THE MESSENGER FOR MARCH, 2020 POSTAGE SHERIDAN PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4100 E. SHERIDAN AVENUE DES MOINES, IA 50317 CHURCH PHONE: (515) 266-6404 PASTOR: DOUG AMIS DOUG’S CELL PHONE: (515) 202-6845

LABEL

MARCH, 2020 Newsletter

From the Pastor’s Desk… On Ash Wednesday (February 26th) we began the season of

Lent. Lent (similar to Advent) is a 40 day time of reflection and preparation before Easter. Lent is a time for us, as Christians, to replicate Jesus Christ’s 40 day period that He spent in withdrawal and fasting to prepare for

His earthly ministry. The season of Lent is observed by many Christian believers fasting (giving up) either food, certain foods, or other activities in an effort to become more focused on God. Some traditions spend the 40 days of Lent preparing for Easter spending additional time in prayer, doing penance, repenting from their sins, with almsgiving, and/or denial of ego. Not all Christian traditions observe Lent. There is no Biblical reference to either Ash Wednesday or Lent. Scholars believe that these practices began around 325 AD.

Many people give up “something” for Lent with the intent of removing something from their routine and life that distracts them from God, or that is not healthy. Other people take “something” up by spending more time reading the Bible, or making a list of people to pray for every day, or participating in a Bible Study, or reading an additional devotional each day, etc. Whether you give up something or if you take up something the main purpose is to deepen your relationship with God and to bring you closer to Jesus.

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One thing I try to do more during Lent is to realize how God’s grace has changed my life – God’s prevenient grace, God’s justifying grace, and God’s sanctifying grace. Also, to spend time thinking about what Jesus has done for me. The teachings of Jesus help shape me to be a better person and learn how to become more life Jesus. Jesus’ acts that we remember during Holy Week and Easter demonstrate God’s love for me (and for you) that provide a way for me to be forgiven, to enter into a right relationship with God, and provide a way to spend eternity in the presence of God. Because of what Jesus has done for me (and for you), out of an unconditional love, I am able to share that love with other people as I encounter them in life – without judgment of if they are worthy.

As we journey through the season of Lent, I ask you to spend time each day pondering what God wants you to do to spread the Good News with someone each day, to pray for guidance in how to live according to God’s will, and pray for the growth and effectiveness of your church in the surrounding community. Shalom.

Blessings,

Pastor Doug

FAMILY AND FRIENDS NEEDING OUR PRAYERS:

Linda Amis: as she recovers from influenza and awaits results from neurological testing. Sharon Baker: As she suffers from an injured meniscus and awaits medical advice. Marve and Rosie Hollingshead and family: As they grieve the death of Marve’s sister, Marilyn Overton. Continue to pray for members and friends in care facilities and/or are homebound: (Carolyn Buttrey, Rosie Hollingshead, Larry Love, Evelyn Tolkan and Mildred Philpott)

*Please let Pastor Doug know if you are admitted to the hospital or scheduled for surgery, and he will visit you and pray with you, if requested, before surgery* REMINDER!! – If you have knowledge of someone that is hospitalized, or may desire a home or care facility visit, or even just a phone call, please notify Pastor Doug on his cell phone – 515-202-6845.

ADMINISTRATION COUNCIL: Meeting, March 11th at 7:00 PM

The 2020 Administrative Council includes the following: Pastor Doug Amis, John Ratcliffe,

Chair, Sharon Baker, Marjean Moyle, Erin Lowe, Alice Nelson, Margie Brown, Mary Brown,

Lois Nolte, Jennifer Medina, Carlos Medina, Phyllis Roe, Marcia Isaac, Dick Smith, Shirley

Wilson, Jim Moyle, and Susan Strock. Note – Mission team rotates attendance.

Note – Anyone is welcome to attend Ad Board meetings and minutes are posted on the

board for your information.

SPRC, by Mary Brown:

SPRC will be meeting on April 22nd @ 6:00 PM. Meeting at Wesley UMC.

With our Wesley partners, we will continue working on our Discipleship Pathway.

NOTE: Wesley will be having a Chicken Noodle dinner on a Saturday in April. Let’s plan on

assisting

EDUCATION REPORT by Erin Lowe, Christian Education Chairperson:

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Schedule 8:45/9:15 AM, Coffee Room (Adults/College Students, etc.) 9:45/10:30 AM, Fellowship Hall, Children and Youth Join in 9:30 AM Worship service until after Children’s time. 10:45/11:45 AM, Mothers’ room, Adults (Gleaners) follows coffee/social time. There will be no children/youth Sunday School during Spring Break – March 15th

and 22nd. Children's Sunday School uses the Deep Blue Curriculum from Cokesbury. The

curriculum uses videos to teach the weekly lessons and bible verses. There are songs and

music videos to match the lessons. The Deep Blue curriculum is engaging and fun for our

students and youth.

College Scholarships – We have received a pamphlet regarding scholarships available through

Iowa United Methodist Foundation. The information is on the bulletin board. You can find the

application link on the “scholarship” page of the web site https:\\iumf.org\scholarships. Feel

free to copy the information.

UMC Camps - The camp schedule is out for registration. Please find a camp book on the back

table in the sanctuary or find it on-line at https://www.iaumc.org/camps

The opportunity for camperships exists with SPUMC and Iowa United Methodist church

camps/retreats.

MEMBERSHIP by Marjean Moyle Our membership is 104.

Pastor Doug has recently shared two membership classes. On March 22nd

we will be

welcoming 3 members. Be sure to come and welcome our new members.

PRAYER BAND GROUP: Tuesday, March 10th – 9:30 AM, @ home of Barbara Potter Tuesday, March 24th – 9:30 AM @ home of Lois Nolte

GLEANERS:

The Gleaners will meet socially at 12:30 PM, March 14th

at the home of Phyllis Roe.

SCRAPBOOKING: This group meets every third Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. They often order food and share in

fellowship. They invite anyone with any project or hobby that might benefit from the space to

join them. Scrapbooking will not meet in March.

LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS, AND SERVE THE WORLD

FINANCE REPORT by Margie Brown, Chairperson: Parsonage Update: It has been some time since we have shared how the status of reimbursing the church and/or savings account for the funds we used to update the parsonage is coming. We spent a total of $25,949.14 on the improvements we made to the parsonage. Using the $500 that had been donated and designated for maintenance and the 8 months of rental payments (July 2019 – February 2020) of $1,050 we have reimbursed our accounts for $8,900. This leaves a total of $17,049.14 still due. Reminder: Please make sure that Sunday school attendance is recorded accurately each Sunday so the information will be available for year end statistical reporting. Lower Parking Lot: As requested I have received quotes to have the lower parking lot resurfaced. Keep in mind these quotes need to be studied to determine if the work being quoted within each of the bids are comparable and accomplishing what we want done. The quotes are as follows: $23,341.50 Des Moines Asphalt and Paving $23,415.55 DBA Advance Asphalt $33,100.00 Grimes Asphalt and Paving These are high dollar amounts so we all need to be in prayer as we figure out how we will cover the costs of having this work done. At the next finance meeting on April 8th we will be reviewing these bids and make plans to fundraise for the project. In the meantime, if you would like to contribute to this please mark your envelope “Parking Lot”. TRUSTEE REPORT by Jim Moyle, Chairperson: The Trustee Committee met on Wednesday, February 5th to start working on the guidelines for usage of the church building and grounds. In our conversation, it was determined that there are several items we need to incorporate into the guidelines. This is being worked on and will be distributed to those on the Trustees for their review prior to our next meeting. As a result of a request, there have been shelves installed in the church office to help eliminate clutter on the desk, floor, etc. We have experienced some additional vandalism at the church, so have started researching the possibility of getting cameras for the outside perimeters of the church. If you have any experience with camera security systems please let me know. We also talked about the need to have the lower doors locked by the ushers once our worship service has started. We are still finding lights left on inside and at the lower entrance. Please double check when leaving the church to make sure all lights (excluding those that are on a timer) are turned off. If you move tables, chairs, etc. it is up to you to make sure they get put back. It is also up to the individual/group using the church to make sure the furnace and/or air conditioner is set back to where it is supposed to be, all counters are wiped off, spilled juice/coffee is cleaned up, floors are swept and/or vacuumed, if needed, and all lights, etc. are turned off.

WORSHIP REPORT by Jennifer Medina:

Thanks to all who help on a regular basis to make worship a praise and prayer-filled experience,

glorifying God. We are always grateful to all who sign up as Sunday morning helpers: liturgist,

song leader, children's time, acolyte, communion steward, transportation, cookie Sunday,

juice/coffee provider, greeter, nursery, and usher. We can use more volunteers, see Jen if you

can help.

SHERIDAN PARK MISSION GARDEN UPDATE by Susan Strock “Here is the dirt from our garden committee”

April 25the the Committee will host a “Blessing of the Garden” at 10:00 AM.

Think Spring,

Birthday Wishes Anniversaries Wishes 1

st Sharon Andrews 21

st Jerry & Alice Nelson

9th

Frank Foresman

9th

Lena Griswold

12th

Michael Green

19th

Jolanda Dotson

24th

Sharon Baker

29th

Evette Mendieta

30th

Robert Worth

CONGRATULATIONS:

Kaytlyn Andrews, qualified and participated in the Iowa State High School bowling tournament

on February 26th

. Congratulations for making it to state the last two years. Great job!

Kade Dolphin, qualified and participated in the Iowa State High School swim meet on February

15. Kade had a great senior season, improving numerous best times.

Kade has also captained a team of nine, that qualified for the Iowa State High School Academic

Decathlon. Wishing them well in the state meet on March 6 and 7.

Way to go, Kaytlyn and Kade, your church family is proud of the manner in which you

represent yourselves and East High School.

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

MEDICATION DISPOSAL: If you have medications that need destroyed, you can drop them

at Walgreens at 2545 E Euclid or 104 E Euclid.

SCRUB DAYS:

For 2020 Scrub days have been scheduled for the third Saturday of each month

from March through November. Again the locations will be the Metro Waste

Authority Transfer Station and the Compost Center.

The tentative schedule for the MEGA SCRUBS is as follows:

4/18/20 Hoover High School, 4800 Aurora Ave

6/20/20 Capital Complex Lot #3 west of E. 14th

, south of Court Ave

7/18/20 Polk County River Place 2309 Euclid Ave

9/19/20 Bell Avenue Business Park 1901 Bell Ave

(SCRUB events are free to all citizens of Des Moines, therefore you may experience longer wait

times based on participation.)

MEET YOUR SHERIDAN PARK UNITED METHODIST FAMILY

Recently during announcements, Pastor Doug commented that sometimes things at Sheridan Park

UMC get done, when we don’t even know it ‘needed to be done’. The Newsletter decided we

should recognize some of the members that perform those things that “need to be done”.

In addition, on July 17, 2021 our church will celebrate 100 years.

For the above reasons the Newsletter will be highlighting individuals, couples and families in our

upcoming editions. As we get closer to the anniversary, we will also try to highlight historical “tid bits”

from prior bulletins and Newsletters.

The March edition will highlight Alice Marnin. To do that, we will include details from previous

Newsletters.

Alice O’Brien was born February 28, 1921. She celebrated her 99th birthday a couple days ago and that

was just five months before the founding of Easton Heights Evangelical United Brethren church.

Alice and her husband, Merle, transferred memberships to Easton Heights Evangelical United Brethren

church (currently Sheridan Park UMC) April 4, 1954.

In the Spring of 1953, Alice began working as Secretary for the pastors and congregation of what is now

Sheridan Park UMC. She retired from that position in the Spring of 2013. Yes, that was 60 years. While

giving up that position, she continued to volunteer as the Membership Secretary through 2015. (March

2013 Newsletter). Through the years, and continuing today, Alice has worked through United Methodist

Women as a member and various officer positions. Alice is currently a member of the Evangelism

committee, prayer band and assists in assembling/labeling the Newsletter.

On April 28, 2013, we celebrated Alice’s retirement and her many years of service. Following, in her

words, is a note she sent back to us:

TO MY CHURCH FAMILY

YOU DID IT AGAIN!!!

You gave me another wonderful day in my life that so touched my heart that it will be with me always. I

cannot find the words to express my deep appreciation to each one who had a part in the planning, the

delicious meal and all the surprises. MY sincere thanks to Pastor Josh for letting all this happen during

his worship time and for him even sharing in the presentation.

For all the beautiful cards with the personal notes, the flowers, the corsage, your love gift, your kind

words all meant more to me than I could ever find words to thank you.

My personal note to you. I have retired a Church Secretary, BUT NOT from the church and working for

God. I am available to help with any volunteer work that is needed for as long as I am able. God has

blessed me with 60 years to serve Him and His church in this way and I don’t think He is through with me

yet!

I have been so blessed by all of you through your cooperation with me, and your love and help to both

Merle and I over the years, and I am so grateful. I love you all. Alice Marnin

(Reprinted from May, 2013 Newsletter)

Thank you, Alice for what now is 67 years of service to us, and Sheridan Park UMC. Also, we hope

you had an enjoyable 99th

birthday

LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS, AND SERVE THE WORLD

WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS March 1

st:

Bulletin: Lisa Karen Hankey

Ushers: Shirley Wilson (Capt.), Sharon Baker, Joan Foresman, Doris Sheeder

Transportation: Dick Smith (266-4261)

Greeter (upper door): Dick Smith

Nursery: Mary Brown

Communion Stewards: Ray & Barbara Potter

Counters: Mark Garanson and Shirley Wilson

March 8th

:

Bulletin: Margie Brown

Ushers: Jeff Woodard (Capt.), Marvin Barton, Dave Strock, Susan Strock

Transportation: Marvin Barton (265-3914)

Greeter (upper door): Alice Marnin

Nursery: Margie Brown

Counters: Mark Garanson and Dave Strock

March 15th

:

Bulletin: Sharon Andrews

Ushers: Dick Smith (Capt.), Steve Piper, Marvin Barton, John Ratcliffe

Transportation: Barbara Ratcliffe (262-6830)

Greeter (upper door): Lois Nolte

Nursery: Lois Nolte

Cookie Sunday: Margie Brown (Hostess) and Connie Thrasher

Counters: John Ratcliffe and Shirley Wilson

March 22nd

:

Bulletin: Kaytlyn Andrews

Ushers: Phyllis Roe (Capt.), Jaylene Barton, Mark Garanson, Carlos Medina

Transportation: Lois Nolte (262-7197)

Greeter (upper door): Dean Brown

Nursery: Shirley Wilson

Counters: Phyllis Roe and Dick Smith

March 29th

:

Bulletin: Mary Brown

Ushers: Jim Moyle (Capt.), Shirley Wilson, Dick Smith, Phyllis Roe

Transportation: Dick Smith (266-4261)

Greeter (upper door): Jerry & Alice Nelson

Nursery: Tanya Hinderaker

Counters: Mark Garanson and Shirley Wilson