Hi Everyone!                                                            September 20, 2023 
Ron and I will be going to Utah on Wednesday afternoon for a few days to help out our daughter Tess and my sister Carolyn. I won’t be in the office on Thursday but our pastor will be here. We’ll be sorry to miss the neighborhood carnival, the invite someone new to church Sunday and most of all the potluck! 
Danny will be missing church here at PUMC for two Sundays and Lyna Wilkins has stepped up to teach the Sunday School class on September 24th but Sunday school will be canceled on October 1st. Danny is very pleased with the turnout for Sunday School this season. It’s never too late to join! 
PUMC needs someone to chair the Operation Christmas Child program this year. If you are willing to be in charge of this wonderful program, please let me know. There are lots of materials available to get you started.
 I hope you have noticed that the area just east of the church has been cleaned out! It was full of weeds and a dangerous play structure. The trustees and the UMM will work together to plant grass in that space and make it look a lot better. We will be working on this project on Saturday, October 14th right after the UMM breakfast meeting. That should be around 10:30. We’d love to have your help if that sounds like something you could do! Bring your own shovel! If have any materials to help with this project, we’ll take them. (grass seed, rainbird sprinklers, funny pipe etc.)
 Sunday, October 1st we will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis by having an outdoor service and blessing our pets! Bring your pets to church! Our dog Champ will love this. He thinks every human was put on Earth to pet him. If you don’t think it’s wise to bring your pet to church there will be a blessing given for pets that were left home. 
Save the date of Saturday, October 28th. The Boesch’s are inviting us to a Halloween Party. 
I received a nice note from Dennis Froeming this week. He and his wife Sharon live in Boise and are doing well. They attend a Presbyterian and he has recently become an Deacon. It was good hearing from him! 
We have some prayer requests this week: Please keep Hugh Homan and the Williamsons in your prayers. Lis and Gary have been in touch and send their love. Gary is at peace.
 Carmen Kumagai’s cousin Tory was hurt at work and has had surgery and will face more in the future. He is off the ventilator and is smiling. Please keep him on your prayer list for a bit. 
My friend Susan lost her mother this week. Please keep Susan and her siblings in your prayers as they navigate without their mom. Another friend of mine, Luann asked us to pray for her brand-new grandnephew Miles. He was born just under 2 pounds. He will need prayers for a while. 
Danny asks us to pray for his sister-in-law Ellie. She has lost her place to live and is looking for something affordable. 
I received word from Jean Hershey this week that they are all feeling better and when I asked about Terry, she said he is half way through his treatments and is well enough to run a 10K with Mark and his son Evan on the 23rd. Go Hersheys! 
Please keep these folks on your prayer list: Shannon Osborn, Mary Boesch, Olivia Bybee, Steve Simonson, Laurie, Jim Warzyn and Teresa’s soon to be born grandson.
 While We Sing is our new praise song this week. Please click on the link and listen in. 
Have a great rest of your week. Remember to invite someone new to church this week and bring something delicious to the potluck!
Blessings,
Cris

Hi Everyone!                                                            September 14, 2023
 Our Neighborhood Carnival is happening in just over one week! We want to introduce ourselves to the neighborhood so let’s make a good showing! Please sign up to help when you are at the church or call me and I will put you on the list. Please arrive by 10:30 on Saturday, September 23rd. We will need some canopies for that day. If you have a canopy that we can use please drop it off by Thursday. Make sure your name is on it! If you have a lawn game to share, please bring it too! 
The Ad Board and Trustees will meet on Monday, September 18th. The Trustee meeting begins at 6:15 with the Ad Board following at 7pm. Everyone is invited to attend these meetings. 
Next week I will be working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Ron and I are going to Utah to help our daughter Tess out for a few days. Pastor Mary Beth will be in the office on Thursday. 
I’m reminding you that when you write a check to the church don’t just put PUMC. Our credit union isn’t accepting those. Instead, write Payette United Methodist Church or Payette Methodist Church. 
Sunday, September 24th is Invite Someone New to Church Sunday. We will have a potluck after church that day. Start planning something delicious to share and make a plan to invite someone new. If we are going to grow, it’s going to take effort from all of us. 
We have some prayer requests this week. 
Please keep Lis and Gary Williamson and their family in your prayers. 
Lyna Wilkins has a praise and a concern this week. She had a wonderful time visiting her daughter Heidi and her family but she injured her foot while she was there. Keep her in your prayers. 
Tony Irwin’s daughter’s stepson Darby has terminal cancer and isn’t able to take anymore treatments. Please pray for Darby and his family. 
Please pray for Carmen’s cousin Tory. He was injured at work. He had an 8-hour long surgery Wednesday night to remove disks in his neck and replace the disks with hardware. He has lots of infection. In the future he will need shoulder surgery. Keep Tory, his mom Ruth and his wife Ranee in your prayers.
 I just learned that Mark and Jean Hershey have Covid along with Lyn and Jeanie. They camped together during the Labor Day holiday. Jean reports that they are feeling better. Honestly, I’m SO tired of Covid! 
Karen Sagehorn’s niece Kathleen is having tests for breast cancer and Kathleen’s aunt is very ill and is frustrated that the tests aren’t revealing the answers. I just received word that Kathleen got good news and is in the clear. All those involved are grateful that we have prayed for them. 
Teresa’s stepdad Larry’s funeral will be on Monday. Please keep Teresa’s mom Helen, Larry’s kids and Teresa and her brothers in your prayers. 
Continue to pray for: Hugh Homan, the Hood’s relative, Laurie, Terry Hershey, Steve Simonson, Olivia Bybee, Shannon Osborn, Jim Warzyn, Mary Boesch and Teresa’s grandson. 
The praise songs this week will be The Lion and the Lamb and Wake Up. Click on the blue links and listen to these songs. 
Enjoy our perfect weather and we hope to see you on Sunday! 
Blessings,
Cris

​Hi Everyone!                                                                        September 7, 2023 
Did you ever think you’d like to attend one of those painting classes where they teach you how to paint the picture in steps? Well, now you have the chance! Paint Me Silly in Payette is offering a class on Tuesday, September 19th at 6:00 p.m at 235 N. Main Street. The cost is $25 for all supplies. If you’d like to join in on this fun please call or text Terrie at 208-405-5603 as soon as possible because seating is limited. Include your name and email in the text. 
If you have been thinking about joining our pastor for coffee one of these Mondays, act fast. Because of her very busy schedule, the only Monday Morning Coffee With the Pastor this month will be on Monday, September 11th from 9-12 at Bordertown Coffee in Gayway Junction. 
The Adult Sunday School class will resume this coming Sunday. This is a great time to join the class at 9:45 in the fireside room! 
The United Methodist Men will be meeting at Erika’s Kitchen this coming Saturday at 9:00 a.m. for their monthly breakfast meeting. All men are invited and encourage to attend. 
The dollar offering from this Sunday’s service will all go to Meal on Wheels. The second Sunday of every month will go to this great cause. 
Pastor Mary Beth has the following announcement: On Monday, September 18th from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM, there will be a Soul Shop for Leaders at Meridian UMC. This is a one-day workshop designed to equip faith community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicide. This includes the creation of worship resource, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the how to extend the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories. This workshop engages the question of how to cultivate a soul-safe culture within your congregation. 
I will be attending it, and if you are interested in going, too, you can register by clicking on this blue link. The cost is $50 and lunch is provided. If you sign up, we can carpool to and from. MB 
 
If you have ever wished you could bring your pet to church, you wish will be granted! We will have an outdoor service on Sunday, October 1st to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and to bless our pets! 
We have some prayer requests this week. 
Ron’s brother Jim learned last week that the cancer has spread. He will begin hospice care soon. Please pray for Ron and his siblings, especially their sister Pat who is taking the news very hard. 
Teresa’s stepdad Larry passed away last week. Please keep Teresa’s mom Helen in your prayers along with Larry’s children and step children. I met Larry once and instantly liked him. He was very kind and could sure tell a story. 
We have been praying for Kyle, who is a friend of Karen Sagehorn. He is in palliative care now. Please keep Kyle and his mom, Linda in your prayers as they go through this challenging journey. 
Keep the Williamsons in your prayers along with their children and grandchildren.
 We heard from Lyn and Jeanie Hershey this week. They both have Covid! Jeanie says they aren’t feeling too badly but this certainly affects their lives. Please keep them in your prayers. 
Keep praying for all these folks: Macy, Jean Pollock, Shannon Osborn, Mary Boesch, Terry Hershey, Olivia Bybee, Steve Simonson, Hugh Homan, the Hood’s relative Laurie, and Teresa’s grandson. 
We will be singing one new song this week, Wake Up. Please click on the blue link, listen and sing along. It will help on Sunday.



Enjoy and be thankful for our nice warm days and cool nights! It doesn’t get any better than this. We hope to see you on Sunday.
Blessings,
Cris

Hi Everyone!                                                            August 31, 2023 
I am reminded this week of how blessed I am to live in Idaho where we don’t have hurricanes! The people in Florida and the south are struggling and our weather is just about perfect. Disaster relief is spread thin between Hawaii and Florida. Keep all those affected in your prayers. 
Last Sunday we were privileged to have Kathryn Tompkins and Lizzy Briggs speak about their experiences and what they learned at Young Life Camp. It’s very clear that they are learning the right things! Good job girls!
 When Roxanne went to the credit union this week with the deposit, they almost rejected a few checks! They no longer will allow us to write PUMC on our checks. We will have to write out Payette United Methodist Church on the to line. 
Speaking of PUMC, we were featured on the GNW Area Communications last week. They interviewed Pastor Mary Beth and I a couple of weeks ago for the story. Click on the blue link and read the story. It makes us sound great and very smart! Thanks for being the best congregation on the planet! 
There will be no Monday Morning Coffee With the Pastor this week. It will resume on September 11th.​

On Sunday, Carmen and Marcy let us know that Grace Hammon just celebrated her 93rd birthday. Happy Birthday Grace! 
Please sign up to help with our Neighborhood Carnival on Saturday, September 23rd.  Find the clipboard on Sunday or call the office and I’ll sign you up. 
Invite someone new to church on Sunday, September 24th. Let’s find some folks that need a church family and need to hear the good news! We will have a potluck afterward. 
Love INC is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday, September 28th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Ontario Calvary Chapel. It will feature a dessert bar, live music, raffle, silent auction and special speaker, Sting Ray Robb, a local kid who won the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 and Vice Champion in the 2022 Indy Lights. You can buy tickets by calling 541-216-6116 or get more info at www.loveincoreida.org. 
We have prayer requests this week. 
Please continue to pray for Gary and Lis Williamson and their family. 
The Hood’s relative, Lori who was burned badly in the fires on Maui has taken a turn for the worse and really needs our prayers right now. 
Ron’s brother Jim had a PET scan last week and learned that the cancer has spread. He is consulting with his doctors to see what his new plan is. Keep Jim and the whole Warzyn family in your prayers please. 
Karen Sagehorn is asking for prayers for a friend of her neighbor, Kenny who fell and is injured. He may need surgery and would like prayers for wisdom for his medical team. 
Ron is recovering nicely from his knee replacement surgery. He is walking with a cane now and getting around pretty well. He thanks you for your prayers. 
Continue to pray for Terry Hershey, Steve Simonson, Olivia Bybee, Hugh Homan, Jean Pollock, Macy Steckley, Mary Boesch, Teresa’s stepdad Larry and her grandson, and Shannon Osborn. 
We hope to see you in church on Sunday!
Blessings,
Cris
 

Hi Everyone!                                                            August 24, 2023 
Ron’s surgery went well and I am in the office this week. We left Payette at 7:15 a.m. Monday morning and returned at 7:15 p.m. with a new knee. Our daughter Tess said, “What a time to be alive!” The technology has come a long way and we are grateful for it.  Ron is doing well and should heal quickly. Thanks for your prayers. He’s a better patient than I am a nurse so we’ll see how this goes.
 The remainder of the funds for the new entry ramp came in this week! So that project is finished. As always, thanks to everyone for your generosity.
 Danny will be teaching a new Sunday School class starting Sunday, September 10th at 9:45. He will be teaching a series first about Christian beliefs and later on Methodist beliefs. It will be a great class and if you have been thinking about attending Sunday School this will be a great opportunity. Just show up on the 10th! 
The Tuesday Morning Bible Study will be starting a new curriculum next Tuesday. The bible study is every Tuesday morning from 10:00-11:45 and you are welcome to join. The beginning of the study focuses on prayer and then they move on to the study. This is a great opportunity to join this great group. Just show up any Tuesday! 
We will be having another Invite Someone New to Church Sunday on Sunday, September 24th which is the day after our Neighborhood Carnival. Start thinking about who you can invite to come to church with you. We will be having a potluck lunch. I will remind you about this. 
This Sunday we will have a treat! Kathryn Tompkins and Lizzy Briggs will be speaking about their experiences at Young Life Camp this summer.  We look forward to hearing from Kathryn and Lizzy! We will be reaffirming our baptism this Sunday as well. We hope to see you all there.
 We have some prayer requests this week. Please keep Lis and Gary Williamson and their family in your prayers. 
Ron’s great nephew Brandon who was in an industrial accident a little over a year ago had surgery to repair his left hand this week. They were able to improve the mobility of three of his fingers but his thumb and index finger will not get better. He will have surgery on his right hand in the future. Please keep Brandon in your prayers. 
Ken Phelps had a fight with outdated eyedrops and lost. Now he has a scratched cornea. Keep Ken in your prayers. 
Lyna’s friends Cheryl and Jerry Bunker are in need of prayer. Voni King had back surgery a couple of weeks ago. Please pray for complete healing for Voni. 
Jean Pollock began therapy for her dizziness last week. She is hopeful that the therapy is working. Keep Jean in your prayers. 
Continue to pray for Hugh Homan, Macy Steckley, Teresa’s stepdad and grandson, Shannon Osborn, Terry Hershey, Olivia Bybee and Steve Simonson. 
We hope to see you on Sunday and who knows, there might be garden goodies to take home. That’s a bonus! 
Blessings,
Cris

Hi Everyone!                                                            August 3, 2023 
Wow! Things were hoppin’ at the church on Tuesday. We had Lifeline Screening, the Fit and Fall Proof exercise group, the contractor for the new front ramp, Bible Study, AA, and the Community Closet folks here all at the same time. I absolutely loved it! PUMC is essential in our area!
 We are so close to being ready for our School Supply Fair on Saturday. A lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to host such a big event. Thank you to Teresa Beer and her team for making it all work. James and Pastor Mary Beth have been involved in every step and that is much appreciated. For those of you helping, please arrive by 9:00 a.m. We will need to meet with everyone first then you can set up the classrooms.  There will be donuts! For those bringing cookies, please try to get them here by nine or shortly after so we can get them put on trays. We have had lots of interest in the event so we hope it will be the best one ever. None of this could happen with the generous donations provided by you.
 Vale UMC will be joining our service on Sunday, August 13th. We will have a potluck after church. Please put this on your calendar and let’s have a big turnout to welcome our Oregon neighbors. 
Reed’s Concrete and Construction will be tearing out our entrance ramp the week of August 14th. The area will be roped off with construction tape so please just use the next door down that week. The project will be completed by that Sunday morning. We have had a good response for money to fund this project but we are still a little short. The Blessing Pitcher will be out for a couple of more weeks for those of you who didn’t get a chance to pitch in. Thank you everyone!
 Kathryn Tompkins and her friend Lizzy are at Young Life Camp this week. Keep them in prayer as they learn about and experience God’s love and for safe travels home.
 Please keep Jeanie Sandquist in your prayers. She has been suffering some unexplained symptoms for the past week or so. According to John, she is starting to feel better but is still weak. 
Macy Steckley is home from the hospital and is gaining strength every day. Ron and I popped in to visit with her this week and she looks great. We’ll all be happy to have her back in church! 
Kathryn Gordon sent word that the Baby Scarlet Grace is over 8lbs now and is home. What an answer to prayer! 
I talked to Anne DeBord this week. She is back in McCall enjoying the cool nights and watching folks on the golf course. She has some helpers come to her home most days and help with showers, laundry, cleaning and meals. If you go to McCall, give her a call. I’m sure she’d be glad to see you! 
Continue to pray for Jerry and Jim Warzyn, the Williamsons, Jerry and Jay Hall, Shannon Osborn, Mary Boesch, Olivia Bybee, Teresa’s stepdad Larry, Jan Bolin, Steve Simonson, Jean Pollock, Teresa’s grandson and Merlin Daniels

​The praise songs this week will be Forever and All Who Are Thirsty. Please click on the blue links and listen in. 
Please keep the School Supply Fair in your prayers this Saturday along with all the children and parents we are blessing. We are a church that loves people. Good job everyone!
Blessings,
Cris

Hi Everyone!                                                            July 27, 2023
 I’m baaaack! Ron and I had a fantastic time in Illinois and Wisconsin visiting Ron’s family. The weather was unbelievably great with temps in the 70’s, low humidity and a slight breeze. We did have one day of rain but I didn’t mind. It was great spending time with family and friends. One little side note: on the rainy day we went to a casino and I won $300! I found out that winning is a lot more fun than losing!  As a bonus we were able to meet up with members of my family in Salt Lake City so that was great too. It is good to be home. 
Here's some great news; Macy Steckley is home!  She is doing well and is glad to be home. She appreciates the prayers. 
Jean Pollock is home from the hospital too! She is doing much better and has therapy scheduled to treat her vertigo. 
Preparation for our School Supply Fair is in high gear. We have been shopping, counting and organizing and will be ready on Saturday, August 5th. We do need more help for that day. After looking at the sign-up sheet I see we are missing 5th grade classroom managers and escorts. Please sign up on Sunday or call the office and I’ll plug you into a spot! Come and help us love our community. If you are volunteering and would like to wear a shirt that says, “Work hard & be kind, that is all” there are a few on the pew in the entry way. If none of those work for you, get a plain shirt to the shirt to Teresa by Monday and she’ll fix it up. 
Jean Stephan’s 90th birthday party will be this Saturday, July 29th at the Payette Senior Center from 2-4. Her kids ask that you don’t bring gifts but cards are appreciated.
 A Fit and Fall Proof Class is returning to PUMC starting Tuesday, August 1st. This class is a safe way to gain strength and agility to prevent falls. Everyone is welcome to attend these classes which will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. 
There is one more big change to Coffee With the Pastor. Hopefully this will be the last change. Pastor Mary Beth is moving coffee back to Mondays from 9-12 and the location will be Border Town Coffee in Gayway Junction. Starting Monday, July 31st, join our pastor for coffee and she’ll even pay!
 The Sunday morning Sunday School Class is taking the month of August off. The last class will be on Sunday, July 30th and will resume on Sunday, September 10th. If you are interested in joining this adult class, September will be an excellent time to start attending. 
We will have a taco feed after church this Sunday, July 30th. The United Methodist Men are putting it all together which we appreciate! There will be a free will offering for this meal and some of what is given will go towards refinishing the entrance ramp. The blessing pitcher for this same project will be out for a few more weeks. 
On the morning of our School Supply Fair, Saturday, August 5th, the Clothing Closet will be open. That will be an excellent opportunity for folks to become familiar with this service and pick up some school clothes.
 We have prayer requests this week. We have been praying for Steve Simonson who had brain surgery a couple of weeks ago. We now find out that cancer was detected. He will have both chemo and radiation. Keep Steve and his family in your prayers.
 Teresa Beer is asking for prayers for her grandson due in November. A cyst was detected on his lung during an ultrasound. Please keep his parents, Austin and Jalani in your prayers too. 
Keep Macy, Hugh and Jean Pollock in your prayers. We need them back to their best! 
Keep the following folks in your prayers: Anne DeBord, Jan Bolin, Teresa’s stepdad Larry, Olivia Bybee, Terry Hershey, Mary Boesch, Jim and Jerry Warzyn, Jay and Jerry Hall, Shannon Osborn, the Jeffries, the Williamsons, and Frank Gordon. 
The worship song this week is Your Love Never Fails. Please click on the blue link and become familiar with it before Sunday. 
We hope to see you Sunday morning! Stay for tacos! 
Blessings,
Cris

Hi Everyone!                                                            April 27, 2023 
Please spread the word that our worship service on Sunday, April 30th is at Fruitland UMC at 9:30 a.m. We sure don’t anyone showing up at our church Sunday at 11:00.  Let’s show up in Fruitland and fill their sanctuary like they filled ours on January 29th.
 The Trustees met on April 17th and decided to do the spring cleanup the same as fall cleanup. Separate lists for outdoor and indoor tasks are on clipboards that will be available for a few weeks. If you want to help out, sign up for a task and complete it when it is convenient for you. The church is open T-F from 9 to noon every week or if you would like to come at a different time, just let me know and I’ll arrange for it to be open for you. Please bring your own tools and cleaning supplies. We all appreciate your help!
 Episode 2 of the third season of The Chosen will be shown this Sunday evening at 6:00. The UMM will provide popcorn and soda. The series is amazing, the snacks delicious and you can’t beat the company! 
Monday Morning Coffee With the Pastor returns to Agape on Monday from 9-12. Stop in and have a free coffee with Pastor Mary Beth on May Day!
 We received word that Hugh Homan was released from the hospital and is in skilled nursing care in Payette. That is an answer to prayer to keep him close to Doris and Jana. We are so glad he’s on the mend and getting stronger. 
I made a mistake in the newsletter last week about a former preschool student of Sheri Hood. Brendan Loudermilk passed away after a battle with cancer. Let’s keep his family in our prayers.
 The Sandquists have returned home after traveling to Independence, OR where John’s sister Karen passed away. They will be returning to wrap things up with Karen’s estate since she had no other family. Pray for strength for John and Jeanie. 
Tony Irwin’s daughter’s stepson Darby had his brain surgery and had two tumors removed successfully. He is feeling pretty well! 
Kathryn Gordon’s niece Emily had her tiny premature baby last week. She was born weighing 2lbs. 5 oz. Emily was able to go home but the baby will stay probably until close to her due date. The baby is doing well considering her size. Please keep baby, mom and dad on your prayer list! I will give you the baby’s name when I know. Remember, Glenora’s great granddaughter Eleanor weighed less than two pounds at birth and she is just fine, actually perfect! 
Continue to pray for Mike Hall’s family as they lost a brother and have a brother with mesothelioma. Ron’s brother Jim had a scan and some more troubling spots were found. Keep Ron and his siblings in your prayers. 
I got this word from Pam Hardenbrook’s Facebook page: Jim’s father is getting ready to take his final journey. He will soon hear those precious words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Keep Jim, Pam and all of their family in your prayers. 
Continue to pray for Floyd’s brother Frank, the Williamsons, Irene Jeffries, Shannon Osborn, James’ mom Mary, and Terry Hershey. 
Since we aren’t having a worship service this week, I won’t come in to work on Friday. I’ll take a 4-day weekend. I will be in town so if something comes up, give me a call and I’ll meet you here. 
I hope you can get out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather (finally). Keep in mind that all the beauty was created for us by God. Be thankful.
Blessings,
Cris
 PS My baby girl, Tess turns 30 this Sunday!

Hi Everyone!                                                            February 9, 2023 
I hope you plan to come to the United Methodist Men’s Valentine Dinner this Friday from 5-7 at the church! The menu has tri-tip, beans, salad, bread and dessert. $15 for one and $25 for 2. You can’t beat the price anywhere and I promise it will be delicious!
 We are planning a Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt for Saturday, April 1st. We will need lots of wrapped candy small enough to fit inside a plastic Easter egg. We are hoping for a nice warm Saturday so no chocolate please because it melts. Bring candy anytime I’m in the office or on any Sunday morning. 
The United Methodist Men will have their monthly breakfast meeting on Saturday, February 11th at 9:00 at Erika’s Kitchen in Payette. All men (and our pastor 😊) are invited and encouraged to attend. 
The Trustees and Ad Board will meet on Monday, February 20th. 
We will have an Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:30 p.m. 
Lifeline Screening will be using our church on Thursday, February 23rd all day. I still have some discount coupons if you are interested.
 We are pleased to share our building with Alcoholics Anonymous each week day from noon to one. This has been a great experience for all and everything is going well. 
We will be hosting the funeral for Dorothy Hoffman on this Friday at 1:00 pm. She was the sister of Shirley Masingill. Her children are Michael, Marty and Kathleen and they are thankful to us for helping them out. 
I talked with John Sandquist this morning. He says that Jeanie is starting to feel better. They both have been busy with lots of appointments and tests. Continue to pray for both of them please. 
Pastor Mary Beth is asking for prayers for her friend Robin and husband Nathan. Robin is in her 34th week of pregnancy and is having complications. They hope to keep her labor at bay for at least 2 more weeks.
 James’ mom, Mary is recovering from her accident in which she dislocated her elbow. She had surgery and is now in a hinged elbow brace that will eventually increase range of motion.
 Mike Hall’s brother Jerry has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Please pray for peace for Jerry and all of his family. 
Ron Warzyn’s brother Jim has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. This is the same brother who had cancer in his sinus cavity last year. Please pray Jim and for the whole family. 
Continue to pray for Irene Jeffries, Lyna’s friend Donna, Deanna’s brother John, Shannon Osborn, Hugh Homan and the Williamson and Hollaway families. 
Each Thursday evening at 7:00 you are welcome to the open practice session of the music team. You can listen in and sing along as the team learns and practices the songs for the following Sunday morning. If you aren’t a big fan of the internet and don’t want to click on the links that I send, this is a great option for you. Here are the links for this week’s songs:  Come As You Are     Glorious Ruins


Enjoy the much better weather and know that spring is coming! I hope to see you on Sunday morning. 

Blessings,
Cris

February 2, 2023 

Happy February to you all! January has always seemed like a long month to me so the shortest of all months is welcome! Along with that, February seems to always have a few very nice days and I look forward to that.  If we didn’t have winter, we wouldn’t appreciate spring so much. 

Today is Pastor Mary Beth’s birthday! We celebrated her birthday as a church last Sunday along with the Fruitland UMC’s congregation and Pastor Clynton. We had a great turnout and a nice meal afterward with birthday cake for dessert. It was nice to have the pews full and great to see our neighbors. Pastor Mary Beth asked me to share this message with you.

THANK YOU to everyone for the cake, the cards, and the blessing on Sunday. James and I truly love our church! 

As you know, the idea of changing our service time was brought up to the Ad Board last month. The Ad Board decided that we should take this idea to the congregation. The first survey has been completed. It showed that more people voted to change our worship time. A new survey is out to vote on either 10:00 or 10:30 as a starting time. Please take a minute on Sunday to fill out a survey. The survey will be available until the next Ad Board meeting on Monday, February 20th.  Please just vote once! 

There will be no Monday morning coffee with the pastor on this Monday, February 6th. Coffee will resume the following Monday. 

We will be having an Ash Wednesday service this year on Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:30 p.m. 

We will be holding a neighborhood Easter egg hunt this year on Saturday, April 1st. No foolin’ 😊 Lots more details will follow but we will be collecting Easter candy now. Please bring wrapped candy small enough to fit in a plastic Easter egg but no chocolate please (it melts.) 

If you are interested in joining a book study with Pastor Mary Beth, please sign up on the sheet in the fellowship hall. A day and time will be determined by the participants.

The United Methodist Men will be hosting a Valentine’s Dinner on Friday, February 10th from 5-7 here at PUMC. The menu will be Tri Tip, salad, beans, bread and dessert. The price will be $15 for one and $25 for a couple. That’s a great price for a tri tip dinner! Please plan to attend. You won’t be sorry. 

The Payette High School Band is presenting a Potato Bar and Jazz Concert on Saturday, February 18th from 5-8 p.m. at the R&L Center in Payette. Showtimes are at 5:30 and 7:00. Tickets are $10 or $40 for five people. The band is raising money for their trip to Disneyland. If you’d like to buy tickets, please contact Kathryn or Laura Tompkins. I can contact them for you if you’d like, just give me a call. Let’s help Kathryn get to Disneyland!!!!

 I have been asked to pass along the news that there will be a used book sale fundraiser this Saturday at the Portia Club in Payette from 11-2. All proceeds will go to Four Rivers Healthy Community for Dolly Parton’s Imagine Library. Imagine Library gives a free book every month to children age birth to five years old. What a benefit for our kids! Each child who attends the book sale will receive a free book!

 We have some prayer requests this week. Last Sunday night, Jeanie Sandquist had a TIA. That’s a transient ischemic attack. It means that the blood flow to part of her brain was blocked for a short time. It caused the same symptoms as a stroke but didn’t cause any lasting damage. She will be on medication and will be watched so that she doesn’t have a stroke in the future. She is home now. Let’s pray for Jeanie, her doctors and for John. 

James Boesch’s mom Mary had a fall and dislocated her elbow. She had surgery to repair it but she is in a lot of pain. Please keep Mary in your prayers. Mike Hall’s brother Jerry is in Kentucky and has been in the hospital with fluid on his lungs. Gloria, who runs the Community Closet at PUMC had surgery that turned out to be more extensive than they predicted. I asked what we can do for her and Gloria’s reply was, “Please pray for me!” We can do that! Brandon Baumler traveled to Fargo, North Dakota in below zero temperatures to attend his Uncle Scott’s funeral. He asks that you pray for his cousins. He is on his way to Arizona (much better weather) to visit his grandfather. He asks for travel mercies. In church on Sunday, Don Essinger asked us to pray for Letha. She hasn’t been feeling great. Continue to pray for: Irene Jeffries, Lyna’s friend Donna, Deanna’s brother John, Lis and Gary Williamson, Shannon Osborn and Hugh Homan.

 We hope to see you at church on Sunday! Our praise song will be one that we have sung a couple of times, There’s a Fountain Free. Please click on the link and sing along. 

Blessings,

Cris

Payette United Methodist Church
502 N. 11th St. Payette, ID 83661 ~ (208) 642-2475 ~ payetteumc@yahoo.com
 
April 2020 NEWSLETTER
 
THE UPPER ROOM
Our daily devotionals The Upper Room have arrived and are available. This edition is for May and June. If you would like a copy call the office and let me know if you’d like to pick it up   (I will bring it out to your car)   or If you would like it mailed or dropped off. There are a handful left so don’t wait too long.
 
WORSHIP SERVICES ONLINE
Our worship services are recorded and produced by a great team which includes Fruitland and Payette UMC people. A big shout out goes to them along with Pastor Jim and Pam. The services can be found every Sunday morning right here on our website blog.
 
Just go to that website and click on the multimedia link. You will find the current service along with past ones.

DONATE TO MATCH OUR GIFT CARD GRANT!
People are hurting financially and we would like to help by providing Albertsons gift cards to people in need. We applied for and received a $500 grant from the conference to help us get started. Pastor Jim is challenging us to raise an extra $1,000 toward this awesome outreach. We have chosen Wicap  (Western Idaho Community Action Programs) to help us distribute the $25 gift cards to the right people. Wicap is the governing body of Head Start and many other great programs.  
If you would like to donate to this cause please send your checks to the church and write “gift cards” on the memo line.
 
FACEMASKS FOR OUR CHURCH
Our own Charlene Wimpy and Lis Williamson and her family have made several facemasks for our church! We will be distributing and using these masks when we return to worship. A big shoutout to these folks for using their talent to help us out!
 
AD BOARD NEWS
The Ad Board met via Zoom last Monday. We discussed what our reopening will look like when that happens. There is no current plan to reopen and we will wait for guidance from our bishop about that. Pastor Jim asked Ron Warzyn, the Ad Board Chair to appoint a special task force to look into best practices about reopening. Ron asked Danny Crego to head up the committee. The members are Dianne Kinney, Leslie and Gary Olson and Cris Warzyn as the Trustee Chair. Thanks to these folks for stepping up!
 
SEAL COATING FOR PARKING LOT
The Ad Board also approved the seal coating and restriping of our parking lot. Our parking lot is 5 years old and we want to take care of it. This project will probably happen the last week of April or the first week of May depending on the weather. The lane will be sealed off with cones during that time. I will still be working so call the office if you need me to walk to the street. I can use the steps.
 
FINANCE COMMITTEE NEWS
Wow, look at the way our world has changed in just a couple of months! Our church has been closed for six weeks and it looks as if it will be for at least two more.  I know we are all missing our old ways and our ability to congregate and worship our lord together.  I am missing the friendly greetings and hugs from “my people” as well as hearing from our faithful pastor in person.

Our congregation has done a good job of keeping up with tithes and offerings, despite our inability to hold regular church services.  In March, we had $6,870 in giving and $6,424 in expenses. 

The first 3 weeks of April have yielded $6,553 in offerings.  It appears that we are on track to meet expenses for this month as well.  I am greatly encouraged by this and so proud of your faithfulness in this unprecedented time.  The church may have left the building, but the church is still alive and well!  I always say that we are small, but mighty and you are proving it every day!

Stay well and blessed my friends.  Until we meet again.
Teresa Waynetska, Finance Committee Co-Chair
 
Temporary office hours are Wednesday-Saturday 9-12
 
Joyce Whittet Celebrates a Birthday in Style!
Our own Joyce Whittet had her 90th birthday this week and a story about her was featured in the Argus Observer. Her bridge friends did a drive by birthday for her. Judging by the picture in the paper, she was very pleased! Happy Birthday Joyce!
​
   

​PAYETTE UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
502 N. 11TH ST. PAYETTE, ID 83661 ~ (208) 642-2475 ~ payetteumc@yahoo.com
WORSHIP: 11:00 AM ON SUNDAYS
July, 2019

DOLLAR OFFERING
The dollar offering for the first Sundays of April, May and June went to
support our three Young Lifers: Nick and Kathryn Tompkins and Ty
Waynetska. They are using this money to go to Young Life Camp. Ty
and Nick went to Canada and Kathryn will go to a camp in Oregon.
The UMM also made a generous donation for this effort. We love our
kids!

The Trustee Committee has been hard at work making
improvements to the building and grounds. We have new rain gutters
in strategic locations around the building, new bark has been put
down in the beds, the shrubs have been trimmed, weeds killed and
mowed, touch up paint, the hallway decluttered and many other tasks.
Our lawn is being cared for by Mahlon’s Lawn Care this summer and
he is doing a fabulous job. The building and grounds look great!

School Supply Fair!
Our annual School Supply Fair will be happening on Saturday, August
10th. We have ordered the string bags with money left over from last
year but we will need money to buy the supplies. We would
appreciate donations starting any time. Just mark your check or
envelope “school supplies” and we will shop for the absolute best
prices. We will need everyone’s help on that day so please save the
date! Sign-up sheets will be going around in the next few weeks.

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
The Trustee Committee and
Ad Board voted unanimously
to cancel the July meetings.
We will meet again on August
19th.
If we need one, we will call an
emergency meeting.

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES
Ladies Bible Study:
Tuesday Mornings: 10:00 am
Men’s Bible Study:
Wednesday Evening: 6:30 pm

A Fit and Fall Proof Group meets at the
church on Monday and Friday
mornings at 10:00 a.m.
The program is designed to increase
balance, mobility, strength, flexibility,
and confidence. The program is free
and everyone is welcome.
If you have questions call Macy
Steckley
​
CHURCH CAMP, JULY 2019
It’s not too late to plan for summer camp! PUMC takes over Lake Wallowa
Church Camp in Joseph, OR one weekend a year. That weekend is July 19-
21, 2019. We will have delicious food, fun activities like crafts, campfires and
puzzles. We will also have devotions, church service and free time to explore
this beautiful part of Oregon. Make your plans, we still have room for you!

See Bob Steckley for more details!

HORSE CAMP FOR THE BOYS!
Edwin and Raymond are heading to Wallowa Lake Horse Camp in July
thanks to the generosity of PUMC folks. We held a delicious fundraising
lunch after church and along with generous donations from both the UMM
and UMW we were able to pay for the whole experience for them. We just
know they will have an amazing time. What an excellent mission!

Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive
health screenings, will offer their affordable, non-invasive and painless health
screenings at Payette First United Methodist Church on 7/10/2019. Five
screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to:
blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic
aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in
the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or
irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density
screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis.
Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and
osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five
screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this
event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129,
please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle
or text the word circle to 797979

Special Thank You to PUMC,
Thank you for the recent gift to help local kids get the support and care
they so desperately need and deserve. Your gift will help provide over one
month of art room supplies and equipment for 65 kids. Your investment is
bringing hope to those that need it most, kids.
Thank you, Matt Sorenson
Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club of Western Treasure Valley

​PAYETTE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
502 N. 11TH ST. PAYETTE, ID 83661 ~ (208) 642-2475 ~ payetteumc@yahoo.com
WORSHIP: 11:00 AM ON SUNDAYS

February, 2019

FROM JIM’S CLUTTERED DESK
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 

Every year United Methodist congregations are expected to
submit an Annual Report by January 31. We report worship,
Bible study and Sunday School attendances. The number of
members involved in mission outreach and service endeavors is
asked. Finances take up a page of the report. All the data is
important.
Although you might hear me bellyache about Annual Reports I
must admit it could be harder. What if we were asked to report
“the reason for the hope that you have.”? Or how we are doing
with the command of Jesus to “bless those who curse you.”?
How about “let your gentleness be evident to all.”?
Those questions cannot be answered by how many people
attend worship services or Bible studies. Nor does the amount
of money given always provide an accurate evaluation of our
congregational health.
But I’ve seen your love, your faith, your hope. I’ve heard you talk
about the way Jesus guides and empowers you. We weren’t
asked to report things like this in the Annual Report but we do
have a “reason for the hope that we have.” The reason is Jesus
and I look forward to what lies ahead of us in 2019.
See you Sunday,
Jim Hardenbrook

Ryan Haren New Eagle Scout!
Our own Ryan Haren will be receiving his Eagle Scout Award
on Monday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m. right here at PUMC.
Congratulations Ryan!

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS
The Trustee Committee and
the Administrative Board
meet on the 3rd Monday of
each month. The Trustees
meet at 6:15 p.m.with the Ad
Board following at 7:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to
attend!

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES
Ladies Bible Study:
Tuesday Mornings: 10:00 am
Men’s Bible Study:
Wednesday Evening: 6:30 pm

A Fit and Fall Proof Group meets at the
church on Monday and Friday
mornings at 10:00 a.m.
The program is designed to increase
balance, mobility, strength, flexibility,
and confidence. The program is free
and everyone is welcome.
If you have questions call Macy
Steckley 208-642-7281.

CHURCH CAMP, JULY 2019
“A wonderful time of fellowship, crafts, singing, and fun in a beautiful setting”
It’s not too early to plan for summer camp! PUMC takes over Lake Wallowa
Church Camp in Joseph, OR one weekend a year. That weekend is July 19-21,
2019. We will have delicious food, fun activities like crafts, campfires and
puzzles. We will also have devotions, church service and free time to explore
this beautiful part of Oregon. Make your plans, save some money and we will
have many more details in the spring!

Weiser Little Theater
Weiser Little Theater will is presenting Nunsense, a musical comedy.
Dianne Kinney is a big part of Weiser Little Theater and she would
appreciate your support. The dates are Feb. 14, 15, 15, 19, 21, 22, 23,
28 and March 1st and 2nd. Tickets are available at
www.WeiserLittleTheater.org. You will find a poster for the play on
the bulletin board at church. Let’s go support Dianne!

Special Prayer Request
Be in prayer for the upcoming Special Session of General
Conference, February 23rd- 26th in St. Louis,Missouri

Ash Wednesday
On March 6, Ash Wednesday, we are invited to Fruitland UMC. They
are providing a prayer and meditation service and a Stations of the
Cross exhibit. This open house will be held from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

​We received a nice note from Barbara Wilson which partly reads,
“I live across from the park with a stream running through it. It is very
beautiful and there is no excuse for not walking.” The full note is
hanging on the bulletin board. We sure do miss Barbara!

We are trying hard to make sure our
membership records are correct.
We will be sending letters soon to
update information. If you don’t
receive a letter please talk to Cris.

Do You have Something for the Newsletter?
Please email, call the office or talk to Cris if you have something to add to the 
next newsletter.