Grand Valley United Methodist Church
May 2022 Newsletter

 

 

In this newsletter:
1. Church Planting Movement
2. Mefors’ Newsletter
3. Abundance Garden
4. VBS
5. New Women’s Bible Study
6. A Table for All
7. Birthdays
8. Calendar
9. Event Details
10. Pastor’s Report
11. Church Reports
12. Just for Fun

 

UMC Church Planting Movement: Current Trends and New Opportunities
BY BRYAN TENER & BENER AGTARAP

Each year, we at Path 1 and Discipleship Ministries collect data on the number of new churches, faith communities, and fresh expressions that have been planted in The United Methodist Church in each annual and central conference.

The data collected provides insight into regional and national trends as well as information that can help us know what strategies seem to be the most effective. The information also helps us understand the effects of situations and events taking place that can challenge the move to plant churches. Oftentimes, challenges lead to opportunities that can give the church renewed vigor through adaptation and innovation.

The information is used to help inform the work of Path 1 and those who serve in roles as annual conference developers and church revitalization strategists.

Starting new churches, faith communities, and fresh expressions of the Christian faith is vitally important as we seek to share the good news of Jesus. Behind these data points are the stories of people who have found relationships with God and neighbors. It is through these relationships that our mission to transform the world into what God intends occurs.

The future holds tremendous opportunities for Path 1 at Discipleship Ministries to strengthen the equipping of world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ and church planting movement within the United Methodist connection in the United States and globally.

We are glad to invite you to study and share this report with your annual conference and local church leadership team. We encourage you to send us your insights and suggestions about how we can better improve our efforts of making disciples of Jesus Christ by planting new, vital, and fresh Christian communities in a dynamic and diverse mission context. If you have any questions, suggestions, or interest in discussing this report with your team, please contact Bryan Tener at [email protected], and/or Bener Agtarap at [email protected].

To view the report, go to https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/gbod-assets/generic/Path1_UMGlobalPlanting_Report20202.pdf

By God’s grace, we go forward in fulfilling the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And we move onward, knowing that best of all, God is with us.

 

 

Newsletter A. 22
Mutambara Mission Hospital Cashel Road
Nhedziwa, Chimanimani, Manicaland Zimbabwe.
[email protected]; [email protected].

Dear Brothers and Sisters-In-Christ,

We send you greetings from Mutambara, Zimbabwe. We want to also wish you all a belated Happy New Year and Valentine month. Thanks to God for his mercies, protection and guidance in this year 2022.

We travelled home to Nigeria with a lot of difficulties. The Nigeria government required everyone coming into Nigeria to get a ‘Travel Permit’ which should be presented to the Airlines flying into Nigeria to allow the passenger to board the flight. There is a penalty of $3,500 against the airline for any inbound passenger who does not present his or her “Travel Permit”. It is a blanket rule aimed at controlling importation of Covid into the country irrespective of one’s nationality. To get the permit the passenger must go online to complete forms and make payment. The difficulty is that the traveler must pay a value of $100 or more before the permit is issued. It is supposed to be generated online immediately after payment. If one doesn’t get, the chances are that one’s 48hours Covid Test result which has been sent online and which is to be presented to the airlines before boarding expires. Travel date need to be changed at a cost depending on the airline. Another payment needs to be made to generate the needed “Travel Permit” if eventually they did not send you the previous one already paid for. What did this result into? We had to pay three times. The permit only came after the 3rd payment. We are still demanding the reimbursement of the first two payments and till today we have not received the reimbursement. God knows when.

Back in Mutambara Mission Hospital, we thank God for all he has done for us, and for the more he will do for us in the future. In December 2021, God blessed us with a new Land Cruiser Ambulance from the UNOPS department. It is a unit of the United Nations working with the World Health Organization to assist that section of Zimbabwe affected by the Cyclone Idai in 2019. It was a God answered Prayer because we have been asking the government for a second Ambulance to accommodate the problem of patients needing transfer whilst the Ambulance is yet to return from transferring a previous patient.

We started work with lots of challenges. One of those challenges was the fact that the hospital’s vehicles were all grounded. Numbering them: 1) The old Ambulance Vehicle developed a Gear box problem. It needed approximately $7,000 to put a new gear box. We finally spent $3,000 last week to get a ‘used gear box’ to replace the bad one. The Ambulance is now up and running in addition the donated one. 2) The Land Cruiser we (Florence and Emmanuel) are using in combination with the hospital was a used vehicle (1996 model). We had spent more than $2000 trying to maintain the vehicle, because the hospital had a lot expenses to make on other fronts. In November 2021, it developed other problems which made us to take it to Mr. Cruiser company later in January 2022. The mechanical faults to be worked on, came out to be very costly; approximately $8,000, and a total of $10,000 adding the amount we had spent above. We have so far paid $4,160 for the repair of the Land Cruiser. We look forward to being reimbursed the amount we spent on it. 3) Four years ago, our Ford Ranger which was fully insured, got involved in Road Traffic Accident. The Insurance Company had written off the vehicle as unrepairable and with little or no compensation to the hospital. This was what transpired: Three Panel Beating companies were asked to send in quotations for the repair. Two of the companies said the vehicle can’t be fixed. One said it can be fixed. The Insurance Company decided to go by the report of the majority. The Company which felt they can fix the vehicle advised us to repair it. They quoted for $7,000 for the repair. We have paid $6000 so far and the vehicle is coming out nicely following our inspection of the repairs done so far. 4) The fourth vehicle is a Toyota Hilux pick up van. It was taken for the repair of the brake system and other repairs to the Mutare Toyota. A lot were discovered that need repairs and replacement. Quotation come out to be Approximately $5,000. The company advised that it will be safer to get it repaired and we make a payment plan than to run the risk of further damage of taking it back to Mutambara an hour drive from Mutare. Total Amount required to be spent on the vehicles $25,000. We have been able to pay $15,000. We opted to get these vehicles repaired because selling one or two of the vehicles will not yield enough money to purchase a new vehicle. And going for a ‘used vehicle’, we will need a lot of additional money to top up. Then there is also the risk of not knowing what is wrong with the used vehicle we are going for. It is said that “All that glitters is not gold”; and the “devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know”. We are humbly soliciting for further assistance to pay up the balance of $10,000. We have been able to pay the $15,000 and other repairs and replacements through your support. We thank you for your support and thank you for the more you will do for us. We pray God’s replenishment of your resources in the name of Jesus Christ.

Below is update from our last newsletter, the Laboratory expansion is completed. The same applies to the Staff Restrooms and linen room.

The completed Lab extension. The darker part Is the original laboratory. See the construction picture in Newsletter D. 21

 

 

 

 

 

The White painted portion of the building is the staff Restrooms and the linen room for the maternity ward. Remember that part of the building under construction in Newsletter D. 21

From view of Staff Restrooms. Not included in the previous newsletter because then that was a blank wall on which these doors were carved out into the Restrooms. The door into the linen room is at the extreme left.

Pregnant women and the Waiting Mothers Home program are going on well with your support and those of the Norway United Methodist Church. We thank God for using you to provide food for these women. Some of the women have no clothes for their babies. Recently one of our supporting churches provided special fund for babies clothing. We were able to purchase the clothing.

This grandmother came few days ago asking for assistance for her grandchild whose mother died during the child’s delivery. She needed clothes for the four-month-old baby which she has on her back. On her hands are some clothing for the baby. She is also supplied with four tins of Milk formula to feed the baby.
Prayer Requests: 1) For God’s mercies and favors in our undertakings both in our place of work and in our family. 2) For World Peace and end of various wars raging in different parts of the world.

We pray for all our supporters and supporting Churches that God will continue to supply your needs and replenish your resources according to His Riches in Glory.

Florence Mefor, Advance # 13991Z, Emmanuel Mefor, Advance # 13390Z
Mutambara Mission Hospital Advance # 3022286.

 

Abundance Garden

On April 26th, a group of dedicated “Foster Parents” got together to plant seeds for plants for our Abundance Garden. They then took those planted seeds home to “foster” them until it was time to plant.

The time to plant is rapidly approaching! On Tuesday, May 17th at 9:00, all “foster parents” need to bring their growing plants to the garden to get them planted. Anyone who would like to “get their hands dirty” and help in getting these plantings in the ground are welcome. The more the merrier!

 

Our Vacation Bible School (VBS) is coming!!!

We will be holding our VBS June 20th-24th from 9-noon. This year’s theme is Jerusalem Marketplace and gives participants the chance to step back in time to where Jesus walked to the Cross. Smell the fresh, warm bread; weave a basket of reeds; make clay pots… Can you hear the music echoing through the Marketplace? Engage all senses as we transport our church to a different time and a fresh experience—and walk with Jesus today! This is always such a special and fun time of the year! If you would like to help out in any way, please contact Deb and Dave Penrose. All help is greatly appreciated!

We have 2 training sessions set up for helpers: Tuesday, May 9th at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, May 12th at 7:00 p.m. All helpers need to attend one of these sessions.

We will be starting a new Woman’s Bible Study starting on Tuesday, May 10th at 10:30. This study will run for 4 weeks, ending on May 31st, and will be on some of the minor women of the Bible. This study will be led by Penelope Olson. Bring your Bible, if you have one, to the class. All are welcome to attend.

On behalf of Bishop Karen and the MSC Congregational Vitality Committee, I want to share a new initiative with you—A Table For All. We know these are challenging times for our congregations. Our dream is to support congregations in these times of discontinuous change and leave a legacy of a fully-inclusive conference to future generations. We invite you to partner with us as we continue to create a seat at the table for every person under the mountain skies.

Click here to watch a short video from Bishop Karen.

Click here to read about our new initiative.

We will be offering Q&A sessions about A Table For All over Zoom (link below). Please join us for one session (or more).
Click here to RSVP.
April 19, 10-11 am
April 28, 2-3 pm
April 29, 11 am – 12 pm
May 3, 3:30-4:30 pm
May 5, 6-7 pm

Use this Zoom link for all meetings:
https://mtnskyumc-org.zoom.us/j/85835359974?pwd=YnFwZ25mZ1NhNklod1cwa08vU0RYdz09
Meeting ID: 858 3535 9974
Passcode: 398735

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jeff Rainwater,
on behalf of Bishop Karen Oliveto and the MSC Congregational Vitality Committee

 

May birthdays:
4 – Judy Beasley
16 – Bob Cutting
28 – Kathy Milbrath

Our Seekers Class(Adult Sunday School) meets every Sunday morning at 8:30. We invite all to attend.

Join us for Bible Study every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. or at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We hope you can join us.

Choir is in full swing! Bells are still on hold. Choir practice is at 4:00 on Wednesdays. We are always looking for participants, so if you would like to join either of these wonderful musical groups, please contact the office at (970)285-9892 or by email: [email protected]

The next UWF business meeting will be held on Thursday, June 2nd at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall.

Prayer Partners meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 10:00. If you have anyone that you would like to add to the Prayer Partner list, please contact either Bert Botkin at (970)216-8682, the church office at (970)285-9892 or send an email to: [email protected]

Rev. J.R. Atkins
Grand Valley United Methodist Church
April 2022 Pastor’s Report

1. Learning Group – This was announced in worship on March 27 and people invited to let me know if there are interested in learning about those who are not worshiping with us. 2 People reached out to me so far and we are meeting after the April Council meeting. The conference has announced an initiative called “A Table for All” that aligns with what I called a learning group. Please check out the following 2 links to learn more. Through the Congregational Vitality Committee, we will strategically support and empower churches who self-identify as needing assistance through our program on an application-basis. Offering support over a three- to five-year period, we will work with these congregations to assess their needs and direction for their vitality. Each church will be equipped with unique resources tailored to their congregation. Examples of support might include identifying and training lay and clergy leaders, providing grants for a new location, and assessing current resources to see how we can adjust to be relevant.

Bishop’s Video about A Table for All
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PYcxM9UpTs2k-e_R4X-7ZNWoz2XFWpRd/view?usp=sharing

Information about A Table for All https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MavhQ7JmqrEsn2EFR3rGVQeI8lLSWW4t/view?usp=sharing

Please consider attending an information session on Zoom
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5ThNepQLEkwXLjjp6zQ-zagP7T58nnKdhHBxdaYb6_yQoMg/viewform

April 19, 10-11 am
April 28, 2-3 pm
April 29, 11 am – 12 pm
May 3, 3:30-4:30 pm
May 5, 6-7 pm

2. Common Table Paused – After a few Friday nights of not being available, we paused the Common Table Gathering. We need a couple of more families who are committed to coming on a regular basis. With outreach to young families around VBS, that could be a good time to relaunch the Common Table.

3. Women’s Bible Study – With the success of the Ruth Bible study, the women’s bible study will be returning in the coming weeks to be led by Penelope Olson and support from me. Stay tuned for an announcement on the focus of the next 4-week series.

Peace be with you,
Pastor J.R. Atkins

UWF Report
No report

Church Council Report

COUNCIL MUSINGS

The Council has changed their meeting date to the second Tuesday of the month at 2:00. Anyone is welcome to come to the meeting and hear what is going on in the committees.

Fred has told us the new sanctuary doors have been delayed until the end of May. It must be do to supply problems, as they were promised in March. Also, we are going to replace the three bottom boards of the siding of the Faith House with Hardy Plank. This is a cement composite board that will not rot. The Pentecostal group have carpenters who will be doing the work before the painting is done. And the windows will be replaced before the painting is done. This all should be done within the next month.

The Blessing of the Beasts service will be held on May 15th at 1:00 on the lawn next to the Church. Bring your well-behaved pet to this service for a special blessing. There will also be a picnic on Father’s Day, June 12th. We will be firing up the grill.

UWIF is considering having a yard sale with the Pentecosts. This would bring in a whole different customer base than would having one by ourselves. We will keep you posted.

If you are willing to help Debbie Penrose and Bonnie Gana on Vacation Bible School, June 20-24, please contact one of them. It promises to be a fun week.

Mission & Outreach
See above article on the garden

Treasurer
For the month of March, the Church used a bit over $1,500 of reserves to cover the expenditures. This is the continuing trend as the Church has used a bit over $4,500 through March. To be able to use the reserves, and to have the cash available for the next months as we will have to pay the balance of the windows for the Faith House and the painting of the Faith House along with the cash deficit each month, we have sold a total of $10,000 of our long-term investments. What we have not used, is in our money market account at the Methodist Helping Methodist Foundation (formally the Mountain Sky Foundation.)

I know it’s time to clean out my purse when my car assumes it’s an extra passenger who isn’t wearing a seat belt.

In the 1980’s I fell off my bike and skinned my knee. I’m telling you this now because we didn’t have social media then.

Some people seem to have aged like fine wine. I aged like milk…I got sour and chunky.

Dear Sneeze: If you’re going to happen, happen. Don’t just put a stupid look on my face and then leave.

Vegetarians live up to nine years longer than meat-eaters. Nine horrible, worthless, bacon-less years.

We all know Albert Einstein was a genius. But his brother Frank was a monster.

Hope some of these put a little smile on your face.

 

Church Contact Information
PO Box 125
Parachute CO 81635
(970)285-9892
[email protected]
www.GrandValleyUMC.com

OFFICE HOURS:
Wednesday – Friday
9:00 – noon