The theme for this year’s stewardship campaign is something with which we can all identify. We come together as a congregation by sharing faith. The scriptures provide direction for developing our faith and implementing it in our daily lives--via faith disciplines. Throughout October, we have had bulletin inserts which provided guidance for self-reflection and ideas for more outward actions. You may share how these experiences have impacted your life by filling out the form that was in the Stewardship dinner program. There are additional forms in the Narthex. They will be posted in a display in the Narthex. Please return your pledge card either to worship on November 2 or 9, or send them back to the church office. If you haven’t received a pledge card, please contact the church office at 222-1633.

Mark your calendars for the Children’s Christmas Program on Sunday, December 14 for the 10:45 am worship service. The program is "A Light at Christmas." Please make sure to have your child attend Sunday School weekly to rehearse for the play.

We will once again worship in a more ecumenical spirit, as we join with Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church for a Thanksgiving service on Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00pm. The service will be held at Immaculate Heart this year, 5101 Schofield Street. Pastor Dave will be the preacher for the evening. We are continuing on Tuesday evening, hoping more people may not have left town yet and will be able to come to worship. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this ecumenical service, as we begin our celebrations of Thanksgiving together. You are invited to bring canned foods that night, which will be donated to the food pantry.

Dear Friends,

I like what Thomas L. Are writes in his book, My Gospel of Stewardship. He describes stewardship as a "Life Style Plan." Stewardship is more an act that is performed. It is a way of life.

Stewardship involves laying a solid foundation upon which to build a Christian life. That foundation includes: Worship – getting to know God and yourself; Christian Education – improving your mind in order to magnify the gifts God has given to you; Service – allowing yourself to be used for the good of others and for the glory of God; Giving – sharing your resources freely, since all that you have and all that you are have been given to you by God; Reconciliation – creating, healing, or enhancing loving relationships with others in order to break down the barriers that separate us. Wow!

I challenge each of us to expand our perception of Christian stewardship. Think of it as more than a pledge envelope or holding an office in the church. Think of stewardship as a deeper, more holistic way of Christian living that will gradually lead to great "selfless discovery."

Yours in Christ,
Dave

Our next Blended Worship Service will be November 16, at the 10:45am service. If you enjoy a mix of contemporary and traditional music, you may want to plan to be with us at that service. The early service will stay just the way it is, so if you like a traditional service, you always have that weekly option at 8:30am.

One the richest experiences in my pastoral career has been my involvement in Stephen Ministry. What is Stephen Ministry? It’s a ministry program that seeks to train and deploy laypersons to provide one-on-one confidential Christian care giving within a congregation. Someday, I hope we can have such a ministry at MUMC. I took lots of courses in pastoral care in seminary. They were wonderful, but Stephen Ministry gave me a theology of Christian care giving. Basically, we are all children of God – people matter to God, so all people should matter to us.

This is my way of saying that you matter to me. I am available to you if you have a personal need that you would like to discuss. If you are facing a crisis in your life, I want to be here for you. If you are going in the hospital or having surgery, please let me know ahead of time. If you have a spiritual question or if you have a question about the church, I would love to know what is on your mind. If you have a concern about the ministry of our church, please share it with me. I want our ministry to be excellent for God.

I want to be available because I wish our church to be an environment of care and nurture. I am available through email, but it’s not always reliable. You can contact me through the church office where private voice mail is available to you. A call to my cell phone is great because I am on the move a lot! The number is 512-3211. Our home phone number is 825-9960.

I love this verse from Ephesians - "To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13). Christian care giving builds up the body of Christ. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve you.

November 2 – Matthew 5:1-12, "Searching for Saints", All Saints celebration

November 9 – Matthew 25:1-3, Pastor Sandra is preaching. "Let There Be Light"

November 16 – John 18:28-40, "What is True and Who Can You Trust", Christ the King, trust is in Christ

November 23 – Luke 17:11-19, "The Saving Grace of Gratitude", Thanksgiving

November 30 – Mark 13:24-37, "When Something is About to Happen", Expectancy

Remember to change your clocks the evening of November 1. "Fall back" one hour.

The last Sunday of November, 30, will be a time we receive a special United Methodist Student Day Offering. There will be envelopes in our bulletin for us to give to one of the yearly offering askings from our denomination. This particular offering supports scholarships and loans for United Methodist students, throughout our nation.

The Upper Room is a great little devotional book that many people use for daily reading to center on a Bible verse and read a short meditation and prayer to start or finish your day. The new November-December issue has arrived and is in the Narthex information center. Feel free to take one home. We have large-print editions and Spanish versions if those would be more helpful to you.

Over 80 manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers support Second Harvest through their generous food donations. These donations consist primarily of surplus and unsaleable grocery products that might otherwise go to waste. Charitable food programs make regular visits to Second Harvest's Madison warehouse to select the food that they need. Last year, nearly 6 million pounds of grocery items were distributed to our network of over 400 charitable food programs (food pantries, shelters, meal sites and Kids Cafes). This network of charitable programs provides food assistance to more than 77,000 people in need in southern Wisconsin each year.

In 2006, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin marked its 20th anniversary. Please consider making a donation to this much needed mission and mark your offering envelope/check "Second Harvest".

Anyone who is interested in ordering the Upper Room Disciplines for 2009, may call Kay in the church office, 222-1633 by December 7. It is a book of daily devotions offering fresh insights into daily Bible readings. The cost is around $11.00.

Beginning November 30, Pastor Sandra Gaylord will lead an adult study called "What Do You Want For Christmas?" Based on a study by James W. Moore, and assuming that most of us would like something more than the stuff we buy at the store, it looks at gifts that the Christ-Child brings, things that money cannot buy: Hope, Faith, Freedom and Life. We will look at Scripture as well as some classic Christmas stories such as Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" and O. Henry’s "The Gifts of the Magi" for insight. The study will continue for the Sundays before Christmas at 9:30 am. If you are interested, please sign up in the church office so we can plan for materials.

The book club will meet on Sunday, November 2 @ 2pm at the home of Doreen Peterson to discuss, The New Woman, by Jon Hassler. Dessert will be provided by Jeanette Williams. Visitors and new members are always welcome to attend.

To Leslie Horst and Tom Gross who were married here on October 11.

To Trisha Gorst and Gregorio Juarez who were married here on October 18.

The Hilltoppers will have a potluck supper at the church on Monday, November 10 at 5:45 p.m. Anyone 55 or older is heartily invited to join us. Please bring a dish to pass. Come and enjoy the meal and good fellowship.

--Goes to Kara Rose and her family upon the death of her grandmother in September.

--Goes to Luis Tavarez and his family upon the death of his father on October 21.

Our church website has a copy of the current month’s newsletter. If you misplace your paper copy, you can go there to read it: www.wisconsinumc.org/mononaumc.

Come join in the fun on Sunday, November 9 at 2pm at Village Lanes in Monona. RSVP to Laura Roeth or call the church office at 222-1633.

Senior High Convo is an awesome faith and fellowship event for all high school students on November 14-16. Please keep the following young people in your prayers: Kyler Crawford, Lindsey Huffer-Kiesow, Grant Kinsler, Cassie Larson, Lilly Mellerop, Jasmine Paynes, Troy Paynes, Amy Slavik, and the chaperones, Laura Roeth and Sarah & Rene Valencia.

The Monona Grove Giving Tree Project needs our help. For over 25 years this special project has provided gifts and a holiday dinner for needy families in our community. We are asking members of our congregation to purchase gifts for individual children. After November 2, a Christmas tree will be in the narthex where you will find each child’s wish list and information attached to an ornament. Simply remove the card of your choice, fill in your information, and return your unwrapped gift to church. Call Kay in the office at 222-1633 with any questions.

--Ravi Bahadur Sijapati was born to Kelly & Shashi Sijapati on September 29. He’s very cute with lots of long black hair. Ravi’s extra proud first time Grandparents are Pat & Nan Williams. Ravi also has extra proud first time Great-Grandparents, George (Jug) & Jeanette Williams. Kelly, Shashi and son Ravi reside in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.

--Congratulations to Amanda & Dale Hinthorn on the birth of their son, Owen Matthew. Owen was born on October 24. Catie is his proud big sister.

--Giovanina Jaye DaWalt, daughter of Julie & Bryce DaWalt, was baptized on October 19.

Faith Circle – Thursday, November 13 @ 1pm at the home of Ruth Lenzendorf. The program will be a Pledge Service.

Friendship Circle – Wed., November 19 @ 7pm at the home of Anna Mae Wilken. The program will be Thank Offering/Pledge Service. Guests and visitors are warmly welcomed.

Hope Circle - Thursday, November 20 @ 10am at the home of Jan Wanek. The program will be the annual Pledge Service lead by Dorothy Schroeder. Any woman who is interested in joining the circle is invited to call Josey Zell.

The Equal Exchange coffee basket sale last year was such a success, we are doing it again this year. By purchasing gift baskets for your friends and family for Christmas, you:

Fair trade products will be sold on November 16 after both services.

--Kay Mackie, UMW coffee coordinator

Our UMW quilting circle will meet on Mondays, November 3, 17 and 24 in Fellowship Hall at 1 pm. Our group makes baby quilts for infant baptisms and for agencies in our area. We will gladly welcome new women. We have a great time designing these special quilts, sewing by machine, and doing some hand quilting. If you are an experienced quilter or would like to learn the art of quilting please join us! Contacts: Anna Mae Wilken (221-4234) or Emily Ford (226-8958).

A Fall Bake Sale following both services is scheduled for Sunday, November 23. All church members are encouraged to donate or purchase baked goods for the sale. Proceeds will support mission and missionaries worldwide.

Attention all UMW members, baked goods for the Fall Bake Sale may be brought to church on Saturday, November 22 from 2 – 4 pm. If you are unable to bring your items on Saturday, bring them to church on Sunday. Please have items packaged to sell and labeled with contents, ex., Brownies with nuts. Thanks so much!

Yarncrafters will meet in fellowship hall on Tuesday, November 11 at 1:30 p.m. Current projects include prayer shawls and caps for members of the military forces to wear under their helmets. Everyone who wants to knit or crochet is invited. If you would like to learn, we will help you get started. Bring along any project you would like to work on. For more information, call Marjorie Kaukl at 222-4243.

-- We would like to thank everyone who shared in our 50^th Anniversary celebration. The cards and best wishes were very much appreciated. Leo & Anna Mae Wilken

--Dear Pop-tab Collectors, Thank you for collecting aluminum pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Inc.! Your kind efforts make it possible for us to continue to operate our "home-away-from-home" for families with children receiving treatment at local medical facilities, and to provide community grants that support children’s programs. Every pull tab you save is recycled, with the proceeds going directly to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Inc. Thanks again for your help. Sincerely,

The Staff and Volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Inc.

--Thank You CROP walkers, rockers, and sponsors! We had a great group of people who participated in our event.

--Thanks to Chris Percy who coordinated the CROP project again this year.

Take these six simple action steps toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. You might choose to do all six steps or take on just one or two -- every little bit makes our community a healthier place for all.

Specific ways you can improve energy efficiency:

• Moving your thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of CO2 a year. Imagine if you set your thermostat down 4 degrees this winter . . . or go crazy and set it down 6 degrees -- get out the sweater and long underwear!
• Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb will save 150 pounds of CO2 a year. Replace them all! Look for another CFL bulb sale in conjunction with Earth Day in April 2009.
• Washing your laundry in cold or warm water saves 500 pounds of CO2 per year.
• Putting your television, DVD player, stereo and computer on a power strip and turning the strip OFF when not in use will save you thousands of pounds of CO2 a year.
• When shopping for an appliance or energy-user, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
• Buying products with less packaging and bringing your own bags to stores. Reducing garbage by 10% will save 1000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

The Finance Committee is pleased to announce that our ability to pay off the building debt is in sight. Due to our successful Building Fund drive and our giving congregation, it is very likely that we will be able to pay off the building debt before the end of the year. In fact, there is a possibility that we will have a surplus. If that is the case, it is the Finance Committee’s recommendation that we set aside any remaining funds for the continuing improvement to our facilities. Pastor Dave is in the process of meeting with the congregation to determine what building projects are of the highest priority in the minds of the congregation, and will be discussing the results with the Administrative Council soon. Any remaining funds would be a great start for any approved plans going forward. Congratulations to the Monona United Methodist congregation on this wonderful achievement!

You are invited to a piano recital: "Great To Know You, Mr. Gershwin!"

Friday, November 21, @ 6:30pm at Ward-Brodt Music Mall. Presented by students of Dianne Totten, this 1-hour recital will feature the distinctive sounds, songs, and rhythms of George Gershwin - solos, duets, ensembles, contests, PRIZES, and surprises too! Marie Metry has generously donated her collection of "Etude" magazines from George Gershwin's era and will be personally presenting these collectors' items to Dianne's students, who are enormously excited!! Please join us, won't you?

Bethany United Methodist Church, 3910 Mineral Point Rd, Madison is having a Fall Craft Fair, Saturday, November 8 from 9am – 2pm. There will be a variety of handcrafted and original design gift items. The coffee shop and bake sale is sponsored by their UMW and a barbecue sandwich lunch 11am – 1pm sponsored by their UM Men.

United Methodist Women is considering forming a Circle of support for young mothers, their infants and pre-school children. Monthly meetings would provide an opportunity for women to connect, socialize and compare notes about life as a "Mom" and will offer playtime opportunities for the kids. Decisions about the group such as meeting format, days/times for meetings, need for childcare, name of the group, etc., will be made with input from the participants. If you are interested in exploring this possibility, please complete the form below and leave in the church office. For additional information call Becky at 846-7356.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Address /Phone #

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Names and Ages of your children

Name: __________________________________________________________

Phone #: ______________________ E-mail: ___________________________

Please pay when submitting order. Make checks payable to "Monona UMW."

□  $21 Basket
□  $32 Basket

Coffee/Cocoa                             Mind, Body & Soul*                             Toffee Caramel
Circle 1                                     Breakfast Blend                                    Decaf Columbian
                                                  French Roast                                        Decaf Full City Roast
                                                  Love Buzz                                             Decaf Hazelnut Crème
                                                  Hazelnut Crème                                   Hot Cocoa Mix
                                                  French Vanilla

Snacks                                      Almonds*
Circle 1 for $21 basket            Pecans
Circle 2 for $32 basket           Cranberries**

Chocolate                                 Dark w/ almonds*
Circle 2 for $21 basket           Milk chocolate*
Circle 3 for $32 basket           Mint chocolate**
                                                 Orange dark chocolate
                                                 Chocolate espresso bean
                                                 Dark chocolate with cocoa nibs (68% cocoa)

Tea/Cocoa                                English Breakfast**
Circle 1 for $32                       Irish Breakfast
basket only                              Earl Grey
                                                 Green Tea
                                                 Green Magic Tea
                                                 Decaf Rooibos Tea
                                                 Hot Cocoa Mix

*If no selection is made these are the items that will be included in the $21 & $32 basket.
**If no selection is made these are the additional items that will be included in the $32 basket.

For questions, contact Jen Tratnyek 838-1034 or jentrat@charter.net.

$ FINANCIAL REPORT $

"No More Barns" Read Luke 12:13-21

Jesus cautions … "Take Care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."

Our society has taught us to dream big. We are taught to accumulate, invest, and enjoy life to the maximum. Our slogan is, "Charity begins at home!" But I think Jesus would say…charity does not end there. Economic downturns have a way of reminding us how temporary life really is.

Perhaps the most important words of this parable occur in Luke 12:20 following God’s announcement to the rich man that his life would end on the very night he was celebrating his abundant harvest. "And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?"

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation

Following brunch, a program titled "Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him" will be presented by our own UMW members.

Advent Brunch Reservations:

Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Put completed forms in the church office. For more information you may call Jeanette @ 222-4273 or Kay in the church office @ 222-1633.

There is no charge for the brunch but a good will offering will be taken to support ongoing Mission projects.

                                                    From ______________________________
                                                    In Honor of___________________________
                                                    In Memory of________________________

If you have questions, please contact Kay in the church office @ 222-1633.

The Life and Ministry of God’s People In

Monona United Methodist Church

8:30 Worship
9:30 Fellowship
9:30 Sunday School
10:45 Worship
11:45 Fellowship
5:00 Worship in Spanish

We are updating our directory for all our members and friends. Please fill in the information and return it to the office by November 23. Please print.

Name: ___________________________________________

Address: ___________________________ City: ____________ Zip: _______

Home Phone: _____________________

Adult # 1: __________ Cell Phone: ___________ Work Phone: ____________

Home Email: ______________________ Work Email: __________________

Birth Date: ___________

Adult # 2: __________ Cell Phone: ___________ Work Phone: ____________

Home Email: ______________________ Work Email: __________________

Birth Date: ___________

Children: Name                             Birth Date             Would you like to receive
_________________________________             the newsletter by email
_________________________________             instead of mail? ___ no
_________________________________             ___ yes-email address:
_________________________________             ____________________