The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

February 2006   Volume 27, No. 2

Dean Lambdin, Pastor

 

Everybody Loves a Winner

 

            It’s Super Bowl season and by the time you get this most likely either the Seattle Seahawks or the Pittsburgh Steelers will have won the most coveted title in all of the NFL – the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  Two teams will enter Ford Field, but only one will exit Super Bowl XL Champions.  Who will that be?  Right now I don’t know, but I do know who I would like to see win and let’s just say only God knows for sure who will win.

            Our life in a lot of ways is like a football game; you have your offensive game and your defensive game.  As Christians though, we have an advantage, we know the outcome of the game before it’s over.  We know that God’s team is the victor.  Even though things might seem tough at times and we might have to play defense a lot more than you might think or want to, still we know in the end we are on the winning team.

            The score you wonder? Oh the score isn’t even close; in fact it’s a blow out.  It’s infinity to nothing in our favor.  Anyone who’s ever played any type of organized sport knows what that means.  Everyone on the team gets a chance to play; everyone gets a chance to get their uniform dirty.  Wasn’t that what it was all about as a kid anyway, coming home with a dirty uniform or seeing how many new battle scars you had on your football helmet after each game?  Don’t we want to show up in heaven in front of God and have Him say, “Good game, I see you’ve gotten some playing time in, well done!”

            We may not know who will win the Super Bowl (OK, by now we probably do, but you know what I meanJ), but we can be confident in the fact that we do know Who and Who’s will ultimately win the battle that is being waged around us on a daily basis; God and God’s children:

 

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

            - 1 John 5:3-5 NIV

 

            There is a much bigger and costly trophy that is being fought for than the Vince Lombardi Trophy, it’s the Dean Lambdin soul and it’s the Insert Your Name Here soul and God wants us to join Him in the battle to win and keep those as His.  His grace and our faith are the keys to this game plan’s effectiveness. So keep on fighting the “Good Fight”, everybody loves a winner!

 

Dean

 

 

He Wrote Love

 

Jesus didn’t ask me to buy giant-sized Valentine cards to show my Christian love, or to yell, “I love you!” at every passerby. God’s love isn’t shown by flowery words on sentimental tokens, but through action. He doesn’t require me to have warm, gushy feelings toward people, but to let love become activity. To help those who aren’t my best friends, to put my money where my mouth is.

 

Jesus didn’t shout from heaven, “I love you!” He wrote love in blood.

                                    Linda Kling

 

 

Sledding/Tubing Youth Event

            The Youth Group will join the Grinnell Youth for a sledding/snow tubing party at Fun Valley on Sunday, February 12. Youth and sponsors will leave the church at 2:15 and return at approximately 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5.

 

 

Library Ledge

Marriage Builders

            Did you know a visit to your church library could improve your marriage?  It’s true!  During February the window ledge will display books to help you better understand your mate, develop deeper communication, or spark some romance.

            Good marriages don’t stand still.  They need to grow constantly or become stale. If you’d like to take a growth spurt in your marriage check out one of these books or books on tape.

            You and Your Husband’s Midlife Crisis; 5 Love Languages; 60 One-Minute Marriage Builders; A very Good Marriage; Dating Your Mate; The H.I.M. Book can all be found on the Library Ledge.

 

 

A Child’s View of Giving

            A pastor tells of talking to his six year old daughter, Susan, about giving to the church. He gave her ten dimes and said, “One of the things we believe is that God gives us everything. Because we are thankful to God we give part of what we receive back to God. These 10 dimes are your allowance. As you tithe you should give one of them in the offering at church”

            With a surprised look on her face she said, “And I get to keep all the other dimes?”  When her father replied, “yes,” she cried, “Wow! God sure is nice!”

            When he told his wife what Susan had said, she responded, “It’s too bad more folks in the congregation can’t feel that same way about giving.”       We can feel good about growing in our giving because it means we are pressing on toward the goal of becoming like Jesus.                               -contributed

 

 

Bible Verse Cryptogram

For February

 

LZSJS GJS LZJSS LZKBDM LZGL JSXGKB_NGKLZ, ZVUS, GBE TVAS_GBE LZS DJSGLSML VN LZSMS KM TVAS.

 

Hint: J=R

Answer will appear in the February Bell.

 

January’s answer:

Remember, the Lord forgave you,

so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13

 

 

 

Children’s Church

            We will meet on February 12 and 26 to learn about William Penn and how to dodge the attacks of Satan.  Our service projects will be to send valentines to adopted grandparents and encouragement to college students.  All children age 4 through grade 5 are welcome to participate.

 

Liberty USFW

            Liberty USFW ladies will meet at Audrey Norman’s home on Wednesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. Special guest will be Marge Nelson presenting her program on Underground Railroad Quilts. All ladies of the church are welcome.

 

 

Bangor USFW

Bess Holveck will host our meeting at the Embers on February 21 beginning at 1:30.  Program details will be announced in the bulletin.  All ladies are welcome to join this time of fellowship.

 

 

-God doesn’t love you because you are important; you are important because God loves you.

 

 

Joshua Bible Study

            All are welcome to come to the church Mondays at 7:00 to study together the book of Joshua.  We’ll be starting the 9th chapter “The Peril of Walking by Sight” this week and finding out how easily we can be deceived.  In chapter 10, the sun stands still!  Be strong!  Be courageous!  Come join the discussion.

 

 

All-Church Bowling Party

Sunday, February 26

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Totem Bowl

Marshalltown

$3 per person

6 & under are free

Meet at Zeno’s for pizza

at 4:30 p.m. - each family responsible

for their own pizza.

 

 

 

Family Camp Meal

            The next Family Camp Meal will be held on Sunday, February 12th following Morning Worship.

 

 

Tall Oaks Lodge Update

            In the past couple of weeks floors were measured and ready for a decision about coverings. Roof trusses were installed, sheeting added and hopefully shingled. Completion of the siding was started but due to high winds, put off until another day. Furnaces were delivered and installation underway soon. Windows and a sliding door were installed in the basement. God continues to bless with gifts to Tall Oaks Lodge. Thank you for your kindness. Keep praying for IAYM.   -Ric G.

 

 

Benefit Concert

            Mitch McVicker (formerly worked with Rich Mullins) has agreed to do a benefit performance at the Marshalltown High School Auditorium on Sunday, March 12th at 3:00 p.m. This benefit concert is to help the David and Kim Lampman family of Marshalltown Friends Church. Kim suffered a debilitating stroke last year, and her recovery is a wonderful testimony to God’s healing power. Proceeds will help with the remodeling necessary to make their home accessible for her. Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door. To order tickets in advance contact the Marshalltown Friends Church at 641-753-7367.  Mitch is best known for “My Deliverer” - the 1999 Dove Award Song of the Year.

 

 

Habitat for Humanity

The new Hardin County Habitat for Humanity Chapter is ready to build their first house in April 2006.  We can help the chapter: by praying for this project and the family who will be purchasing and working on their home with the help of volunteers; by signing up to be on a planning committee or to help build the house; or by sending financial gifts to help purchase materials. An informational meeting will be held on March 20, 7:00 p.m., at the Eldora Public Library.  Anyone interested is invited to attend.

 

 

January HOC Report

20 were involved in our January 26th meal for 55 guests.  Menu: turkey macaroni casserole, green beans and bacon, mixed fruit, garlic bread, pudding and cookies or pie, milk and coffee. 

Our great volunteers: Royal & Paula, Sharon & James, Vi, Tom & Pat, Betty, Veronica & Bob who donated food or funds (extra funds were used to purchase laundry detergent & dish soap for the supply closet); Fern, Betty, Diane & Gladys who prepared; Darla S, Chuck, Ann, & Mary S who served; Wayne M, Vi, Tom & Michael D who helped with cleanup. 

Wayne M can tell you stories from the five men who spent the night in the shelter with him.  Thanks to all! Note our next responsibility is Feb. 23.

 

 

February 18th Banquet

Sponsored by Iowa Quaker Men

Vennard College, University Park, IA

Noon

Guest Speaker - Jess Settles

former Iowa Hawkeye basketball star

Cost $10 if paid reservation is postmarked by Feb. 11th

          $12 at the door

          $5 for children 4-10

The banquet is open to everyone!

 

**

Friends Disaster Service will hold a      silent Auction Fundraiser at the Quaker Men sponsored Banquet on February 18 when we (men, ladies, boys and girls are  all welcome) gather at Vennard College    to hear Jess Settles.  If you can provide     crafts, baked goods, items or services        for the auction, please let Margaret        Good know.  All help would be appreciated.

 

 

Quaker Heights Summer Camp Dates

Little Fry      Grades K-1           April 29-30

Tweeners      Grade 2                 May 6-7

Fry                Grades 3-4            June 8-10

Fox               Grades 5-6            June 10-14

Weekender   Grades 9-12          June 16-18

Jr. High        Grades 7-8            June 18-22

Sr. High        Grades 9-12         June 25-30

 

 

10 Best Things to Say If you Get Caught Sleeping at Your Desk:

 

10. “They told me at the blood bank this might happen.”

9. “This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in that time management course you sent me to.”

8. “Whew! Guess I left the top off theWhite-Out. Your probably got here just in time!”

7. “I wasn’t sleeping! I was meditating on their mission statement and a new paradigm.”

6. “I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance.”

5. “I was doing a high specific Yoga exercise to relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory toward people who practice Yoga?”

4. “Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem.”

3. “The coffee machine is broken…..”

2. “Someone must’ve put decaf in the wrong pot.”

And the #1 best thing to say if you get Caught sleeping at your desk….

1. “….in Jesus’ name. Amen”

                                    -submittted

 

 

-If it’s true that we are here to help

   others, then what exactly are the

  OTHERS  here for?

-Why don’t you ever see the headline

   “Psychic Wins Lottery”?

-After eating, do amphibians need to

   wait an hour before getting OUT of

   the water?