Leo Methodist Church

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

WARS AND RUMORS OF WAR

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See to it that you are not frightened or troubled.   Matthew 24:6

Jim Morin was a retired United Methodist pastor who became a close friend and mentor early in my career. Jim was a WWII vet and, perhaps most importantly, my friend. Jim was a committed pacifist. I asked him once how his lifelong pacifism squared with his service in the Pacific during WWII. Jim had fought in places like the Philippines and Okinawa. He responded: “sometimes in the face of overwhelming evil you have to fight.” 

My friend Jim passed away in 2019 and I miss him. Watching the horrifying events taking place in Israel, I thought of Jim. Hearing of beheaded babies, murdered elderly (some of them holocaust survivors), and violated women, Jim Morin’s words came flooding back to me. “Sometimes in the face of overwhelming evil, you have to fight.” What we are seeing in Israel is overwhelming evil. Seeing it, I have a newer, more gut level understanding of why my friend put his life on the line decades ago to face down the fascism of Hitler and Tojo, despite his pacifism. 

I am a product of a post-modern seminary education. The prevailing opinion at the seminary I attended was that evil exists, but there was no personification of it. In other words, there is no such thing as “Satan” per se. They were wrong. Satan does exist. You can see his handiwork in the Middle East. Furthermore, Satan loves it when some of our best and brightest theologians don’t believe in him. Satan does his best work in darkness. What better cover of darkness than some politically correct notion that there is no such thing as “evil” and that morals are relative. I believe there is another phrase that accurately describes what “moral relativism” really is: “Moral cowardice.” So, just for the record, let this post-modern, seminary educated pastor clearly and unequivocally say there is evil in the world, and it is represented by movements like Hamas – movements that promote the notion that murdering babies and other non-combatants is fair game. 

I admit that I don’t know as much about Islam as I would like to. I want to believe that it is a religion of peace as many of its proponents claim. Perhaps, properly understood it is. Regardless, a perverted view of Islam has been fashioned into a fascist ideology that sees barbarism as a justifiable means to an end. What’s happening to innocents in Israel right now at the hands of Hamas is not religious. It’s political and it’s satanic. 

So, what should our response as Christians be? Jesus once said there will be times when we hear of wars and rumors of wars but that we should not be troubled or afraid. (Matt. 24:6)  Let’s remember, though, that while Jesus encouraged us to not be afraid, he wasn’t telling us to be indifferent either. The Apostle Paul suggests putting on the full armor of God. A couple of items in Paul’s armor of God tool kit were prayer and the Bible. So, I urge you to be in prayer for the people of Israel and for the peace of God to reign in Israel and in the entire world – preferably sooner rather than later. Stay in the Word so that we might know that God is who Jesus said He is, and that God will do what He says He’s going to do. Cinching up the belt of truth and adjusting our breastplates of integrity then, let us agree that the time of playing politically correct word games and moral equivalency is over. There is no moral equivalency between Israel and Hamas. We must call evil out for what it is. 

In the end, we know that the reconciling promise of the cross means that Jesus has already won and that Satan, in the long run, no longer can. In the end, the ultimate outcome of the battle is a foregone conclusion.

Blessings,  

Pastor Jeff 

New Global Membership, New Name, Bright Future!

Exciting news for our church! On Tuesday, October 17, we received a letter informing us we had been accepted as a member congregation of the Global Methodist Church effective Friday, September 22, 2023! Praise God!

In addition, on Sunday, October 22, members gathered to vote for the name they felt would represent our church the most. There were two stages to the vote. The first one, which took place in the Gym, culled the 40+ name suggestions down to two: Leo Methodist Church and One Road Church. The second part, which was held in the Sanctuary, had members voting between those two names. The final tally was Leo Methodist Church, 52 and One Road Church, 41.

Thank you to everyone who suggested names and ideas for voting. We know this process was very trying at times. We are very excited, though, about our new name of Leo Methodist Church and what this means going forward. To quote a great old 80s song: “The future’s so bright . . . [we] gotta wear shades!”

Changes to Worship in December!

There are a couple of changes coming to Worship services in December. The first change will be the Passing of the Plate. It has been several years since we observed this tradition, and your Worship Committee believes it is time again. We will have an actual offertory, the ushers will collect the plates, and deliver them to Jeff on the Chancel. The congregation will, once again, sing the doxology.

An additional change coming in December – because of the busy holiday season, we are limiting our December worship services to one service. We will continue with our first service at 9:30 a.m. and return to a two-service Sunday on January 07, 2024.

-Bonnie Adams 

Advent is Fast Approaching!

The first Sunday in Advent is December 03, 2023. Families and individuals are needed to light the Advent candles each Sunday and on Christmas Eve. If you are interested, phone the church office OR fill out an Advent form, found on the Usher’s table.  The dates/times are:

                       December 3           9:30AM

                       December 10         9:30AM

                       December 17         9:30AM

                       December 24         9:30AM and 7:00PM

Hanging of the Greens

Come join us on Sunday, November 26 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall and the Sanctuary. 

We will add the beautiful touches of Christmas to our church as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord!

Missions Sewing Displays Quilts; Supports Midwest Mission

Chronological Bible Study

The Chronological Bible Study is off to a great start. Thirty-four active participants have seen God’s Word come alive by absorbing Genesis, Job, and the first eighteen chapters of Exodus. It is one beautiful story told over several lifetimes. Please encourage your friends and family members who are in this study! 

In addition, it’s not too late to join! We have two meeting times: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Music Room. If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Smith.

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself . . .

Hello, Leo Methodist Church!

It’s been such a busy month that I haven’t had time to write a short article to say hello – and our October newsletter was so full of activities there wasn’t room! However, I did want to take a bit of space in this edition and introduce myself. My name is Christa Dillman and I am the new Church Office Administrator. I am excited to be here and already enjoying everything that goes on (this is a busy place!). I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you already and appreciate the welcome, along with the kindness shown as I acclimate to this new environment. My intention is to ensure everything runs smoothly and stays as consistent as possible. 

I am the proud mother of an intelligent, funny, and kind son. I'm also a voracious reader who loves to write, watch movies, listen to music, and torture myself by watching hockey (if you're a Chicago fan, you understand). My office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m; if you’re around, please do not hesitate to swing by and say hi! 

All my best,

Christa

Another Year of Cinnamon Rolls!

The Leo Women in Faith Cinnamon Roll Fundraiser was a success!! We could not have done it without all the help from our Church family and friends. We sold over 430 cinnamon rolls this year to raise money for supporting women and children missions. Thank you to the ladies of the Leo UWF who supported and worked the fundraiser. From taking orders to working Friday evening and Saturday; without your help this project would not be possible. If you purchased rolls, thank you for your support of our missions. See you next time for more yummy cinnamon rolls!

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

On FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 we will be watching VeggieTales Story!

Doors open: 6:00 p.m.

Movie starts: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Church Gym

Come enjoy visiting with others AND watch a family friendly movie!

Bring your favorite chair OR pillows & blankets.

Snacks: Popcorn and Juice

Taste of FRIDAY - November 03!

10 a.m - 12 p.m. in the Youth Room

Becky has another fantastic recipe to share this month!

Come visit, taste, and enjoy!

First Friday of each month!

We hope you'll join us!

Men’s Ministry

The next Men's Breakfast will be Thursday, November 9 at 7 a.m. in the gym. It's always an enjoyable time of fellowship and prayer. We hope you will join us! 

CARDIO DANCE - Everyone Welcome!

Sundays, November 12, 19, & 26

Wednesdays, November 01, 15, 22, & 29

If you have any questions, please contact

Carrie Shappell!

2023 - 2024 Women in Faith Gatherings

FALL 2023

Circle Meetings

Second Friday of the Month at Noon in Youth Room

Friday, November 10: Circle Meeting

Book Reviews

Friday, December 15: Christmas Potluck

Meet at 11:30AM in the Youth Room

WINTER - SPRING 2024

Saturday, January 13: Lunch at a Restaurant

Location to Be Determined

Sunday, February 9: Mission Project - College Cards

Friday, March 8: Circle Meeting

Friday, April 12: Circle Meeting

April Fundraiser: Date To Be Determined

Friday, May 10: Spring Carry-In

June: Date To Be Determined for Lunch Out



OFFICERS

Wednesday Night Dinners Wrap in November

Hi All! We have a few more Wednesday night suppers left before Thanksgiving. Your Kitchen Krew has enjoyed cooking for you and hopes you have enjoyed our offerings. The last supper will be Wednesday, November 15, the week before Thanksgiving. We will be cooking our own version of Thanksgiving for you! In the meantime, if there is something you really enjoyed or would like for us to make, let us know. We like new ideas!

Thanks for eating with us!  See you in JANUARY!

-Nancy Divelbiss

 Outstanding October for Preschool!

October was quite a busy month for the preschool. We had visitors from the Northeast Fire Department, field trips to Cooks Apple Orchard, Salomon Farms, and Kurtz’s Pumpkin Patch. We also enjoyed Mom’s Night and our Community Helpers parade. Wonderful memories were made, and our students gained so many new experiences. We feel so fortunate to be able to offer these educational and fun opportunities! Their confidence and excitement for learning grows each day.

We would like to personally thank those who helped provide childcare so our parents can enjoy that special one-on-one time with their child on their recent field trips.  We greatly appreciate your willingness to serve the preschool!  

This month we will have our parent/teacher conferences, a food drive for the Grabill Food Bank, and our annual Harvest Feast. As we enter into the Thanksgiving holiday, we are so thankful for your prayers and support of the preschool. We are truly blessed.



Blessings,

Lisa Wietlisbach

Leo UM Preschool Director

Preschool Partners: Get Involved!

Want to help support our WONDERFUL PRESCHOOL and BUILD BRIDGES between our church congregation and our preschool staff/students? We are looking for some creative, encouraging members of our congregation who would like to be on an email list to occasionally assist with helping hands, open hearts, friendly smiles, and donating/surprising the dedicated preschool staff. Our church is so fortunate to have over 100 students here each week. Help us build real connections with these special families!

Some possible sample activities include leaving a little holiday treat for the staff, being a door greeter at preschool family event, etc. Help us share the love and support of our preschoolers/families. Let’s be bridge builders! If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, email Tracey Wahl at tracylwhal7@gmail.com or call 260-341-2042.

-Tracey Wahl (on behalf of the Preschool Board)

* Thank you all for the flood of birthday cards! The expression of love in this gift was overwhelming. I wish to thank everyone who participated in this endeavor.

Thank you,

Jim Etsler

*Message of THANKS from the Family of Peter Werth:

Thank you for the many prayers, phone calls, and cards during the extended illness (and passing) of Pete. We could feel the love and support of our church family. Special thanks to Karen W. and the Women of Faith ladies who provided a lovely meal after the funeral. Heartfelt thanks to all of our church family!

Peg, Tracey, Jerry, Sarah, Rachel and Family

*Nancy Divelbiss would like to say thank you to JoAnne McPherson for her beautiful dahlias she has shared this Fall throughout the sanctuary. They certainly do remind us of God's beauty all around us!

*Thanks to Rachel Wahl, Ashlyn Scroggins, Breven Anderson, and Jacob Poppele for packing 61 school bags with supplies for Midwest Mission on October 22!

-Connie Bowman

Pray As You Are

Pray As You Are meets in the sanctuary from 12:00-12:30PM on Tuesdays. We hope you will come join others in this reflective time of worship together, or just take time to pray wherever you are.

Five Crowns - Fellowship & Fun!

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00PM

Fellowship Hall

Ages 18-99.... or even 105! Love to play a game that favors luck/chance more than cunning/skills... so you can concentrate more on fun than strategy? This is the game for you! And you can learn it in five minutes or less - guaranteed! Come join the fun for the whole evening or just slip in for a hand or two! If you have questions, contact Rhonda Smith or Vickie-Lynn Kennerk, or just show up on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.!

November Birthdays

11/01 Dianna Schroer

11/01 Denise Stump

11/02 Lauren Bailey

11/04 Jeff Smith

11/04 E.J. Wright

11/08 Mark Adams

11/11 Bev Beatty

11/11 Natilee Kechel

11/11 Grace Lahr

11/12 Joan Amstutz

11/12 Landon Leer

11/15 Debby Tandy

11/16 Ava Baker

11/21 Inez Slentz

11/21 Carolyn Warsco

11/23 Ron Lahr

11/24 Judy Ladd

11/26 Sherrin Cook

11/26 Darwin Hand

11/27 Grace Koch

11/28 Rhonda Smith

11/30 Cicely Harding

November Anniversaries

11/02 Nancy & Ron Divelbiss

11/04 Virginia & Jake Ruby

11/05 Ashton & Tyler Fink

11/11 Kelly & Darwin Hand

11/18 Sharon & Bob Christlieb

11/21 Bobbie & Paul Welker

11/22 Natliee & David Kechel

Prayer Requests

Leona Kechel

Sue Ellen Moyer

(Names remain on Prayer Requests for two months unless otherwise notified.)

Shut-Ins

Merton Deventer

Helen Hobson (Michigan)

Sue Roberts

Maureen Strauss

Our Military

Jesse Adams, U.S. Air Force

Benjamin Eager, U.S. Army

Julie Gorney, U.S. Navy

Gene Harding, U.S. Army National Guard

Stephen Wierzbowski, U.S. Navy

Jacob Wolfe, U.S. Army National Guard

The Church Office is Open!

. . . but it would be extremely helpful if you called the office (260-627-2161) prior to coming to the front door. Church office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Please come to Entrance 1.

And you can always reach us via email:

Pastor Jeff Smith - pastor@leoumc.org

Bonnie Adams - finance@leoumc.org - tithing, contributions, monetary donations, everything financial

Christa Dillman - admin@leoumc.org - scheduling meetings/events, reserving/renting church space, newsletter articles, prayer concerns, general questions