March 2011 Newsletter

March 2011 Newsletter

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  OAKLAND UNITED METHODIST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION CHURCH U.S. POSTAGE PAID 200 North Main PO Box 606 OAKLAND, Oakland, IA 51560 IOWA Phone: 712-482-5530 Parsonage ph. 712-482-5539 PERMIT NO. 5 E-mail: [email protected] www.oaklandiaumc.org Address Service Requested «Mailing label» «Address1» Vol. 19, No. 3 March 2011 A Newsletter to Inspire and Celebrate Oakland United Methodists «Address2» «City State» «Zip code» March 9th Carson United Methodist church 7:30 p.m. March 13th "We invite all persons to be a part of our Community of Faith by participating in worship, education, fellowship and Christian service." Disciple Express THE BEGINNING OF March Calendar of Events LENT Wed. Mar. 2 6:30 8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Feb 6 9:00 a.m. Sunday school & Choir practice March 17th 10:00 a.m. Worship w/Communion March 4th 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 9 Ash Wednesday NO Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Mar 13 9:00 a.m. Sunday school 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 16 6:30 8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Thu. Mar17 7:00 p.m. Administrative Council Sun, Mar 20 9:00 a.m. choir practice & Sunday school 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 23 6:30 8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Mar 27 9:00 a.m. Choir practice & Sunday school 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Koinonia March 20th 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school Wed. Mar 30 6:30 8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups
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  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Disciple Express my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in SHOEBOX ANGELS front of her.' The local THE PASTOR'S CAT charity, Shoebox Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique Angels, was a of humor? sense of humor. big success again Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; but only this year! Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the God can count the apples in a seed. Shoeboxes filled pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a with hats, tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. gloves, socks, The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc. snacks, balls, GIVE ME A SENSE OF HUMOR, LORD dolls and other The kitty would not come down. The tree was not GIVE ME THE GRACE TO SEE A JOKE treasures were sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he TO GET SOME HUMOR OUT OF LIFE delivered to 145 children and people in need. tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent AND PASS IT ON TO OTHER FOLKS Packages were delivered to the Heartland Family down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. AMEN ! Service School, Children s Square Pre-school and Emergency Shelter, and the Phoenix House. Shoebox That's what he did, all the while checking his progress Angel gifts were given within the Riverside "Each Day is God's Gift to you, make it in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit Community School district, as well. blossom and grow into a Day of Beauty" further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to And while the main mission of Shoebox Angels is reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further concentrated on Christmas, the preparation for it is forward, the rope broke. year-round. Mischa Martens, who coordinates the project, along with help from her sister, Erica Carley, The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed shop for Shoebox Angel gifts starting the day after through the air - out of sight. Christmas whereas the Oakland United Methodist Church is the biggest financial supporter of Shoebox The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the Angels. Other clubs and groups also contribute: neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little Westside Feeder s 4-H club, Oakland Lion s club, kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he Oakland UMYF, Sigma Gamma club (Carson) to prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' The kids went to the Manor to sing to the residents name a few as well as a number of individuals. and went on about his business. Thanks to many special Angel helpers homemade items get included, too. We have a scarf angel, a A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met baby-and-bear-blanket angel, and a fleece hat angel one of his church members. He happened to look into maker along with box-stuffing angels and wrapping- her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This gift angels. woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate The Shoebox Angel mission truly shows the heart of cats so much?' Christmas in rural Iowa. Thanks to the many angels She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him in our communities, love and hope has been spread to how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but over 900 children and women in the last eight years, she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child among givers and receivers both. had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little Your angel donations, homemade items, and extras girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.' are welcomed throughout the year to make a She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the difference here at home every Christmas season. yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with
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  Disciple Express Disciple Express George Carlin's Views on Aging you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!' BISHOP J.C. TRIMBLE AND THE SW (The clean version) May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!! DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 HOW TO STAY YOUNG A Season of Prayer and A Season of Action. 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes (If you have any news you would like to have years old, you're so excited about aging that you think The Southwest District Revitalization Task Force age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about announced in the church newsletter, please have the in fractions. would like to invite you to join us in a Season of them. That is why you pay 'them.' information to the church office by the 20th of the month.) Prayer and a Season of Action. 'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going The goal is to help our churches turn their focus 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you THANK YOU beyond their walls to their neighbors and on five! That's the key. down. Thank you for all the cards, letters, and phone community. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you calls I have received since I have been in When you participate you will be led to: back. You jump to the next number, or even a few 3. Keep learning. ! Learn more about the computer, Virginia. Great to hear from home. Also, I know you ahead. crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let have been remembering me in your prayers. Thank · Attend one of the regional Faith Fest the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' you!!! gatherings as a congregation. 'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be And the devil's family name is Alzheimer's. · Include prayer focus in weekly worship I will be taking my third chemo treatment on Feb. 21 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the and 22. Hopefully that will be halfway through the services through a designated prayer time greatest day of your life! You become 21. Even the 4. Enjoy the simple things. treatments. throughout the season of prayers. words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. It is great when the grandkids say, "Grandma you · Possibly study Unbinding the Gospel by YESSSS!!! 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for have mail!". Martha Grace Reese as a congregational breath. study. But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? God Bless each of you and thank you for Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had remembering me. to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The I always pray (for you) with joy because of your Ilene Parkhill -dumpling.. What's wrong? What's changed? only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. partnership in the gospel Philippians 1:45 Be ALIVE while you are alive. You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're Cleaning for a Reason Season of Prayer, SW District Faith Fest! PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's If you know any woman currently undergoing Regional Renewal Gatherings (3-5pm followed away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is by meal) dreams are gone. a cleaning service that provides FREE whatever. Your home is your refuge. March 13 Manning UMC housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she But! Wait!! ! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her March 27 Hancock UMC you would! doctor fax a note confirming the unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a Action Project will depend on what God led you improve, get help. to during prayer. Churches partner with So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, and participating maid service in her zip code area arrange neighboring UM congregations for shared REACH 50 and make it to 60. 9. Don't take guilt trips.. Take a trip to the mall, even to for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's projects depending on what the Holy Spirit leads the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where them to do. Develop and live out a new outreach You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After the guilt is. our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone ministry, together. that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! and pass this information along. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at You get into! your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH every opportunity. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/ <http:// www.cleaningforareason.org/> SAVE MAY 14 FOR AN bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.' AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: (There is a service out of Red Oak that participates in ALL CHURCH this. Follow the web address for more information.) Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, PROJECT Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, but by the moments that take our breath away.
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  Disciple Express Disciple Express February 2011 School Teachers for Nigeria weather). Thanks to the collection of kits at the BOARD MINUTES team helped Mischa s Shoebox Angel ministry to create Ingathering, Iowa churches and individuals who have approximately 160 boxes for distribution during the The Africa University students registered for the second donated a variety of items we will be able to fill both January 20, 2011, 7 p.m., Church lounge Christmas season. December missions offering was given to semester this week with classes to begin on Jan. 24. For containers. We DO have room for more books Members present- Pastor Shirley Textor, Barb Schorsch, assist with the school milk program. Francis Adamu, Doris David and her brother, Cletus (theological, primary and secondary age level), school Cathey Grosvenor, Dick Merkle, Merlin Jones, Skip Pastor Shirley reported for the nominations team that all David, this will be their final semester Applegate, Marty & Kristy Rieken, Bernie & Norma Bolton, supplies, medical equipment/supplies, white boards, positions have been filled with the exception of replacements Bev Zuch at this United Methodist university in Mutare, classroom posters, pictures and teaching materials, robes on the nominating committee. Zimbabwe. Jacob Tahiru returned to Nigeria before and paraments, Bibles, knitting and sewing supplies/ Board Chair Barb Schorsch called the meeting to order and Kristy Rieken reported that the education team had met last Christmas and has begun his internship with the Taraba materials to fill up the containers. Please let me know asked Pastor Shirley to open the meeting with prayer. Those Sunday. Attendance has been good. They are considering named in need of prayer were: Ilene Parkhill, Edith Haines, State Accounting office until December. immediately if you have any items that could be boxed, splitting the 2-6 yr old class into smaller groups for Shari Brandes, Gordon Frizzell, Jim Johnson, Gene Gleaves labeled and brought to Des Moines by the end of manageability. Plans are in the works for a group of youth to Doris writes, Our results were published today and I and Lonnie Smith. go to the nursing home on January 30th to sing. Kristy February. thank God for seeing me through last semester Norma Bolton moved that the secretary s report be approved. reported plans to work with the Christian Church again this successfully with a straight B GPA. Continue to pray We welcome educators who work with children/young Seconded by Skip Applegate. Motion carried. year for VBS possibly using a program called Shake it Up . for our kids at AU as they pursue their studies. people of all ages to join our work team to Nigeria from Classes/ meetings for small interest groups are in the Dick Merkle presented the treasurer s report for November June 12 to July 2. Assisting church teachers, mentoring planning stage. and December since no meeting was held in December. Revs. Arleon Kelley and Donna Meinhard of Elgin, IA and playing with children, organizing two school Bernie Bolton moved to approve the report. Seconded by Bev Zuch reported for the memorials team that they will be returned home after spending three months teaching libraries, offering teacher in-service training are on the Dick Merkle. Motion carried. meeting to discuss ways of using newly received memorial religion classes at Banyam Theological Seminary in docket. Volunteer computer technicians, programmers, money. Possible replacement of the carillon system so that it Marty Rieken and Barb Schorsch presented a report for the Bambur, Nigeria. While there they worked with the BTS software engineers or anyone willing to assist computer finance team. All of the board was very happy that our can be used again has been discussed. Provost Yahuda Zailani and staff to perfect a 5 Year classes and conference staff general keyboarding, church had met the budget in a timely manner with all Old business- The movie night scheduled for December had Plan for the school. Well thought out, the plan includes reading/writing e-mails, use of the internet, instruction in apportionments paid. to be cancelled because of bad weather. Another movie having running water on campus, electricity to all Excel, Coral Draw and Facebook are desperately needed night may be held in the future. The chili supper with the on this team. Bernie reported that the Staff-Parish Relations team had met buildings, continued education for seminary staff, nativity displays was enjoyed and well attended. with the district superintendent to begin the process of scholarship for students, the building of latrines in the For further information and application form contact finding a new pastor for our church as Pastor Shirley has New business- The January program planning date is next student living area as well as new housing blocks/ me at 515 266 4186 or [email protected]. Is God announced her plans for retirement in June of 2011. The Sunday, January 23rd from noon to 3 p.m. Goals for building for both staff and students. The Bishop Job calling you to utilize your educational skills in board expressed their thanks for the service she has given programs and plans for a community workday/ service Library is to be updated with current theological books Nigeria? our church in the 4 1/2 years that she has been with us. project on May 14th in conjunction with Make a Difference by African authors. Day will be topics of discussion. A catered meal will be Discussion was held regarding the need for a temporary served with free will offering. Team leaders and members To tell the story of BTS and share their experiences, custodian while Gordon Frizzell is incapacitated with his broken leg. Jynell Miller has agreed to fill in as janitor until are encouraged to attend. Arleon and Donna have prepared a power point presentation they are willing to present in your church or Annual Conferences Thanked for Giving to he is able to resume his duties. Dick Merkle reported that Robin Jefferson would like to with your group. To schedule them call: 563 426 5989 Apportioned Funds in 2010 Pastor Shirley asked that our secretary s hours and salary be have audio/ video recordings made of our church services so or e-mail: [email protected] or reviewed since it has not changed in the time that she has that they can be made available especially to our service men [email protected]. been with us. Dick Merkle moved that Sheryl Sindt s hours and women and others who are unable to attend a church The General Council on Finance and Administration be increased from 12 to 14 hours per week since she will be service. She told Dick that there was a lack of chaplains and Our educational priority project is to renovate the (GCFA) reports that 15 annual conferences paid 100% doing additional computer work for the church treasurer. clergy persons in the service particularly in the Middle East. Nursery/Primary building at Banyam Theological of their apportioned funds in 2010. The conferences are Robin is willing to pay for software and training necessary Motion was seconded by Cathey Grosvenor and approved. Seminary. Over 70 children are in session daily with Alaska, Baltimore-Washington, Dakotas, East Ohio, for this to happen. She has made a contact with RD services only three staff. Crowded is the best word to describe Greater New Jersey, Illinois Great Rivers, Iowa, New Pastor Shirley reported that work with the confirmation class in regard to this matter. York, North Carolina, Northern Illinois, Oklahoma is going well. The Jr Hi youth group attended the visitation the situation. To brighten up the interior, we plan to for Roma Smith to show support for a classmate. This week Date for the next administrative board meeting will be paint the walls, then decorate them with appropriate Indian Missionary, Peninsula-Delaware, Red Bird the Sr Hi youth group went to the nursing home to visit with February 17, 2011. learning signs and symbols. There is a cost to do this so Missionary, West Michigan, and Wisconsin. In 2009, 14 residents and also viewed a movie with them. They have There being no further business, Bev Zuch moved for contributions are welcome. conferences gave 100% to all seven apportioned funds. voiced an interest in going to Council Bluffs to the Mohm s adjournment. Motion was seconded by Bernie and Preparations are in place to send TWO containers (40 x shelter to help serve a meal. approved. 8 x 8 ) to Nigeria on March 2 (dependent on the Merlin Jones reported as lay leader that he is now down to Barb closed the meeting with prayer. one class to complete before he is certified. Norma Bolton, secretary pro tem. Cathey Grosvenor reported that our church and missions
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  Disciple Express Disciple Express NURSERY KOINONIA MARCH BIRTHDAYS VOLUNTEERS 6th Marsha Beedle REMEMBER OUR SERVICE 13th Holly Hinkhouse MEN AND 1 Molly Henry March 20th Marty & Kristy Rieken 27th Suzanne & Jerry Pierce 1 3 Collin Forrester Sheila Applegate WOMEN 6 Suzanne Johnk 3 Kim Farrell Dane Nelsen, step- grandson of Daryl & 13 Joyce Henry SUNDAY SCHOOL 3 Zach Putnam Rita Henningsen; Matt 3 Drake Bane 20 Barb Schorsch TEACHERS 7 Jamie Calhoon Hackett, great nephew of Jessie Shiffer; Kristie 8 Lucia Kinnison 27 Lindsey Henderson Copenhaver, John & 9 Beth Fulton 6th Kristy Rieken 14 Wayne Colvin Mary Lou Copenhaver s daughter; Alan Walker; Kelly Holdaway; Josh 14 Robert Copenhaver Harker; Jeremy Harker; Brad Jefferson, son of Dan 14 R.J. Harris Sheila Applegate & Robin Jefferson; Jared Myers, son of Robert 15 Bob McJunkin Myers and Sid & Tami Skank; Tyler Williamson, Pam Ehmke 16 Teresa Keiser son of Michelle Swope; Jon Reed, son of Phil & 17 Zachary Thompson USHERS, 13th Leigh Belle 18 Dana Gleaves Denise Reed; Sonja Husz; Lucas Smith, Addie Mae s grandson; Brian Thornton from Avoca; 18 Eric Bane GREETERS, Kristy Rieken 19 Jim Johnson Craig Bintz, grandson of Larry & Judie Danker serving in Japan; Tyler Clark, Marvin & Carolyn Lynelle Jeppesen 20 Jean Blackburn CANDLELIGHT ERS 20 Abby Ward Clark s grandson serving in Alaska, Brad Grosvenor, Cathey Grosvenor s son stateside, and Pam Ehmke 20 Eric Beedle 6th Merle & Veva Larson 21 Adam Evans other area service men and women. 20th Kristy Rieken Hannah Hummel & Andrew Jones 21 Grant Henry If you have a loved one in the service Candle lighters Lisa Pierson 22 Chris Hildebrand and wish to have them listed on our Kyra & Kristian Martens 24 Dick Merkle prayer list, please contact the church Barb Schorsch 24 Matt Schuster NURSING HOMES - Remember those in the 13th Larry & Judie Danker Pam Ehmke 24 Noah Kinnison nursing homes with cards and visits. 25 Clark Jeppesen Hayley Haines & Sarah Jones 27th Lindsey Henderson 25 Cherise Sparks Oakland Manor: Mary Applegate, Margaret Alff, Candle lighters Leigh Belle 26 Diane Brown Dorothy Forristall, Emma Ehmke & Haley Hummel 27 Merle Davis Oakland Heights: Eileen Haines, Lucille Bentley, Lisa Pierson 27 Roy Bane Pauline Hogzett 20th Gerald & Carol Wilson 27 Tiffany Obrecht Griswold Nursing Home: Merle Davis Pam Ehmke 27 Jake Petersen Primrose: Lois Allen Kyra Martens & Hannah Hummel 29 Alyssa Palmer Harlan: Dorothy Liddell Candle lighters SR. HIGH YOUTH COUNSELORS Andrew Jones & Grace Gleaves March 2nd Veva Larson & Cathey Grosvenor March 9th NO MEETING 27th Leigh Bell & Lisa Rollins March 16-30th VOLUNTEER NEEDED Grace Gleaves & Hayley Haines Candle lighters is March 20 Camryn Pierson & Sarah Jones 9:00 A.M.
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  Disciple Express Disciple Express Come Do the Chicken Dance with Us The Spiritual Challenge of Health new and right spirit within me,...Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. The Missions Committee is sponsoring our second annual Chicken Delight Pot Luck Dinner after church What does our spiritual life have to do the rest of life? (Psalm 51) March 20th. Bring a main dish that has chicken or eggs in it. We ll provide the drinks and table settings. Sinfulness, confession, and forgiveness do impact our physical and mental health. I invite you to intentionally replace an unhealthy habit with a healthier one as your Lenten discipline. My We will be taking an offering that Sunday for the Heifer Project. The mission of Heifer International is to Psalm 32:3-5 AWhile I kept silence, my body hope is that the healthy habit sticks with you long after work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. The money we raise that Sunday wasted away through my groaning all day long. Lent is done. will go toward purchasing flocks of chickens. A good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a year, plenty to eat, share or For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of the Kae Tritle, RN sell. Heifer recipients pass on the offspring and training, adding chickens to communities in poverty. A flock of chicks can help families from Cameroon to the Caribbean add nourishing life sustaining eggs to their summer. Then, I acknowledged my sin to you, and Wellness Coordinator March 2011 inadequate diets. The protein in just one egg is a nutritious gift for a child. I did not hide my iniquity; I said, AI will confess my transgressions to the Lord@ and you forgave the Flock to church March 20th and then join us afterward for fun, food, and fellowship. quilt of my sin.@ We have begun the season of Lent. The traditional view A Desert Love Story Let our donations be something to crow about!! of Lent is on confession, sacrifice, and repentance; a Once upon a time there was a very handsome turning from sin and a resolve to reform one=s life. This sounds like a change process to me! A perfect male camel with two huge camel humps. opportunity to turn from unhealthy habits towards He fell in love and married a beautiful female healthier ones. camel who had one perfect camel hump. Many of us give up chocolate, caffine, or something we enjoy for Lent. This is a form of fasting. As time progressed, they became the proud _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fasting and abstinence brings us face to face with how parents of a wonderful baby camel who had we put the material world ahead of its Spiritual Source. no humps. Save the Date Instead of going through the motions of giving something up for Lent, I challenge you to ask yourself the following questions: What do I do to excess that comes between me Second Annual and God? How can a particular activity bring me closer to God? What does God want me to Chicken Delight accomplish through this activity or practice? You may be surprised at the answers. Instead of just giving something up for Lent, you may need to replace an unhealthy habit with healthier one: spending (Fundraiser for Heifer Project) time with family and friends instead of surfing the internet, reaching for fruit instead of chocolate, going March 20th for a walk instead of watching TV, being intentional about your devotional or study time. (after church) Rather than viewing Lent as time of self- They contemplated long and hard on what to sacrifice and self-control; look at Lent as a time to intentionally connect with God. This will allow God to call their beautiful little boy. Potluck redirect your lifestyle and to open yourself to the They finally decided process of healing your body, mind, and spirit. (Bring food containing eggs or chicken.) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a on......'Humphrey'!!!!!!!!!!.