Care

Learn More About Refugees

Our focus now is on community education. Here are two ways to learn more:

1. On Wednesday, Sept. 8, there will be an online learning opportunity called "The Refugee Journey" from noon-1pm. You can go online directly from your home by registering at these links:

Part 1: https://zoom.us/.../tJMpdeupqDIrG92CNUEsx3KHTS0EduCULDpS

Part 2: https://zoom.us/.../tJEqdu6sqT8tGNzfe9aNMKIgVyt0IiEuGJTI

If you prefer to meet at church, we're also having a "lunch and learn." Bring friends and sack lunches to eat together at 11:30, and at noon we'll gather in the Chapel to watch the online experience of what it's like to be a refu- gee and how it works to welcome them to our community.

2. On Thursday evening, October 7, we're planning a Community Forum on Welcoming Refugees to Wausau. It will be facilitated by WIPPS (Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service). Because of COVID, we will likely present this online, record it, and air it on public-access TV. Local panelists from various sectors will discuss refugee resettlement in Wausau and answer questions that are submitted either in advance or online. More information and links will be provided on our website and Facebook page as it is available.

First UMC Journey to the Holy Land – January 18-27, 2022

I am excited to invite our congregation and community to join me on a journey to Jordan, Israel, and Pales- tine with the Society for Biblical Studies (SBS). I first traveled to the Holy Land with SBS almost 5 years ago, and I’m eager to share this transformational experience with more people.

SBS is led by Rev. Dr. Peter Miano, who is an Elder in the New England Conference and served many years as the UM missionary in Bethlehem. His extensive familiarity and connections with leaders in the Holy Land, fluency in Hebrew and Arabic, and commitment to providing sustainable and peace-building travel, experiences, and relationships is superior to any other Holy Land programs or tours available.

The other big advantage of joining this journey is the small size. Our group will likely be a total of 15-20 people (from Wausau and other parts of the US). All the other tourist-focused groups with fleets of huge buses busy taking people to gift shops missed so many sights and stories that we got to experience. For in- stance, on my last trip, Peter had connections to get our group inside the Dome of the Rock, complete with a local expert guiding us, which no other tours could do.

A misconception many people have about traveling to the Holy Land is that it is dangerous. Unfortunately, the news doesn’t report the whole story or big picture, and that results in a lot of inaccurate perceptions. The fact is there is far less violence and crime and overall risk in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine than there is in the US, including Wisconsin. Who would have guessed it is safer going to this part of the Middle East than it is vacationing in Florida?

The other safety question is health/COVID related. As long as you are fully vaccinated and follow recom- mended health safety practices, data shows that it is safe to travel internationally. If there is a “force majeur” that prevents general travel to the area, SBS will refund the cost of the trip as the vendors refund them. Travel insurance is also available.

The cost of the journey, including travel from the US, hotels, sights, and most food is $3,198 for 10 days, or $4,587 if you’d like to add a 4-day extension. My husband and I are only going for the main 10-day journey but encourage you to add the 4-day extension if your time and finances allow it. Please call, email, or visit me if you are interested in going, and I will answer questions (or get answers from Peter) and help you with the paperwork. This is an incredible life- and faith-transforming journey, and I hope to experience it with you!

Itinerary for the Alumni Invitational Holy Land Journey

Jan. 18 - Depart USA (likely from MSP)
Jan. 19 - Arrive Amman, Orientation & Introductions. Overnight in Amman
Jan. 20 - Theme: Christian Heritage in Jordan. Field trip: Madaba, Mt. Nebo (Dt. 34), Old Amman, souk al balad, view theatre and nymphaeum, Jordan Museum, driving tour of Amman. PM forum: meeting with Jordanian Christians. Overnight in Amman
Jan. 21 - Theme: The Mountain of the Gilead, the Jordan Valley. Field trip: Jerash (Mark 7:31), Ajloun Castle, Pella (time permitting), cross Jordan River at Bet Shean. Overnight in Galilee
Jan. 22 - Theme: Jesus’ Ministry in Lower Galilee. Field trip: Nazareth, Basilica of the Annunciation or Church of St. Gabriel, (Matt 2:23, Luke 1:26-38, 4:16-30, 1 Kings 21, John 4: 46-54), Meeting with Jona- thon Cook (journalist), Sepphoris (time permitting). PM forum: TBD. Overnight in Galilee

Jan. 23 - Theme: Jesus Ministry and Resurrection Around the Sea of Galilee. Field trip: boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, (John 21), Mt. of the Beatitudes (Luke 13:10-21, Matt 5- 7, 11:20- 24, Mark 4-6, John 21), Bethsaida, Wadi Hammam (time permitting). PM forum: TBD. Overnight in Jericho
Jan. 24 - Theme: Birth & Baptism. Field trip: Qasr al Yehud (baptismal site), Qumran, Masada, The Mount of Ol- ives, Dominus Flevit, Garden of Gethsemane. PM Forum: TBD. Overnight in Bethlehem
Jan. 25 - Theme: Bethlehem and Its Environs at the Time of Jesus. Field trip: Bethlehem, Old City walking tour, Church of the Nativity (Lk 2; Mt 2), Herodion, Tent of Nations, Palestinian refugee camp. PM forum: TBD. Over- night in Bethlehem
Jan. 26 - Theme: Jerusalem and its Environs at the Time of Jesus. Field trip: 8:00 AM Temple Mount/Haram esh Sherrif, Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Mt. 27-28; John 20) Western Wall/Jewish Quarter, Via Dolorosa. Overnight in Bethlehem
Jan. 27 - Return to USA –OR-- continue with the elective The Wonders of Petra & Jordan
Theme: The Negev and Wadi Araba. Field trip: Hebron (Gen 13, 23), Cave of Macphelah, Ibrahimi Mosque, The Negev, Ein Avdat overview, Maktesh Ramon & overview, Araba crossing into Jordan. Overnight in Wadi Rum.

Jan. 28 - Theme: Desert Exploration. Field trip: Wadi Rum jeep safari (optional, additional cost), Al Beidha (Neolithic settlement), Siq al Barid (Little Petra). Overnight Wadi Musa
Jan. 29 - Theme: Exploration and Wonder. Field trip: Full day exploration of Petra. Overnight Wadi Musa Jan. 30 - Theme: The Desert Highway & the King’s Highway. Field trip: Shoback Castle (overview). Overnight Amman
Jan. 31 - Return to USA

NEW PRODUCTS-- Mission-Driven—in the UMW cabinet!

Coffees--Just in for Spring!

Organic LoveBuzz, med-dark roast whole bean ($8.00/12 oz) New!
Organic Mama Tierra light roast ground coffee from Oaxaca, Mexico ($10.00/16 oz bag) New!

We still offer 12 oz bags of ground decaf—$9.00 and regular Cafe Salvador—$8.00

Prefer Tea?

All varieties of our organic teas are $4.00/box. Try the English Breakfast for a little boost or Jasmine Green (New!). If you want a relaxing herbal cup, try Rooibos, Ginger or Peppermint (New!).

Chocolate treats for your Easter basket!

Pick your favorite organic, Fair Trade chocolate bars for $3.00 ea. in these flavors:

Dark Chocolate Lemon Ginger
Dark Chocolate Orange
Dark Chocolate Mint Crunch (New!)
Panama Extra Dark
Dark Chocolate Almond & Sea Salt (New!)
Milk Chocolate
Chocolate with Coconut Milk (vegan, soy and gluten-free) (New!)

Your purchase helps our UMW mission projects, UMCOR, and supports farmer-owned coffee cooperatives in Central America and Mexico, as well as small tea farms in India, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Thank you for shopping BY CAUSE!

Display Cases

Would you like to show us your treasures in the church display case outside the office? We would love to see it!

Artwork; Collections; Antiques; Photos; anything you would like to share.

Check out the beautiful bunny collection by Andrea Anderson currently in the display cases.

If you want to learn more about staying safe on-line here are a few links to some good information....

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2019/privacy-for-seniors.html

https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2015/01/internet-safety-tips-for-seniors/

https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/7-security-awareness-tips-for-senior-citizens/

A few more tips on keeping your computer safe.

Always update your operating system (Windows 10 or Apple OSX) and keep it updated by installing the Security Updates that Microsoft or Apple sends you. Both Microsoft and Apple have gotten very good at protecting your PC or Mac if you keep them updated. That means when you get a software update notifications from them you should install them, especially those that are titled Security Updates.

Consider installing some Anti-Virus software if you have not already. If you have Charter/Spectrum as your internet provider they offer FREE Security Suite Anti-virus software to their customers. Other options are McAfee or Norton Lifelock, both involve monthly fees.

If your PC seems to be running slower than it used to you may have been infected with Malware or Adware. There's some excellent free software that can be used to scan your hard drive a find it and quarantine/remove it.

Here's the link: www.malwarebytes.com

Prayer Corner

We grieve this month at the loss of our long time church members:

Jack Zei, died July 19th.

Barbara Hunger, died August 20th. Mary Jo Bauer, died August 23rd.

Mary Jo Bauer, died August 23rd.

Since Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September, Savvy Seniors will be moved to Monday, Sept 13 and will take place at 2510 restaurant at 11:30am. Members of the group said they are ready to venture out so we will give it a try. As always, if there are any questions you can call Vicki at 715-571-3009 or e-mail me at vicki.nowaczyk@gmail.com

UMW September Events

Sept. 3rd Registration deadline for District Annual Gathering (see Jubilate or contact Margaret Getzin)

Sept. 8th 9:30 am Mary Faith Circle Sept. 9th 3:00 pm Love Hope Circle

Sept. 18th North Central District Annual Gathering in Port Edwards.

Sept. 26th UMW Sunday (see sign up sheet in the Parlor if you want to help with the service)

UMW Members:

Please consider signing up for a date for our on-going project of providing Thursday sack lunches for Open Door. There have been monetary donations to help offset the cost of purchasing lunch supplies, if that is a concern in volunteering to make lunches. Check with Barb Ritchie for details and dates still needed.

Supplies to Help Refugees at Fort McCoy

To help our Afghan Allies as they go through processing at Fort McCoy, they need these items:

- Yoga mats (for sleeping)
- Rain Ponchos (all sizes)
- Underwear (new, all sizes/ages)

- Socks (new, all sizes/ages)
- Baby Onesies
- Sweat pants (all sizes/ages)

Doris Fountain will be receiving and storing donations at her house, then delivering them to Fort McCoy on Saturday, September 11 with help from her daughter, Sheryl Del Conte. Please call Doris with any questions at 715-551-5733. Drop off donations by Sept. 10 at: 1516 Burek Ave., Wausau, WI 54401

Random Thoughts

by Mike Zahn
September 2021

The King’s Dessert

Many centuries ago, in a land far, far away, at a time when the rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer, there lived a great and wise King. One day, during a terrible famine, the King commanded the Royal Chef and the Royal Baker to create a special dessert for him, one that would be so wonderful, and make him so happy, that everyone, even the poorest peasant, would forget all about the gnawing hunger that gripped the land.

The decree went out to the four corners of the king- dom. The King shall have a dessert created, the likes of which no one has ever seen! It will be the most exquisite and elaborate dessert ever- no expense will be spared! This dessert shall be created and presented to him by the Royal Chef and the Royal Baker at the appointed hour. After getting their instructions from the King, the Royal Chef and Royal Baker went off to work, very quietly, on the lavish dessert.

Meanwhile, the royal decree had everyone in the kingdom buzzing, from the richest to the poorest. During dinner at the palace that night, two members of the King’s court speculated on what the dessert might be— "I heard that the King has ordered it to be Savarin with Chantilly Cream,” one courtier whispered. The other retorted, “I’m sure it will not. It will most certainly be Apricot Frangipane Tart. The King loves apricots.” The first replied, “Well, be that as it may, I can hardly wait to be at the table when the King unveils his sumptuous surprise and we members of the court get our share!” The second gentleman agreed, “I feel so blessed I am not, you know. . . out there.”

At the same time, in a remote village, two peasant women did their own speculating—“Wouldn’t it be grand if the King ordered Salted Caramel Apple Pie with Toasted Walnuts? I love apples.” “You haven’t had apples in over a year,” the other peasant shot back. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out to be Dampfnudel.” The first woman then guessed, “Perhaps it will be Dark Chocolate Chiffon Cake with a Toasted Hazelnut Glaze. I love chocolate.” The second one snorted, “It will probably be Persimmon Pomegranate Tarts, with Maple Mascarpone.” “The King’s the only one who could afford that.” Back and forth they went, until the first woman, undaunted, said, “I wouldn’t care what it is. I would give anything to eat just the tiniest crumb from the King’s grand dessert. I’d be in heaven!” “Well, you’re not going to be invited, so you better save your pennies for whatever grain you can afford for next week’s bread.”
And so the waiting went on for what seemed like an eternity. The anticipation mounted to fever pitch as people all over the kingdom dreamed about what wonderful, delicious dessert the King would have for himself.

Finally, the appointed hour arrived. As the Royal Trumpeters played a majestic fanfare, the Royal Guard, along with the Royal Chef and Royal Baker, paraded the long-anticipated dessert down the red carpet on a spectacularly ornate sterling silver serving tray. They arrived at the throne and kneeled before the great King.
Then, as it seemed like the whole world stood still, the Royal Chef and the Royal Baker lifted the gilded cover, and there was--nothing. . . nothing but a loaf of bread. A loaf of ordinary bread. An audible gasp went up from the palace insiders who were in attendance. Then a hush fell over the crowd. Then the murmuring and the whispers started.

“What is that?” “It looks like a loaf of bread.” “They had all this time and that’s the best they could do?! “Unacceptable.” “I am horrified.” “I am outraged.” “It’s an insult.” “This is not a dessert fit for the King!” “The Royal Chef and the Royal Baker…” “Off with their heads!”

Finally the King roared, “Silence!” And there was silence. He took the loaf of bread and lifted it to the sky, and declared, “This is my dessert. I have spared no expense to make this bread for everyone. For every man, woman, and child in the kingdom, and beyond.” With that, the great and wise King broke the bread and laid it down.

And so with the King’s declaration, the bread was distributed freely to all four corners of the kingdom, and beyond. And everyone could have the bread whenever they wanted.
John 6:35 NIV

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. . .