Scripture lessons for October 5

Next Sunday, we will join with Christians around the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday. Our lessons will come from 2 Timothy 1:1-10 and Luke 17:5-10.

We'll be considering our role among the followers of Jesus as we lean into the future that awaits us in the presence of God's Spirit.

Today at Glenville UMC

Happy fall, y'all!

Welcome to Glenville UMC!

Jim has a birthday this week

Rodger has a birthday this week

This month by the numbers

JOYS

+The church family thanks God for the gift of Jim H. and Rodger L. who celebrate their birthdays this coming week.

+Belinda A. thanks God for yesterday’s wonderful outing to four fall festivals around the town of Emmons. The weather was picture-perfect, and the mood was upbeat and fun!

+Pat R. shared Cheryl and Mike R.’s joy that their granddaughter was named homecoming queen at homecoming.

+Roy B. thanks God for his wife making incremental physical therapy progress. He is grateful to God for a loving church family who has been sending cards to Nancy, been visiting with her at her rehab center, and been checking in on him, too.

+The congregation celebrates the way Nancy B. is loving and encouraging everyone she meets at the rehab center; she is sharing God’s love to all with whom she encounters!

+Bob S. is grateful to God that he was not in a car crash. (It was a near-miss.)

+Pastor Charles celebrates the opportunity to talk before the Glenville city council tomorrow night to request a church directional sign be installed to direct folks off Main Street onto the street where our church is located.

+Sid T. thanks God for his new glasses. (And then he joked that all of us look older to him now.)

+Pastor Charles thanks God for a successful used-car-shopping experience last week, which resulted in a Jeep replacing his totaled truck.

+The congregation celebrates the technology is chronicling the life and times of our church family, i.e., the church’s website now has a link to its Flickr account, where all the pictures taken of our church family are stored.     https://www.flickr.com/photos/203506919@N07/albums/

+The congregation is thankful for Belinda A.’ 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. asks congregation for prayers for her 15-year-old grandson Bentley, whose injury in a football game resulted in fractured and broken bones.

+Bob S. invites the congregation to pray to God, asking for healing mercies for his friend Eunice, who is experiencing medical challenges – and for Eunice’s sister Connie, too, who is worried about her sister.

+The congregation continues to pray for Nancy B. who is recuperating from surgery after a fall at home.

+The congregation prays to God for protection of those in the church family who are not with us in this morning’s worship.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

 "Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

This doxology is admirably adapted to strengthen our faith, that we may not stagger at the great things the apostle has been praying for, as if they were too much for God to give, or for us to expect from him ... When he has given us exceeding, yea, abundant blessings, still we may ask for more. And he is able to do it. But we may think of more than we have asked. He is able to do this also. Yea, and above all this .... Above all we can think. Nay, exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can either ask or think.

~ John Wesley (Notes on Ephesians 3:20)

Prayer for the first day of autumn

Painting by Maya Lindberg

O God of Creation, You have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.

As we embrace these autumn months,

May the earlier setting of the sun

Remind us to take time to rest.

May the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet

Remind us of the brevity of this earthly life.

May the steam of our breath in the cool air

Remind us that it is You who give us

Your breath of life.

May the scurrying of the squirrels and the migration of the birds

Remind us that You call us to follow Your will.

We praise You for Your goodness forever and ever.

Amen.

– Author Unknown

Scripture lessons for September 28

As we approach the end of September, we turn to Luke 16:19-31 and 1 Timothy 6:6-19 for our lessons. 

Everyone knows that roots are crucial to plant health. So, the question for us this week is this: how healthy are your spiritual roots?

Today at Glenville UMC

Autumn begins in Glenville!

Donna D.'s birthday is on Thursday

Bob is awesome!

JOYS

+The church family thanks God for the gift of Donna D. who celebrates her birthday this coming Thursday.

+Belinda A. thanks God for yesterday’s wonderful United Women in Faith (UWFaith) gathering at Hope UMC in Blue Earth. After lunch, 400 blessing bags were assembled, which will feed 2,400 people! They contain the makings for nutrient-dense meals filled with vitamins, dehydrated vegetables, soy, and rice – a fantastic way to feed so many of the world’s hungry people! And the farewell goodie bags our church women donated were well received.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for an enjoyable day at the UWFaith district gathering yesterday. He helped to celebrate Holy Communion, and he led the officers’ installation ceremony. And he served as the "official" photographer for the day.

+Bob Sharp thanks God for the Albert Lea local Disabled American Veterans chapter #16’s donation of their excess medical equipment to Midwest Mission, which was delivered to Hope UMC this past Friday.

+Roy B. thanks God for his wife’s physical therapy success – after her surgery, following a fall last week. She recently walked four steps forward and four steps backwards, with the aid of folks on either side of her! And he shared that the quilt she made for granddaughter Tara (who recently passed away) was returned to her, to help her stay warm in the hospital/Good Sam’s rehab center. She said she feels like she is “sleeping with Tara, now.”

+Pastor Charles rejoices that he remembered everyone’s name at church today. And he celebrates that during his time outside this morning, sitting on the back deck, a chipmunk came remarkably close to him and stared at him. (Sid T. then joked that the squirrel thought the pastor was a “big nut.” 😊)

+Sid T. thanks God for his time spent on the north shore, near Canada, where he enjoyed great weather. The leaves had changed colors, and they were beautiful to behold.

+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

+Congregation is praying for Nancy B. who is recuperating from surgery after a fall at home.

+Cheryl R. invited the congregation to pray about the concern surrounding our local hospital’s plan to reduce services to area citizens, so folks will have to travel farther distances for healthcare.

Fall Gathering -- Prairie Winds United Women in Faith -- Mission Focus

Ready to fill the trailer!

Filling blessing bags -- nutrient-dense meals filled with vitamins, dehydrated vegetables, soy, and rice – a great way to feed so many of the world’s hungry people!

Packing the Midwest Mission trailer

 Bob Sharp, commander of Disabled American Veterans chapter #16 in Albert Lea coordinated the delivery of donations from the DAV to Hope UMC, where they were loaded into a Midwest Mission trailer.

Bob Sharp, commander of Disabled American Veterans chapter #16 with two other veterans who helped to load donations to be sent to Midwest Mission.

Fall Gathering -- Prairie Winds United Women in Faith -- Part Two

The Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula led the ceremony to install officers 

Belinda leads everyone at the UWFaith Prairie Winds District in a fun dance (The Bhangra move called "Punjab" embodies joy, hope, and positivity)

Photo Op -- Fun posing with colorful frilly scarves -- "an ussie!"

Enjoying a delicious lunch provided by host church

Belinda Alkula is setting out farewell goodie bags, which were gratefully received! They were were provided by the Glenville United Methodist Church UWFaith unit.

Fall Gathering -- Prairie Winds United Women in Faith -- Part One

Rev. Judy Clark leads memorial service

Belinda Alkula provides morning devotion

Dancing the "punjab" -- joyful movement

 

Four pastors celebrating Holy Communion

Prairie Winds District United Women in Faith Fall Gathering  

Saturday, September 20, 2025 -- Hope UMC, Blue Earth, Minnesota

8:30-9:15 am: Registration and Coffee/Tea

9:15 am-3:00 pm: Gathering Time

$20 Registration Includes Lunch

Focus: Mission and Social Action

During our time together, we assembled 400 blessing bags which will feed 2,400 people! They contain nutrient-dense meals filled with vitamins, dehydrated vegetables, soy, and rice – a great way to feed so many of the world’s hungry people!

The day included the annual district meeting, election, and installation of district  officers, singing together, fun, devotions, memorial service, communion, information on missions, update on Emma Norton Services, food, friends, reading books, and more.

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.