October Newsletter from Tyumen UMC

Newsletter from Tyumen United Methodist Church of Salvation Fall 2011

It is already October. The leaves from the trees fall down, it is about 45 F, no snow yet. We have not talked to many of you since Spring. We had a very busy summer. The walls are up and the roof is on! Praise the Lord! We are working on the fence now. We hope to have the windows before the snow. The workers continue to work on finishing the basement inside when frosts come. The church will move to the basement as soon as possible. We are so grateful to all who is taking part in building the church in Tyumen!
We have moved our weekly prayer meetings for the dependant to the construction site. Every week we bundle up and pray inside the building without windows. It is chilly there, but we see the results of prayers.
Almost every week members of the church come to clean up, move bricks and pray.
The attendance has been stable. We had 2 baptisms and 4 renewal of Baptism covenants in June. We have 3 people came to Christ in August – September. We had sermons on love and family this past August. None of us grew up in a Christian family – we all learn what it means to be a Christian family and how to live a holy life in a sinful world.
In September we had a Harvest fest and Thanksgiving service. Most of members in the church do gardening in summer. After the worship service we gathered around the tables with food. Teen-agers perform skits, children read poems, adults had a Bible quiz. We had a good time.
This October we had historical sermons on Luther and Wesley and Reformation. Most members of the church came to Jesus and God changed their lives, but they did not know much about the history of the church, except Russian orthodox church. We used an opportunity to tell the story about the great reformers and to talk about the Spirit of Reformation coming to Russia. We talked how grateful we are to know the living God personally, to have faith that changes our lives, instead of following a dead tradition.
We have started a Bible study for newcomers “Knowing, loving, serving God” (we use materials from the Church of the Resurrection, KS). Older church members came to the course too in order to learn how to work with the newcomers. Other Bible classes did not meet in the summer, and now are slowly coming back to the routine. We are finishing Disciple 1, and starting Disciple 2 in a few weeks with a new group. We are so excited that Disciple 2 is finally translated and published in Russia. We can’t wait to start it! This summer we had a team that went to the Walk to Emmaus as servants and pilgrims. It is a great program to grow devoted leaders in the church.
Our social projects also slowed down in summer. In May we had several teams from the church went around the city exchanging candy for cigarettes and destroyed cigarettes in front of them. To those who were open we talked about God’s love. We are back serving in the home for elderly and handicap and also to homeless shelter. We are not allowed any more to go to the handicap orphanage. We are praying how we can serve handicap children and people that we know around.
We have changes in our choir. Pastor Katya was in charge always. Now we delegated most of choir responsibilities to young leaders, Julia and Katya Panova. It was a great idea, now our choir has much more life!
We are very proud of our children’s teachers. We had a seminar on how to teach children faith. We changed our children’s program. This year we have less children, however. Our toddlers are growing. Olga Semyonova started teaching faith to toddles.

I was chosen a delegate from the Annual Conference to go to the General Conference of the UMC in Tampa in April
May 2012. It is an honor and responsibility. Please, pray for my travels, for the family and the church, since I will be away for several weeks.

Pray for new people in the church: Lena, Nina, Lilya.
Pray for our evangelism efforts and salvation of people in Tyumen.
Pray for Dima and Alyona – adopted by one of church members. Alyona is 13 and has many behavioral problems.
Pray for the construction: for the contractor and workers, for the fence, for the windows, for finishing the basement, for moving worship services. href=”http://wvrussia.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image002.jpg”>

Praise the Lord (2) !

Praise the Lord!

DAY 7 — TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Nancy and Katya went to the warehouse district where there were many small stores all served by a central delivery point with many large trucks.  They purchased gifts, supplies and other materials for our scheduled afternoon visit to the Homeless Shelter.  Bob and Bert waited at the apartment.  After a light lunch at Katya’s, we loaded up the car, picked up Olga Filipov and drove to the center. Olga has been with the church for several years, but has been away for a couple years on a ship with a Christian-based mission.  Her English as become very fluent.

At the center, we visited with each of the residents, most of whom are older and have physical disabilities. Residents here need help with establishing residency, getting official documents and identification papers, and developing a plan for a permanent home.  We had some personal items of comfort for them, but just our presence seemed to be what they really desired.  Then we invited residents to join us in a small conference room where Katya introduced our team and we answered questions about American and older disabled adults in the U.S.  There was Christian literature on the table, and a number of the people took some.  One woman was particularly focused on a New Testament.  Katya spoke and sang a number of Russian songs.  We closed by taking prayer requests; 4 people asked for specific healing prayers.  Bert prayed.  One of the men had questioned early in the session why we had come to Russia.  Bert explained that God loves us all and we are called to share this love.  The man left during the rest of the time.  However, he returned just before the closing prayer; then he met with Bert and asked for a prayer for his soul.

We then went to the Presbyterian Church which is in a building owned by the Cultural Center.  We heard from Jim and Sally Foote who came to Russia on a short term mission in 1991.  By 1996, they had made several trips and felt called to be in full time ministry in Tyumen.  What a testimony they shared! They have been very helpful and supportive to Katya with her ministry.  The ecumenical cooperation in this city is admirable.

As part of our visit, a delegation from NC and GA, led by Tommy Williams arrived.  They had just come from the train station and will be here with a Bible Distribution Ministry.  We had dinner together and had a chance to share our experiences in Russia.

Distributing gifts at the homeless shelter

Sharing gifts

Questions and discussion with shelter residents

Prayer for salvation and forgiveness

Jim and Sally Foote with staff members of the Tyumen Presbyterian Church

Tommy and Kate Williams travel to Russia twice a year to distribute Christian literature

Americans sharing a meal in Tyumen

DAY 8 — WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

Katya, Bert and Bob went to do some shopping in preparation for the farewell gathering this evening.  Later in the morning, Igor visited and we talked a bit about his ministry.  After lunch, Nancy was the lead chef in preparing a recipe that Katya had given us.  It is a combination of cheese, garlic, hard boiled egg and mayonnaise.  Properly mixed, it is a great spread for crackers or bread.  We’ll see tonight…then y’all can ask for it maybe.

We wrote thank you notes and prepared for this special evening of celebration with our Russian friends.

Bert and Bob were well supervised during "farewell meal" preparation

Day 6 – Monday, June 20

We had nothing scheduled this morning, so we had a little time to shop and decided to venture out alone.  Rouslan dropped us off at a department store, and we planned to take a bus back to his apt. when we finished because after all, how hard could that be?  We were supposed to be back by noon so we could meet Rouslan and Pavel (construction supervisor) at the church site.  We got on the right bus, but things look very different viewed from a bus and it became apparent that we didn’t know which stop to get off at.  Brilliantly, we didn’t know the name of the street we wanted either.  Didn’t matter, we don’t speak much Russian.  Bob saved the day when he looked out the door at one bus stop, and saw the church construction site!  We jumped off the bus and, having worked up an appetite wondering where we going to end up, we stopped in a delightful little bakery, then nonchalantly called Pastor Katya to say we were already at the construction site and they could just meet us there!  There are several videos below that provide a complete tour of the church building.

We returned to Katya and Rouslan’s apt. for a short rest before going to a Bible study for young adults in a nearby village.  This is a new housing development which is sponsored by the government for young families.  These are individual or duplex houses with a large yard in the back, a local daycare center, grocery store, etc.  There are eligibility requirements to get a house here, and this program enables young families, who probably couldn’t afford the high cost of an apartment close to the city, to own a home. We enjoyed singing, studied and discussed a lesson from Mark, chapter 2, prayed together, then had a delicious meal.

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Young adult Bible study

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Day 5 – SUNDAY

Today, we looked forward to having the church leadership retreat.

Building on retreats of the past 2 years, Bert had developed an interactive program based on the series, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.”  An accompanying booklet has been developed by the Russia UMC, which illustrates concepts in this series using examples from Russian life.   Along with Bert’s presentations, about 25 members of the church participated in small group discussions to reflect more deeply on how to make the Church of the Salvation a more vibrant community of Christians.  Discussion questions relating to being a “welcoming” congregation, spiritual development and passionate worship revealed a depth of thought in these areas that can be built upon for the rest of the congregation.

After a delicious sheshlick (Russian shishkabob) lunch, the discussion turned to more specific areas such as identifying the people in Tyumen who should be  approached by members of the Church of the Salvation.  A final question asked for a personal commitment to be involved with a specific ministry.

The afternoon included the baptism into faith of  Alonia and Katya, and saw Alexander, Julia, Olga,  and Valentina honor the remembrance of their own baptism.

Then our host Igor, pastor of another local church, played several Russian songs on his guitar.  The lyrics were well-known by our Russian brothers and sisters, and the music was very moving.  Afterwards, Katya and Bert served communion.  What a fitting way to end a very meaningful day.

Baptism

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Singing Praises

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Day 4, June 18

Today, we watched 13 Russian children participate in a brief Vacation Bible School which was organized by Pastor Katya Zoubkova.  Held during the afternoon, the VBS transitioned into the weekly worship service which is conducted at the Pentecostal Church.  When the new Church of the Salvation completes the sanctuary at its own campus, it will conduct its ministries from that location.

Our worship service included a special focus on Phyllis Harman who died on Friday night.  Her husband, Don is a long-time member of our team and one who is loved by the whole church here. Prayers go out to him and his family and Phyllis who is now with the saints.  The worship service, attended by about 35 people.  The blended voices of a 9 person choir singing familiar hymns in Russian reminds each of us of our connection to Christ in the Wesley tradition.  Many of those in attendance know the songs by memory and do not use hymnals.

Bert preached the sermon (1 Thes 4:13) which Katya translated.  Heartfelt testimonials showed the sense of belonging that members of the  church share with fellow Christians.

We had a special treat of unique “snow” as we were unloading the cars and bringing all the worship equipment into the building before the service (see video below).

Snow?

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A lesson

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Questions

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Games

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Puppet Show

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Choir

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Bert preaching

Day 3 — June 17

We experienced so much on this Friday.  After taking care of some administrative paperwork relating to our documents, we visited a Personal Care Nursing Facility.  We met with most of the 39 residents who greeted us with warm smiles.  We left 6 new blankets to replace some of the older ones.

The residents were in good spirits, and after our individual visits, we gathered in the hall where Pastor Katya played her guitar and sang Russian hymns.  Victoria, a friend from the Presbyterian Church, joined her in folk songs and some of the traditional Russian songs.  Watching some of the residents join in proved to be insightful as it seemed many of them were reliving a time when they were younger  and healthier.  The strong beat of traditional Russian music came through so well, and the people were animated. Afterwards, we met with the staff and discussed the care available in Russia for seniors who have little to no money.  The need fo adequate care for the elderly exists on both sides of the ocean!

Then we travelled to one of the church members homes which is some distance from the city.  Natasha and Yuri are very active in the Church of the Salvation.  We had a picnic in the back of their home and enjoyed the wide variety of crops that they have planted in their garden.  Natasha brought us a home-made soup, blini (thin pancakes), and …..

From there, we walked to the local lake where we  talked about the potential growth of the village where Natasha and Yuri live.  We prayed for the people of the village with the thought that Jesus Christ might be introduced there.  Afterwards, five of us walked along the road and met with a young couple.  Natasha and Olga engaged them in discussion about Jesus.  It was wonderful to see the interaction between the Russians.  Natasha and Olga were open about their faith and after several minutes they shared some information.  Asked if they had prayer requests, Bert offered a short prayer.  Then, we were at a playground and met a young girl who remembered Nancy from a previous visit.  We shared some information and a gift  bag.  Our final visit was with an older Christian woman who was grateful for our time with her.  She voiced a desire to have prayer and we did.

Then we were on our way to dinner.  One night a week each of the team members are treated to a special dinner in the home of one of the congregants.  Bert and Nancy went to Nina’s home, and Bob went with Sasha and Svetlana to her mother’s home.  Fortunately, their daughter, Olga was present to assist with translation.  All 3 enjoyed especially tasty food and wonderful company.

A day of visiting older folks, a day in the country, a day by a lake, a day of sharing the message of Christ, a day of food and fellowship…WOW…and all of this in SIBERIA.

Until tomorrow.

Personal Care Home

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Visiting personal care facility

Natsha and Yuri's garden in Reshetnikovo village

Lunch in the garden

Bob had supper with the Fillipov family

Nancy and Bert were welcomed at the home of Nina and Julia S. (What a meal!)

Day 2 – Thursday, June 16, 2011

Thursday we had a full day of combining a lot of activity with jet lag! We visited two families, worked on our registration, saw the church construction, attended choir practice and bought supplies for the next few day’s activities.  The first family we visited has 6 children and limited resources, so we took the five oldest children to the park for their first visit to McDonald’s and their first ride at a small amusement park in the city center. We had a great time!
Next we visited a family that Nancy has known since 2007. Sarkis is a young man with disability who lives with his parents, brother, sister-in-law, and baby niece. It is always wonderful to be welcomed by Asya (Sarkis’ mom) and her family. We had a great visit.  We returned to Katya and Rouslan’s house for dinner, then the guys and Rouslan went to change money and visit the church construciton, and Nancy and Katya went to the post office to work on our registration.  In Russia, foreign visitors must have official registration verifying that we stayed in the cities named on our visa’s. It has to be done correctly, so it involves government paperwork. We picked up Matthew at his daycare, then walked back to their flat. Later, we went to choir practice at Anton and Katya P;’s house, then shopping for supplies. Whew!

Helicopter Ride

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We have arrived!

The Apartment

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The View

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We are safely in Tyumen, Russia and have spent our first full day here.  We arrived very early this morning, and were greeted at the airport by Pastor Katya and Alexander F. who helped us load our luggage and drove us to Katya and Rouslan’s home.  He had breakfast, took naps, and them began organizing our visit.  Rouslan took Bob and Bert to check out the apartment they will rent, and completed those arrangements.  I stayed with Katya and we sorted and organized gifts.  We all met back together and discussed the schedule for the week, then ate lunch prepared by our friend Sveta F.  Later in the evening some of the church members came to offer prayer for family members and friends with substance dependencies.  This small group meets every week.  It was good to see Nina, Galina, and Anton and Katya P. with their little boy David.  I have added pictures and a video of the apt. that Bert and Bob are staying in.

Hi from Moscow!

Hi from Moscow!

We made it to Moscow – flight on Aeroflot was very nice – easily as good as any American airline and the flight staff was very nice. We were able to store our big luggage at the airport in Moscow and got the free shuttle to the hotel to rest during our 12 hour layover. Hotel was very nice – we cancelled one room and had them put a roll away up so we could all rest in one room, so that saved a little money. Bob’s friends, Tanya and Pavel came to see him at the hotel and they had dinner together. Got the free shuttle back to the airport, checked the baggage, didn’t get charged any overage on weight and all is well! Sheremyetyevo Airport has a completely new terminal – amazing! Everything is clean and beautiful and efficient. Good trip so far, we board our flight to Tyumen in about 20 minutes.

Love to all, Nancy, Bert, & Bob