Grand Valley United Methodist Church
July 2023 Newsletter
In this newsletter:
1. From the Pastor
2. VBS
3. Worship on the Mesa
4. Office Closed
5. Bible Study
6. Mefor Update
7. Birthdays
8. Calendar
9. Event Details
10. Church Reports
11. Just for Fun
From the Pastor….
As we approach the 4th of July, many of us are looking forward to celebrating this special day with friends and family. When we gather as family and friends it’s only natural that there is a cookout and with every cookout there are hotdogs. I came across this Smithsonian article about hotdogs. I thought it would be fun to get some history about the tradition of hotdogs on the 4th.
Most of this article comes from the Smithsonian article. Nathan Handwerker’s story began like many tales about the American dream. Working in a restaurant owned by Coney Island’s Charles Feltman, often credited as the inventor of the hot dog, he dreamed of a better life. To save money, Handwerker slept on the restaurant’s kitchen floor and ate free hot dogs. After a year, he quit working for Feltman and opened his own hot dog stand on Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, mere blocks away from his former employer’s own hot dog establishment. With his wife Ida’s secret spice recipe, Handwerker sold his dogs for five cents, half the price of Feltman’s. But business still struggled. So, he did what any good entrepreneur would do—he pulled off a publicity stunt.
It was Independence Day 1916, and Handwerker was working at his hot dog stand when he overheard a conversation nearby. “The story that I have heard forever is that there were four immigrants arguing over who was the most American on the Fourth of July,” says Richard Shea, the President of Major League Eating. So, Handwerker challenged the four men to a contest.
“Nathan said, ‘I’ll tell ya, whoever can eat the most of my hot dogs is the most American,” explains Shea. The men took Handwerker up on the offer. Irish immigrant James Mullen won the race by downing 13 hot dogs in 12 minutes, thus proving his patriotism. The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest was born.
Ninety-nine years later, the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest may be the largest publicity stunt in the world, with over 35,000 people flocking to Coney Island and millions watching at home on ESPN every July 4. “I consider it the most compelling ten minutes in sports,” says Shea.
But beyond the barbecues and family and friends, it’s important to remember the significance of this day. On July 4th, 1776, the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule, paving the way for the creation of the United States of America
As we celebrate Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us to secure our freedoms. Let us honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces, protecting our country and our way of life. And let us recommit ourselves to upholding the ideals that make America great: freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Remember, while there are certainly health risks involved with consuming dozens of hot dogs in a short period of time, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island—once nicknamed “America’s Favorite Playground” – isn’t going away any time soon. After all, there is something distinctly American about the whole story. “There’s nothing more American than family and friends gathering and eating hot dogs, on the Fourth of July.” A few fireworks also help out.
Shalom,
Michael
HUGE Thank Yous!
Once again, all you volunteers made another year of Vacation Bible School a success and we can’t think you enough!! From Bible stories to crafts and science, to yummy snacks and to recreational fun, singing & dancing, the enjoyment and laughter from 30 kids proved how valuable all of you are!
Many, many thanks to those who were unable to participate in person but donated funds, supplies, material, sewed Hero capes (Adelia Inman, Barbara McElroy, Lee Allen, Deb Penrose) and any other tasks performed. We appreciate you all so very much!!
Many thanks to our group leaders from our church: Michele Foster and Steve Shaw. And to our station leaders: Dave Penrose, Eryn Alexander, Lee Allen, and Sharon Temple. Those who worked with the station leaders are Ron Olson, Jessica McElroy, Cindy Smith and her son Luke. Bible stories were told by Carol Shilling, Grace Reuter, Dan Temple and Randy Jorgensen.
Thank you, Penelope Olson, for manning the computer for the music videos. We know how much you enjoyed that by your singing and clapping right along with all the kids!!
First aid and all-around helper was Pam Haskell. Thank you, Pam!
Our patrolmen were Ted Birdsill, John Chapman and Tom Haskell. They watched doors and walked the grounds to provide security for all and to keep an eye out for any wayward child. Thanks guys!! And many thanks to Ted for putting up and taking down the banners outside on the lawn and keeping them upright after heavy winds.
We provided a lunch of hot dogs, pizza, chips and cookies for all kids, parents and volunteers after wrapping up our last day. We had quite a crowd that stayed and enjoyed the food. Thank you, Ted, for grilling all those hot dogs!!
Thank you, Bert Botkin, for helping with our last-day lunch and clean-up, and for also writing up and sending out the VBS notification postcards. And thank you Jane Chapman, for helping with the lunch and cleaning up afterwards. The work both of you ladies did was greatly appreciated!
And many, many thanks to Iglesia de Dios Pentacostal M.I., Parachute. We can’t thank them enough for offering to do all of the decorating for this VBS program. That is a tremendous job to do and they far exceeded expectations. Many thanks to Damien Chan (Guillermina’s husband) for assisting with the decorating and setting up the Sanctuary. Also helping was Damien’s brother Pastor Pedro, who came from Belize to help with VBS. Pastor Pedro is also an artist, and he created wonderful paintings for Hero Hotline backdrops in the Sanctuary. Thank you, Pastor Pedro, for sharing your amazing talent!!
Many more from Iglesia de Dios Pentacostal M.I. also volunteered to help with VBS. Guillermina Serano assisted Deb with advertising VBS throughout the area, attended meetings and participated in the planning of VBS. In addition to all of this, she did an amazing job as VBS leader of the Music Station, as well as putting on the daily opening and closing assemblies. She also recruited help to fill some group leader and helper positions: Blanca, Nayeli, Ezekiel, Samantha and Kevin. Thanks to all of you!!
And we also want to say thanks to Pastor Vicki Martinez of the Rifle Presbyterian Methodist Church for providing bus transportation for the kids from Rifle. Eryn Alexander drove the bus to and from VBS each day.
Many thanks to Karen Dornan for making copies, etc., that we, of course, needed at the last minute, and for filling out the certificates for all 30 kids!! Plus, taking on the job as photographer! And doing all this with a smile. Thank you, Karen!
We have tried hard to recognize and give thanks to everyone who helped, and apologize if anyone was omitted. You are all so very special in giving your time and love for the kids, and you are the reason we had such a wonderful and successful Vacation Bible School 2023! We absolutely could not have done it without you.
Debbie Penrose and Bonnie Gana
VBS was a HUGE success!
The church was buzzing the week of June 12th with our VBS – Hero Hotline – where 30 children of various ages enjoyed themselves with activities, snacks, and of course, learning about the love of Jesus Christ. Enjoy a few pictures from the week.
Worship on the Mesa
Sunday, July 9th, our Sunday worship will be held at the home of Bert Botkin on Morrisania Mesa. Directions to her home will be in the bulletin on July 2nd, available in the office, as well as posted on the doors of the church. We hope you can join us for this annual outside worship service.
The office will be closed the week of July 16th. Karen will be on vacation, and the painting and new carpeting will be done at that time.
Office will be open again Wednesday, July 26th.
I apologize for any inconvenience.
New Bible Study
Our next Bible Study will begin July 12 at 10:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
The study will be Biblical Citizenship In Modern America. This is an 8 week course focused on a journey through the Bible and American history. Please join us!
Update on the Mefors
I had just returned from doing the April books after getting back from Virginia and had seen that someone had donated funds to be sent to the Mefors. I said to myself I needed to get the money sent off to them right away and let them know that, as far as I knew, there was not any restriction on the funds. Was I surprised when I opened my emails and found a request from Florence Mefor for funds for benches for their hospital chapel. The benches cost about $50 each and they needed ten more. God works in wonderful ways. I quickly wrote back to Florence to let her know the funds were on the way. This was her response.
“I don’t know how to express feelings which was filled with tears of joy when l saw your immediate response to our cry of help. May the merciful father who reads the heart of every individual continue to bless you, our beloved pastor in charge of your church and all the church members that contributed to this in Jesus precious name l pray 🙏.
We will send the pictures when we finished making them. Your church is always in our morning deviations.
Your sister in Christ Jesus, Florence Mefor.”
Many thanks for the donation for the Mefors. It was very timely.
Penelope Olson
July birthdays:
9 – Milli Dunham
10 – Linda Thompson
11 – Linda Elliott
11 – Marietta Kovacs
14 – Bonnie Gana
15 – Sara Francis
16 – Carol Schelling
21 – John Zacharias
24 – Charlotte White
25 – Garland White
27 – Blanche Shaw
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. in the Fellowship Hall or at 6:30 p.m. in the Faith House. We hope you can join us.
Choir and bell practices are now on summer hiatus and will start up again after Labor Day. 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]
Prayer Partners meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 10:00. If you have anyone that you would like to add to the Prayer Partner list, please contact Bert Botkin at (970)216-8682.
Church Council Report
COUNCIL MUSINGS
Council voted to add a Stewardship Committee to our administrative committees.
The swamp cooler needs a new drain pan. We are waiting on a quote for that. In the meantime, we are not using it. The water heater at the parsonage had to be replaced. The dates for painting the sanctuary may be July 8th – 9th.
Watch for the request for money for shoes for the kids for school. It will be coming in July.
We will have (had) ice cream sundaes for Father’s Day. The service will be at Bert’s on July 9th. In late July or early August, we will be hearing from those who went on the mission trip to California.
VBS is going (went) well. The next Bible study will start July 12th and is Biblical Citizenship
Treasurer
BORING FINANCIAL NEWS
I do not find it easy to make financial information interesting, though the late Carmen Litschewski would disagree with me. But here goes.
Our cash position decreased from April to May, but for a good reason. We made a $13,000+ deposit on the new carpet for the Church. We have available $24,300 to use for bills and have a Certificate of Participation (like a CD) coming due in August that totals $15,150. Our long-term investments totaled $147,725. Of these amounts, the amount we may use for operating expenses is $125,000. This amount comes from excess income over expenses from previous years. The balance is earmarked for different funds like the capital improvement funds, Memorial Funds, Stain Glass Window Fund, Shoes, Garden, and some other little funds.
Though we had more expenses than income during May, through the first five months of the year, there is excess income of $7,100. Thank you for your support. Having excess income allows us to pay our bills without having to take money from the investments to pay them.
I plan on sending out giving statements through June after I return from vacation in July. Please watch for them.
The complete financial statements are available on the bulletin board outside the fellowship hall.
Penelope Olson
10 Amazing Facts for the 4th of July
1. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national animal but was out-voted when John Adams and Thomas Jefferson chose the bald eagle.
2. The stars on the original American flag were in a circle to ensure that all colonies were represented equally.
3. John Hancock was the only person to actually sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The other 55 signers did not sign it until later.
4. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day: July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
5. History’s first submarine attack took place in New York Harbor in 1776.
6. There were no fireworks on July 4, 1776, but there were fireworks 1 year later, on July 4, 1777. This was still 6 years before Americans knew whether the new nation would survive the war.
7. George Washington was the best spymaster in American History! He ran espionage rings in British-help areas and he was a genius at misinformation. He constantly befuddled the British by leaking, through double agents, inflated reports of the strength of his army.
8. Washington was a robust man with a seeming immunity to disease and bullets. In one encounter in the French and Indian War, he absorbed 4 bullets in his coat and hat and had 2 horses shot from under him without any injury to himself.
9. The United States of America won it’s independence despite the fact that the British Army was established, experienced, disciplined, and trained and the American army was not. In addition to this, the British Army had ample quantities of powder, guns, and clothing and the American Army was not well supplied.
10. The son “Yankee Doodle Dandy” was sung originally by British officers making fun of backwoods Americans.
Church Contact Information
PO Box 125
Parachute CO 81635
(970)285-9892
[email protected]
www.GrandValleyUMC.com
OFFICE HOURS:
Wednesday – Friday
9:00 – noon