Wednesday with the Wesleys

I do indeed rejoice in my sons ... You’ll pardon the fondness of a mother if I exceed in commending them, but I’ve known few (if any) that have labored more diligently and unweariedly in the service of our dear Lord: and blessed be his great name, he hath set his seal to their ministry and hath made them instrumental in bringing many souls to God. And though in the eyes of the world they appear despicable, men of no estate or figure, and daily suffer contempt, reproach, and shame among men, yet to me they appear more honorable, than they would do if the one were Archbishop of Canterbury and the other of York for I esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches, than all the treasures in England.

~ Susanna Wesley (1 July 1741 letter to the Countess of Huntingdon)

Scripture lessons for September 21

We are making our way through the month next Sunday with lessons from First Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16:1-13.

Today at Glenville UMC

Blessing mission offerings

Shelley G. is today's reader

Pastor Charles with Sean the Sheep!

Bob S. celebrates his birthday today!

Gloria serves up a yummy treat!

JOYS

+The church family thanks God for the gift of Bob S. and celebrates his birthday today.

+Bob S. didn’t think he would live to his twenty-first birthday when he was serving in Viet Nam. He is grateful to God for each day of his life.

+ Donna D. thanks God for the news that she is going to be a great-great grandmother (5th generation addition to the family).

+Cheryl R. thanks God for the wonderful news that her granddaughter Ellory is going to have a baby girl on October 13.

+Belinda A. thanks God for a great first two weeks of her new job at the Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

+Korla S. thanks God for our church family coming together to host a delicious supper for the Glenville Fire Department last Wednesday evening. Thirteen church members/friends of the church showed up to provide supper for fourteen hungry firemen.

+Korla S. thanks God for our awesome church family that decorates the church with beautiful autumnal flowers in the sanctuary and fall-colored tablecloths that Linda B. lovingly set out.

+Church family thanks God for the gift of Karnella’s return to her home at Good Sam.-Hidden Creek, where the United Women in Fath met for their monthly gathering last Wednesday.

+Kraig S. thanks God for his son’s surprise visit on his birthday last Tuesday. They had a special birthday lunch together.

+Belinda A. thanks God for Shelley G.’s beautifully handmade prayer shawl that was blessed by Pastor Charles A. at last week’s United Women in Faith meeting, and then it was presented to Karnella, who served as our host for the gathering.

+Thanks be to God for a loving church family.

+The congregation is thankful for Shelley G.’s service as Scripture reader this morning!

+And, as always, the congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved organist, Renae H.

CONCERNS

+Nancy B. asks the church family to pray for her sister Sharon whose husband died last week. Orlyn B. “Ole” Rosen’s obituary can be found at this link.

+Church family is praying to God for the comfort and healing of Todd Kluender who is starting cancer treatments soon. 

+Shelley G. invites the congregation to pray for the family and friends of Charlie Kirk who was shot and killed September 10. Praying for all who are impacted by violence.

UMC Bishops Issue Statement Condemning Political Violence

Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church

For Immediate Release
September 11, 2025

“Seek peace and pursue it!”

Every day, we are besieged with acts of violence across the globe. From Gaza to Goma to Orem to Evergreen. We grieve with families, communities and nations as they bear the weight of the pain and grief that violence leaves in its wake. The assassination of Charlie Kirk reminds us of the urgent need to address the growing threat of political violence.

We unequivocally condemn this act of violence and all violence. Violence dehumanizes victims and perpetrators. We call upon all people to reject the divisive rhetoric that fractures community. The most recent school shooting in Colorado summons us again to work to make schools safe places, to equip children to manage difference and disagreement nonviolently and to reduce the easy access to guns.

We are guided by the prophetic vision of Isaiah, who wrote, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). This vision of a world where weapons are transformed into instruments of peace and prosperity is a powerful reminder of our calling to be active peacemakers.

As United Methodists gather for worship over the next several days, we call you to prayer and meaningful action against violence as a means of dispute settlement. We urge United Methodists to actively promote a culture of understanding, respect, and nonviolent conflict resolution. We encourage all United Methodists to work for public policies that foster community and reduce violence locally and globally.

Yours in pursuit of peace,

Bishop Tracy S. Malone
President, Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church

Burgers with the Glenville Firemen!

L-R: Kraig S. and Rita W. prepare the burgers

L-R: Gloria S. and Korla S.

L-R: Sid T. & Mike R. work on the burgers

Hungry firemen

The church family relaxes

We had a nice gathering tonight at the Glenville Volunteer Fire Department at the burger dinner hosted by the Glenville UMC. Fourteen volunteer firemen and thirteen members and friends from the church were present to enjoy burgers, baked beans, and potato salad. Dessert was provided in the form of ice cream floats (featuring 1919 root beer)!

Thanks to everyone for being involved today: Belinda & Pastor Charles A., Donna D., Sandy D., Cheryl & Mike R., Gloria & Bob S., Kraig & Korla S., Sid T., Rita W., and Sandy D.'s granddaughter, Lucy.

United Women in Faith Gathering at Good Sam-Hidden Creek

L-R: Belinda, Shelley, Korla, Donna, Gloria, Pastor Charles, Karnella

Karnella wearing her new prayer shawl that Shelley made for her!

September 10, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm, -- The United Women in Faith (UWFaith) Unit at the Glenville United Methodist Church met at Karnella’s Residence at Hidden Creek.

 

Notes from the Gathering ... - We appreciate Pastor Charles dropping by to say hello and bless the beautiful prayer shawl for Karnella S. that was lovingly made by Shelley G. - We appreciate Karnella hosting us in the activities room at Hidden Creek! - Belinda A. shared the opening prayer. - After the six women in attendance recited the UWFaith purpose in unison, Belinda read the Upper Room’s devotion for the day titled "A Surprise Opportunity." Discussion ensued about ways God surprises us with blessings/surprised opportunities. One of the “shares” was by Shelley who said that she was inspired to begin making prayer shawls after she read in the notes from the last UWFaith gathering that we were thinking about starting a prayer shawl ministry. - Joys and concerns were shared; afterwards, Belinda gave a prayer. Money Matters: - “Noisy Collection Pail” Fundraising for Mission Work: We discussed what to do with the $49.30 that was collected last month. Everyone expressed joy that this is considerably more than the $32 that was collected the month before! We noted that we appreciate the church family making donations throughout the month! Decision was made to deposit the money in our UWFaith checking account. We want to build up that fund so we can respond to future requests for giving. - Discussed offering opportunities at the Prairie Winds United Women in Faith District fall gathering on Saturday, September 20, at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth. Emma Norton Offering: Pastor Charles and Belinda plan to donate $40; Gloria S. added $10, so the total offering from our unit will be $50. District Pledge from our Unit: Pastor Charles and Belinda plan to donate $40; Gloria added $10, so the total amount given will be $50. - Reaching Out to Women Not Able to Attend Church: We identified the following ladies: Judy C., Janet D., Marcella N., Karnella S., Nancy S., Arletta W., and (?). Plan to send Thanksgiving cards. Plan to assemble and deliver holiday trays of apples, bananas, oranges, candy, packaged cookies/crackers, snack bags, and Christmas cards after church on Sunday, December 14. (Trays are bought at the Dollar Store. Korla S. said she has Christmas cards we can use.) - Assembled Farewell Goody Bags for Fall District Attendees: We assembled the bags that our unit is providing to UWFaith district gathering’s attendees on September 20. Inside there were bottled water, candy, Cracker Jacks, and Rice Krispies treat to enjoy on their way home. Thank you, Sandy D., for the huge bag of Hershey’s kisses that you donated, because it would not be a women’s gathering without chocolate! Pastor Charles and Belinda donated the other items. Each bag has this note on it: “Treats for You to Enjoy on Your Way Home! We pray you enjoyed today’s gathering of United Women in Faith. May God grant you a safe trip home. Every blessing to your and yours, Your Sisters at the Glenville United Methodist Church.” - Refreshments: We concluded with Donna D. providing scrumptious refreshments that everyone loved: yummy cake with Cool Whip, nuts/chocolates, and bottled water! And we appreciate Hidden Creek providing a coffee setup for us to enjoy! It was good to spend the afternoon together. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 8, 1-3 pm, again at Hidden Creek. Hostess will be Karnella. Korla will provide refreshments.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

In the evening, while I was reading prayers at Snowsfield, I found such light and strength as I never remember to have had before. I saw every thought as well as action or word, just as it was rising in my heart, and whether it was right before God, or tainted with pride or selfishness. "I waked the next morning, by the grace of God, in the same spirit; and about eight, being with two or three that believed in Jesus, I felt such an awe, and tender sense of the presence of God, as greatly confirmed me therein; so that God was before me all day long. I sought and found Him in every place; and could truly say, when I lay down at night, ‘now I have lived a day.'

~ John Wesley (Journal, December 1744)

Scripture lessons for September 14

We reach the midpoint of the month next Sunday with lessons from 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke15:1-10.

Today at Glenville UMC

JOYS

+Congregation thanks God for the gift of Kraig S. and celebrates his birthday this coming week.

+The congregation celebrates the gift of Kraig S.’ ongoing missionary work. Kraig has been wearing colorful Christian bracelets recently. Whenever someone asks about what he is wearing, he has been giving it to them. Thanks be to God for Kraig’s willingness to spread God’s love – one bracelet at a time.

+Belinda A. thanks God for her new job at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

+Pat R. thanks God that Craig’s health is better now.

+Korla S. thanks God for a wonderful day yesterday – enjoying apple-picking day with her family. And on the drive home, she was able to gaze at a beautiful full moon, grateful to God for the gift of being able to witness its beauty.

+Thanks be to God for a loving church family.

+Thanks be to God for laughter in church. As Anne Lamott says, “it is carbonated holiness.”

+Thanks be to God for the lovely cooler weather.

+The congregation is thankful for Bob S.’ service as scripture reader this morning!

+And, as always, the congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved organist, Renae H.

CONCERNS

+Gloria S. invited congregation to pray for Karnella S. as she deals with medical

challenges.

+Nancy B. invites congregation to pray for her family member, Ole, who moved into a nursing home in Lake Mills, Iowa, last Wednesday.

+Bob S. invites congregation to continue to pray for his daughter Sandra’s healing.

+Belinda asks for prayers for Pastor Charles who is mourning the fact that his beloved truck was totaled in a recent accident.

United Women in Faith: Deployment of National Guard Shouldn’t be Embraced

NEW YORK – The nation’s largest denominational organization for women today lamented the administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard to 19 states and the District of Columbia. It also took issue with efforts to forcibly remove encampments for the unhoused. The organization issued the following statement, which can be attributed to Emily Jones, Executive for Racial Justice at United Women in Faith:

“As women of faith, we spend our time thinking about how to put God’s faith, hope, and love in action. In existence for 154 years, our legacy reflects sober-minded, practical, and dependable leadership. We believe we have a responsibility to raise our voices when we believe the rights of innocent people are being trampled.         

“We have grave concerns about the proliferation of a police state as evidenced by the deployment of the National Guard to American cities during times of peace. The National Guard should not be weaponized against its own people. With increased law enforcement presence, we may see more racial profiling, more arrests, and more complaints of police use of excessive force. People of color, persons who are unhoused, immigrants, and persons with mental health conditions are uniquely vulnerable.                                                                               

“At a time of overall angst over the direction of the country, the administration should work to create calm, not pandemonium. It is not acceptable to walk down the street and see men in military fatigues toting deadly weapons. It is not acceptable for military-grade vehicles to roam American streets. The deployment of the National Guard to American cities is deeply troubling, and we are equally alarmed by this administration’s ongoing assault on racial progress, including the executive order reviewing bail reform measures and threatening actions that could disproportionately harm black and brown communities.     

“We want our sisters in faith and the broader community to know that no one should embrace silence in pursuit of peace. Now is the time to raise our voices in dissent, to work together across lines of difference to fight back against the criminalization of communities of color, and to try our best to protect the people most victimized by the current state of affairs.”

The Small Church

Karen Gray shared this poem with Pastor Charles about the blessings offered by the small church.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

Searcher of hearts, in ours appear,

And make, and keep them all sincere,

Or draw us burthen’d to thy Son,

Or make him to his mourners known.

Thy promis’d grace vouchsafe to give

As each is able to receive,

The blessed grief to all impart;

Or joy; or purity of heart.

Our helpless unbelief remove,

And melt us by thy pard’ning love,

Work in us faith, or faith’s increase,

The dawning, or the perfect peace.

Give each to thee as seemeth best,

But meet us all at thy own feast,

Thy blessing in thy means convey,

Nor empty send one soul away.

~ Hymns on the Lord's Supper (John/Charles Wesley, 1745)

Labor Day: Dedicated to Fairness and Justice for Workers

Did you know The United Methodist Church has been a part of the labor movement throughout history and is committed to fairness and justice in the workplace?

In the early 20th century, the church was working to end child labor. And in the '50s, during our country's civil rights movement, we were fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. We were dedicated to fairness and justice in the workplace then, and we still are today.

When John Wesley founded the Methodist movement during the 18th century, there was no "labor movement" the way we'd understand it today. But Wesley preached to and cared for coal miners and other oppressed workers. He also opposed slavery. After Wesley died, his followers continued to work against workplace injustices in rapidly industrializing England, adopting the first Social Creed, in 1908, that dealt exclusively with labor practices.

Read more at this link.

Scripture Lessons for September 7th

We begin a new month next Sunday with the reading from the Epistle to Philemon (it's a short letter, just 21 verses).

August comes to a close at Glenville UMC

Autumn approaches!

Bob S. is today's reader

Belinda A. shares some announcements

A gift from Roy B.

JOYS

+Belinda A. gives thanks to God for the congregation’s generous contributions to the “noisy bucket for mission work!” (The United Women in Faith have a metal collection bucket for loose change that will make a change in people’s lives.)

+Sid T. gives thanks for a wonderful visit with family.

+Shelley G. gives God thanks for a wonderful summer when her granddaughter lived with her. Now the granddaughter is back at college, Shelley looks forward to a new life chapter of solitude in her home.

+Donna D. and Sandy D. thank God for the joy of anticipation. They look forward to reuniting with family members after a long absence apart.

+Belinda A. thanks God for Roy B. who employed his woodworking talents to create a wonderful gift for Pastor Charles and Belinda Alkula: A beautiful wooden plaque with a mealtime prayer on it. “Bless the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us. Amen.”

+Belinda A. thanks God for Midwest Mission, an organization that coordinates collections of desperately needed donations and then organizes distribution of them to people in need all around the world. (Belinda shared the meaningful story of “Nona’s Sewing Machine.” The donation of the sewing machine to Midwest Mission is a lovely story of one woman’s “love in action!”)

+Pastor Charles thanks God for vehicle insurance that is providing funds to repair his damaged truck.

+Pastor Charles praised God for a wonderful time at the Minnesota State Fair last Friday. He celebrates that he was able to get 16 buttons (plastic pin-backed buttons) to add to his collection.

+The congregation is thankful for Bob S.’ service as Scripture reader this morning!

+And, as always, the congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved organist, Renae H.

CONCERNS

+Pastor Charles shared the reflection and prayer the Minnesota United Methodist Bishop shared after the horrific shooting during morning mass at a Catholic school near Minneapolis last Wednesday, August 27th.

+Nancy B. invites congregation to pray for the family and friends of Mark Olson who died last Tuesday. (Funeral services will be held on September 4th at First Lutheran Church in Glenville at 11:00 am.)

+Bob S. invites congregation to continue to pray for his daughter Sandra’s healing. Sandra was in a traffic accident last October, and she is facing medical challenges as she heals and recovers.

You’re missed: A message to those who haven’t been at church lately

If you haven’t been to church in a while, that’s okay. We understand. With the changes and challenges we’ve been facing in the past half-dozen years, we all have needed to take time to process and reevaluate. 

While we understand, we also invite you to reconnect, rekindle your relationships and get involved once more.

Chances are things are different than when you were last at church. Pastors have changed appointments, ministries have evolved or shifted their focus, and the community might have grown. Get curious about the new things God is doing and how God might be calling you to take part. 

All Christians are vital to the faith community. As Paul says in Romans, chapter 12, “In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other.”

Read more at this link.

Response to the shooting in Minneaplis

 

A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping.

–Jeremiah 31:15a, NRSV

Beloved in Christ,

News of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis during morning Mass has left us heartbroken, shaken, and searching for words. Violence in a place devoted to worship, learning, and safety pierces our spirits and unsettles our sense of well-being as individuals and as a community of faith.

We lift in prayer the families whose children were taken by this tragedy and those who are injured, asking God to surround them with comfort and strength. We also hold in prayer the Annunciation parish community, the first responders, and all who witnessed or carry the weight of this violence. In the spirit of Christ, we even remember the family of the individual who carried out this act, trusting in a God whose mercy extends into the deepest places of human brokenness.

This painful moment reminds us of our deep need for peace, for reconciliation, and for communities where God’s justice and mercy are not only proclaimed but embodied. As followers of Jesus, we cling to the promise of resurrection as we resist fear with love, despair with hope, and violence with the unrelenting grace of God.

Please join me in prayer.

God of the Annunciation,
you spoke life into Mary’s fear and into the world’s darkness.
Today, as we grieve children whose lives were cut short,
and as we stand in the shadow of violence
in a parish that bears the name of promise,
we ache for that same Word of life.

Breathe your mercy into this community.
Cradle every grieving heart in your compassion.
Speak again your promise that death will not have the final word.
Make us instruments of your peace,
that we may bear witness to life even in the valley of loss.

Through Christ, who is our light and our hope. Amen.

Bishop Lanette Plambeck
Resident Bishop
Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church

Wednesday with the Wesleys

By acquainting ourselves with subjects in natural philosophy, we enter into a kind of association with nature’s works and unite in the general concert of her extensive choir. By thus acquainting and familiarizing ourselves with the works of nature, we become as it were a member of her family, a participant in her felicities; but while we remain ignorant, we are like strangers and sojourners in a foreign land, unknowing and unknown.

~ John Wesley (A Survey of the Wisdom of God in the Creation, 1:vii)

Back-to-School Blessing

By the Rev. Marilyn Thornton

Bless my paper and my pen.

Guide my spirit deep within.

Help me think and help me play,

This whole school year, day by day.

As I move from class to class,

Guide my footsteps; clear my path.

Keep my tongue to speak your words.

Let your will for me be heard.

In every subject high or low,

May God's excellence be shown!

Keep me strong to reach the prize,

To grow in grace, becoming wise.

Whether far from home or near,

May I hold God's precepts dear.

To do my best at every task;

For this blessing, I do ask.

Help my family be a part

As I lift my mind and heart.

As I study, work, and pray,

Be with them throughout the day.

Of whom much is given, much is required.

May learning be your greatest desire!

Scripture lessons for August 31

We close out the month of August with scripture lessons from Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 and Luke 14:1, 7-14.

The questions to consider this week are this: Who would you invite to that chance-of-a-lifetime dinner party and who would you exclude?

August 24 Joys & Concerns

Keeping track of attendance

Shelley was today's reader

JOYS

Thanking God for the cooler weather we have been enjoying.

Kraig S. thanks God for the gift of life.

Nancy B. thanks God for one more week of medical treatment.

Gloria S. thanks God for encouraging news.

Pastor Charles A. is thankful for the gift of sitting outside on the deck in the early morning cool weather for coffee and devotions and seeing bunnies and squirrels playfully scamper.

We are thankful for Kraig S. giving Jim & Renea H. a ride to church this morning!

The congregation is thankful for Shelley G.'s service as Scripture reader this morning!

And, as always, the congregation is thankful for the music ministry of our beloved organist Renae H.

CONCERNS

Bob S. invited congregation to pray for the 4-year-old involved in a recent serious traffic accident. Helicopter transport ensued. He is in critical condition. Praying for his family and friends and all who love and care for him.

Bob S. asked for continued prayers for his daughter who is recovering from a serious traffic accident last fall. She is facing significant challenges in her recovery process.

Kraig and Korla S. are praying for a speedy recovery from a water leak in their home.

Nancy and Roy B. shared that their town of Gordonsville recently experienced 9 ½ inches of rain in a short amount of time. Praying for all impacted by this.

As a new school year is about to begin -- praying for students, their families, schoolteachers, administrators, support staff.