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I was on vacation for two Sundays in December and January. Dan and I visited the largest, fastest-growing mega-church in South Florida and a large, fast-growing church in Madison. My purpose for visiting both was first to worship, but also to see what they are doing to grow. Dan and I both decided that if we had been church shopping, we wouldnt have gone back to either of them. Why? There was a surprising lack of hospitality. We didnt feel particularly welcomed in either church. In Florida, Dan and I parked in visitor parking, yet we couldnt find the sanctuary! Only one person greeted us. As large as it was, it still felt very clique-y. In Madison, again only one person greeted us. We couldnt find the bathrooms. I approached an usher with a question, and the information on the internet had been more helpful than she was. The biggest problem, however, was parking: It took nearly a half hour to get out of the parking lot! We waited about 10 minutes before we could even back out, then we sat and sat while attendants directed various rows of cars. Finally when it was our turn, another car, that had just pulled up to where we were so they had not been waiting the 20 minutes we had been waiting, tried to cut us off and get in front of us. Dan let me know that if I was interested in going back to that church, he would not come with me. My reason for telling these experiences is because I wonder how people experience our church. We do have visitors quite often. When a first time visitor is here, how many people greet them? How easy is it to find our bathrooms and Sunday School classes? Does our church feel inviting? Does the appearance of the building, inside and out, say that we care? Are people warm and friendly to those who are new? Do people leave with an irrelevant experience, or do they leave feeling like they have connected with people? At our last Church Council meeting we had wonderful, lengthy discussion about hospitality. Hospitality is one of the easiest important things we can do to help make disciples. All churches believe that they are friendly, but many people in churches are mostly only friendly to, well, their friends. Everyone who signed up a few weeks ago on the blue bulletin insert to be a greeter will be soon receiving a letter outlining how we would like our greeter ministry to grow. In addition to greeters by the sanctuary doors, we would like greeters at the main entrance, opening doors for people. We will also soon be having an information area in the narthex, which we would like greeters to be available to answer questions for people. (The information booth is our old pulpit which is being repurposed!). So this is a minimum of 3 people each Sunday in three different roles. (Please let Jennifer know if you would like to be a greeter but didnt fill out a blue sheet) Even more important than this is an attitude of welcome. Look for people you dont know. Introduce yourself to them and say, I dont believe I know you. If they say they are visiting (or if they havent been here for a while), invite them to get a cup of coffee, invite them to coffee fellowship or a Sunday School class or small group. Introduce them to me, or if they have teenagers to Mindy, or if they have children to Ellen. Lets make 2013 the year of excellence, and lets start with hospitality! Ill see you in church, where we love one another both those we have loved for a long time, and those God is bringing to us to love.
I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :

B ARELY SENIORS U M WOMEN C AP CLUB

2 2 3

HEALTH & WELLNESS J UST T HOUGHT ...

B IRTHDAYS & A NNIVERSARIES

4 5

HOLY ROLLERS & 6 REDEEMER CHILDRENS MINISTRY CALENDAR 7 8

MINDYS CORNER 8 WORSHIP SCHEDULES 10

FINANCIAL PEACE 10 UNIVERSITY 11 11

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Feb. 5-General Meeting, 1:30 PM in Wesley Room Theme: Call to Prayer and Self-Denial-Christian Financial Responsibility Program: Dee Gray Host: Katie Cottingham Feb 21-Rebekah Fellowship Group, Wesley Room 9:00AM Coffee 9:30AM Meeting/Program THANK YOU The end of 2012 proved to be a BUSY time, with the Christmas Fair one week after Thanksgiving. IT was a GOOD Fair and enjoyed by all those working and attending. Many Thanks to: Max Anderson and Marian and Norenne Masbruch for the new sign, Co -Chairs. Rosemary Anderson and Barb Browning, and ALL those who furnished food and craft items, worked and attended and bought items. MISSION It is always good to look back at the year to see what has been accomplished. Through the year, our mission money has gone to the district, state and locally to: Church Women United Kitchen supplies for funeral lunches Camperships to Youth Camp (4 this year) Every one is UM Chaplaincy in Madison (serves our people) welcome. Come join us Harbor House (for women) Money for meat for Mission Committee in these activities and Church School ($100 for water project) be a UMW! Prayer Shawls for ill members and friends Baptismal shawls Shawls, blankets, dolls, etc. for cribs Goals for 2013 include: This year's offering will go to Poverty issues organizations that train women, Domestic violence and abuse children and youth to master skills Local issues such as budgeting, establishing or maintaining credit and any other needed financial skills. If you cannot be at the meeting and wish to contribute to this project in mission, send your donation to Katie Cottingham. Thank you.

Barely Seniors
Barely Seniors will meet on Thursday, February 14 at 12:00 pm in the fellowship hall with a potluck lunch and program. Table service and beverages are provided. Seniors are asked to bring a dish to pass. Program: Ed Faherty: Recycling Developments. Ed will provide an update on changes in the recycling industry and also share product developments from recycled materials

There are pecans still available. If you would like one, please pick one up from the office window. Checks may be made payable to UMW. $9.50/bag

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The Cap Club did not meet in January, but we would like to report that the Club received a memorial from the family of one of the deceased friends we were calling on. We gave the donation to the Sunday School Well Project in our friends name. We thanked the family and told them where their memorial was used. We will be meeting again on February 5th at 10:00 am. Blessing from the Cap Club

Office Hours
9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m.; Monday-Friday

Contact Information
Office: 608-348-9508 Fax: 608-348-9509 E-mail: plattevilleumc@centurylink.net Web: www.plattevilleumc.org

Pastor
Rev. Brenda Whitford pastorbrenda@centurylink.net 608-482-0021

Brendas Office Schedule

Brenda will be taking Mondays off instead of Fridays. Please make sure you contact the office to set up appointments.

Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Fiedler plattevillevilleumc@centurylink.net

Business Manager
Just a friendly reminder of the weekly announcement and newsletter deadlines. Amy Loeffelholz amyloffelholz@centurylink.net

Weekly Announcements
Wednesday morning

Youth, College Age & Small Group Coordinator

Mindy Freiburger freiburgerm@gmail.com 608-778-4607

Newsletters
3rd Friday of the month
Please have any articles to the office no later than Friday afternoon. This will ensure that your article will get in the newsletter. Dates are posted in the weekly announcements, newsletter and sent out by email.

Sunday School Superintendent

Ellen Carnahan ellen.carnahan@yahoo.com

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For this next year, we would like the focus of our committee to be on connecting people of the church with other members and make them really feel connected with a church family. For some of us at the church, we've been with the church for some time, or are from this community our whole lives and have a strong connection. For others of us at the church, we're new to the church, are or aren't from this community originally, and don't feel like we have much of a connection. Below I list 2 examples with 5 different responses. Example 1: I've just moved to the area and I don't know anyone. I go to church thinking maybe I'll feel better. I go to church and: 1. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. 2. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and invites me to coffee hour and people of the congregation talk to me. 3. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and invites me to coffee hour and people of the congregation talk to me. People of the congregation invite me to another event and make me feel a part of the congregation. 4. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and invites me to coffee hour

HEALTH & WELLNESS

and people of the congregation talk to me. People of the congregation invite me to another event and make me feel apart of the congregation. I go to the event. I have fun meeting new people, playing games, interacting. This is much better than staying home. 5. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and invites me to coffee hour and people of the congregation talk to me. People of the congregation invite me to another event and make me feel apart of the congregation. I go to the event. I have fun meeting new people, playing games, interacting. This is much better than staying home. This event is scheduled monthly. I start getting into a routine. This is fun. I look forward to going. The people of the church become my friends. I feel connected to people here. I feel I found a place where I belong. Example 2: I've been going to the church for sometime. I know people in the community. I've just recently lost my job (or retired) and feel like I've lost that connection with people because I used to have a work family. I go to church and: 1. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. 2. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and asks me how I am doing. I tell them I lost my job and they listen. 3. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and asks me how I am doing. I tell them I lost my job and they listen. People of the congregation invite me to an event and make me feel like even though I lost my work family, I still have my church family. 4. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and asks me how I am doing. I tell them I lost my job and they listen. People of the congregation invite me to an event and make me feel like even though I lost my work family, I still have my church family. I go to the event. I have fun playing games, interacting. I don't feel so disconnected. 5. People greet me at the door and I feel welcomed. After church someone talks to me and asks me how I am doing. I tell them I lost my job and they listen. People of the congregation invite me to an event and make me feel like even though I lost my work family, I still have my church family. I go to the event. I have fun playing games, interacting. I don't feel so disconnected. This event is scheduled monthly. I start getting into a routine. This is fun. I look forward to going. Even though I don't have a work family anymore that I see every day, I'm starting to feel a connection to my church family. I exchange a few phone numbers and start building meaningful relationships with others. I feel I found a place where I belong. This year we as the Health and Wellness Committee would like to make a commitment to building healthy relationships. We would like to set up an event in March where our church family can have fun together: playing games, eating pizza, sandwiches, or having a potluck on a Friday night. This would be a place where we can commit to each other, the way God intended us to be together and have fun together in a very healthy way. Thanks, Jan Merfeld, Health & Wellness Chairperson

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Birthdays This Month

01 Sharon Glass 02 Suzanne Weigel 02 Jamie Weigel 02 Harrison Pothour 03 Jane Rupp 04 Christina Byrnes 04 Austin Uppena 05 Anna Musarra 06 Dorothie Bradley 06 Keith Wanezek 07 Rachel Demaree 09 Harlan Stephens 09 Sam Krueger 09 Allison Brehm 11 Janice Digman 12 Beverly Holler 13 Gary Craugh 15 Jennifer Goninen 18 Mark Harle 18 Tammy Rupp 18 Jessica Plourde 19 Jason Pothour 22 Joe Witmer 22 Brittany Noel 24 Danielle Dillon 25 Nancy Deiter 25 Pam Craugh 25 George Krueger 25 Mackenzie Timlin 26 Arica Wanezek 26 Josh Brynes 27 Kandice Stephens

Anniversaries This Month

01 Gary & Sandy Baker 01 Mike & Ann Finley 08 Brian & Amy Loeffelholz 09 Donnie & Janet Millard 12 Roger & Rita Elver 12 Kelly & Jill Ingersoll 14 Randy & Connie Stephens 14 Tom & Christine McCall 20 Darrell & Pauline Henry 25 Duwayne & Nancy Stuelke

A special thank you to the following people for helping serve the funeral luncheons during the year of 2012: Doris Tatge ~ Carolyn Woodward ~ Marion Masbruch ~ Noreene Masbruch ~ Virginia Riter ~ Teddy McNett ~ Laurene Leuth ~ Rosemary Anderson. Thank you for your dedication! Joan Kuehl & Jan Digman Dear Parishioners of the United Methodist Church, Thank you for your assistance with the Alone for Christmas dinner. Your contribution of foods and workers helped make it a lovely day for all. We are blessed to have you as part of our Platteville community. Sincerely, Alone for Christmas Committee To Whom it May Concern: At the school board meeting on January 14, 2013, the Platteville Board of Education acknowledged your donation of school supplies for needy students. Please convey the boards appreciation to all the members of your organization. It is with gratitude that we thank you for this generous gift. Sincerely, Connie Valenza, District Administrator. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ruth Steinback, who passed away on Tuesday, January 22nd. There was some significant work done in my office while I was on vacation! I want to thank Dick and Peg Meyer for painting my office. The berry colored wall is very energizing! Jennifer and Amy took some time to organize and move things around. They had been listening when I had said, If I had time I would Thanks so much! ~Pastor Brenda Thank you to all who gave money to our water project in my honor for Christmas. This was a wonderful surprise! Thank you so much! Together you gave $297.00. ~Pastor Brenda

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HOLY ROLLERS & REDEEMER

The Holy Rollers and Redeemer bands hit the road in January to spread the "Good News." Zion UMC in Juda, WI hosted a teen night on January 12 featuring "Sheltered-Reality." This engaging drum team puts on an amazing choreographed performance with the themes of "Don't Give Up" and "Steps to Success." Holy Roller/Redeemer Mom Sharon Pink got on stage to join the fun! Holy Rollers and Redeemer followed wrapping up the night. Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Dubuque hosted Redeemer and the Holy Rollers for the third year in a row for their Confirmation Retreat on January 19. Who says rockin' Christian music echoes in a gym? Parents of the teens always turn out to support their young musician or singer which is great!. Roxane Ford, Dean Goninen, Mike Mair, and brothers Brandon and Jared Pink share the sleep deprived directing duties!

Holy Rollers

Redeemer

Holy Roller/Redeemer Mom Sharon Pink got on stage to join the fun!

Dont miss the Souper Bowl Lunch Fundraiser on February 3rd!!! Carry-outs will be available following the 8:30 services and serving will begin following the 11:00 service. Help support this amazing music ministry! Freewill offering

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CHILDRENS MINISTRY

I have amazing news to share with you! As you all know, our Sunday School students decided to donate their offering money this year to the "Water For Life" project, to help build wells in rural villages in Liberia, Africa. Our goal was to raise $2,300 this year, which is the cost to build one well. Besides their own offerings, the children also offered water bottles and baked goods for donations after church services this Fall. When we were already half-way to our goal in November, Pastor Brenda challenged our church community to help the children raise enough money for 2 wells this year. As Christmas approached, we offered bottles of water and certificates for our members to donate money in honor of a family member or friend as a Christmas gift, and Pastor Brenda announced that our Christmas Eve offering would go to the Water For Life project. The response was amazing!! As of January 6th, we have collected a total of....... $12,767.32 That will pay for more than 5 wells in Liberia, and we are "well" on our way toward a 6th well !!! I praise God and thank our church community for the support they have given our children and their project. Through their efforts and enthusiasm, many lives will be saved because families in 5 (or more!) villages will have access to clean water in the future. They have made a difference. We will continue to donate our offering money to the Water for Life project, and will sponsor coffee fellowship/bake sales with the donations going to our Water project until the end of the school year. Thank you all! Ellen Carnahan, Sunday School Superintendent

Parents Night Out

Parenting is a lot of work and parents rarely get a night where they can focus on their relationships. Its hard to just go out to enjoy dinner or a movie together. The cost of the dinner and movie plus childcare can add up really fast. Thats why for your Valentines celebration this year we wanted to give you a break and a chance to get out and spend some time together, just the two of you. Feb 15 we will be offering free childcare at the church for ages birth through 6th grade. Older kids are welcome to come help out. We will provide a light supper., games, and lots of fun. This is to allow parents to enjoy an affordable night out with their spouse or significant other close to Valentines Day. Watch for sign-ups in the weekly bulletins and coming home with kids from Sunday School or you may call the office at 608-3489508.

Spark Campus Ministry Presents

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Vacation Bible School July 22-26 9:00 am Noon

Refuel Conference Report

In November a few Merge students went to the Refuel conference at the Wilderness resort in Wisconsin Dells. It was a time of fun, laughter, and God working immensely in our lives. ReFuel was meant to ReFuel us in our faith and it did! When we give God time and open ourselves to him he always uses that. God wants to work in us and wants to mold our hearts to be more like his. He wants to cleanse us and make us new. The students and I learned all of these things as they came true that weekend. Seeing God work in the lives of our students was overwhelming to me and I was moved to tears more than once that weekend. It was impacting for the students to all worship God together and learn about him together that weekend. Please read below on how one student was moved by God. Mindy, Youth Ministry Coordinator

Students worshipping together at the ReFuel Conference

On the ReFuel conference to the Dells, I realized I needed to focus on one thing and that was God. When we got there I was hesitant to talk to anyone. I thought they were going to be mean or just push me aside. After the first night I opened up to everyone. I really loved how much we prayed. When the worship leaders asked if anyone wanted to be closer to God or haven't given their whole selves to him I felt something in me change. I was standing next to a girl who had lost her mom, and she just broke down and cried. I started to cry and then we ended up hugging. Some people came over and prayed to God to help us find who we really are and what we want to focus on in our lives. We must have really felt God trying to work within us. I felt like I had a purpose on Earth, that God had me here to do something important. I had a lot of fun at the water park but I have to say my favorite part of it all was really finding God. I have been praying a lot more and I have been trying to break my bad habits. The whole experience with the conference helped me find myself in God, and in other people. I never realized that I was so far away from him until then. He has done so much for me in my life. I would like to start this group because I think it would help kids realize that God is the best person they could ever have in life if they just open up. People are not going to judge them and that they have a right to believe in what they want. It would be amazing to get together and get more people to go to a conference like that again. Even though there was only three of us, I believe it was the best experience of my life. It pulled me much closer to God. I really needed to realize that I needed him in my life and I did. One of the nights I sat down in a corner and just prayed to God to take all my sins and to forgive me. I really started to cry because I felt the power of God. -Kayla Rupp

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Ring in 2013! As the new year was just beginning I found myself sitting in The Atlanta Dome crowded with 64,000 college students, all there to worship God and grow to know him more. I learned so many things in my four days in the dome but one of the things I felt God showing me was that he wanted me, all of me! He is calling me to give him my time, my energy, my dreams, my everything. He wants me to love him with all my heart, soul, strength and mind, and I want to give him this. I want 2013 to be the year where I grow to know God even deeper! I want to know what it means to really love God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind. I want to seek him with every thing within me to find him. I want to dig deep into his Word every single day, mediate deeply on it, and soak it in. I dont want to miss a single thing. My life has already been changed to reflect this. Isnt it great that when God gives us something to do he always helps us do it! Every morning I have been doing a Beth Moore Bible study on David, doing a devotion at night, while spending time being still with God, and playing worship on the guitar. All of these are helping me love and grow to know God more! However, these all came with a cost. I am cutting my TV time, Facebook, and texting. I don't say these to be like look at me Im so good but I want you to join me in this. Join me in the journey of loving God with everything and seeking to know him more. Wont you join me in making 2013 the year you grew to know God in a whole new way? -Mindy

Mindys Corner

The Merge youth group is going to start fresh in 2013 with lots of fun activities planned including an all night ski trip on Feb. 22. Please see Mindy if interested. Be watching for the new meeting time and more information. Also, please check out the write up on the ReFuel conference we went on in November on page 8.

The Ministry to College Age People, which is named Spark, is off to an exciting start this semester, with the long awaited trip to the Passion conference. See the insert in this newsletter. We are also offering free childcare to parents on Friday, February 15th, so they can have an affordable date for Valentines Day!

Our next church-wide emphasis will be Adam Hamiltons The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. We will travel with Adam Hamilton to the Holy Land as he retraces the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We will start with Jesus baptism and the temptations and enter into the heart of his ministry. We will see the people he loved, the parables he taught, the enemies he made, and the healing he brought. Last year during Lent people were strongly moved by 24 Hours That Changed The World. Get ready for inspiration this year! Each week we will read a chapter, hear a sermon based on a theme of a chapter, and have meaningful discussion in small groups while viewing beautiful footage from the Holy Land. Order your books now and prepare to sign up for a small group soon! The book costs $13 and the devotional is $10. You may purchase one or both. Please order in the office or from Mindy directly (both books are available on Kindle. If you want to be in a small group but need a scholarship for the books, please see Mindy or Pastor Brenda). If you feel God leading you to facilitate a group, see Mindy right away. Watch for more information on group days and times. Experience the blessing of a small group this lent!

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Usher Schedule

February 3rd
So What IS Christian Behavior? Galatians 5:16-26 (Fruit of the Spirit) Communion Both Services 8:30 Joyful Singers 11:00 Holy Rollers & Redeemer

FEBRUARY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24

Doug & Kathy Martin Roy Shaver & Cecile Hoffman Bill VanDeest 8:30 a.m. Holy Rollers & Redeemer 11:00 a.m. Holy Rollers & Redeemer 8:30 a.m. Boy Scouts 11:00 a.m. Boy Scouts 8:30 a.m. John & Norma Meisel 11:00 a.m. Pam & Warner Smidt 8:30 a.m. Hank & Judy Bossenbroek 11:00 a.m. Gile Family

Greeters Schedule

February 10th
Growing As A Christian John 15:1-17 Passion Conference Recap Boy Scout Sunday 8:30 Come & Sing Choir 11:00 Blind Faith

February 17th
The Way: Jesus Was Baptized and Tempted Mark 1:9-13 8:30 Joyful Singers 11:00 Blind Faith

Readers Schedule
February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24 8:30 a.m. Holy Rollers & Redeemer 11:00 a.m. Holy Rollers & Redeemer 8:30 a.m. Boy Scouts 11:00 a.m. Boy Scouts 8:30 a.m. Max Anderson 11:00 a.m. Warner Smidt 8:30 a.m. Rob Hasker 11:00 a.m. Ali Mausser

February 24th
The Way: Jesus Healed Mark 1:21-32 8:30 Joyful Singers 11:00 Blind Faith

Missed the first class? You can still join us! The schedule on Feb 3rd will be different, so call Jennifer to let her know you want to join the class, and she will let you know how the class is being held on the 3rd (Super Bowl Sunday)

Wednesday, February 13th 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm

12:00 pm service every Wednesday during Lent

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February
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
3 Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am UMW 1:30 pm Nurture 2:00 pm Worship 11:00 am Souper Bowl Lunch Breakfast Prayer Group 6:45am @ Country Kitchen Redeemer 6:30 pm Confirmation 6:00 pm Holy Rollers 7:00 pm 10 Boy Scout Sunday Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am Immunizations 5:00 pm 18 Breakfast Prayer Group 6:45am @ Country Kitchen 17 Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am 11 12 13 14 Breakfast Prayer Group Mission Committee Ash Wednesday Service Valentines Day 6:45am @ Country Kitchen 5:00 pm 12:00 pm Barely Seniors 12:00pm Church Women United 1:30 Finance Committee Hearts & Hands 1:00 pm Dance Elite 3:30 pm pm 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 Recovery Group 7:30pm pm 19 20 Lent Service 12:00 pm Hearts & Hands 1:00 pm Redeemer 6:30 pm Holy Rollers 7:00 pm SPRC 7:00 pm 24 Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am 25 Breakfast Prayer Group 6:45am @ Country Kitchen 26 27 Lent Service 12:00 pm Hearts & Hands 1:00 pm Redeemer 6:30 pm Holy Rollers 7:00 pm 21 Rebekah Circle 9:00 am Newsletter Assemble 12:00 pm Dance Elite 3:30 pm Church Council 6:00 pm Recovery Group 7:30 pm 28 CAP Club 10:00 am Worship Committee 6:00pm 4 5 6 Hearts & Hands 1:00 pm 7 Small Group 1:30 pm Dance Elite 3:30 pm Board of Trustees 7:00 pm Recovery Group 7:30 pm

Friday

Saturday

Girl Scouts SpaLaLa

15

16

Newsletter Deadline

Parents Night Out

22

23

Thank you to all who generously gave so we could go to the Passion 13 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Little sleep was had, but God transformed our lives and we came back changed forever. God challenged me in so many ways. From how I spend my time, going deeper in his Word, worshiping fully with everything I have, to standing up for those who do not have a voice. There are those who the world does not care about but who God does: those 27 million unheard voices trapped in the slave industry. Needless to say in 2013 my life is going to look a lot different, thanks to Passion. Thank you all so much for making this trip possible. Enjoy reading how God moved in our lives during the week! Mindy, Campus Ministry Coordinator

One of the stage set ups at Passion

Us with our awesome door holder Julie! Such a blessing!!

Throughout the past few years, I've been taking almost all progressive steps to getting closer to God. While at Passion, it opened my eyes to realize that some of those steps, which may include Bible verses, outlooks, or messages, were skimmed over or diminished to their true form. Some steps may have been shrunk in size or skipped. Before, I looked at the quantity of steps getting closer to God, perhaps even rushed. But now I feel the quality of any steps in the past have been improved, and now I can continue moving at a slower pace that is a quality walk 'enjoying the scenery', not a quantity sprint trying to view it as a time trial. Joel Perino

Passion conference was a wonderful experience! It was amazing the community that was established between 64000 total strangers. I will definitely never been the same My favorite speaker was Francis Chan, author if Crazy Love, and many other books. His speaking was eye opening and soul reviving! -Liz Whitford Madison, Kevin. Gabby. Sadee, Joel, Liz, Felicia, Amanda, Dave & Mindy in our seats at the dome.

"Passion was an absolutely exhilarating experience. I was not expecting to get much from it, but I got a whole lot more than I bargained for. New friends and new family and now memories that will last a lifetime." -Gabby Kutz

Sadee and Mindy chipping in to END IT! This is where we gave money to help rescue slaves. Over 3.5 million was raised!

Passion Conference 2013 was a life changing experience for me. Meeting my new "family" and spending time with my friends during such an amazing week opened my eyes to many things. Seeing 64,000 college aged students come together to worship Jesus was mindblowing. I would love to go again next year, if I get the opportunity. -Felicia Folbrecht

The Passion 2013 Conference was something that will remain with me for a long time. The worship speakers and bands were phenomenal. The small group sessions, at least for the leaders, were very beneficial. Through them, I learned that you can take a group of unrelated people, who do not know anything about one another, and through prayer and scripture, they become friends in a short amount of time. It was amazing how easy it was to get to know these people. I am sure God had a hand in bringing us together. I would like to thank the members of our church and the community for supporting the youth in this endeavor and making it possible for both them and me to experience it. -Dave Carnahan Mindy next to the huge stack of towels. Over 40,000 where donated to local homeless shelters.

Passion is the closest I will come to experiencing heaven on earth. 64,000 people on fire for God and worshipping Him together is truly indescribable. I specially was challenged by Beth Moore to dig deeper into the Bible in a way I never have before. Since Passion, the Bible has been as exciting part of my walk with Christ. -Sadee Eastlick

Passion 2013 was a refreshing and rejuvenating breath of air for my inner being. The messages of the Bible were shredded apart into eyeopening ideas. Complete strangers became families full of love and support. Impromptu harmonies frequently filled the air. By no means was it a flawless trip, though. Mistakes were made, patience wore thin, and sleep was rare. Despite all that, we still survived. Not only did we get a heightened sense of adventure, but we came back with memories of many laughs, hugs, smiles, stories, and ideas. We came back with the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts. Praise God. Amanda Zasada

The last night all 64,000 of us were given candles and waited to do the awareness shot while standing by the light beam that went 4 miles in the sky to raise awareness for trafficking.

Passion Conference 2013 was not just an experience or another one of those trips. Passion Conference 2013 was a life changing experience for me. An experience that let me be free from all of the restrictions that latched on to me preventing me from living my life all out for God. I was able to really feel what it was like to be "In Gods presence," and that is a feeling I will never let go of. -Kevin Dolphin

Please join in worship on Feb 10th as we share about this incredible trip!

P LATTEVILLE UNITED M ETHODIST CHURCH

1065 Lancaster Street Platteville WI 53818

Non-Profit Organization U.S Postage Paid Platteville, WI Permit No. 97

Phone: 608-348-9508 Email: platttevilleumc@centurylink.net

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The Holy Rollers & Redeemer

Soup-er Bowl Sunday Soup Lunch Fundraiser

Febru
Holy Rollers Redeemer

ary 3,

2013

Carry-out will be available after the 8:30 service. Serving will begin after the 11:00 service.

Free-will offerings will help support the Holy Rollers and Redeemer ministry.
Please feel free to donate even if you cannot attend the lunch.