The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

July/August 2003   Volume 24, No. 8

Keith Haisch, Pastor

 

Bangor Liberty – 150th

            In a spirit of rejoicing and thankfulness, many F/friends gathered together the weekend of July 12 and 13 at Bangor Liberty to observe and celebrate the 150th anniversary of our church!

            The festivities started off Saturday afternoon with a time of informal sharing led by Levi Willits who emceed and shared several memories of fun times and activities he remembered from his youth here at Bangor Liberty. Several others also shared memories of special events and times that meant so much to them over the years.

            Quite a number of attenders traveled by car or van to tour the Bangor Cemetery where the graves of some notables were buried: Abijah Hodgin, the pioneer who platted Bangor; Nereus Hodgin, an early minister at Bangor; Elam Jessup, a founding member of Bangor Church; Edward and Winnie Warren, former slaves and William Ruddick, who sheltered them; Zenas Carey, Bangor’s first doctor, and several others.

            The spirit of rejoicing and thank-fulness continued into Saturday evening’s

Service and the Sunday Morning Worship Service. Again, time was given for open sharing and several former pastors and Friends shared their memories. Music has been an important part of our worship service and many voices were raised in thankfulness as we sung some favorite old hymns as well as some new choruses.

            On Sunday morning, Ron Bryan, the new Iowa Yearly Meeting Superintendent, gave the morning message and reminded us that the practices of the last 150 years have changed, but the message has not changed.

He asked, “As Friends, are we still valuable? Do we worship our past? What’s going on today? What is Jesus doing in our lives today? Do we let God use us? Are we teachable, manageable, and accountable? Can we be used by God? In His way? What are we doing now?” We should strive to be a spiritually healthy people, worshipping in a spiritually healthy meeting, determined to minister in Jesus’ name to our local community.

            The Lord blessed us with beautiful weather throughout the weekend and for the Concert Under The Stars held Sunday evening on the church lawn. The concert included the church praise choir, a kids’ choir, numerous solos, duets, group numbers and poetry readings. We so appreciate all who shared their talents to make our concert a success. Afterwards ice cream and cookies were enjoyed along with much fellowship.

            The planning committee thanks each and every one who had a part in making our weekend a success. God enabled many to help physically, financially, or prayerfully, and for that we are grateful.

 

150th Photo CDs

            During the 150th Celebration a gentleman by the name of Kim Coffman was here and was taking lots and lots of photos of the entire weekend. If you would be interested in getting the CD’s of the photos that he took for us we can send them out to you or you can come by the office and get the two CD’s. We are suggesting a donation of $5.00 to cover the costs of making the CD’s. Please contact either Keith or Diane in the church office if you would like the CD’s.

 

 

IAYM Ministry’s Conference

August 6-9, 2003

Oskaloosa, Iowa

“Committed & Unashamed”

 

 

 Some Things to Think About!

 

-Give to God what is right, not what is left.

-There are no amendments to the 10 commandments.

-God gives the shoulder according to the burden.

-The more we thank God for what we have, the more we have to thank God for.

-Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind.

-Living for Jesus is warfare, not a vacation cruise.

-We are not the Dairy Queen, but we have great Sundays.

-We need to build our future on a glorious past, not rest on it!

-Mud thrown is ground lost.

-If you want the rainbow, you’ve gotta put up with the rain.

 

 

Remember In Prayer

~People in our community who don’t know Jesus.

~The Iraqi people as they rebuild their lives and government.

~E.C.M. – Everyday Christian Ministries, a residential treatment program being started by T.J. Stanfield, Josiah Forkner, and Lindsey Ellis, which will meet the physical, emotional & spiritual needs of young men at-risk.

~Members of our meeting who will be traveling and visiting family this summer.

 

 

What’s Going On?

 

Monday Night Bible Study

            Join us on Mondays at 7:30 as we look at heroes from the Old Testament. During August we’ll be looking at Esther and David. Drop by the church and participate in the discussion.

 

Attention Parents & Kids!

Children’s Church Returns!

            Children’s Church will begin again on August 17 for children age 5 through 5th grade. This program is held twice a month. Children are usually dismissed following the children’s message part of the worship service. The time includes Bible stories, crafts, service projects, and prayer time. Our goal is to encourage children to live their lives to honor Christ.

 

Food For Thought

            Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister, Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

            “Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it Pluralism.

            We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

            Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of Your will and to openly ask these things in the name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!”

 

            The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. In six short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa and Korea.

            Commentator, Paul Harvey, aired this prayer on his radio program, “The Rest of the Story,” and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord’s help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called “one nation under God.”

                        Submitted by Pastor Keith

 

Jonah’s

Overboard Adventure Report

            A total of 52 kids came through our VBS program with an average nightly attendance of 43. (2002’s average was 37 and 2001’s average was 42.) The kids donated many items to the House of Compassion’s school supply drive plus $45. They also gave $105 for building Sunday school classrooms at our Friends Mission in Cuba. At the closing program $107.50 was given for House of Compassion and $212.50 for Cuba. I’m sure these generous offerings will be much appreciated!

A video with photos taken throughout the week and VBS music is available for anyone to purchase for $5. Let Peggy Martin know if you would like a copy. It will be a fun way to remember our wonderful week. Thanks to all who participated to make this a great experience for the kids! Thanks to the CE committee for the Applebee’s certificate. It’s a pleasure to work with you and to serve our Lord at BLFC!                 

                                                Margaret Good

 

LIBRARY LEDGE: 

      Emphasis on Evangelism

            When it comes to evangelism, do you feel like a sheep among wolves? You know the gospel message should get out, but you’re in no hurry to become supper to some hungry wolf pack? You’ve been chewed on once too often; let the “professionals” do it!

            For everyone who has felt that way Gentle Persuasion has good news: “God wants to make you into an “attack lamb.” For most of us evangelism means loving people until they ask you why. It’s touching people in ways appropriate to your own giftedness so that Christ becomes the issue. God isn’t asking you to back an unbeliever into a corner, He is calling you to action.” (From Gentle Persuasion by Joe Aldrich)

            From Conspiracy of Kindness: “God is passionately in love with unbelievers and can win them most effectively through acts of kindness. These unassuming deeds done by Christians convince more people of the love of God than all the words in the world. If sharing the gospel doesn’t seem to be your gift, join the ranks of those who are best suited for becoming secret agents of God’s love.”

            Check out these and other books to encourage your walk and your talk to unbelievers.

 

HOUSE OF COMPASSION

            On July 3rd we served 43 guests sloppy Joes, green beans, potato chips, fruit & Jell-O-O, cupcakes, ice cream, lemonade, kool-aid or milk. All seemed to be enjoyed with several returning for seconds.

Six guests stayed overnight in the shelter. One mother and 11 yr old boy looking for an apartment; George who continuously travels; Ron looking for a job with Manpower; another man came in at 11:00-a migrant worker from Texas; and a lady who left the dayroom sofa suddenly at 12:30 setting off the door alarm. No explanation. George asked for a ride to McDonalds thinking he’d hitchhike with a trucker from there. Thanks to all for their work and prayers for this ministry. A full report is posted on the bulletin board at the church. Our next night to serve is Thursday, August 14.

 

 

Ten Reasons to Come to Church in the Summer:

10. Because praying for a 10 foot putt does NOT constitute an active prayer life.

9. Because saving people from the heat is what Christianity is all about!

8. Because this week’s absentee equals next week’s sermon illustration.

7. Because you helped pay for the church’s central air-conditioning, you might as well enjoy it!

6. Because your quest to make the immortal words, “Give me wax for my board, keep me surfing for the Lord,” a lifestyle choice, just hasn’t been as “gnarly” as you thought it would be!

5. Because the combination of sweaty bare legs and varnished pews makes you feel like you’re suffering for the cause of Christ!

4. Because the youth minister is preaching the month of August and someone has to keep a record of his inappropriate illustrations and theological blunders!

3. Because all new sermons are a big plus in a season of reruns!

2. Because it makes your day to see the preacher sweat! And the number one reason to come to church even though it is summer is:

1. Because when we say that Jesus is Lord of our lives, we do NOT mean 9/12ths of our lives!

 

 

Missions

            Mike and Kay Cain, who are working with the Friends Boys School in Belize, write telling us they have moved into a YMCA building, which gives them much more room. They have added several new students to the school since the move. They have been asked what they plan to do with the building they just moved out of? They are exploring the possibility of starting a prep program for girls. Their first response was “that God had called them to Belize to work with the boys, and is there enough money to support both?” They are asking for assistance from the government for teacher salaries for the boy’s school. When this comes thru they will be able to start a girls program. They had a Bible School in March and averaged 150 students each day for four days. They thank everyone for supporting the work in Belize.

            God has called Andy and Lisa Stout to Happy Grove High School in Jamaica to serve as Chaplains for the school in hopes of bringing back the spiritual emphasis that was once there. This school has a long Quaker heritage, but has lost its spiritual focus. There is a great need for application of the Scriptures in daily living. Their plan is to move in August for the start of school in September. Please pray for the community of Hector’s River and that God will open their hearts to welcome Andy and Lisa.

            Word was received that Edith Ratcliff, long time Friends missionary in Kenya, passed away, July 27.

In the next column is a list of mission fields, missionaries and their addresses. They would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!

-BLFC Missions Committee

 

KENYA

    Isaiah & Violet Bikokwa

    Samburu Friends Mission

    P.O. Box 4386

    Kitale, Kenya

 

    Patrick Nugent & Mary Kay Rehard (Emma, Eliza)

    Friends Theological College

    P.O. Box 9

    Tiriki, Kenya

 

BELIZE

    Mike & Kay Cain

    Belize Friends Boys School

    P.O. Box 454

    Belize City, Belize 00106

 

RAMALLAH

    Colin & Kathy South

    Ramallah Friends School

    P.O. Box 18601

    91184 Jerusalem, Israel

 

CHICAGO, IL

    Steve & Marlene Pedigo (Joel, Nathan & Anna)

    Chicago Fellowship of Friends

    638 North Humphrey

    Oak Park, IL 60302

 

OKLAHOMA

    Brad & Christine Wood (Nathan & Joseph)

    Kickapoo Friends Center

    P.O. Box 570

    McLoud, OK 74851

 

IOWA

    Victor & Brenda White

    Mesquakie Friends Center

    P.O. Box 36

    Toledo, IA 52342

 

Additional Missions Note

            Word has been received thru the Yearly Meeting that Steve and Marlene Pedigo have had some serious setbacks with grants this year that amounts to a sizeable portion of their ministry support. One grant was denied that they had previously used and another large grant is still pending. Individual giving both personal and church-wise is sporadic and slow. They receive no direct support from FUM or any other mission agency. Please keep them uplifted by your prayers and your financial askings for support.