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News and Upcoming EventsChanges for Rev. Linda Butler and Spirit of the HillsIt is with a full heart and confidence in God's love and faithfulness, that I share with you news of my new appointment as pastor of St. Luke UMC in Newton, Iowa beginning July 1, 2003.For almost 3 years now I have had the privilege to dream God's vision with you of a faith community that welcomes all people and celebrates the diversity of the giftedness of God's people. We have witnessed the Spirit's unfolding in many wonderfully mysterious ways. We have worshipped together in many ways and have had fun experimenting with different styles of music. We have celebrated with and have been advocates with the LGBT community. We have provided various opportunities for worshipful gatherings such as the World AIDS Day services, hosting One Voice Mixed Chorus, and sharing our gifted friend and supporter, Jorge Lockward, with the people of Sioux City and Morningside College. And there is so much more as we learned to live and love in the way of Jesus Christ... We have much to be grateful! Where does Spirit of the Hills go from here? We will continue to meet in our small groups and monthly worship until I leave sometime at the end of June. If you haven't attended a small group now is the time! The core group has talked about continuing to meet as a bible study/fellowship group. News of that will unfold.Rev. Linda Butler Farewell PartyA goodbye party and celebration for Spirit of the Hills is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at 5:00 p.m. 4424 Ravine Park Drive, Sioux City. If you are reading this you are invited! What has Spirit of the Hills meant to you even if you never worshiped with the gathered community? How would you describe it? Be thinking of something you can share with others that symbolizes your relationship with or about Spirit of the Hills. More details to follow in a few weeks! Next Sunday WorshipOur next worship service is Sunday, May 4, at 5:00 p.m. Join us and experience worship in an open and welcoming environment. (Our monthly worship services are normally held the first Sunday evening of each month.) Location: Spirit of Hope Cafe: An Adventure in Table Spirituality and Loving Hospitality"When’s the last time you came to a church dinner and found white lace table cloths and candles and decorations on the tables, and somebody playing dinner music?" asked Rev. Harold Werley, Pastor of Moville UMC. The occasion was the Church Conference on December 16. The guests had just sat down at the Spirit of Hope Café, sponsored by Spirit of the Hills UMC and Shesler Hall. A delicious meal of individual sized meatloaf, roasted potatoes, glazed baby carrots, croissant, and dessert was prepared and served by a "team" consisting of the Pastor and members of Spirit of the Hills Church and the Director and residents of Shesler Hall. The food had been donated in advance, so the entire amount of the freewill offering (more than $500) was divided (1/3 Spirit of the Hills, and 2/3Shesler Hall). Rev. Werley remarked, "It certainly improved attendance at Church Conference." Several of the very-pleased team members commented, "This wasn’t work; it was fun!" And just in case you think this is your typical church supper fund raiser – it isn’t!!! It is about building a prayer community among the Sioux City District and Iowa Advance special projects as well as an opportunity for economic development for Shesler Hall. Spirit of Hope Café just completed serving a lunch at a planning retreat for Whitfield UMC. As part of the café, the director of Shelser Hall and the pastor of Spirit of the Hills met at Whitfield UMC to pray for the church, the retreat, and the retreat facilitators. The retreat took place at Crescent Park UMC. The day before the retreat lunch, the two partners met again to pray for the meal, the retreat, and prayerfully prepare the space. Scheduled Future Cafes and Related Events:
To schedule a Spirit of Hope Cafe, please contact Linda at 276-7889 or Vera at 258-8059. For more information on regular Spirit of the Hills programsVisit our worship/meeting information page. |