MISSION STATEMENT:
As the Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church family of faith, we will help people experience God through…transformational worship, lifelong learning, inspiring music, life-changing service, and passionate witness.
Dear Beloved,
June 2025
“Rejoice! I say again, Rejoice!” Philippians 4.4
It is good to be with you Beloved! This is another exciting month in ministry for us. There is much to celebrate everyday as the disciples of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we discover who we are and how to live in the ways of love, peace, and justice.
Last month, the UMC Council of Bishops issued four Peace and Justice Pastoral letters, in addition to the new vision statement on page 3. I have mentioned before that when the Bishops’ write a letter, I will share it with you.
• A Call for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo: We grieve the violence and humanitarian crisis in Congo, standing with our siblings in their plea for peace and restoration.
• A Plea for Ceasefire and Justice in Palestine and Israel: We lament the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis, urging an immediate ceasefire, the protection of all civilians, and a just peace rooted in dignity for all.
• A Call to Reject Violence Against Transgender Persons: We denounce all forms of violence and discrimination
against transgender people, affirming their sacred worth and calling the church to deeper compassion and understanding.
• A Stand Against the Dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies: We reject efforts to erase the progress made toward justice and inclusion, affirming that every person’ s story and history are valuable and matter to God and to us all.
They have given us much to think and pray about. You can read the pastoral letters HERE. The links to each of the letters is at the bottom of the Bishop’s letter.
In addition to the Bishop’s pastoral letters, Church and Society offers new position statements on the same peace and justice issues as a way to learn about the issues, provide dialogue, model social witness and take action from the perspective of the United Methodist Church. You can read those statements HERE.
These are important statements from the leadership of our denomination. Please pray with me as we discern how to best process this information for our call and witness at ABUMC. Let me know your thoughts.
In the meantime, let’s have some fun together as we gather on Sundays at 10 am. It’s such an exciting June! Come! Learn! Love! Be Transformed! Be Transforming!
Love & Peace, Pastor Ellen
The Council of Bishops, in conjunction with the Connectional Table, is pleased to announce the unveiling of a new vision statement for The United Methodist Church. This vision reflects the Church's deep commitment to embodying God's dream for the world.
The vision states:
The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.
This vision statement complements the Church's longstanding mission statement, inspired by Matthew 28:1-20: "The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
The vision encourages United Methodists to embody the following principles:
• Love Boldly: Passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender and walk of life.
Inspired by Matthew 22:37-39 and John 13:34-35
• Serve Joyfully: With a Christ-like heart, journey alongside the most vulnerable, offering care and compassion with joy.
Inspired by Psalm 100:1, Nehemiah 8:10, John 13:14-15 and 1 Peter 4:10
• Lead Courageously: Follow Jesus’ example by resisting and dismantling all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice and reconciliation.
Inspired by Joshua 1:9 and Ephesians 6:10
“This new vision is not simply a statement or a plan, it is a catalyst for transformation,” said Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, President of the Council of Bishops. “It is a vision that will help the Church embrace the opportunities before us, to follow where God is leading us, and to more fully engage in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Our original series, Women Called, Women Lead, concludes this month. Our guest speakers extend their gratitude to the amazing hospitality at ABUMC and also their joy at participating in the series.
God has always called people from all walks of life to deliver messages of hope, healing, and new life for all of God’s beloved. Those who were called did not always say “Yes.” Those who said “Yes” were not always heard (or listened to). It is risky business answering God’s call, but one that is also supported by the One who does the calling. Disciples everywhere count on God to equip them for the tasks.
The most significant arenas for developing disciples are in the local church and camp and retreat ministries. Pentecost is a celebration honoring the birth of the church and the formation of disciples. You may notice other church’s celebrating Pentecost on June 8. Pastor Ellen didn’t want to
celebrate without us, so we’re celebrating a week later. (She’s at Annual Conference 6/5 6/8.)
June 1—Communion
Anne Stone Fields Preaching “Abigail: Woman of Courage”
1 Samuel 25
Pastor Ellen presiding
June 8
ALL MUSIC SUNDAY
June 15 (Wear Red)
PENTECOST CELEBRATION
Graduate Sunday
Peace with Justice Sunday Offering
Pastor Ellen
“Lydia: Faithful Entrepreneur” Acts 16.11-15
June 22
Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer “Shiphrah & Puah”
Exodus 1
June 29
Pastor Ellen “The Woman Yet To Be”
15
Olivia Komorowski
UWO—Masters In Athletic Training
Bryn Millette - UW-MilwaukeeBachelor of Fine Arts - Film
Meghan NumrichUW-Oshkosh - Bachelor of Science - Geology
Logan Eroh - Omro High
Hannah DobishOshkosh WestUW-Oshkosh
Alex DobishOshkosh WestUW-Milwaukee
Izzy Kaiser UW-Oshkosh Bachelor of Arts - Japanese Studies
Henna KaiserOshkosh WestUW-Madison
Lily NicholasOshkosh NorthUW– Platteville
The ABUMC Leadership Teams are very excited to share with you about our amazing plans for our summer worship experiences. Working together, Pastor Ellen, the worship team, Ad Council, and staff have designed —-
Summer Celebrations:
One Service Sundays at 10 am
This time format will run from May, 25, Memorial Day Weekend and conclude on August 31, Labor Day Weekend. The service will continue to be streamed on the church YouTube channel and accessible through the church Facebook page. We will resume our two service schedule on September 7. Look for opportunities to have dialogue with Pastor Ellen to share what you like best about worship at ABUMC.
What can I expect to happen when I come to worship? I am so glad that you asked!
9:30 Paine Hall available for early fellowship. [Hosts needed at 9 am]
9:50 Sanctuary doors open and organ prelude begins [Ushers are needed]
10:00 Welcome & Greeting
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn
Time for Young Disciples
Scripture Reading
Message
Following the message, the music of the
service will transition to music by the praise band. The service may conclude with something similar to a praise band jam—-this is still under development. We are hopeful that this format will offer something for everyone to connect with during the service.
For those unfamiliar with the organ, this consolidated worship experience, provides an opportunity to listen to the exquisite tones of the instrument and its haunting melodies.
For those unfamiliar with the music of the praise band, there will be an opportunity to listen to how Travis helps music, Christian and reimagined secular, inform our faith journey.
Combining our congregations over the summer months provides opportunities for deeper connections and the development of relationships.
Provided that enough people will offer to serve each Sunday and provide refreshments, fellowship could be offered before and after each service.
For those willing to serve as ushers, greeters, pre-service hosts, post-service hosts, or provide refreshments, please contact Lisa-Marie and deb in the office. Thank you! Online hosts are also needed.
A FREE to user online digital library for individuals, small groups, and families!
Amplify Media is a wonderful tool for discipleship growth at ABUMC! Amplify Media is a multi-media platform that delivers high quality, searchable content with an emphasis on Wesleyan perspectives for church-wide, group, or individual use on any device at any time.
We pay a small monthly fee that gives us access to an amazing online library from the United Methodist Publishing House. It is FREE for individuals, families, and small groups to use.
In order to take advantage of this amazing resource, users need to create an account. And it is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Go to my.amplifymedia.com
2. Find the person icon in the upper righthand corner and enter this access code: VLMNWJ
3. Create your account and explore the site! There’s something for everyone. Once your account is created, you can Browse by topics, speakers, or writers.
You can use the Discover tab and explore Recently Added, Most Watched, Featured Studies, and Studies & More. Both of these tabs are located in the upper right corner of the screen. On the upper left corner of the screen, you can explore what’s available in the Channels just use the drop down menu and select from Amplify Media, Cokesbury Kids, Fresh Expressions, or Everyday Faith.
Got Questions Talk with Pastor Ellen SIGN UP FOR YOUR
ACCOUNT
The General Board of Church & Society has released four new position statements in conjunction with the four Peace and Justice Pastoral Letters from the Council of Bishops. This is one of the new position statements. As United Methodists, we believe basic human rights, civil liberties and protections are due all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Read More.
On June 1, 2010, I was hired as the director of Children's and Youth Ministries at ABUMC. Wow, can it actually be that long ago? I really wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into and definitely didn’t envision 15 years. Well, these 15 years have been filled with joy, tears, laughter, frustration, enlightenment, pride and so much more. It has been a great honor to teach, encourage, play with, laugh with, and grow spiritually with your children, grandchildren, and fellow ABUMCers.
I have so many wonderful memories from Sunday School musicals, youth mission trips, Vacation Bible School, special outings, ridiculous and hilarious games, 30-Hour Famines, lock-ins, children’s choir, etc.
My gratitude runs deep for all the wonderful people who stepped up throughout the years to be Sunday School teachers and shepherds, chaperons, costume makers, drivers, and youth leaders. Your input was immeasurable and so very much appreciated.
As I step down from children’s and youth ministry, I take so much with me. Thank you for the opportunity and for the memories that will stay with me. ~ Lisa-Marie
Do you know what happens to your offering once you place it in the basket during worship? We have a fantastic team of rockstar volunteers who come in on Monday mornings, twice a month, and they go through all the money and offering envelopes received. They carefully count and record everything, making sure the money is used for its intended purpose and that you get credit on your account for your generosity. We call them The Counters, and we’re so grateful for their dedication! Thank you, Bill Levesque, Shirley Long, Linda Sanders, Kathy Propp, and Laura Deming
Become a God’s Gardener and help maintain our beautiful space. Sign up for a specific area to take care of now thru snowfall, weeding, dead heading, pruning, cleaning, and watering. Sign up in Paine Hall. Questions, please contact Deb Madel. If you need her contact information, please contact the office. Thank you.
If you’re interested but would like a partner to work with, please share that information with Deb. Together, many hands make light work. This is a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational ministry as well.
Thank you for your service!
Our Little Free Pantry has gotten a lot of use since its installation last summer. We are surely meeting a need for our community members. Our continued gratitude to Dick Ames for building our beautiful pantry!
In addition to the food supplies generously donated by our church members, we have had donors from the surrounding neighborhood and community as well, which is fantastic! Please continue your donations to our supply, as the pantry is restocked every few days.
We have been able to take note of what items are popular with our guests and which are not big movers. They tend to take the basics and leave behind more unusual items.
Hot Items: peanut butter, pastas, spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese, cereal, granola bars, applesauce cups, tuna, canned chicken, canned fruit, Chef Boyardee, individual snack bags
So-So Items: canned corn, rice, hygiene items
No-Goes: canned green beans, peas, and carrots, dried beans, sauerkraut, dried dates, canned pumpkin, condensed milk, other “unusual” items
We do not accept opened items or items more than 6 months past the Best By date. Please note that in the winter we cannot put canned or jarred food in the pantry for food safety reasons.
Let’s hit the trail and enjoy a bike ride together Sunday, June 8, after worship! Bring your bike to church and we’ll ride just down the street and pick up the beautiful WIOUWASH Trail. All ages are welcome. You are encouraged to ride as far as is comfortable for you. Some of us may ride 10 miles and others may ride 6 or 3 … or whatever floats your boat … or should we say, whatever stokes your spokes!
A reminder that during the summer there is just one worship service at 10 a.m.
that benefits women, children, and youth. Our annual project had us collecting items to complete dignity and bedding kits, as well as being the featured coin ministry in May.
Pastor Ellen will be delivering all donations to the Ingathering when she goes to Middleton for Annual Conference from June 5-8, 2025. Whatever is collected will go the Midwest Mission. Their mission is “Bringing the hearts and hands of God’s people together to transform resources into humanitarian relief.” Thank you for your support with this important project.
In June, we have the UWF Wisconsin Conference leading Mission U. The 2025 theme is “Practicing Hope Together” and will explore the hope that emerged within a small community of followers after the resurrection of Jesus. We can participate through Zoom over four nights in June, or attend an in-
person overview on July 21st at Wesley UMC in Wausau. Our local unit will meet in room 201 to participate via Zoom on June 17,19, 24 and 26, from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. Please let me know if you wish to participate in the Zoom meetings.
There is a curriculum for all ages! The adult curriculum is “Practicing Hope” by Tabatha Holley. The youth study is “Communities of the Spirit: Living into Hope As Resurrection People: A Youth Curriculum” by Regina Heater. The children’s curriculum is “Hope as a Resurrection People: A Children’s Curriculum,” by Joni Cisowski.
In July, we are hosting a gathering for all women in the church! Please come and enjoy a mid-summer gathering on Tuesday, July 8, at 11:30 a.m. in Paine Hall. Kathy Propp is our featured speaker. Please plan to attend for some food and fellowship.
Sandy Butcher
Rooted and Rising - Washington Park in Milwaukee believes in the dignity, potential and worth of all people and is dedicated to helping individuals and families meet their basic needs, establish stable foundations, and pursue their dreams. They are united in their mission to build a nurturing, thriving community where all people feel welcome, supported and a sense of belonging.
Their community center provides quality housing, childcare, food programs, basic resources, and neighborhood engagement activities. They are committed to listening to and elevating the voices of their neighbors, serving with humility and compassion, and working with their partners to build a more stable, equitable and prosperous community for all Washington Park residents. They walk alongside their neighbors to help put down roots and rise to reach their community’s fullest potential.
We have been invited by Wesley United Methodist Church to join them on a quick mission trip to Rooted and Rising in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 12. Rooted and Rising, previously United Methodist Children’s Services of Wisconsin, is an agency that serves the Washington Park neighborhood of Milwaukee. They offer a supportive housing program, affordable child care and early education, a community food pantry, and a community engagement hub.
We will leave Oshkosh at 9 a.m. and drive to Milwaukee where we may serve in a variety of ways which could include helping at the food pantry or nursery school, performing yard work, or working on one of the four houses being built for Rooted and Rising employees. We’ll return at about 4:30.
Everyone middle and high school age and up is encouraged to take part. Please reach out to Lisa-Marie by June 6, if you’re interested in joining us! Depending on our numbers we may need additional drivers.
We honor our baptismal and membership vows to God by our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. As contributors to a connectional system, our gifts have a global impact. Thank you for your generous support of the ministries at work in and through the people of ABUMC.
To Give In-Person: Envelopes are available at each worship experience, and you can designate how you would like your gift distributed.
Cash and checks payable to ABUMC are accepted.
To Give Electronically:
Online at: https://www.abumc.org/giving Select “How to Give” and follow the online giving link.
Through your bank: Work with your online banking system to set up recurring or one-time payments through options like ZELLE or electronic funds transfer.
To Mail Gifts:
Please make your check payable to ABUMC and send your gift to ABUMC, 1174 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901
For assistance with any of these options, please contact our staff at 920.231.2800. Thank you for your gifts.
The United Methodist Church uses this day to speak out for peace and justice. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. We renew our commitment that to live into our mission of transforming the world, we must prioritize collaboration among nations, work to reduce the use and need for weapons, and foster just, equitable and durable solutions to the root causes of conflict. Thank you for your generous support.