The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

February 2009   Volume 30, No. 2

Nathan McCracken, Pastor

 

       

 A Reason to Celebrate

Flowers, candies, chocolates, cards, fancy dinners, and those little stuffed bears with magnets in their noses that make them “kiss” when their noses are touched together.  These are the things that pop into my mind when I think of February and Valentine’s Day. It’s the one day a year when the card and candy industry is overrun by millions of men and women who want to express their feelings for that special someone in their life. 

             Valentine’s Day isn’t about flowers, candies, chocolates, cards, fancy dinners, and it’s not even about those little kissing bears.  The reason for the holiday is expressing, in a special way, how you feel about someone.  Valentine’s Day would not be possible if it wasn’t for the relationships that it represents.  Whether or not you have that relationship with a special someone shouldn’t stop you from celebrating!  Valentine’s Day is about love and there is a greater love who wants to be in that relationship with you.  Do we remember the gift that God has given us?  We give things like flowers and candies that are gone in just a few days but the love of God is so strong that he gave us eternal life through His only son.  And whether you have decided to receive that gift or not doesn’t mean that He stops offering it. 

I love the way Les Parrott describes the possibility of a relationship with God.  He says, “Consider the sun.  The sun only shines, just as God only loves.  It is the nature of the sun to shine, to offer warmth and light.  And it is the nature of God to love.  We are free to get away from the sun, we can lock ourselves in a dark room, but we do not keep the sun from shining just because we put ourselves in a place where it cannot reach us.  So it is with God’s love.  We can reject it, but God still loves us.  And because God loves us a relationship with Him is possible.”  There is a greater reason to celebrate this holiday than just the love we have for one another.  The greater reason is to celebrate God who is love.  Not a love that is based on our human qualities but a love that is divine and perfect.

 

“Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”  Isaiah 43:1-2

 

                                    Pastor Nathan

 

 

Queries for Monthly Meeting

We are focusing on one each month for the rest of the year.  These may be found in their entirety in the “Discipline of Iowa Yearly Meeting “

 

Do you strive for the constant realization of God’s presence in your life?  Are you sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit?  Do you endeavor to advance your spiritual growth by the prayerful study of the Bible and other devotional literature?

 

 

Informing Friends About Friends

           Quaker Life magazine is published by Friends United Meeting six times a year to inform and equip Friends for effective ministry.  Features of Quaker Life include inspiring stories of faith, Quaker history and theological reflection.  Columns include “Between Friends,” the editor’s column; “Sacred Moments,” the general secretary’s column; “Scripture for Living,” applying Bible teachings to everyday life; “Inspirations,” exploring the varied ways Friends experience the Divine in the world; “Perspectives,” personal viewpoints; plus Passages, Book Reviews, news about FUM work around the world as well as local news of Friends ministry and peacemaking activities.  Original art and inspiring photos grace our covers.  Bangor Liberty’s group meeting plan subscriptions are due by the end of February.  Contact Diane Teske to subscribe or renew your subscription for $15 a year. 

 

 

Friends Disaster Service

Work Opportunities

            Calling all carpenters, plumbers, electricians and wannabes.  Once again Iowa Yearly Meeting has the opportunity to cooperate with Eastern Region FDS in repairing hurricane and storm damaged homes in Texas and Indiana. 

Trip One - League City, Texas

Work Weeks are: 

February 1-6, 8-13, 15-20, and 22-27

Trip Two - Columbus, Indiana

Work weeks are:

March 29-April 3, April 5-10, and 12-17

If you want to be involved in either or both of the above projects, write Dennis White, Box 803,Postville IA 52162; email -  dennis673 at centurytel.net; or phone 563-864-3858.  More information is posted on the BLFC bulletin board.

 

 

Thank You!

Dear Friends,

            We have so much to be thankful for, and it’s in the spirit of the holiday season that everyone here at Quakerdale extends our heart-warmed appreciation to you for your recent generous gift of $277.00 to the Promise Home in Marshalltown.

            Your gift supports the programs and services necessary to make a positive, lasting impact on young lives by steering them away from delinquency, teen pregnancy, school truancy, and academic failure.  With your support we will successfully meet the changing needs of Iowa’s children and families. 

            Thank you for helping us help kids and families for Christ!

      Gratefully, Robert Talbot,

      Executive Director

 

 

Nathan and followers of Christ,

            I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the food box both monetarily and with food.  This will feed three families and the donations of money will be used as a Fareway food certificate to feed another family.  There will always be a need anywhere you turn and it is a great feeling to know that the church that I grew up in does just as Christ instructed us all.  “For as we shall do unto the least of these you have also done unto me,” is a phrase that is embedded in my heart and mind always.  God bless you and all of your efforts in the coming years.  Please continue to pray for us as we pray for you!  Thank you again,

Dave Gray, Leader of the New Beginnings in Christ Church

 

 

Children’s Church

Children, age 4 through grade 4, are welcome to participate on February 8th and 22nd.  We’ll be learning about our Friends mission workers around the world and sending care boxes to our college students.

 

 

Bible Study

Monday Night Bible Study will meet on February 9th at 6:00 p.m. for a potluck meal and final review of the Sermon on the Mount.  The group we'll begin a study of the Minor Prophets on February 16.  All are welcome to join the discussion.

 

 

Liberty USFW

            Liberty USFW ladies will be serving the South Hardin Kiwanis Sweetheart Supper at BLFC, Thursday, February 12th.  A meeting will be held after the supper and the yearly Thank Offering will be collected. Ladies are asked to arrive at the church at 6 p.m. for the 6:30 meal.

 

 

Bangor USFW

         The ladies of Bangor USFW will gather at Ann Nichols’ home on February 17 at 1:30.  Betty Arterburn will bring the program.  We’ll discuss when to complete the baby quilts and who will receive them.

 

                                                          

College Care Boxes

On February 22, Children Church kids will put together Care Boxes for BLFC College Students.  If you would like to help with this project, sign up at church to bring any of the following items that will be included in the boxes:  pens, sticky notes, peanuts, chocolate candy, small cereal boxes, hot cocoa, microwave popcorn.

 

 

Pastor’s Short Course

Dr. Tom Clegg will be guest speaker during Pastor’s Short Course, February 26-28th in Oskaloosa. The Friday Evening Service will be held at College Avenue Friends at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.  Dr. Clegg will speak on church growth.  Quaker Men’s Banquet will be Sat., Feb. 28th at noon.  $10 in advance to Chuck Nichols.

 

 

Crocodile Dock VBS

Where Fearless Kids

Shine God’s Light

Mark the evenings of

May 31-June 5 

Take a romp through the swamp; learn

about God at Bible Bayou;

be creative at Crawfish Crafts; eat at the Snack Shack!

 

Adults and teens pray as to how you

can help with this important  community ministry.

 

 

Mission Prayers       

Those of you who took a mitten from the mission bulletin board and have been praying for our mission workers are likely feeling God’s blessings for your faithfulness.  To remind our friends that they are special to God we’ll be mailing each one a valentine.  You can sign your name and write some encouragement to these valentine cards on February 8th.  We’ll send these greetings with those made by the children during Children’s Church on the 8th.

 

An acronym to guide your prayers for our mission workers: BLESS

B – Body - Pray for their physical health and nutrition.

L – Labor - Pray for their work.

E – Emotions - Pray for their emotional health and well-being.

S – Social - Pray for their social relations, their families and extended families.

S – Spiritual - Pray for their spiritual condition.

 

WHY SUPPORT MISSIONS?

  • Because Christ commanded us to do so. The great commission has never been canceled.
  • A missionary spirit is the nearest thing to the heart of God.
  • The world will never be brought to Christ unless we bring Christ to the world.

 

 

Mission Need

The church has been made aware of needs of the Mesquakie people in the Tama area and we received the following note from Dave Gray.  “Since I have been giving the messages at the New Beginnings In Christ Church in Toledo, I have been informed that all monies from the casino have been ‘cut off’ from the Mesquakie People.  That leaves nothing for many to live on.  Jobs have been lost due to the struggling economy, and like dominoes, money for cars, homes, and heating fuel is scarce.

          Our church has been having Indian Taco Sales in the community center and has helped many on our own.  But, there are still families that have come to us for help but as a very small church we can only do so much.  We have a mighty group of prayer warriors.  They see the good that prayer does and we will continue to do all that we can to help, for this is God’s work.”  Your Brother in Christ,

Dave Gray

 

*Donations of food and funds to the Food Box in January were given to Dave to distribute to some families in need.  If you want to further help the Native Americans that Dave ministers to, make a note on your check or give cash directly to Scott Davis.  The money will be given to Dave who will purchase and distribute food to those in need.

 

 

Love

            There is only one language that a confused world understands; a love that is not only vocal, but active.  It is not only what we say, but what we do that counts.

Love is a fabric, which never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity and grief.

 

 

 

2009 Young Friends Camps

at Camp Quaker Heights

June 2009

 

Little Fry Camp    June 5 - 7th

Fox Camp             June 7 - 11th

HS Weekender     June 12 - 14th

Junior High Camp June 14 - 19th

High School Camp June 21 - 26th

JH Weekender    June 26 - 28th

Fry Camp          June 28 - July 1st

 

 

 

Library LedgeDevotional Reading

Having daily devotions is an essential part of everyone's life. Devoting an hour or even a few minutes is vital in our day-to-day life.

We all eat food. Is there a day when we do not feed our body something? Just like we need food to keep our body healthy, we need daily devotional times with God. Without these set apart moments, the inner man becomes weaker and weaker. When we spend time in the presence of God and meditate upon His Word, we find manna from Him.

We are placed in this world to be a mirror of God, reflecting His beauty and love to this world. If this is our job, then how will we be able to reflect Him, if we don't even know who He truly is? This is the main reason for devotions, to sit and converse with God and grow closer to Him.

Check out the library ledge this month for books that will help you with your devotional life; such as: The Father Who Calls, Fire Up Your Life, Proverbs for Busy Women, When God Whispers Your Name.

 

 

House of Compassion Report

On January 29, 23 from BLFC made possible a generous meal of liver and onions or goulash, peas, Parmesan biscuits, mixed fruit, brownies and drink for 46 appreciative guests.  Yes, many people really do appreciate liver!!

Thanks to: James, Sharon, Neil, Peg, Mark, Darlene, Nathan and Shandra who donated food or funds; Diane, Johnie, Gladys, Betty, Fern, and Deb Gould who prepared; Chuck, Ann, Ray and Robin who served and Mike, Charlene, Dan, Lydia and friend Kennedy who with Ray and Robin handled cleanup. 

It was a messy night with eggs, mayo, onions, and water all being on the floor at one time or another!  Join the fun next month, February 26.  You’ll laugh and be blessed!