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.

Prairie Winds United Women in Faith District Gathering -- September 20, 2025

 

Francis Asbury's birthday

"My desire is to live more to God to-day than yesterday, 

and to be more holy this hour than the last."

~ Francis Asbury

Wednesday with the Wesleys

O the depth of love divine, th’unfathomable grace!

Who shall say how bread and wine God into us conveys!

How the bread His flesh imparts, how the wine transmits His blood,

Fills His faithful people’s hearts with all the life of God!

Let the wisest mortals show how we the grace receive;

Feeble elements bestow a power not theirs to give.

Who explains the wondrous way, how through these the virtue came?

These the virtue did convey, yet still remain the same.

How can spirits heavenward rise, by earthly matter fed,

Drink herewith divine supplies and eat immortal bread?

Ask the Father’s wisdom how: Christ Who did the means ordain;

Angels round our altars bow to search it out, in vain.

Sure and real is the grace, the manner be unknown;

Only meet us in thy ways and perfect us in one.

Let us taste the heavenly powers, Lord, we ask for nothing more.

Thine to bless,’ tis only ours to wonder and adore.

"O the Depth of Love Divine," Charles Wesley,

#627 in The United Methodist Hymnal

Scripture lessons for August 24

Our scripture lessons for next Sunday both come from the prophetic tradition: Isaiah 58:9b-14 and Jeremiah 4:1-10.

The questions to consider are this: What claim does God have on your life? Do you accept this claim and how will you demonstrate this to the world around you?

Prayers from August 17

JOYS

Bob S. said that he was concerned about the heavy lightning storm we had earlier this morning but then was grateful to be able to get to church. He said that even though the weeks are going by so fast, he is grateful that his schedule includes ways to stay connected with others. 

Sandy D. agreed with Bob S. Sandy said that several folks at her previous workplace are looking forward to a planned reunion dinner. Sandy thanks God for the gift of connection with them.

Pastor Charles thanks God for the gift of his sister Sandy whose birthday is today. And he is grateful for a particular encounter with someone last week that affirmed to him that he was in the right place at the right time, providing a comforting, non-anxious presence to someone experiencing the stress of change and transition.

Nancy B. thanks God for her son’s wonderful surprise visit last week. And she thanks God for a 4-year-old neighbor boy who visited her last week to wish her a happy birthday. 

Gloria S. thanks God for her niece’s recent visit and a wonderful family lunch together yesterday. She thanks God for the gift of her baby brother’s birthday today.

 

CONCERNS

Linda B. asked for prayers for her grandson Jackson who is having surgery this week.

Praying for all impacted by hurricane Erin.

Praying for people in places of war/strife.

Freeborn Garretson's birthday

"'Do you know what a saint is? A saint is one who is wholly given up to God.' 

The voice is so real as if someone is talking to me face to face. 

The question stirs my heart." 

~ Freeborn Garretson

United Women in Faith Resumes Meetings!

L-R (Background): Pastor Charles Alkula, Korla Schuhmacher, 

Gloria Sharp, Donna Delger, Sandy Dahlum, Belinda Alkula

L-R (Foreground): Karnella Schwierjohann, Judy Luksik

Donation in Memory of Gloria Purdie Who Died July 7, 2025

Picture of Farewell Gift Bag for Attendees at September's

 UWFaith District Gathering  

The United Women in Faith (UWFaith) resumed its gatherings today at the residence of Karnella S. at The Good Samaritan Society - Hidden Creek campus.

Notes from the Gathering ...

- We appreciate Pastor Charles dropping by to say hello and provide our opening prayer.

- We appreciate Karnella hosting us in the activities room of her new home at Hidden Creek!

- Seven women in attendance introduced themselves.

- After reciting the UWFaith purpose in unison, Belinda read a devotion titled "Praise Break," after which she invited everyone to share things for which they are grateful.

- We updated our current roster for UWFaith.

- We discussed the possibility of starting a prayer shawl or quilted "prayer square" ministry.

- We discussed what to do with the $12.99 that was collected in the "noisy collection to support mission work" pail, in which church family members/friends donated their spare change for many weeks. Discussion ensued. Belinda and Pastor Charles matched the amount. And it was decided to donate the $26 to the United Women in Faith's mission work in Zimbabwe called the "poultry project," a transformational project that helps women grow a business which supports their families. This money was donated in memory of our beloved Gloria Purdie who died on July 7th. 

- Belinda shared pictures that were recently posted on the church's new blog. A few pictures were from participation in last Saturday's Glenville Days parade. Some of the candy that was thrown to bystanders along the parade route was shared today. (And we appreciate Gloria sharing some of her husband Bob's candy left over from the parade!)

- We noted that the Prairie Winds United Women in Faith District will have its fall gathering on Saturday, September 20, at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth. Group decided to provide a farewell gift to attendees, containing candy and treats to enjoy on their way home. Sandy said she would donate chocolate. Belinda said she would donate other treats. All will go in treat bags with a special note/blessing. (See picture above.)

- We concluded with Belinda leading a memorial service for Gloria Purdie. Judy and Gloria each read a hymn as a poem: "Shall We Gather at the River?" and "Hymn of Promise."

- It was good to spend the afternoon together!

- Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 10, 1-3 pm, again at Hidden Creek (Good Sam). Hostess will be Karnella. Refreshments will be provided by Donna.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

How often hath he covered us in the time of danger and fed us as the eagle her young from birth to this day. Now, then, let us cast both soul and body on his love. For observe the next word: Taketh them, beareth them, on her wings. The saviour hath indeed taken us, taken all our burden, for he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He bears us on the wings of love - in every sense!

~ Mary Bosanquet Fletcher, 18th century Methodist preacher, comparing God/Jesus to a mother eagle

Wednesday with the Wesleys

There is no love of God without patience, and no patience without lowliness and sweetness of spirit ...

God's command to "pray without ceasing" is founded on the necessity we have of His grace to preserve the life of God in the soul, which can no more subsist one moment without it, than the body can without air. Whether we think of or speak to God, whether we act or suffer for Him, all is prayer, when we have no other object than His love, and the desire of pleasing Him.

All that a Christian does, even in eating and sleeping, is prayer, when it is done in simplicity, according to the order of God, without either adding to or diminishing from it by his own choice... Prayer continues in the desire of the heart though the understanding be employed on outward things.

~ John Wesley (A Plain Account of Christian Perfection)

Scripture lessons for August 17

August continues to move along as next Sunday our lessons will come from Hebrews 11:29-12:2 and Luke 12:49-56.

Joys and Concerns -- August 10

Picture from Ad Board Meeting After Worship

Picture from Ad Board Meeting After Worship

JOYS

Cheryl R. thanks God that her husband Mike celebrates his birthday tomorrow.

 

Roy B. thanks God that his wife Nancy celebrates her birthday Wednesday.

 

Korla S. praises God for the wonderful time the church family had yesterday participating in the Glenville Days parade. Twelve folks represented the church, including Cheryl and Mike’s granddaughters.

 

Kraig S. thanks God for making it through another week.

 

Gloria S. celebrates that her granddaughter got engaged last week.

 

Belinda A. praises God for the great news that the United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) group will gather Wednesday afternoon at Karnella S.’ new home and that they will have a memorial service for the beloved Gloria Purdie who died July 7th.

The congregation thanks God for Kraig S.' service as scripture reader this morning!

 

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

 

CONCERNS

Nancy B. asks for prayers for her sister Rose who is going to have foot surgery.

We love a parade!

We're ready to go!

Rita, Belinda, and Gloria are ready!

Kraig and Korla lead the way

Donna practices her "parade wave"

A heavy rain this morning delayed the start of the Glenville Days parade a full two hours. When the rain stopped, the Glenville UMC contingent joined the parade's participants in celebrating this wonderful community!

Relay for Life 2025

Glenville UMC will be among the hundreds of luminaries at today's Relay for Life event being held at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. The event begins at 5 p.m.  

Wespath intensifies its scrutiny of bonds

Because of human rights concerns, The United Methodist Church’s pension and benefits agency is now avoiding investments in the bonds of some 60 countries.

The move responds to a resolution approved by last year’s General Conference that calls on United Methodist institutions, including Wespath, not to invest in the governmental debt of Israel, Morocco and Turkey because of those nations’ long-term military occupations. Delegates passed that resolution — along with others — by a vote of 686-36 on the legislative assembly’s consent calendar.

After prayerful consideration, the Wespath board decided to expand on the resolution. The result, which the agency announced Aug. 6, is a new enhanced human rights framework for assessing potential investments in the sovereign debt of all countries.

“With our framework, we took a step back,” Andy Hendren, Wespath’s top executive, told United Methodist News. “We wanted to do a more principled, holistic look at all sovereign debt, so it not only looks at military occupations like those identified in the resolution — those three. But there are other military occupations in the world that government should be held accountable for.”

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

I should rejoice (so little ambitious am I to be at the head of any sect or party) if the very name might never be mentioned more but be buried in eternal oblivion. But if that cannot be, at least let those who will use it, know the meaning of the word they use. Let us not always be fighting in the dark. Come, and let us look one another in the face. And perhaps some of you who hate what I am called, may love what I am by the grace of God; or rather, what "I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."

~ John Wesley (The Character of a Methodist)

Scripture lessons for August 10

Our scripture lessons for next Sunday come from Genesis 15:1-6 and Luke 12:32-40. The focus will be on spiritual safety - what is it and how do we acquire and make the best use of it?

Blessings from this morning's worship

Sid T. celebrates that he had a wonderful visit last weekend babysitting his granddaughters.

Renae H. celebrates that she saw Karnella S. at the county fair last week. Karnella had family visiting her from the cities.

Sid T. shared a joke that resulted in carbonated holiness (laughter) amidst the congregation.

Bob S. celebrates time spent with his two great-granddaughters at a fun-filled campsite adventure yesterday.

Nancy and Roy B. celebrate their daughter and daughter-in-law’s birthdays (birthdays on the same day).

Bob S. thanks God for the gift of celebrating his daughter’s birthday last week, made all the sweeter given she is still recovering from a serious accident.

Cheryl R. celebrates her grandson turning 16 today.

Bob S. is thankful for the new church blog that is documenting the life and times of our church family.

Renae H. invited the congregation to pray for her friend Tom who just had open heart surgery.

Korla S. thanks God for the gift of 20 people worshipping together this morning.

Thanks be to God for the unique gift that Sandy D. and Cheryl R. share the same birthday: December 26.

Belinda A. is thankful for her friend’s text yesterday, asking how she is doing. Thanks be to God for friends who love us enough to check in on us from time to time!

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.

Where There's Need, There's the UMC

United Methodists this week were so involved helping others, their actions called to mind Jesus’ teaching from Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (NRSVUE). From Gaza to Ukraine to Zimbabwe and beyond, United Methodists everywhere were caring for the world’s most vulnerable people.

Read more at this link.