Category Archives: Announcements

Funeral Services for Jean Brecheisen

Jean Brecheisen died this past Thursday. I can’t find the obituary online, so I’m including it here.

Jean Brecheisen passed away peacefully on December 7, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born to Delbert and Olive Vinton on June 4, 1929. Jean was raised on a farm near Melvern, Kansas. She had three older sisters, Idelle, Edith, and Wilma. She married her lifelong partner, Max Brecheisen, on October 30, 1949. They were married for nearly 70 years. For twenty years, she was a Marine Corps spouse. They had three sons together. Jerry, Neal, and Mark.

After his military service, she worked with her husband in starting his career with Radio Shack. Upon retirement, they built a home on the farmstead where Jean grew up. They raised purebred Hereford cattle on their M&J farm. They retired from the farm in 2000 and moved to Manhattan, Kansas.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Max, son Neal, and three sisters. Survivors include sons Jerry and Mark (Judy) and grandchildren Stephanie Brecheisen, Chris Brecheisen, Jessica Birmingham, Jacob Brecheisen, Lucas Brecheisen, Katie Brecheisen, Amy Brecheisen, and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be on December 13 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be before the service at 10:30 a.m. at Irvin Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the College Avenue United Methodist Church, Manhattan, Kansas.

Big Band Christmas Program this Sunday

The Thundering Cats Big Band will present “A Stan Kenton Christmas” this afternoon (December 3, 2023) at 3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 930 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas. This program is sponsored by the Ministerial Association, and there will be a free-will offering for the Manhattan Free Clinic and Shepherd’s Crossing.

Thanksgiving Offering

From Sheryl Fjell: The Outreach Committee has designated this Sunday’s Thanksgiving Offering for the Flint Hills Breadbasket.  The church receives 1-2 boxes of food, twice a month to help fill our Blessing Box.  With this box of food, we are able to offer a variety of snacks, mixes and canned goods. You can place your gift in the offering plate or donate online at www.caumcmanhattan.org/give.

Thanksgiving Potluck

From the Newsletter:

Following the worship service, the Christian Family and Friendship Commission will host a potluck on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Turkey, stuffing, and potatoes will be provided. The committee encourages everyone to bring a side dish. All are welcome, and your contribution is appreciated.

Sweet and Salty Orders Are In

Received from Sheryl Fjell, Outreach Commission Chair:

Hear ye, Hear ye! The Nuts Have Arrived!!

Please pick up your order on Wednesday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., or Friday, November 17, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thank you for making this fundraiser a HUGE success!

LGBTQ+ Inclusion Event Tonight

From Amy Westfahl:

“A reminder that on Tuesday, November 14, at 5:30 p.m. Rev. Ashley Prescott Barlow-Thompson will speak on becoming and being an affirming United Methodist church. Ashley is an ordained Deacon serving at Calvary UMC in Wichita, Kansas. All are welcome! Childcare will be provided.”

The 2023 Fall Woodsy

Received from Bill and Erma Riley:

The 2023 Fall Woodsy will be Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Bill & Erma Riley’s home., 4555 Meadow Crest, Manhattan. Come at 3:00 p.m. and leave anytime. Please RSVP to help with the planning for hot dogs and smores. Email bill@thepathfinder.net, call Bill at 785-341-5542, Erma at 785-532-8415 This annual event for all ages is enjoyable for those who wish to walk the trails or ride to the picnic location with minimal walking. We hope you will find all necessary details in your church box. If this is not available to you, please contact the Riley’s for information as needed.

Upcoming LGBTQ+ Inclusion Meeting

On Tuesday, November 14, at 5:30 p.m. Rev. Ashley Prescott Barlow-Thompson will speak on becoming an affirming United Methodist church. Ashley is an ordained Deacon serving at Calvary UMC in Wichita, Kansas. All are welcome! Childcare will be provided. If you have any questions, you can contact either Amy Westfahl (amy.westfahl@gmail.com) or Dave Procter (dprocter@ksu.edu).

Voices: Goodbye

A brief, poignant reflection on the word “goodbye” from Frederick Buechner:

A WOMAN WITH A scarf over her head hoists her six-year-old up onto the first step of the school bus. “Goodbye,” she says.

. . . When the girl at the airport hears the announcement that her plane is starting to board, she turns to the boy who is seeing her off. ” I guess this is goodbye,” she says.

The noise of the traffic almost drowns out the sound of the word, but the shape of it lingers on the old man’s lips. He tries to look vigorous and resourceful as he holds out his hand to the other old man. “Goodbye.” This time they say it so nearly in unison that it makes them both smile.

It was a long while ago that the words God be with you disappeared into the word goodbye, but every now and again some trace of them still glimmers through.

You can read the whole thing and sign up for daily messages to your inbox here: www.frederickbuechner.com/quote-of-the-day