November 2025 Breeze Newsletter Online

Good November Disciples,

My, how the landscape has changed. The leaves have fallen, and the weather has become cooler. I can definitely say that fall —or, dare I say, winter— is in the air. This past Thursday, when I walked outside, believe it or not, there were flurries. Oh yes, the perks of living in northern Minnesota.

For me, November has always been a transitional month. Maybe for some of you, it’s time to slow down. For others, you have made the move to warmer weather. But the reality is this, we are only just beginning. This year, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the 27^th, and the 30^th is the first Sunday of Advent.

So, what does November entail? It entails time to prepare for what is coming and time to give thanks. Like every November, we continue preparing for Santa Day, which takes place on December 6^th. We still need gifts for the various groups: moms and dads, teenage boys and girls, and even grandparents. As a reminder, when you are out shopping, make sure you look for deals. If you do purchase something for Santa Day, there is a gift-wrapped box in the back of the sanctuary where you can put your donations. Maybe you don’t like shopping; we also accept monetary donations, and other people can shop for you. If this is the case, you can just drop your donation in the offering plate, but just make sure that you note that it is for Santa Day. Lastly, make sure that you clear your calendar for that day; we can use everyone’s help. We need shoppers, we need kitchen help, and we need gift wrappers, all of which give you an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ. Just another small reminder: popcorn and treats will also be available, so make sure you pencil in Santa Day on December 6^th.

Another thing that will be happening in November is the hanging of the greens. That will take place on Sunday, November 30^th, right after church. A lot of hands make light work. Also, it gives us time to fellowship. So come and help decorate the church for the holiday season.

On a final note, there will be an Advent Study starting on the 19^th of November. Yes, I do realize it is the week before Thanksgiving. This is because of scheduling. For those of you who are interested in this study, we will do it over Zoom at 7:00 pm. This year, we will be using the study “On the Way to Bethlehem” by Rob Fuquay. There will be a sign-up for this study on the table near the doors of the church, so we can also get the correct amount of books ordered. If you don’t want to read, there is also an Audible version available on Amazon. If you want the Audible or Kindle version, which is also available on Amazon, just type the name of the book and author into the search menu.

So, as we move through the month of November, are you preparing for what is about to come?

I certainly hope you are.

Have a blessed and thankful November,

Pastor Greg Leslie

October 2025 Breeze Newsletter Online

Good October Disciples,

Fall is here.

When I think about the month of October, I can’t help but recognize the amount of change that takes place. The longer days of summer are slipping away. Instead of heat, we are blessed with cool, crisp, foggy mornings. We look at the landscape and see the trees changing to harvest colors and the leaves falling. All this is a reminder that change is a part of God’s plan. Just think about the trees letting go of their leaves. I believe that this is a reminder that God is asking us to do the same, release the things that weigh us down, knowing that in the near future new life will come again.

Another thing I think about when it comes to October is a verse from Ecclesiastes in which we are reminded of those changes, or that there is “a time for every purpose under heaven.”  So, as the nights get longer and colder, as we take more time to contemplate, this month let’s ask ourselves a couple of questions like these:

What is God asking you to let go of this season?

Where is God asking you to grow deeper roots in your faith?”

This October, let’s take some time. Let’s look around at the changing colors of the landscape. Let’s look for inspiration in the beauty that God has created for us. That landscape, those colors, the falling leaves, they are there to remind each one of us that God is at work, inviting each one of us into the presence and artistry that only God can provide.

Friends, as a reminder, make sure you check the church calendar to see what is happening. We have a couple of discipleship opportunities each month. If you want to help, don’t be afraid to ask how, or just show up; we can always find something for you to help with. Also, we are just a couple of months away from Santa Day. I ask that you all keep an eye open for presents. There is a big box in the sanctuary where you can put the presents in.

I do hope you all have a great October. As we journey through this season of change, I ask that we all focus our eyes on what will come.

Blessings,

Pastor Greg Leslie

In Loving Memory of Mickey “Mick” Gene Farber

March 22, 1942 ~ August 20, 2025

Mickey “Mick” Gene Farber. 83 of Motley. passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on August 20^th, 2025.

Mick was born on March 22^nd, 1942, to Lloyd “Greeno” Farber and Ida Fornshell Farber. He grew up on the family farm near Staples and graduated from Staples High School in 1960. With his love of sports, he lettered in football, basketball, and track. Mick went on to work for Western Electric (AT&T) for 34 years, retiring at the young age of 52 to continue doing the things he loved. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends, participating in snowmobiling, golfing, fishing, hunting, slalom skiing, woodworking, sudoku, puzzles, playing cards, and traveling.

He enjoyed volunteering at the local food shelf to unload trucks, grooming trails for the Lincoln Lakes Area Snowmobile Club, volunteering as a trustee for the Motley United Methodist Church, and teaching cribbage to middle schoolers in Motley.

Mick was known for his generous spirit and steady presence.  Whether through his work, his friendships, or acts of compassion, he made the world a better place. He had a unique way of making others feel loved. and his warm smile could light up a room. A man of quiet determination and deep integrity. Mick never sought the spotlight but was always there when it mattered most. His love for life was reflected in his appreciation of nature, good conversation, and the simple joys of life.

He is survived by his wife Donna (Willis) of 63 years, one son, Todd (Shelley) Farber, and one daughter, Tammy (Randy) Yourczek, five grandchildren, Courtney Farber, Taylor (Michelle) Farber, Michael Farber, Jordyn (Justin) Wilson, and Alyssa Yourczek: one great-granddaughter, Charleigh Wilson: one brother, Art “Spud” (Carol) Farber, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Darlene Marte, Delores Wing, and Sharon Smith.

Mick generously donated his body to the University of Minnesota Medical School to continue helping others.

A service to celebrate Mick’s life will be held at the Motley United Methodist Church at 3 pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025.  There will be visitation starting at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Motley Area Food Shelf or to perform a quiet act of kindness in his name.

“A life well lived is marked by a path of love.”