Bangor Liberty Friends Church

August 2008 Volume 29, No. 8

Nathan McCracken, Pastor

Welcome!

We welcome Nathan and Shandra McCracken who accepted the call to be our new pastoral couple. They and their children, Tyler William, age 2-1/2 and Jaron Chase, age 3 months arrived in Bangor on August 1st. After a hectic week of packing, traveling, unloading and unpacking, Nathan attended Iowa Yearly Meeting sessions, becoming acquainted and reacquainted with Iowa Friends!

Nathan is a graduate of Malone College in Ohio where he majored in Music and minored in Ministries. Shandra also attended Malone College. Nathan was born in Brighton, Iowa and his parents live in the area. His brother, Lucas, has been at Bangor Liberty sharing his gifts with the Camp Quaker Heights team. Shandra was born in Florida and grew up in Hartville, Ohio, and her parents live there. We welcome Nathan and Shandra, Tyler and Jaron and look forward to becoming more acquainted with them all and beginning a new chapter in our faith lives of ministry and service.

Mark Your Calendars!

Make plans now to join us on Sunday, September 7th, 2008 as Eugene and Fran Wolfley come to Bangor Liberty to celebrate Eugene’s 50+ years in God’s ministry!

Eugene will be speaking in Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m. on “The God of My Life” based on Psalm 42:8 - “By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life.

Following the worship hour there will be a meal served by the Family Camp Committee with a free will offering received.

Monday Night Bible Study

Where Can We Find Wisdom? How Shall We Live Under Authority? What Meaning Does Death Bring to Life? These questions will be discussed during our study of Ecclesiastes. Come join us at the church Mondays at 7:00.

Congratulations!

Greg and Kris Young welcomed Ava Alexandra into their family on July 3rd at 4:10 a.m. at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Ava weighed 9 lbs, 6 ozs and measured 22” at birth. Big sisters are Ashlen, 7 and Adisyn, 5. Royal and Paula Young of Bangor Liberty are proud grandparents along with Lloyce and Mary Saltzman of State Center.

Everyone Welcome!

There will be a “Come & Go” Baby Shower for Kris and Ava Young at the church on Saturday, August 23rd from 9-11 a.m. See Margaret Good for gift ideas.

Healthy and Well Kids In Iowa

Does your child need health insurance - do you know a family with children who need health insurance? Call 1-800-257-8563 to find out more information about hawk-I low-cost or no-cost health care coverage for children.

Missions News

John Muhanji, Africa Ministries Representative, was our guest speaker recently at Bangor Liberty. He was very interesting to hear and gave us much encouragement, and said that God is a God of mercy and comfort, and encouraged us to comfort one another.

The hospital in Kamosi has received about $70,000 for hospital renovations and salaries. The hospital is gaining respect in the community and business is picking up. The roof has been replaced over 2/3rds of the main building and many other cosmetic improvements have given the place a bright and lively look.

The Lugulu Hospital is enjoying new equipment furnished by a grant from USAid/ASHA, and it has contributed to its increased business and effect in the community.

Student enrollment at Friends Theological College in Kenya is booming and in April construction was started on the new administration building. The old one will be renovated into a student dormitory.

Ben and Jody Richmond will continue as administrators at the FTC until a permanent replacement is found. Ben and Jody both keep very busy as they continue God’s work there.

James and Eden Grace are completing their 4th year in Kenya. It has not been an easy year for them as their house in Maine burned, family was separated, violence in Kenya and family had to leave Kisumu and take refuge in Nairobi, and the high cost of living. But yet they know that God is faithful and will continue to serve Him.

Mike and Kay Cain in Belize are very busy with applications to high school and planning for their first day open. This is where they invite the standard six (Belizian grade level) students from all schools in the city to visit their school and see what they offer their students. They ask for our prayers in finding the right teachers for next year. They plan to retire at the end of this year, but will continue living in Belize. They send thanks both financially and in prayers over the past 10 years. They have been blessed and it has been a privilege to serve God in Belize.

Judy Davis will be returning to Kaimosi Hospital later this year. She will be at Yearly Meeting in August. Make plans to hear her.

-BL Missions Committee

July HOC Report

On July 31, 17 from BLFC provided a meal of creamed chicken on toast, cooked carrots, peas, mixed fruit, chocolate cherry dump cake, pumpkin bars, frosted cinnamon crackers, lemonade, milk and coffee for 50 guests.

Thanks to all of our volunteers who provided funds or who worked in the kitchen. Our next meal responsibility is August 28.

Library Ledge:

Summertime Audios & Videos

Are you traveling this summer? Take along a book-on-tape from our church library. Or enjoy one while you’re home doing projects or out riding a bike or driving to town. You’ll find them a handy source of fun and encouragement. Following are a few examples: Inspire Your Kids to Greatness, Leaking Laffs, Love Adds the Chocolate, and Introduction to Family Nights. You’ll also find videos for all ages in our library. If it’s too hot to be outside, check out a video from our library shelves and stay in the air conditioning. From Christian music to Bible history, you’ll find growth available in our church library.

Thank You

Dear Members, Bangor Liberty Church,

Thank you so much for the fun time at your Bible school and giving us the opportunity to tell you about Singida Region in Tanzania. Thank you for collecting the balls, they are wonderful.

The children there will really enjoy playing with them and reading your messages. Thank you also for the donation, it will help the school a lot. You have made such a difference in so many peoples lives, we are grateful for all you have done. We look forward to sharing with you again.

Sincerely,

Katheryn Hamilton, Outreach, Inc.

Thanks!

We appreciated those who helped clean our library selves by taking home some used materials and leaving their $ donations. Newly donated or purchased books and books-on-tape will be displayed in the entryway in August.

Special Thanks To:

-Everyone who planned, helped or performed at the Concert Under The Stars. It was a very good program!

-Those families who made our new asphalt parking lot possible with their gift of funds! It is a wonderful addition to our church!

-To all the members of our Pastoral Search Committee for their tireless efforts in seeking candidates for our Pastoral position.