborn

4) Charlie and Carolyn Pauls

5) Lenore Postier

6) Loren and Denise Postier

7) Elva Rump

Devin and Jessica Schierling Karson, Kash, Kella

9) Gene and Karen Schierling

10) Roy and Shivawn Schierling

11) Dennis and Crystal Schroeder

12) Jerry and Ruth Sisson

13) Cassie Spears, Levi, Hailey

14) James and Sophia Stephens

15) Freddi Stowe

16) Jessica Stucky, Haley

17) Allen Thiessen

18) Merle and Karen Thiessen

19) Verla Thomason

20) Jim and Donna Toews

21) Lamont, Kelly Turcotte, Aoife, Loki

22) Dennis Ureche (Pastor) Diane Miller

23) Marcelyn Wittorff

24) Lois Wright

25) Kathy Zimmerman

26) Norman Achilles

27) Scott and Connie Achilles

28) Adam and Katie Albers, Cash

29) Phyllis Armstrong

30) Kara Ayers, Elian Dorantes, Maya

31) Adolyn Bartels

Revised Common Lectionary Readings

for July

July 5 Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

Zechariah 9:9-12

Romans 7:15-25a

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

July 12 Genesis 25:19-34

Isaiah 55:1-13

Romans 8:1-11

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

July 19 Genesis 28:10-19a

Psalms 86:11-17

Romans 8:12-25

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

July 26 Genesis 29:15-28

1 Kings 3:5-12

Romans 8: 26-39

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

************

Betty Bengston, Virgil Bengston,

James Bornholdt, Steve and Theresa Buller,

Terry and Karen Fay, William Forehand,

Vicki and Rusty Johnson, Gretchen Kimble,

Danny Parr, Loren and Denise Postier,

Kairos Prison Ministry, Gene and Karen Schierling, Jim and Sophia Stephens,

Nort Warner, Norma Friesen’s grand and great grandchildren, Connie Achilles, Charlene Thomas, Carlton Family

**********

We mourn with you

Jim Porter Family and Friends

Nancy Warner Family and Friends

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

Saturday, July 11

7:00 a.m.

Inman Harvest Café

*************

Congratulations!

Everyone is invited to a

High School Graduation Reception for

Rachel Harman

Saturday, July 11, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

St. Peter’s UCC Fellowship Hall

************

Inman Community Vacation Bible School

Climb aboard for mountains of fun at

Rocky Railway. On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s up and downs.

Online at Inmanvbs.org

Sunday, July 12 thru Thursday, July 16

5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

************

Church Council

Thursday, July 22

8:00 p.m.

************

Inman Community Food Pantry

Open each

Tuesday- 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday-10:00 a.m. to 12 noon

beginning Tuesday, July 14

Contact Person

Diane Miller

620-585-2627 or dmiller5906 @gmail.com

Volunteers are needed

Each church will take one month to provide volunteers. St. Peter’s has July and August to get this ministry started. One or two volunteers will be needed each shift. Training is provided.

Donations are also needed

Requested items include packaged dry items, cereal and crackers. Also, non-food items such as shampoo, laundry soap, toothpaste, bath soap, and toilet paper. At this time, we do not need canned vegetables, ramen noodles, or mac and cheese. Monetary donations are also appreciated.

********

July Birthdays

6 Charlie Pauls

14 Phyllis Armstrong

15 Phyllis Knackstedt

July Anniversaries

8 Pastor Dennis Ureche and Diane Miller

15 Matt and Brenna Harris

St Peter’s United Church of Christ

107 North Pine, P.O. Box 506

Inman, Kansas 67546

620-585-2627

Fax 620-585-2628

Parsonage 620-585-2670

Website: stpetersuccinman.org.webs.com

Church –stpetersuccinman@gmail.com

Pastor Dennis Ureche—ureche1@aol.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

July 2020

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. Dennis Ureche, Pastor

Ellen Neufeld, Organist

Beverly Castleberry, Church Secretary

Worship Schedule

Sept. thru May: Sunday School 9:30 AM

Morning Worship 10:30 AM

June thru August: No Sunday School

Morning Worship 9:30 AM

Followed by Brunch

I was hoping that by the time I was to write my article for the June church newsletter that we would have a good idea of when we might gather for in-person worship. I am sorry to say that as of this writing the church council and myself have not decided when we will be back together in the church sanctuary. We will be continuing to worship on-line at least until June 7 at which time it is hoped the council will have a plan in place to end the suspension of in-person worship. This will mean at that time we will have worshipped a total of 11 Sundays.

Nothing much has changed in the last month. We still miss each other. Worship in front of your computer still doesn’t feel the same. We are still not able to hug. All these things continue to be true, and just because we are not physically together it doesn’t mean we aren’t still worshiping God and Jesus. Remember what Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” (Matthew 18:20, CEB)

With all these things in mind I remind us that the church has never been a building. In the Bible the word church is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, meaning “a calling out.” It never refers to a building or meeting place, but always to people, the ones “called out” of the world’s society by God calling them into His service. The Church of the Bible is not a cold, stone building, but a group of warm and loving people specially chosen by God. I believe that is who we at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ continue to be, a group of warm and loving people specially chosen by God.

In the Scriptures church can refer to the group of believers in a location, such as a city or region, or to the entire body of believers God has called. Jesus never meant for the church to be confined to a building. As followers of Jesus we are called to go out into the world and spread the good news, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, CEB)

With God’s help we will get through this time of separation. So until we meet again, let us remember that we are the church no matter where we may be.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Dennis

*************

Virginia R. Bosworth

August 13, 1923- May 14, 2020

Virginia married Rev. Donald J. Bosworth on January 13, 1944 in Springfield, Ohio.

Survived by children, Donald T. (Mary Jo) Bosworth, Judy (Kurt) Mueller, Linda Lighthall, and Peter (Debbie) Bosworth, 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grand children

Services are pending

Please pray for these people

on their designated day in June

1) Rachel Neufeld

2) Ellen Neufeld

3) Ray and Jeanne Osborn

4) Charlie and Carolyn Pauls

5) Lenore Postier

6) Loren and Denise Postier

7) Elva Rump

Devin and Jessica Schierling

Karson, Kash, Kella

9) Gene and Karen Schierling

10) Roy and Shivawn Schierling

11) Dennis and Crystal Schroeder

12) Jerry and Ruth Sisson

13) Cassie Spears, Levi, Hailey

14) James and Sophia Stephens

15) Freddi Stowe

16) Jessica Stucky, Haley

17) Allen Thiessen

18) Merle and Karen Thiessen-

19) Verla Thomason

20) Jim and Donna Toews

21) Lamont, Kelly Turcotte, Aoife, Loki

22) Dennis Ureche (Pastor) Diane Miller

23) Marcelyn Wittorff

24) Lois Wright

25) Kathy Zimmerman

26) Norman Achilles

27) Scott and Connie Achilles

28) Adam and Katie Albers, Cash

29) Phyllis Armstrong

30) Kara Ayers, Elian Dorantes, Maya

31) Adolyn Bartels

Revised Common Lectionary Readings

for June

June 7 Genesis 1:1-3:4a

Psalms 8

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Matthew 28:16-20

June 14 Genesis 18:1-15

Exodus 10:2-8a

Romans 5:1-8

Matthew 9:35-10:8

June 21 Genesis 21:8-21

Jeremiah 20:7-13

Romans 6:1b-11

Matthew 10:24-39

June 28 Genesis 22:1-14

Jeremiah 28:5-9

Romans 6:12-23

Matthew 10:40-42

************

Betty Bengston, Virgil Bengston, Steve and Theresa Buller, Terry and Karen Fay,

William Forehand, Vicki and Rusty Johnson, Gretchen Kimble, Brianna Krull, Bill Maurer Sr. Danny Parr, Loren and Denise Postier, Kairos Prison Ministry, Gene and Karen Schierling,

Jim and Sophia Stephens, Norma Friesen’s grand and great grandchildren, Dinae Barefoot,

PVH residents and staff, all frontline workers, Pastor Dennis Ureche

**********

We mourn with you

Family and Friends of Carol Hurd

Family and Friends of Virginia Bosworth

June Birthdays

1 Loki Turcotte

5 Gage Sisson

7 Cassie Sisson Spears

9 Gideon & Honoria Stevenson

11 Merle Thiessen

12 Diane Bartels

16 Barry Sisson

18 Kendall Knackstedt

26 Kash Schierling

27 Lenore Postier

28 Max Harman

30 Scott Achilles

Darcel Miles

June Anniversaries

7 Doug and Lori Wright

9 Lamont and Kelly Turcotte

15 Charlie and Carolyn Pauls

28 Mike & Kimba McCormick

30 Tim and Cindy Fay

************

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, June 19

12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Mark your calendar and watch for more information!

Inman Community Vacation Bible School

Climb aboard for mountains of fun at

Rocky Railway.

On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s up and downs.

Sunday, July 12 thru Thursday, July 16

5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

St. Peter’s UCC

Registrations are due by Monday, June 8.

A Note:

As far as I know right now (May 26), we are still planning on having Vacation Bible School, here at St. Peter’s. We might need to wait until the date gets closer to have more information. Just like everything else it may take doing things differently to keep all of the kids and participants safe. I have enclosed the registration form because the deadline is June 8.

Also, crew leaders and volunteers are needed. I’m sure that’s going to be important to be able to plan how VBS will work. So, please if you would like to volunteer sign up online at

http://www.inmanvbs.com/volunteers.html

St Peter’s United Church of Christ

107 North Pine, P.O. Box 506

Inman, Kansas 67546

620-585-2627

Fax 620-585-2628

Parsonage 620-585-2670

Website: stpetersuccinman.org.webs.com

Church –stpetersuccinman@gmail.com

Pastor Dennis Ureche—ureche1@aol.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

June 2020

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. Dennis Ureche, Pastor

Ellen Neufeld, Organist

Beverly Castleberry, Church Secretary

Worship Schedule

Sept. thru May: Sunday School 9:30 AM

Morning Worship 10:30 AM

June thru August: No Sunday School

Morning Worship 9:30 AM

Followed by Brunch

As I write this article, we will have been out of the sanctuary for worship six Sunday’s and it appears that we will be out for a few more (at least until the end of May). These are indeed difficult times. Many of us are feeling like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day. Same thing, day after day.

We miss each other. Worship in front of your computer doesn’t feel the same. No hugs. We are stuck at home. All these things are true, however, just because we are not physically together it doesn’t mean we aren’t still worshiping God and Jesus. Remember what Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” (Matthew 18:20 CEB) Granted Jesus didn’t have the internet, Facebook or YouTube during his ministry, but I think if he were here on earth today doing his thing he would embrace all the forms of worship we are using. Heck, he might even Twitter. I must admit, Twitter is something I don’t do, yet.

Having said all that I want to be sure that during this time of separation that we don’t let our faith waiver. Amid all that is happening in our world I offer “Five Faithful Habits” that I believe will serve us well to get through this time and into the future. These have been culled from various sources for sharing here. All these scriptures come from the Common English Bible translation.

1. Be Thankful in Everything—Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I don’t believe can ever say thank you too much. Especially to God. During this time, it is easy to get down about what we don’t have or aren’t being able to do. But when you think about it, we still have much. During this time, I encourage us to write down, on a slip of paper, one thing each day that we are thankful for. Put that slip in a jar and on a day when you think you have nothing to be thankful for, pull a slip out of the jar. Read and ask yourself, “Am I still thankful for this?” If you are, remember to thank God. Giving thanks in ever situation, even just once a day can improve or outlook on life.

2. Rejoice Always—Philippians 4:4, “Be glad in the Lord always! Again, I say, be glad!”

Rejoicing always ranks right up there with being thankful in everything. Rejoicing is what we should do right after we give thanks. The Psalmist has this to say about rejoicing, “Come, let’s sing out loud to the Lord! Let’s raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95:1) Our joyful shouts are something hidden beneath the everyday burdens that we carry. Just like being thankful, taking time to rejoice is important to improving our overall spiritual health which leads to an improved physical and mental health. Rejoicing could be as simple as singing one verse of your favorite hymn out loud. I think we all know at least one verse of a hymn by heart. Give it a try and see what you feel like afterward.

3. Don’t Worry, Pray—Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”

Yes, we are called to pray about EVERYTHING! That’s what Paul is saying here. He also says that we are to not only bring our concerns to God we are also in prayer called to give thanks to God (see numbers 1 and 2). What Paul doesn’t say directly here is that not all our prayers will be answered. What Paul is saying is that when we pray, we will receive peace from God that will keep our hearts and minds focused on Jesus. And that’s a good place to focus.

4. Not Only Are We to Focus on Jesus, but We Are to Focus on God—Philippians 4:8-9, “From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.”

Just in case we missed the point that he made in verses 6 and 7 of Philippians Paul tells us again. In God we will find peace. What I think Paul is trying to say here is that when we can stop worrying about everything we can begin to focus on other things: “all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise”. When we do that, we will once again receive peace in our lives. I believe that we receive that peace because we have then begun to allow God’s will to be done in our lives rather than our own will or the will of the world.

5. Trust God to Meet All of Our Needs—Philippians 4:19, “My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus.”

Paul tells us that his God (who can also be our God if we chose) will meet our every need for living if we follow Jesus. Not only was Jesus placed here on earth to die so that we might all live, he was also placed here to show us how to live while we are here. Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to announce, ‘Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!’” By trusting in God and following Jesus’ example of how to live, we will have everything we will ever need. I think that Jesus was a great example of trusting God to meet all his needs. If I remember correctly, Jesus never once lacked for anything to live his life. I cannot think of a better example for how to live than Jesus.

That’s it. You could probably find other things to add and I would encourage you to do so. I also encourage you to keep the list in a place where you will see it every day. By looking at the list daily there is a better chance that we may incorporate some of these “Faithful Habits” into our daily life of discipleship.

I think that’s all God and Jesus will ever ask of us. They both know that we will never be perfect in our lives, that’s why we are given the gift of grace. When we stumble, we are called to get up, seek forgiveness and give life according to God’s will another try. If we can do that, we can get through all that is wrong with the world today and make the world a better place for all.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Dennis

The Future As We Know it Today

Worship and fellowship have been hard during these times. We now are approaching almost two months out of the sanctuary for worship and it appears as things stand today it will be awhile longer. In person worship will continue to be suspended through the month of May. If we can get back earlier it will be a plus and a blessing, but I also want to be realistic.

When we do get back things will be a bit different than before we suspended in person worship. I am working on protocols and procedures that will be in to protect everyone's health. As of this writing I don't know what these precautions will look like as they are still in the works. Just know that things will not be the same. We will be easing into a new normal. The choice to attend in person worship will remain each individuals decision and I for one will support whatever you choose to do. You need to be the final determiner as to the health and safety and those that you love.

As things continue to change, as we know they will, I will provide updates via e-mail and on the church's Facebook page (St. Peter's United Church of Christ). Please monitor you e-mail and Facebook to be kept abreast of new developments.

The one thing that I know for certain is that God has been worshiped, is being worshiped, and will be worshiped into the future. Peace and blessings to you all and know that I miss y'all. Stay safe.

Pastor Dennis

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!

Thank you for continuing to support our ministry here at St. Peter's. Here is what the month of April in regards to the general fund offerings.

General Fund Offering as of April 26

$ 9, 385.00

Monthly Budget Need

$ 9, 102.00

Offerings can be dropped off at the church through the mail slot by the office or mailed to P.O. Box 506. Thanks again.

************

May Birthdays

6 Jasper James Whatley

7 Ruth Sisson

8 Jeanne Osborn

Jonathon Castleberry

11 Gladys Erksin

Kimba McCormick

15 Randy Miles

21 Jerry Sisson

May Anniversaries

2 Adam and Katie Albers

15 Chris and Laura Stevenson

21 Cody and Ashley Bornholdt

Please pray for these people

on their designated day in May

1) Lois Wright

2) Kathy Zimmerman

3) Norman Achilles

4) Scott and Connie Achilles

5) Adam and Katie Albers, Cash

6) Phyllis Armstrong

7) Kara Ayers, Elian Dorantes, Maya

Adolyn Bartels

9) Rosetta Bartels

10) Dan and Fay Binder

11) Cody and Ashley Bornholdt

12) James Bornholdt

13) Tim and Terri Bornholdt

14) Steve and Theresa Buller

15) Richard and Beverly Castleberry-John

16) Gary Ely

17) Gene Ely

18) Gladys Erksin

19) Tim and Cindy Fay

20) Norma Friesen

21) Shirley Friesen

22) Todd and Janell Harman-Max, Rachel

23) Matt, Brenna Harris Suttyn, Kru, Mac

24) Gretchen Kimble

25) Kendall, Becky, Kristen, Tanner

26) Phyllis Knackstedt

27) Vicki Lindenberger

28) Mike and Dorothy Luty

29) Mike and Kimba McCormick

30) Randy and Darcel Miles, Aisjha

31) Dave and Cynde Neufeld

Revised Common Lectionary Readings

for May

May 3 Acts 2:42-47

Psalm 23

1 Peter 2:19-25

John 10:1-10

May 10 Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

1 Peter 2:2-10

John 14: 1-14

May 17 Acts 17:22-31

Psalm 66:8-20

1 Peter 3:13-22

John 14:15-21

May 24 Acts 1:6-14

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

1 Peter 4: 12-14; 5:6-11

John 17:1-11

May 31 Acts 2:1-21

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

John 20:19-23

************

Virginia Bosworth, Betty Bengston,

Virgil Bengston, Steve and Theresa Buller,

Terry and Karen Fay, William Forehand,

Vicki and Rusty Johnson, Gretchen Kimble, Brianna Krull, Bill Maurer Sr. Danny Parr,

Loren and Denise Postier, Kairos Prison Ministry, Gene and Karen Schierling, Jim and Sophia Stephens, Norma Friesen’s grand and great grandchildren, Deb Kirby,

**********

Bruce Moots Family and Friends

Mildred Unruh Family and Friends

Esther Nikkel Family and Friends,

Dennis Schlosser Family and Friends,

Bob Kirby Family and Friends,

Arthur Ureche Family and Friends

St Peter’s United Church of Christ

107 North Pine, P.O. Box 506

Inman, Kansas 67546

620-585-2627

Fax 620-585-2628

Parsonage 620-585-2670

Website: stpetersuccinman.org.webs.com

Church –stpetersuccinman@gmail.com

Pastor Dennis Ureche—ureche1@aol.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

May 2020

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. Dennis Ureche, Pastor

Ellen Neufeld, Organist

Beverly Castleberry, Church Secretary

Worship Schedule

Sept. thru May: Sunday School 9:30 AM

Morning Worship 10:30 AM

June thru August: No Sunday School

Morning Worship 9:30 AM

Followed by Brunch

“But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body had been laid. They said to her, “Woman, why do you weep?” “They took my Master,” she said, “and I don’t know where they put him.” After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn’t recognize him. Jesus spoke to her, “Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?” She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, “Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him.” Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!” Jesus said, “Don’t cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: “I saw the Master!” And she told them everything he said to her.”

John 20:11-18, The Message

“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’”

John 20:19-29, NRSV

Much has changed in our lives over the past few weeks. A virus called COVID-19 has invaded our lives and turned our normal world upside down. We now have been out of our sanctuary for the past two Sundays and will continue so at least until the end of April. Yes, that means we will not be together in the sanctuary for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. But that doesn’t mean that Easter won’t happen.

We will celebrate Easter, albeit remotely. My question is in what way will we celebrate this year? Will we be like the disciples in John’s and hide out from the world and this virus? Or will we be like Mary who after recognizing the risen Jesus ran and told the disciples just what she saw?

If we are a true Easter people, I believe that we will be like Mary. Maybe we won’t be able to go and tell others on Easter that Jesus has risen. However, whenever this is all over, we all will have that chance. Because as true Easter people, everyday is Easter, everyday we are called to go and tell.

Easter should not be reserved for just one Sunday a year. According to Father Cedric Prakash SJ, a human rights activist and a Jesuit priest based in the city of Ahmedabad in western India, being an Easter people involves all the following:

Easter is Faith—the simple, pure faith of ordinary people, who know that Jesus, our Risen Lord is truly the Messiah; the one who has come to set them free from earthly bondages and from the slavery of sin. A faith which is deep and eternal—not a temporary, passing, magical fad!

Easter is Hope—for a new dawn: the one which removes the clouds of fear and darkness. The hope, which is radiant and nurturing, which counters hopelessness, when all is lost. The chrysalis moment when the butterfly is about to be born and becomes hope for the flowers.

Easter is Mercy—his words resonate so powerfully through the portals of time: “this day you will be with me in Paradise”; “Father forgive them for they know not what they do!” One truly celebrates God’s mercy and His grace that we rise and run willingly into his loving embrace.

Easter is Justice—so meaningfully epitomized when Jesus on his knees, washes the feet of His disciples. He excludes none. We are called to do the same: wash the feet of women, children and men; particularly the excluded; to break bread with them; to ensure a more just, fair society.

Easter is Love—before his death on the cross, Jesus gave his disciples a new, non-negotiable commandment “Love one another; as I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Love is the core, the essence of discipleship. “By this all will know that you are my disciples!”

Easter is Peace—which our broken world yearns for! A peace which reconciles, bridges, builds and heals. It is not the peace of the graveyard or the empty tomb. It is peace which sustains, gives life and meaning, based on justice and liberty. Jesus says, “My peace I give you!”

Easter is Joy—which Mary experiences when she finds that the ‘gardener’, is in fact her “rabboni”—her Master and Mentor, her Savior and God. The joy that makes her run in haste to give the “good news” to the brothers. The joy that a woman is in fact, the first real evangelizer.

Easter is Journey—the way of the cross of those who dare: Peter who denies Jesus, Simon who is forced to help, women who weep; at the foot of the cross Mary his mother, with his disciples James and John. The journey Jesus makes to Emmaus with men of little faith, with the lost.

Easter is People—those who are touched by him in many ways. People who are not afraid to follow him. Those who spontaneously recognize him in the breaking of the bread. Those who have the courage to be his witnesses for a more just, reconciling and peaceful world!

Despite this virus that has us temporarily apart, we are called to embody the Easter message of Faith, Hope, Mercy, Justice, Love, Peace, Joy, to journey with Jesus and his people! If we are disciples of Jesus, we have no choice but to be the “Easter People”, every day and to live the gifts of His Resurrection in every dimension of our lives!

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Dennis

Please pray for these people

on their designated day in April

1) Phyllis Knackstedt

2) Vicki Lindenberger

3) Mike and Dorothy Luty

4) Mike and Kimba McCormick

5) Randy and Darcel Miles, Aisjha

6) Dave and Cynde Neufeld

7) Rachel Neufeld

Ellen Neufeld

9) Ray and Jeanne Osborn

10) Charlie and Carolyn Pauls

11) Lenore Postier

12) Loren and Denise Postier

13) Elva Rump

14) Devin and Jessica Schierling

Karson, Kash, Kella

15) Gene and Karen Schierling

16) Roy and Shivawn Schierling

17) Dennis and Crystal Schroeder

18) Jerry and Ruth Sisson

19) Cassie Spears, Levi, Hailey

20) James and Sophia Stephens

21) Freddi Stowe

22) Jessica Stucky, Haley

23) Allen Thiessen

24) Merle and Karen Thiessen-

25) Allen Thiessen

26) Merle and Karen Thiessen

27) Verla Thomason

28) Jim and Donna Toews

29) Lamont, Kelly Turcotte, Aoife, Loki

30) Dennis Ureche (Pastor) Diane Miller

31) Marcelyn Wittorff

Revised Common Lectionary Readings

for April

April 5 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Palm Sunday Matthew 21:1-11

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Matthew 26:14-27:66

April 9 Exodus 12:1-14

Maundy Psalm 116:1-2,12-19

Thursday 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

April 10 Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Good Psalm 22

Friday Hebrews 10:16-25

John 18:1-19:42

April 12 Acts 10:34-43

Easter Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Col 3:1-4

John 20:1-18

April 19 Acts 2:14a, 22-32

Psalm 16

1 Peter 1:3-9

John 20: 19-31

April 26 Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

1 Peter 1:17-23

Luke 24:13-35

************

All activities at the church are postponed until further notice. Right now, probably at least thru April or until more new information in available.

Sunday Morning Church Services, and an every other day daily devotional are available online on Youtube and Facebook. Links are also being sent by email.

If you know of someone that needs help with daily activities, groceries or food, or any other requests, please contact Pastor Dennis or the Church Office.

Virginia Bosworth, Steve and Theresa Buller, Terry and Karen Fay, William Forehand,

Vicki and Rusty Johnson, Gretchen Kimble, Brianna Krull, Bill Maurer Sr. Danny Parr,

Loren and Denise Postier, Kairos Prison Ministry, Gene and Karen Schierling,

Jim and Sophia Stephens, Norma Friesen’s grand and great grandchildren, Betty Bengston,

Virgil Bengston, Geoff Lambert, Sam Seymore, Elian Dorantes, Junis Schroeder,

Misty and Bill Dunn

**********

Mary Barg Family and Friends

Gary Regehr Family and Friends

Kelly Peterson Family and Friends

Noleen Binder Family and Friends

Gwen Watley Family and Friends

***********

April Birthdays

1 Becky Knackstedt

5 Rachel Harman

9 Jessica Thiessen

13 Gene Schierling

Denise Postier

15 Pastor Dennis Ureche

20 Dorothy Luty

22 Shivawn Schierling

23 Beverly Castleberry

25 Levi Spears

30 Terri Bornholdt

April Anniversaries

27 Dean and Carmalee Winebrinner

*************

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, April 24

12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please call 1-800-733-2767 or go to

Redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment

The Blood Drive is still going to happen as this is so important right now. Precautions have been put in place by the Red Cross to keep everyone safe. No meal will be served.

*************

"Rooted in Love," based on Psalm 1:3a, will be the theme of the 33rd biennial General Synod, to be held July 16-20, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo.

Featuring a tree and a river, the logo incorporates not only the scriptural theme – "they are like trees planted by streams of water" – but certain UCC values as well, said the Rev. Penny Lowes of Rochester, Mich., moderator of General Synod 33.

"The beautiful image of a colorful tree rooted near living water is a perfect logo for the challenging times in which we find ourselves," Lowes said. "As diverse members of the United Church of Christ, our many roots entwine to give us resilience and strength. Together, we spread our branches of love, offering shades of faith and hope to a weary world. I believe this scripture and image will resonate deeply with the people of Christ as we strive to build a new creation of righteousness through a just world for all."

St Peter’s United Church of Christ

107 North Pine, P.O. Box 506

Inman, Kansas 67546

620-585-2627

Fax 620-585-2628

Parsonage 620-585-2670

Website: stpetersuccinman.org.webs.com

Church –stpetersuccinman@gmail.com

Pastor Dennis Ureche—ureche1@aol.com

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

April 2020

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. Dennis Ureche, Pastor

Ellen Neufeld, Organist

Beverly Castleberry, Church Secretary

Worship Schedule

Sept. thru May: Sunday School 9:30 AM

Morning Worship 10:30 AM

June thru August: No Sunday School

Morning Worship 9:30 AM

Followed by Brunch