The Willow Word

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The Willow Word A Publication of the Willow Glen United Methodist Church

God’s Family Growing Through Caring, Sharing and Serving

Mission Possible: Building A Better Church Our WGUMC mission statement says that we are "God's family growing through caring, sharing, and serving." Years ago, we embraced the concept of being "God's family" when we hired Susan and then Lisa to minister to children, youth, and families. Likewise, for years, we have embraced "caring" and "sharing" through cradle-to-grave programming: Woodhaven Preschool, Sunday School, Crosswalk, VBS, the joint youth ministry, summer camps, Disciple Bible, prayer and study groups, new member classes, Caring Hands and various other caring ministries.

Since the last Mexico Mission trip, we have newly embraced "serving" through the Building Hope group, regular Change the World and Fifth Sunday service projects and the Open Table program – all in addition to the ministries that we participate in through the United Methodist Church: UMCOR, Heifer Project, Advance Specials, Special Sunday offerings, Apportionments, Annual Conference programs, and more! All this is just great. But, our potential is even greater. You see, we haven't yet fully embraced the "growing" aspect of our mission statement. Praise God that we have the human resources (the staffing and the lay leadership) we need to share the love and grow the body. All we need are the material resources. We need money and we need buildings, buildings that will not just sustain what we're doing but enable us to do even more. The current state of our main programming building (Kohlstedt Hall and Wesley Room) is holding us back from being "God's family growing." The space is unattractive, dirty, and not adequately equipped for ministry. If we are intent upon making disciples and being "God's family growing through caring, sharing and serving," this situation is unacceptable. Most of us would not let our families live in these conditions. Why would we expect God's family to grow in them? The Mission Possible Team – Brian Ganz, Kyle Mastrolia, Jerry Hutcheson, Peggy Schlosser, Dave Freeman and Jeff & Leslie Chamberlain – has put a lot of prayer and hard work into a Master Plan for the building renovations and debt repayment that we talked about at our congregational meeting back in March. More details are included in this issue of the Willow Word and on our website (from the WGUMC home page, click “Resources” and then “Members”). But even more important than having a Master Plan is having a Master Builder. And it ain't us. In the words of Archbishop Romero, "We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs." So we look to our Master Builder to help us guide and shape this Master Plan, laid on the good foundation of faith, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. And all of God's people said: "Amen!" Construction Plan The vision of the Mission Possible team is to responsibly improve our space in a way that enables us to achieve our goals and church vision. The renovation team has devised a phased approach to address the most urgent needs for repair while in parallel paying off debt. Each phase has a specific goal, budget and timeline and will be approved by the board of trustees. • Phase 1: The most urgent repairs and needed upgrades in Kohlstedt Hall and the Wesley Room. These are the most-used, outreachoriented and largest revenue-generating spaces on our campus. This phase is focused on improving space for worship, attracting new members and accommodating future fundraising events. Continued on Page 4

July/August 2013 In This Issue: Pastor’s Page General Church News Children & Family Ministries Mission & Service Women’s Page All Around Willow Glen

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2 Sunday Worship Summer Schedule 10:00-11:00 a.m. Combined Worship Service Sanctuary 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Time

Church Staff Rebecca Irelan Senior Pastor

Susan Smith Pastor of Children & Family Ministries Lisa Jacobs Director of Joint Youth Ministries Lorene Sheridan Director of Weekday Ark Ministries Robert Birnstihl Organist & Director of Music Ministries Barbara Brustrom Conductor, the Chancel Choir Nichole Boaz Director, the Praise Band Tom Mounts Director, the Willow Glen Ringers Dee Davis Office & Facilities Manager Karen Kwon Wedding Coordinator

Pastor’s Page The Many Blessings Of Church Family

One of my ideas for a slogan for Willow Glen UMC was: "The family you wish you were born into." That didn't go over so well, I suppose because it implies that there is something wrong with our birth families. What I was trying to get across in that awkwardly-worded phrase is that church families can do things that nuclear families can't. When families are spread out all over, our church family is right here when we need them. When family conflicts pull us apart, our church family can put us back together. When familial wounds run deep, church families can administer the life-saving medicine of love and forgiveness. In the last few months, I have seen many awesome ways that our church is practicing being a real family. Many of you contributed to a special book for Ruby Goodnight. She enjoys reading and rereading your memories, thoughts and prayers. She knows that her church family is with her even when she can't be with us. For months and months now, you have been praying for Claudia Pierson as she has undergone harsh chemotherapy treatments. You've been there with cards and gifts, food and faith, and her last CT scan brought some really good news. She drove straight from the doctor to the church to give thanks! Through your generous contributions to the We Care Fund, we have been able to provide professional Christian counseling to a few dear friends who are going through some difficult times of transition in their lives. This is one clear instance of your love making a very real difference. As Laura Burnett (Glynn) goes through a difficult divorce, you have been there to offer financial support and encouragement. Linda Russo and others have provided childcare for the girls. Friends have brought meals and helped with rent. And a big crew from Willow Glen helped them all move into their new apartment. I'm looking forward to the house blessing. Being family is not just something women do. The men at Willow Glen know how to do it, too. Brian Ganz recently arranged for a mini-retreat up in Tahoe for a few men in our church. Life in Silicon Valley is pretty stressful for our dads, so we're grateful that he got these good guys together for some Sabbath time in the Sierras. I may be biased, but I think we've got a good thing going here. I'm proud to be the pastor of a people who walk the talk and live to give. At Annual Conference in June, Bishop Brown reappointed me to Willow Glen. I'm eager to begin my third year here and can't wait to find out what fantastic fun we're going to have doing ministry together this fall. Yours in Christ,

Rebecca

General Church News

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God Is Good – And So Far, So Are The Finances!

When we made the difficult decision to reduce the number of recovery meetings at the church in order to lessen the noise and parking problems in the neighborhood, we lost $400/month in rent. We expect our utility bills to go down, because the group that left was using the AC in Kohlstedt Hall five days a week. To balance the loss, we have a new copier lease that is saving us several hundred dollars a month. We send a big thank you to Dee Davis for some tough negotiating to make that change! In other good news, we repaid one of the Woodhaven renovation loans and the interest due on another loan. That means that we were able to eliminate $45,125 in renovation debt this year! Praise God! As of the end of June, we have made our payroll each pay period and are also meeting our target for apportionment payments this year. Thank you for keeping up your pledges and gifts during the slow summer months. Remember that you can make donations online. Go to wgumc.org and click on the revolving “News Headlights” section (underneath the home page photo) for eGiving information. It will direct you to our online giving site. Or you can use your smartphone to scan the QR code here.

Outdoor Worship on August 25

Blessing of the Animals on the Woodhaven Patio, 10:00 a.m. Bring your pets to our service of blessing, and we will give thanks for the special animals that God put into our lives to remind us of our vital connections to (and responsibilities for) the precious web of God’s good Creation. Our worship service will be outside on the Woodhaven Patio, but your pet must be properly restrained at all times while on the church campus. Water and shade will be provided. If you can’t bring your pet, bring us a photo of them to bless. If you don’t have a pet but would like us to bless your stuffed animal, we can do that, too. If you would volunteer to help us set up chairs and equipment early that morning or if you could be a pet guardian to help us keep all our pets and people comfortable and safe, please give your name to Pastor Rebecca or Pastor Susan. This will be a great weekend for “Each One to Bring One.” We will welcome your friends or neighbors – and their pets, too!

Each One Bring One to Buck-A-Burger

Food and Fellowship on the Woodhaven Patio Buck-A-Burger is back and better than ever. This year we are asking you to make an effort to invite someone new to dinner. Bring place settings, a potluck dish, and a friend, neighbor or co-worker for us to share the peace of Christ with. Thank you to David Marshall for rebuilding our barbecue pit! We are ready and raring to go! Thursday, July 11, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. – welcoming the RATS recovery group Thursday, July 25, TBD We provide the burgers, buns and condiments. We just ask you to bring a dish to share, your own utensils/tableware, and $1 for each burger. Since the recovery group members will be our guests on July 17, we are only asking that they bring $1/burger. It would be terrific if the rest of our church community could bring some extra utensils/tableware and slightly larger side dishes for sharing that week. If you can help with set-up, serving or clean-up, please contact Ruth Granfors or Gwyne Grubb.

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Children & Family Ministries

We’re Off To Camp!

Many of our children and youth will be at church camp in the next couple of weeks, and they would love to receive letters from members of their church family. Thank you for taking time to send a letter or postcard their way, and thank you for supporting their camp experience by your generous financial support of our campership fund! July 7-12: Toyon Kids Camp Monte Toyon 220 Cloister Lane Aptos, CA 95003 Ben Chamberlain Aidan Choy-Marshall Shea Choy-Marshall Bella Fuller Read Fuller Mekiah Glynn Gillian Grubb Evan Pham Lydia Pham Ben Morgan Carolyn Schwartz Katie Schwartz Caden Seevers Staff: Susan Smith & Kyle Theaker

July 7-12: Camp Quest Monte Toyon 220 Cloister Lane Aptos, CA 95003 Madeline Glynn

July 14-19: Jr. High Summer Camp Camp Hartland 57611 Eshom Valley Drive Badger, CA 93603 Ellie Barstow Sam Chamberlain Madeline Glynn Addie Gonzales Lizzie Gonzales Griffin Hom Zach Hom Sophie Klitgaard Alex Kunde Kristen Millstein Catherine Moore Chandra Pham Casey Smith Hannah Theaker Maggie Theaker Lucy Yepiz Staff: Lisa Jacobs, Katrina Kraynick, Katie Pense & Drew Roberts

Mission Possible: Building A Better Church

Continued from Front Page • Phase 2: Renovations to the Sanctuary. This work will begin when funds become available and will include ceiling repair, window repair, new paint, floor refinishing/new carpet, energy-efficient lighting, an upgraded sound & projection system and improved handicapped accessibility. • Phase 3: Additional renovations to Kohlstedt Hall and the Wesley Room, as funds become available. Upgrades in Kohlstedt will include energy-efficient lighting, an upgraded sound system, refinishing the stage floor and replacing curtains, window blinds and upgraded electrical. Wesley Room improvements will include floor replacement, energy-efficient lighting, kitchen improvements and upgraded electrical. • Phase 4: Exterior campus renovations, when funded. These improvements will include adding/replacing energy-efficient lighting, improving and replacing signage and parking lot upgrades. Financial Requirements In order to complete all phases of the project and pay off all of our past renovation debt, we will need to raise a total of $300,000: $200,000 still owed from the Woodhaven remodel and $100,000 needed for the new work to our main building. The Mission Possible team has committed to not taking on any new debt – so each phase of construction will only take place once the money has been raised. Also, as money is raised for this project, half will go toward debt repayment and half will go to renovations. We have already paid down $45,000 on our loans and have raised $45,000 to start Phase 1 of the renovations. Our first fundraiser is a church-wide garage sale scheduled for September 7 (see Back Page). Fundraising Strategy In order to reach this goal of $350,000, the Mission Possible team is planning several fundraising events, will be soliciting corporate sponsorships and targeted gifts, and will be asking our members for pledges and donations. If 100 families give at least an additional $60/month for three years – combined with the annual fundraising events, sponsorships and gifts – our vision of an improved, attractive building and zero debt will become a reality. Please take the opportunity to fill out a Mission Possible pledge card for September 2013-September 2014. They will be included in the monthly mailing for July and August. Continued on Back Page

Mission & Service

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WGUMC Helps Build Bridge Of Love To Angola

The California-Nevada Annual Conference is trying to raise $50,000 to rebuild a medical clinic in Angola that was damaged in that country's civil war. At our annual meeting in Sacramento, it was announced that the United Methodists in Northern California and Northern Nevada had raised over $30,000 toward that goal – and that figure doesn't even count our own church's efforts. Willow Glen kids have raised over $500, and we don't yet know what our total special offering for June will be. But thank you for your help in restoring a clinic that will be used as the focal point for the medical and health care ministry of the Methodist Church in Angola. Once operational, the clinic will play a key role in Methodist efforts to eliminate malaria in Angola.

New Caring Ministry Meets July 9

A group of people have gotten together because they feel called to reach out to individuals and families in our congregation who need help in various ways. From the prayer chain to prayer shawls, from hospital visits to home-cooked meals, there are lots of ways that we care for each other. But we need a way to coordinate these activities so that we can care for more people and involve more people in caring. If you'd like to join us, we are going to meet on Tuesday, July 9, at 1:30 p.m. in the church library. If you can't make the meeting, but want to help, please contact Pastor Rebecca or the church office.

Building Hope An Mexico

Our mission team leaves for Mexico on Saturday, July 27. Plan to be in worship to bless their work on Sunday, July 21. We are planning to hear from representatives from all our mission teams in worship on Sunday, August 11.

Pack A Backpack For Local Students

Believe it or not, it’s time to start getting ready for school again! During the month of July, we will be collecting backpacks and school supplies to fill the backpacks of children in our community through the efforts of Sacred Heart Community Center. Sacred Heart especially needs backpacks (colors and designs are great, just NOT red or blue), but you may bring any of the following supplies to the collection box at church by Sunday, July 21. If you would like to make a financial donation, please mark it “backpacks.” Let’s help Sacred Heart fill backpacks so students can succeed in school and fulfill their dreams. Erasers Glue sticks Pocket folders Crayons (jumbo or regular) Mechanical pencils Ballpoint pens #2 pencils Markers (broad tip) Pencil sharpener Spiral notebooks (wide or college ruled) Lined paper (wide or college ruled) Ruler 3-ring binders Boxes of tissue Hand sanitizer $20 gift card for shoes Backpacks (NOT red or blue) Please note: if you would like to fill a complete backpack for a child in our community, you can find the age-appropriate list at http://files.www.sacredheartcs.org/packaback2013/Supplies_lists.pdf.

6 Women’s Groups Heart and Hands Third Thursday 7:00 p.m., Woodhaven Meg Kau Childcare available please arrange with Susan Smith Friendship Circle First Wednesday Noon at Woodhaven. Sue Johnson Wesley Women Will not meet in July or August

Women’s Page Women’s Retreat At CPUMC: You Are Enough!

Friday, August 9, at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 10, at 10:00 a.m. are the starting times for a women’s retreat hosted by Limitless United Methodist Women of the California/ Nevada Conference. Invited are: mothers, daughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, aunts and nieces. This covers everyone in at least one of those capacities. The program involves sharing stories, learning and growing together, empowering each other, joyful worship and singing – something for everyone. In addition, there will be an opportunity to create hands-on UMCOR Mission Kits. Women of all ages, 12 and up, and are invited to take part at this retreat taking place at Cambrian Park UMC. Since women will be coming from all over the Conference, some sleeping accommodations are available on Friday night for a sleepover in the Fellowship Hall, or by special arrangements with the Campbell Inn near the Pruneyard. Registration Forms with complete information are available on the UMW Board in the office hallway. Registration is $15 per person. Scholarships will be available for Willow Glen members (contact Patricia Madsen).

Mission U – Becoming Informed

Complete information about the UMW sponsored Mission U events for 2013 can be found in pamphlets on the UMW bulletin board in the office hallway. There are four sessions: two one-day sessions and two weekend sessions. • July 27 at New Vision UMC, Millbrae • August 24 at Clovis UMC, Clovis • August 16-18 at the Ramada Inn, Reno • September 13-15 at the Clarion Hotel, Sacramento

The UMW Executive Board will meet Monday, August 12, at 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room. UMW is open to all women regardless of church membership. For more information about UMW, call Patricia Madsen.

The deadline for the September Willow Word is August 25. Please send your story ideas and submissions to Leslie Chamberlain

Study topics for 2013 are: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly; The Roma of Europe; and Poverty. Study books will be available in the church library or on the site of the Mission U. Conference and local scholarships are available. Please see forms on the bulletin board.

Bring One To Each One

One of the easiest ways to introduce a friend or neighbor to the love of God that can be found in Christian community is to invite them to a special event at this church. Our summer worship services offer you plenty of opportunities to fulfill your "Each One Bring One" commitment. In fact, look at the schedule for July and August and plan to "Bring One to Each One!" July 7: We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail." We'll hear several excerpts from the letter and sing some great spirituals. July 14: Atom Yee will be sharing some of his faith journey with us during worship. July 21: Our long-awaited Creator Faire in Kohlstedt Hall. Please let the pastor know if you are planning to bring something that expresses your creativity to share with friends during coffee hour. Do you have garden produce? Gourmet desserts? Hand-tied fishing flies? Exotic plants? Poems? Other crafts? What a great way to share a gift and know each other better! July 28: Hank Millstein will preach about his experiences as linguist for the Warms Springs Confederated Indians in Oregon. We will also celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday. August 11: We hope to have reports from those who went on our mission trips this summer to North Dakota and Mexico. August 18: Steve Quigley will share about the Art of Teaching as school is back insession. August 25: Blessing of the Animals with worship outdoors on the Woodhaven Patio. Bring a friend with a pet!

All Around Willow Glen

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Family Shelter Dinner Team Needed For August 24

Check your calendar, enter the date, and contact Jane Vivian with the news that you want to help serve dinner at the San Jose Family Shelter on Saturday, August 24. With warm weather expected, the team will be putting on a barbecue on the patio at the Shelter. Needed: BBQ chef (1 or 2), 3 or 4 servers, and people to supply the following: Hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, cheese slices, BBQ beans, potato salad, veggies and fruit. Dessert will be ice cream cups – you can chip in for that, too! Preparations will be made for around 60 guests. The food will need to be delivered to the Shelter by 4 p.m. – serving time is 5 p.m. and cleanup is expected to be complete by 7 at the latest. How can you help? Please let Jane know.

Sympathy

Our sympathy is extended to Music Director Bob Birnstihl on the death of his mother, Clara Birnstihl, in Virginia, Minnesota, on May 20.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Michelle and Torsten Partsch, who welcomed a new baby boy on May 18. John Matthew weighed in at 8 lbs., 4 oz. and 20.5 inches long. He joins big sisters Jennah and Janie.

Mexico Mission Team Needs To Borrow Tools

From July 27 to August 3, a group from WGUMC will be going on a mission trip to Mexico to help build two homes for those in need. We are looking to borrow the following tools for this trip: • Crosscut Hand Saws • Wire Snips (larger than wire cutters) • Combo/Carpenter/Tri-Squares • 36’ Measuring Tape • Hammer Stapler w/staples • Workmate Folding Bench • Set of Saw Horses • 12” Quick-Grip clamp • 8” Quick-Grip clamp • Heavy rope (50’ or longer) • 10” to 20” Cement Floor Trowels • Cement Trays (Small) • Ladder (fold-up z-Style) • Wire Brush • Manual Clamp • WD40 • 5 Gallon Buckets • Polyester rope (3/8” x 100’) • Concrete Float w/ Broom Handle • 8’ 2x4s (for sifting boxes and 2 spares) • 1/4” Sifting screen (3’x25’ roll) • 1/8” Sifting screen (3’x25’ roll @ Orchard Supply) If you are able to loan us any of the above items please contact Jeff Chamberlain at [email protected]. All items need to be dropped off at WGUMC by July 14 (in the room attached to Kohlstedt next to where the chairs are stored), or if you need someone to pick up your items we can arrange for that. We will label all loaned items to ensure we don’t misplace them, and they will be cleaned before being returned to you.

Mission Possible: Building A Better Church

Continued from Page 4 Communication The Mission Possible team is committed to providing regular information on construction progress, fundraising achievements and the status of our debts. We will be giving monthly presentations during Sunday services, including information in the Willow Word, and providing details in the monthly mailing. You are welcome to share your comments, suggestions or concerns with any member of the Mission Possible Team, or by emailing [email protected].

Save The Date: Mission Possible Garage Sale September 7

Start cleaning out your closets for our first big Mission Possible fundraising event. We will hold an all-church garage sale on Saturday, September 7, from 8:00 a.m. – noon. Mark the date on your calendar – it will be fun and we’ll need lots of help! All donations should be clean, in good repair and in working order. Ask your family, friends and neighbors if they have anything they would like to give to this great cause. The most popular selling items include baby & children’s clothes, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, garden & patio items, holiday decorations & costumes and toys. Other items that we would like donated include art, books, hardware, collectibles, men’s and women’s clothing, kitchen items and appliances, linens and office equipment. The sky’s the limit! No need to price your items in advance – we will have pricing lists and stickers available for the event. If you have a large item that you need help transporting, please contact Brian Ganz at [email protected] or email [email protected]. In addition to a volunteer commitment on September 7 from as many members as possible, we also need a core team to coordinate a bake sale, car wash, signs, advertising and pricing for the event. Please contact Leslie Chamberlain at [email protected] if you can help! We are hoping this event will raise $4,000. We look forward to seeing everyone work toward reaching our Mission Possible goal. This will also be a great “Each One, Bring One” event – invite your friends and neighbors!

Willow Glen United Methodist Church

1420 Newport Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 408-294-9796 wgumc.org