February 23, 2015 Day 5. Breakfast is available in the Cafeteria everyday from 7:10 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Messenger is due Thursday, March 21, 2013. Our StaffMar 08, 2011 · CHURCH ATTENDANCE January 2013...
Transcript of Messenger is due Thursday, March 21, 2013. Our StaffMar 08, 2011 · CHURCH ATTENDANCE January 2013...
First Church was founded in 1836
Our Mission Statement
“To be a spiritual home that
welcomes, equips and sends
all into the ministry to which
Christ has called us.”
Our Worship Schedule:
Saturday 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall
Sunday 9:00 am in the Sanctuary
Children’s Sunday School &
Adult Study Groups at 10:15 am
11:15 Praise & Worship in the Sanctuary
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Phone: (319) 385-1740
Fax: (319) 385-1745
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.firstmethodistonline.org
Our Staff Rev. Herbert Shafer, Senior Pastor Rev. David Bracht-Wagner, Pastor for
Youth & Young Adult Faith Development Jean Evans, Office Administrator
Jerry Lalaga, Organist Mark Kimzey, Choir Director Donita Benedict, Director of Contemporary
and Children’s Music
Chuck Ring, Custodian
Vol. 76, No. 3
Information for the April
Messenger is due Thursday,
March 21, 2013.
March 2013 edition
~ Postage paid periodicals Mt. Pleasant, IA ~ Postage paid periodicals Mt.
First United Methodist Church
Mount Pleasant IA
Join us for Easter Services: Saturday Night, March 30th at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, March 31st: Traditional Service at 9:00 a.m. Praise Service at 11:15 a.m.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
February 3rd, 5:30 p.m. 26
February 4th, 10:30 a.m. 98
February 4th, 11:15 a.m. 63
Total 187
February 10th, 5:30 p.m. 56
February 11th, 9:00 a.m. 152
February 11th, 11:15 a.m. 46
Total: 254
February 16th, 5:30 p.m. 44
February 17th, 9:00 a.m. 141
February 17th, 11:15 a.m. 57
Total: 242
February 23rd, 5:30 p.m. 46
February 24th, 9:00 a.m. 124
February 24th, 11:15 a.m. 57
Total: 227 1
BUDGET NEWS January 2013
Current Budget
Beginning Balance $ 7,054.87
Income:
Pledges/Giving 9,729.65
Other Income 10,559.73
Total Income $ 20,289.38
Expenses: (22,502.50)
Liabilities Expense (323.44)
Ending Balance $ 4,518.31
Liabilities:
Withholdings $ (2,864.10)
Apportionments (4,046.89)
Funds Available: $ (2,392.68)
Missions Budget
Beginning Balance $ 17,030.77
Received 2,888.71
Disbursements: (13,287.16)
$ 6,632.32 14
April 2013
“It is true; The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”
Luke 24:34
Dear Friends,
The message of the Bible, though appearing to be complex, is quite simple:
No matter what happens in life, in the end the love of God WINS.
Here is “The Bible in 50 Words!”
God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plagued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peeked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread
God remained.
Easter blessings to you.
Go spread the good news!!
Pastor Herb
We are in need of 200 school bags for the school kits that will be filled
this summer, taken to the In-Gathering and then on to UMCOR.
The Missions Committee is looking for ladies with sewing capabilities
(minimal) to make these bags. They have three volunteers (Thank you) but
could use several more. If interested, please contact Madonna Worden, 319-385-3299 or
Plans are being made for the Food Drive coming up in April (note the change of month
from May to April).
The church sponsored Blood Drive will be held on April 23rd, starting at 3:00pm. Make
plans to give and save a life.
March 10th will be the day of “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering. This
offering supports the United Methodist Committee of Relief’s ongoing work. UMCOR
responses in times of disaster and offers support and expertise to communities following
these emergencies.
What’s Dishin’ with Missions?
2 13
Ministry Opportunities
Looking for opportunities to lend a helping hand? Check back with this
section of the Messenger each month to see an updated list
of ministry opportunities. This month:
Altar Flowers “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
Do you have a “green thumb” for house plants or an eye for floral arranging?
The Worship committee would like to form a “Flower Committee” of per-
sons interested in maintaining plants and flowers for the church and sanctu-
ary.
If you are interested contact Worship Chairperson Ava Seibert at 319-931-2808
Fellowship Cup The Fellowship Cup is seeking volunteers to assist with the many programs they have. If
you could donate an hour of two, call Melisa at 385-3242
Children, Youth and Adult Ministries
FUMC needs YOU! Leaders are needed in many areas to help Christ transform
lives in our community.
AWANA needs: Teachers and Volunteers to listen to children share their Bible memory
verses. There are lots of children and we need to have more classes to have smaller class
sizes.
The Adult Mission trip with Iowa Wesleyan College is going to New
York to assist with Sandy cleanup. This looks to be an early summer
trip. For more information check the web site in the coming weeks.
2nd Annual Conference Mission Trip. The trip this year will be to
Mountain T.O.P. which is the Tennessee Outreach Project in the Cum-
berland Mountains. We will doing lots of home repair and then in the evenings having some
worship as well as learning more about the area. This is a great opportunity to get youth to
step outside their comfort zone and to work with youth from our conference and from other
places. Here's some information that you will need:
Who: The trip is open to youth who are currently in 7th -11th Grade. When: July
20th - 29th (maybe 28th) Where: Cumberland Mountains Why: It's fun to help oth-
ers
Cost: $375.00/person (If churches bring at least a 7 passenger van, for every vehicle
we will
pay one person's registration fee) What does the $375 get me? - All meals during
the 21st-27th (The other days are travel days so each person/church will be responsi-
ble for meals to and from), evening activities and a t-shirt. We will spend the day (or
part of a day) at an
amusement park on the way back.
Where can I learn more about Mountain T.O.P. : http://www.mountain-top.org/
What if I have questions? Contact Maria Wiblin by email
[email protected] How do I register? Contact DeeDee Sobotka at [email protected]
The Sr. High Mission Trip, which is open to all current 9th -12th graders, is going to Hen-
derson Settlement in Kentucky. Jeff Thomas will be one of our adult leaders. The open
dates that they currently have are June 30 – July 6. The cost is around $300 / person +
transportation.
Mission Trips
The March-April Upper Rooms are now available in the upper Fireside Room.
Small print is $.75 and large print is $1.00
12 3
Information current as of February 25, 2013
Joys and Concerns
Please Pray For:
Thelma Young at Park Place
Jo Thornton at home
Bev Garrels at home
Karen Timmerman at home
Bev Hodson back at Sunny Brook
Aaron Evans who had surgery Feb. 26th
Laine Dennison at Morning Sun Care Center
Children’s Ministries of our church
Sunday School Teachers and the Leaders of Wednesday Evening activities
Our shut-ins and residence of Care Centers
Joy Sudbrink, missionary on furlough in the U.S.
Our sister church in Medellin, Colombia and Rev. Jose Duque
Drs. Lynn and Sharon Fogleman in South Sudan
Our armed service members who are serving throughout the world
Sympathy to:
The family of Dr. “Bob” Lofgren who passed away Wednesday, February 13th. Burial will
be held on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2:00 p.m. at Forest Home Cemetery.
Doyle Dunn and family in the death of his wife Patricia on Saturday, February 16th.
UP COMING EVENTS
The Debra Cordes Memorial presents “Aladdin Jr. “
This play is a gift for children of Southeast Iowa and will include Southeast Iowa children
preforming. It was her familys desire that the funds be used is such a way that the children
would be the STARS and in the audience. Join in honoring Debbie’s memory by attending
any of the performances. They planned for 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 28th and Fri-
day, March 1st and 2:00 pm matinee on Sunday, March 3rd.
Clifford and Maxine Manning Speaker Series A.J. Jacobs
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest
to Follow the Bible as
Literally as Possible
Thursday, March 14, 11:00 Forum
“Fake it Till you Make It: The Power of Pretending to be a
Better Person”
Thursday, March 14, 7:00 pm Lecture
“The Year of Living Biblically”
The Room Upstairs: March 24th and 25th. An Easter production that takes us through
the Passover meal as it might have happened in the upper room with Christ and his disci-
ples. See Lent/Easter on page 4 for more information.
Drs. Lynn and Sharon Fogelman will be visiting April 3rd. Mark your calendar and plan
on coming for a pancake supper and hear about their work in South Sudan. We thank them
for their dedication to helping others and for sharing how they are helping people in such an
under developed country.
Thank you for letting us use your space and selling tickets for the Valentine’s Day Dinner!
We couldn’t have done it without you!!
IWC CHOIR BOARD
March Birthdays
4
1
2
Sherri Leeper
3
Beverly Garrels
Amber Keagle
4
5
Loree King
6
Kelly Barton
Abigail Blint
Jeff McPheron
Keegan Pullis
Kaiden Stearns
7
Gayle Cornick
Jean Evans
8
Martha Potts-Bell
Tom Weir
9
Stewart Kinney
Lin Klopfenstein
Dan McSorley
Dennis Rogers
10
Irma Swan
11
Nolan Keefer
12
Jeffrey Baccam
Bill Gray
Carolyn Jensen
Amy Lowe
Darrel Rogers
Michell Rosell
13
Sam Bell
Cecile Chrissinger
Paula Lauer
Terry Mabeus
Rena Philp
14
Seth martin
Jodie Meeker
Sarah Roth
15
Allie Looker
16
Linda Albright
Rick Mallams
17
Abby
Lance
Morgan
Menke
18
Tyler Anderson
Austin Bucket
Kailey Peterson
Susie Stalder
19
Lee Franklin
Ben Johnson
20
Lori Beatty-Fye
James Kitch
Dale Marzolf
Andrew McSorley
Steve Meeker
21
Pat Burden
Amanda Dunn
Michael Hatch
22
Michelle Gardner
Amee Kauffman
Linda Kruse
Janelle Thomas
Dolores Wilson
23
Kiana Miller
Doug Miller
Debra Smith
24
Barbara Messer
Jeanette Rice
25
Melisa Bracht-Wagner
Christine Goettsche
James Kinney
Gregory Norris
Joe Oschwald
26
Abby Burden
Carol Carpenter
Ellen Krieger
27
Grant Davidson
Austin Decker
28
Wade Carpenter
Duane Thomas
29
Grace Coble
Kristen Shaffer
30
Chad Doak
Carroll Parks
31
Gary Hackett
Jeff Hood
11
Happy Easter!
Lent/Easter “Following the Way”
Sunday March 3rd. “Self-Exam”
(Isaiah 55:1-9, I Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9)
Sunday, March 10th “Homecomings”
(Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32)
Wednesday, March 13th “Christ in the Passover”
Presented by Jews of Jesus 6:30p.m. in the Sanctuary
Sunday, March 17th “Amazing Love”
(Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12: 1-8
Sunday, March 24th Palm/Passion Sunday
Choir Cantata: “Seeing Christ Crucified”
( Isaiah 50: 4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 23:1-49
Sunday, March 24/Monday March 25th “The Room Upstairs” in Fellowship Hall
A drama of the Last Supper with a meal served to attendees. 6:30pm each night.
Admission by advance tickets which are available in the church office free of charge, free
will offering the night of the performance. Sponsored by Ministerial Association.
Thursday, March 28th Maundy Thursday Service: “A New Commandment I Give You”
hosted by First Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut Street.
Friday, March 29th Good Friday: “Procession of the Cross”
Beginning at Noon at St. Alphonsus, 607 S. Jackson. Ending 2:00pm at First
United Methodist church
Sponsored by the Ministerial Association
Saturday, March 30th 5:30 pm “Easter Vigil” in Fellowship Hall
Sunday, March 31st EASTER SUNDAY
9:00 am Worship in the Sanctuary “The Rainbow Colors of Easter”
Children’s Music and drama under the direction of Donita Benedict
10:15 am Sunday School
11:15 am Praise and Worship in the Sanctuary
Greetings,
The saying for March is in like a Lion out like a Lamb or in like a
Lamb out like a Lion. I find that quite fitting this year as Easter falls
on March 31st. Both the Lion and the Lamb are symbols for Jesus:
the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. Often the two images are
seen with each other, because presumably they come from a scripture
in the Bible. My wife has a collection of Lions and Lambs. She did not seek them out, but
over time people just gave them as gifts and she enjoys the imagery that they represent.
Christ has the power, majesty, and authority that we think of with a Lion, but he is also gen-
tle, loving, and something that we may want to cuddle with, like a Lamb.
Yet, the truth is there is no scripture that says the Lion and the lamb shall lie down together.
The closest is found in Isaiah 11:6 and Isaiah 65:25.
Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall
lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling to-
gether; and a little child shall lead them.
Isaiah 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall
eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall
not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Even though, it is a great image and
each year when March comes around,
we can remember whether it is a Lion
or a Lamb, Christ is always with us.
May you have a blessed Lenten Season
and proclaim the joy of Easter. Christ
is risen. He is risen indeed.
Be bold, be strong,
Pastor Dave
10 5
UMW Road Trip: Make your reservations now for the musical performance of the
Church Basement Ladies in “A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement”
on Wednesday, April 3rd, at Circa “21 Dinner Play house in Rock
Island. Travel back to the 60’s as the ladies deal with changes in the
church and their own lives; these ladies always serve up big
laughs.
The cost is $50.00 which includes lunch, dessert, matinee show, tax,
gratuity and transportation. The bus will leave the church parking lot at
9:15 a.m. and will return around 6:00 p.m. Checks are payable to the UMW by Friday,
March 15, and my be left in the church office. Please contact Melinda Huisinga to sign up
or ask questions at 385-4059 (home), 515-490-9338 (cell), or [email protected]
THERE ARE ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!!
CIRCLE MEETINGS:
Grace Circle: March 7th in room 109 at 10:00 am
Patience Circle: March 16th in room 111 at 9:00 am
Love Circle: March 21st in room 109
Friendship Circle: March 14th .
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS and
COLLEGE STUDENTS Iowa United Methodist Foundation General Scholarships for Fall 2013
Applications and criteria are currently available at www.iumf.org
Applications and all required material must be post marked no later than
March 15, 2012 to be eligible.
The 2013 Iowa United Methodist Student Day Merit Scholarship criteria and appli-
cations are now available on the Youth and Young Adult Ministries page of the conference website
at Iaumc.org Youth & Young Adult Ministries. Generous giving by Iowa United Methodists through
the Student Day offering in on the 4th Sunday in November made these current scholarships possible.
The 2013 Merit Scholarship application deadline is March 15, 2013.
THE MESSENGER (USPS 341-140)
Published monthly by First
United Methodist Church, 309 N.
Main, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641,
319-385-1740, Fax 319-385-
1745. Periodical postage paid at
Mt. Pleasant, IA. Subscription
price $1.50 a year. Postmaster:
Send address changes to: The
Messenger, 309 North Main
7:00 p.m. - Christian Education Rm. 109
7:00 p.m. - Acepella F. Hall
7:00 p.m. - NAMI Rm. 9-11
20th - Wednesday
5:45 p.m. - Midweek Fellowship Meal
5:45 p.m. - Bell Choir
6:15 p.m. - Games
6:30 p.m. - AWANA
6:30 p.m. - Choir Practice
6:30 p.m. - Youth & Small Groups Bible Study
21st - Thursday MESSENGER DEADLINE
9:00 a.m. - REM Rm. 7
1:30 p.m. - Love Circle
5:00 p.m. - Girl Scouts F. Hall
6:00 p.m. - Companions in Christ Rm. 111
7:00 p.m. - Pleasant Hearts with Joyce Voss
22nd - Friday
23rd - Saturday
8:00 a.m. - UMM Rm. 109
5:30 p.m. - Saturday Night Praise & Fellowship
24nd - PALM Sunday
9:00 a.m. - Classic Service in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. - Sunday School
11:15 a.m. - Praise and Worship in the Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. - Last Supper Drama F. Hall
25th - Monday
11:00 a.m. - Staff meeting
6:30 p.m. - Foster Parents Rm. 9-11
6:30 p.m. - Foster Kids Support Rm.
6:30 p.m. - Last Supper Drama F. Hall
26th - Tuesday
27th - Wednesday
5:45 p.m. - Wednesday Night Meal
5:45 p.m. - Bell Choir
6:15 p.m. - Games
6:30 p.m. - AWANA
6:30 p.m. - Choir Practice
6:30 p.m. - Youth & Small Groups Bible Study
28th - Thursday
5:00 p.m. - Girl Scouts F. Hall
6:00 p.m. - Companions in Christ Rm. 111
6:30 p.m. - Special Kids Support Group Rm. 9-11
7:00 p.m. - Maundy Thursday Service
at Presbyterian Church
29th - Friday
30th - Saturday
8:00 a.m. - UMM Rm. 09
5:30 p.m. - Saturday Night Praise & Fellowship
31st - EASTER Sunday 9:00 a.m. - Classic Service in the
Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. - Sunday School
11:15 a.m. - Praise and Worship in
the Sanctuary
1st - Friday
2nd – Saturday
8:00 a.m. - UMM Rm. 109
8:30 a.m. - Master Gardeners Seminar
5:30 p.m. - Saturday Night Praise & Fellowship
3rd - Sunday
9:00 a.m. - Classic Service in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. - Sunday School
11:15 a.m. - Praise and Worship in the Sanctuary
4th - Monday
11:00 a.m. - Staff meeting
6:00 p.m. - Cub Scouts
7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts Rm. 9 & 11
5th - Tuesday
6:00 p.m. - SPRC Rm. 109
7:00 p.m. - Acapella F. Hall
7:00 p.m. - Nurture and Outreach Rm. 109
7:00 p.m. - Democrats Rm. 9-11
6th - Wednesday
5:45 p.m. - Midweek Fellowship Meal
5:45 p.m. - Bell Choir
6:15 p.m. - Games
6:30 p.m. - AWANA
6:30 p.m. - Choir Practice
6:30 p.m. - Youth & Small Groups Bible Study
7th - Thursday
8:30 a.m. - Knots of Love Rm. 109
10:00 a.m. - Grace Circle Rm. 109
5:00 p.m. - Girl Scouts F. Hall
6:00 p.m. - Companions in Christ Rm. 111
8th - Friday
9th - Saturday
8:00 a.m. - Men’s Bible Study
5:30 p.m. - Saturday Night Praise and Fellowship
10th - Sunday
9:00 a.m. - Classic Service in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. - Sunday School
11:15 a.m. - Praise and Worship in the Sanctuary
11th - Monday
11:00 a.m. - Staff meeting
6:00 p.m. - Cub Scouts
7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts
12th - Tuesday
5:30 p.m. - Missions Rm. 7
6:00 p.m. - Worship Dave’s Office
6:30 p.m. - Trustees Rm. 109
7:30 p.m. - Finance Rm. 9-11
13th - Wednesday
5:45 p.m. - Midweek Fellowship Meal
5:45 p.m. - Bell Choir
6:15 p.m. - Games
6:30 p.m. - Christ in the Passover Sanctuary
14th - Thursday
5:00 p.m. - Girl Scouts F. Hall
6:00 p.m. - Companions in Christ Rm. 111
15th - Friday
16th - Saturday
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - Men’s Bible Study
9:00 a.m. - Patience Circle Rm. 111
5:30 p.m. - Saturday Night Praise & Fellowship
17th - Sunday
9:00 a.m. - Classic Service in the Sanctuary
10:15 a.m. - Sunday School
11:15 a.m. - Praise and Worship in the Sanctuary
18th - Monday
11:00 a.m. - Staff meeting
6:00 p.m. - Relay for Life Rm. 9-11
6:30 p.m. - Cub Scout Pack meeting F. Hall
7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts
19th - Tuesday 87
March
Have you bought your copy of the
new United Methodist Cookbook?
They are available in the
Church office for $13 A Feast of Food
and Fellowship
Companions in Christ classes for 2013
Leader: Pastor Herb, Thursdays 6:00 –8:00 pm, Room 111
The Second in the sequential series is: “Feeding on the Word: The Mind of Christ”
This five week series covers the themes -
Why do we call the Bible God’s Word?
Studying the Scripture as a Spiritual Discipline
Meditating on the Word
Directing Imagination
Group Meditation with Scripture
Recommended for those who have completed the first unit in the series “Embracing the
Journey: The Way of Christ.”
Contact Pastor Herb at: [email protected]
9 6
Puppet Ministry
When: Wednesday
Time: 6:30 pm—8:00 pm
Who: 6th grade & up
Featuring: Black light Puppets!!
More ideas to come!!
Questions or if anyone would
like to help make puppets
Please call Marci Adams at
217-0805
Come join the experience of a lifetime!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
The family of Pauline Shepp wishes to thank everyone for their cards, flowers, food,
memorials and other sympathies extended. We appreciate those who participated in our
mother’s visitation and memorial service along with the Cum Deo Sunday School Class for
preparing and serving the lunch following. Our mother valued her friends in Grace Circle
and appreciated their continual visits and support. It is a blessing to be a member of this
church. Alan & Melinda Husinga
Thank you to Carol Dustman who made the banner for the Lenten series
“Following the Way”.
Thank you for all the prayers offered for ten-year old Owen McKim during his recent
glaucoma surgery at UIHC. We felt your prayers that day as he was exceptionally calm, and
tolerated the procedure like a trooper. The doctors are encouraging that he will regain the
20/20 vision he had in that eye as healing progresses. We will know in March if the device
that was implanted is working to lower his eye pressure. We truly count our friends in Mt.
Pleasant among our greatest blessings. Please come and see us if you are in Okoboji!!
Mike and Terri McKim, and Great Aunt Cleo McKim
The worship committee would like to thank the couples who have been
responsible for finding ushers for 9:00am service in January, Bruce and Jolene Oviatt and in February, Al and Melinda Husinga. A big thanks to them and all those assisting them. Also to Karen Brimhall for instruction concerning communion room, flowers, etc.
Thanks, to Betty Green, Marilyn Tolander, Sally Kinney, Ellen Krieger and Sonja
Reschly for treats at the Welcome Center and to all those who have been Hosts.
Thank you to Marilyn Tolander for compiling the yearly scrapbook of
Messenger articles.
Thank you to Steve Brimhall and John Rode for leading the last two Finance meetings.