Bangor Liberty Friends Church

“Stories and Principles That Change Our Lives” #4

The next devotional thought in our 12-month series comes from one of the two females in my MATL program.  I hope you use it to your full advantage as a way to connect with God this day and for the remainder of the month.  If you’ve missed any of the devotionals in this series please log on to www.blfchurch.org and download the back issues of the Bangor Liberty Bell.

God Bless, Pastor Manny

Embracing the Journey

By Tiffany Van Dame

 “God leads into the dark night those whom He desires to purify from all these imperfections so that He may bring them farther onward.” - St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul

For three consecutive summers I was a part of a summer staff program at a camp on the Oregon Coast. Every year during orientation we would hike as a group to the peak of a mountain that overlooked the coastline. The first time I went on this hike I had no idea what to expect. Growing up in Ohio and living in Kansas, there are not mountains like you would see in Oregon, let alone places like Colorado. I kept hearing people talking about inclines, switchbacks, the difficulty of the hike, etc. Although I had a sense of excitement, I also became very anxious about this hike. I just met this group of people 5 days earlier. I did not know them and they did not know me. Numerous thoughts kept running through my head: Will I be able to make it? Will I hold everyone back? What if I fail?

As we started the hike, all of the naturally athletic people started jogging up the mountain while the rest of us took our time. The hike posed some difficulty, but I made it to the top. The view was amazing—the sun beating down on us, reflecting off the ocean and making it sparkle—it was mesmerizing. While making it to the top was a great feat, that was not the best part of the hike. While walking up, our group spilt into several smaller conversations. I was blown away by the depth of the relationship that formed between me and two girls as we journeyed together. We had moments of intense laughter, stories were told, tears were shed; we shared life together. I was completely blind to what to expect when we first started up the mountain. There was some pain along the way, but it was not until after the hike that I realized what an amazing journey it truly was.

Many times our lives can be like this journey up the mountain. There are many unknowns, many things that bring anxious thoughts, and many questions. Sometimes we question God, asking if there really is a purpose to what we are going through. At times God feels distant and there seems to be more darkness in your life than there is light. This darkness can be a short occurrence, or it could be an extended season of trial and struggle. In these moments we do not know the outcome yet. We do not know who we may meet throughout the journey, and we do not know what the view looks like at the top. It can be extremely hard to persevere, but so worth it!

The words of St. John of the Cross are a good reminder that God is still working even when we cannot see. When we open our- selves up to God, He will continually refine us to make us more like him. Under- standing why things happen is not always the most important outcome of a situation; many times the real test is learning how to embrace life in the midst of the struggle.  We may be broken and at the end of our rope, but Christ will never leave us and we can trust in His character to see us through.

So whether you are currently in a dark place, looking to find God, but feel like you are coming back empty-handed, or whenever you find yourself at this place, continue to seek the face of God. He will be faithful. We do not like the hardships in life, but they truly do make us stronger in our faith, not only for ourselves, but for the corporate body of Christ. God desires to transform His children. He is doing beautiful things in lives of those who trust Him in the darkness. Trust Him even when He feels distant. He will provide!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed...So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”           -2 Corinthians 4:4-9, 18 (NIV)

Suggested soul-training exercise:  Spend some time thanking God for those ‘dark nights’ of your life. Think through ways that you would not be the same without some of the trials. Be specific. If you are currently experiencing a deep trial, try to name ways that you see God working in the midst of it. If you cannot see anything, ask God to open your eyes and heart to current blessings. Make a list of ways that you have clearly seen God work through or after a specific trial. Whenever you find yourself at a similar place, reference this list as a reminder that God is faithful and will see you through whatever you are facing today. Pray for continued guidance for yourself (and others) as you are transformed for the glory of God.

Congratulations to…

          Luke Higgins and Ashlee Kock who were married on Saturday, July 27th at the Prairie Moon Vineyard near Ames.  Ashlee is the daughter of Paul and Lynne Kock of Beaman.  Luke is the son of Karen Hammers of Union, and Lance Higgins of Iowa City.  Luke is currently employed with High Ridge Farms-Kent Johnson.  Ashlee graduated from UNI in May with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and will be teaching 4th grade at Grundy Center Elementary School this fall.  Their address is 1020B Yates Ave, Beaman IA 50609.

Library Ledge:    

Summertime Audios & Videos

          Are you traveling this summer?  Take along a book-on-tape or CD from our church library.  Or enjoy one while you are doing projects, riding a bike or just driving to town.  We have a handy source of entertainment and encouragement for all ages.

          When it’s too hot to be outside, check out the children and family DVD’s and videos.  In Time Changer a Bible professor from 1890 uses a time machine to visit the future.  Spy Corps has exciting action and an uncompromising message.  Ace of Hearts is based on a true story of K9 heroism and family loyalty.  Check out these and others on the library ledge.

Marriage Enrichment Retreat

October 26th & 27th

Quakerdale’s Wolfe Ranch, Life Enrichment Center, Marshalltown, Iowa, led by Paul & Jennifer Daniel.

Quakerdale’s Marriage Enrichment Retreat is an opportunity for you and your husband/wife to spend time together as a couple to strengthen the foundation of your marriage.  Paul and Jennifer will use a Christian perspective and various disciplines of psychology to discuss the following areas: communication killers, seasons of marriage, conflict management, personality differences, anger issues, rebuilding trust, improving problem solving, teamwork for marriage.  If interested see the brochure posted on the church bulletin board for more details.

          The retreat begins at 6 pm on Friday October 26th at 6 pm and ends on Saturday October 27th at 5:30 pm.  Cost is $150 for an overnight stay, and $120 if you commute.  To register contact Mindy Hadley at mhadley@quakerdale.org

Oxymorons

-Why are they called “stands” when they are made for sitting?

-Why is it called “after dark” when it is really “after light?”

-Doesn’t “expecting the unexpected” make the unexpected expected?

-Why are a “wise man” and a “wise guy” opposites?

-Why do “overlook” and “oversee” mean opposite things”

-If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

-Why do you press harder on the buttons of a remote control when the batteries are dead?

-Why do we put suits in garment bags and garments in a suitcase?

-How come abbreviated is such a long word?

David Bible Study: 

All are welcome to join in a study of “David, Man After God’s Own Heart” at Bob and Jeanette Roe’s home in Clemons. The group will meet at 7:00 pm on August 2, 16, 23.  We hope to learn from David’s character and actions how we too can become God’s kindred spirits. 

Attention Parents

The first Children’s Church after the summer break will be held August 19.  It will then take place twice a month during the school year.  Children age 4 through grade 5 are encouraged to participate.  They will be dismissed to the fellowship hall following the children’s message. (Those under age 4 are welcome in the nursery.)  The program includes Bible lessons, service projects to our church and community, and fun activities to encourage the children as they learn to live like Jesus.          

Bangor USFW

Ladies will gather at 1:30 on August 21st at Peggy Martin’s home-note the change in hostess.  Betty will provide the lesson.  All ladies are welcome.

Kickoff!  All are invited as we kick off a new Sunday School year and our DEEPER Wednesday Night Program on Sept. 12th - A meal & hayride will be held. More details will be announced.

*Quakerdale Discovery Series

Presents

An Entertaining Evening of

Inspiration

Thursday, August 23rd, 6:00 pm

Park Place Event Center, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Heavy Hord’oeuvres - Dessert - Entertainment

-Ben Glenn - nationally acclaimed motivational speaker & artist

-Music by Billy Dean, Grammy Award winning country singer/songwriter

Call today to purchase a table or ticket, 641-497-5294.

Tables seat 10, $500 or a single ticket for $50.  All proceeds benefit

Quakerdale.

Meals from the Heartland

The Annual Hunger Fight at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines is August 29-September 1st.  Time is of the essence to raise the funds to purchase raw materials for the meals.  For every package of food made, they must raise $1.20 for the food ingredients, supplies and shipping needed to get the meals to a hungry person in Iowa or around the world. One cup of coffee ($1.50) would feed about 7 people.  A $6 lunch could feed 30 people.  Registration opened on August 1st.  If you are interested in packaging meals at Hy-Vee Hall contact Margaret so a date can be chosen.

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, September 16th - Back to Church Community Worship Service at Bangor Park!  Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for Family Sunday School at 9:30, and Worship at 10:30 am.  Details are being worked out - watch for more information

Missions News:       

Cash for Classrooms

            Our mission emphasis for August will focus on the Samburu Friends Mission in the desert area of Kenya, Africa.  Cash for Classrooms is hoping to raise $20,000 to replace two of the four mud and wattle classrooms with more durable, safe, and hygienic cement block classrooms.

When Samburu Friends Mission began in 1995, the missionaries were given use of a four-room school that had been built of mud and wattle in the mid-1980s.  Such a building is not meant to last more than a few years, yet it is still being used today. 

          In addition to providing much needed learning space for the 1,900 students, the new classrooms will also be equipped with solar lighting to allow shepherd children to safely attend the night school.  These children come to school for 4 hours in the evening, after a full 8-hour work day tending the family herd.  Church members volunteer in a rotation to walk the children safely home in the dark after classes each night.  There are currently 102 children in the shepherd school. Eventually these students will be able to sit for the national exams.

Thank You

Thank you for walking this journey with us over the past two years. Daily communications and prayers strengthened us with a bond of love. May the Lord bless you for the comfort you've given us. 

    -Donna and the family of Art Williams

“Team Camp” - Family Camp

          Bangor Liberty will join with others from Iowa Yearly Meeting for a “Team Camp” - Family Camp at Quaker Heights, September 7th, 8th, and 9th.  Guest speakers for the weekend will be Dan and Tracey Whitehead, who make their home in Ecuador where Dan (a New Providence boy) serves as a Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot and is Regional Manager for MAF in Latin America.  Tracey (from Texas) juggles a multitude of ministries and provides a valuable service by purchasing supplies and coordinating their shipment to remote interior jungle sites.  Our Pastor Manny will lead the morning devotions and speak at Sunday morning Worship at 10:00.  5th grade and younger will have their own separate program after music during each worship time. There will not be any Worship service at Bangor Liberty on September 9th.

Schedule:

Friday: Registration, 2:00-6:30 pm, facilities

          open, mini golf, basketball, carpet

          ball, bike riding, etc., Supper at 6:30,

Worship at Chapel at 7:30 pm

Saturday: Devotions at 7:45 am, Breakfast

at 8 am, AM Session at 10 am, Tailgater Lunch at noon, the Iowa & Iowa State football game WILL be televised, afternoon free time,

Supper at 5:30 pm, Worship at 7 pm

Sunday: Devotions at 7:45 am, breakfast at

8 am, AM session at 10, Lunch at noon.

*A registration table will be set up at the church on Sunday, August 26 and everyone is encouraged to register for Family Camp

then or no later than Friday, August 31st.

You’re Invited-

Prayer for Education

Monday, August 27

7:00 pm

New Sharon Friends Church

New Sharon, Iowa

          As we start a new school year, let us repent for ways we have abandoned God’s ways in education and pray for God’s truth and righteousness to prevail in our schools.  For more information, contact Charlotte Stangeland. 

Remember In Prayer   

~Our college students heading to campus later this month; local school

   districts, teachers & students beginning a new school year soon

~Our youth program-possible sharing with HCNP Friends

~Pat Gilmore undergoing chemo

~Jon Wagner, Rosalee Patten’s nephew being treated for cancer.

~Samburu Friends Mission in Kenya and the “Cash for Classrooms” project

~Iowa Friends Disaster Services

~Sam & Becky Barber & children will be in the U.S until August 21 - pray for

   their work as Directors of Belize Friends School

~The Mesquakie Friends Center and their new director, Mark Arviso

~The Kaimosi Hospital and staff in Kenya

~Mowa Choctaw Friends Center in AL

~House of Compassion, clients, staff

~Our Secret Prayer Partners

Sky VBS Finale

It was a lively, energy-filled week with a total of 41 children coming for at least one night with a nightly average of 36 and around 30 terrific staff.  We learned that No matter who you are; No matter how you feel; No matter what people do; No matter where you are…Trust God!

Three Bibles were given to kids who didn’t have one.  Many school supplies were collected for the HOC give-away.  During the week $196.00 was given to buy mosquito nets for Friends Kaimosi Hospital in Kenya.  At the program $212 was collected and shared between HOC and Kaimosi nets.  Thanks for the time, prayers, and financial gifts given!  It takes a big team and you all gave your part. 

Crew and Station leaders, please complete your evaluation sheet.  Your input will be helpful for next year when we’ll likely learn to stand strong for God at Kingdom Rock.

July HOC Meal Report

80 guests were served hot ham, tuna salad or grilled cheese sandwiches, baked or fried potatoes with cheese or sour cream, green beans, lettuce salad, pasta salad w/veggies, baked beans, fruit salad, cubed melons, blueberries on angel food cake, frosted cupcakes, chocolate cake, milk and coffee.  Some of this food was donated after RAGBRAI. 

            Our great volunteers: Bill & Rosalee, Beth & Ray, Reg & Melidy, Scott & Mary, Bob & Veronica, Mike & Charlene, Chris, Nathan, Vi, Betty, John & Gladys, Chuck & Ann, Darla, Vi, Neil, Levi & Ramona.  Our next meal will be August 30.  Come join the fun of service!