The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

October 2012   Volume 33, No. 10

 Manny Garcia, Pastor

 

 

Be Transformed

Stories and Principles that

Change our Lives,

Part 6

 

            Hi friends!  I hope you are enjoying this series of devotionals and soul training exercises.  If you haven’t caught on by now, these devotionals fit right in to our current series on Sunday morning, The Good and Beautiful God.  You can use these exercises in this series in unison with the exercises we are engaging in through our sermon series.

          So far we’ve heard from several of my friends and cohorts in the Transformational Leadership master’s program.  This month you get to read the devotional thoughts from your very own pastor!  I hope you are enjoying this series and as always, if you have missed any of the previous devotional thoughts you can find them online at www.blfchurch.org and click on the “newsletter” tab.

 

Have a blessed month!

Pastor Manny

 

 

The Inner Monastery of the Soul

by Manny Garcia

 “It is not necessary for being with God to be always at church: we may make an oratory of our heart wherein to retire from time to time to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Everyone is capable of such familiar conversation with God." -Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God

I enjoy the game of golf.  I’m lucky if I am able to get to the course once a week (on a good week I can make it twice!).  I am what is called a “bogey golfer”, that is, I usually average at least a stroke higher than par on each hole.  I’m fairly okay with this; it’s acceptable for me to shoot scores like this because I know that I do not have the time to put in to become a better golfer.  There was a time, however, when I was a scratch golfer.  For those golf illiterates, that means I averaged par on every hole and often times I could even shoot under par scores for the courses I played.  The thing is, the way I played back then wasn’t much different than it is now.  I used the same clubs I use now and I played courses that were actually a bit tougher than those I play now.  So what was the difference?  Well ... back then I played golf at least 5 days a week, often more than one round per day.  In order to be the golfer I wanted to be, I had to put in the work.  I didn’t do anything differently than I do now; I just did it a lot more.  I was not content to be a bogey golfer during that time because my team and my coach counted on me to bring my best.

I am sure by now you can guess where this analogy is going.  I am perfectly content with being a bogey golfer now because the only one that cares what my scores are is me.  But I cannot be a “bogey Christian.”  I cannot take a day off from my relationship with God because too many people are counting on me.  My church family needs me to be prayed up, read up, and ready to take on the enemy, not only in my life but in their lives, too.  My family depends on me to be the spiritual leader in my home.  God trusts me with many things in life and if I am not taking time to be a better man of God every day then I am not only letting myself down, I’m letting down my church, my family, and God.  Jesus tells us that He desires that we have a full and abundant life (John 10:10).  The only way that He can give that to us is if we take time to receive it from Him.  Jesus himself took time away to pray, to commune with the Father, to have that intimate time with the Creator.  If Jesus needed this time then how can we convince ourselves that we don’t?  We must be in search of a deeper relationship with Christ each day.

It is no longer enough to have our only encounter with God for the week to happen on Sunday morning, through another person.  As a matter of fact, that has never been enough.  I have heard a multitude of reasons why people think that their schedules just do not allow for intimate time with God.  The problem is, I have yet to hear a good excuse, there isn’t one!  Are we expected to live lives that mimic the early monks?  I don’t think that is entirely possible for most of us, but I do feel like the heart that was behind the lives they lived is absolutely attainable.  Can you afford to be a bogey Christian that only encounters God once or twice a week?  Who are you letting down (other than yourself) by not taking time to encounter God daily?

Today is the day to draw a line in the sand and get intentional about living the “With God Life.” 

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”    -Luke 5:16 (NIV)

Suggested soul-training  exercise:   “Inner Retreats”

I absolutely understand what it means to have a busy schedule.  The thing is, we cannot allow our schedules to be the wall between God and us.  This exercise, with a little effort, will allow you to work your schedule “with God” rather than “instead of God.”

Every chance you get, retreat to your inner monastery.  It’s easier than it sounds.  Whenever you find a few minutes (in the car, waiting room, restroom, etc.) use that time to focus on God.  Pray over a short scripture passage you have memorized. Quiet your heart and mind, even if only briefly, and allow God to speak.  Ask God to help you to see the rest of the day as He would see it.  Ask Him to lead your thoughts, words, and actions so that every part of you can be in worship no matter where you are or what you’re doing.  This is just like golf practice.  If you do it once or twice a week you can maintain a decent form and probably go out and shoot a respectable score.  But, if you do it every day, you will start to see incredible growth in your walk with God.  To be the kind of golfer I wanted to be I had to put in the work.  To be the kind of people that God wants us to be we have to know Him better, because in the end, His plan isn’t that we look like the perfect Christian, His plan is that we look like Christ.

 

Library Ledge: Bible Basics 

          As the routines of fall begin, it is a good time to start a new Bible study.  The library has many guides for both individual and group study.  In The Ten Commandments, Stuart Brisco reaffirms the difference between making up our own rules and following the sure way God has revealed.  We have audiotapes of the New Testament and other audios and videos by Charlton Heston.  Applying the Bible uses illustrations and examples to uncover the timeless principles of Scripture.   Check out the library ledge – you’ll find ways to grow closer to God there.

 

 

September HOC Meal Report

We helped with an extra meal on the 14th.  55 guests were given generous servings of chicken noodle soup, corn bread, green beans, baby tomatoes, cheese slices, applesauce, coleslaw, frosted cookies or cupcakes, tea, milk & coffee. 

On Sept. 27, 61 guests were served vegetable, meat & pasta soup, ring bologna, grilled cheese sandwiches, tomatoes, carrots, mixed fruit, cupcakes, Boston creme pie cake, angel food cake, cherry dump cake, milk, coffee.  If you want to be involved next month, mark October 25th on your calendar.

 

 

Serving Christ with Practical Acts of Love

Your gifts of money, time as volunteers, and prayers are making a difference in the lives of people through the House of Compassion. Through your support and participation, people experience the compassion of Jesus.

During August 1781 meals were served; 40 people were provided a safe shelter; and 627 households were able to receive needed hygiene supplies.

October 28 is our Annual Arts & Compassion Soup Lunch.  It will be at Marshalltown High School Cafeteria 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  All are welcome for a $15 fee.

HOC has been blessed with the leadership of our Director, Jean Bergen. Jean is retiring January 31. Please pray that the Spirit will guide the board and bring forth the person needed for this ministry.

~The House of Compassion Board

 

 

Helping Cuba Friends

          As you are shopping this fall remember that Linda Garrison will be going to Cuba in the New Year.  We are collecting items for her to take along for the people in the Friends Churches.  A basket is in the entryway to collect vitamins for children and pregnant women, small “happy meal” type toys, and flea collars.

 

 

MFH Report:  In just four days, Meals from the Heartland set a new record!  Manny, Syler, Diane, Levi, Ramona, Opal, Vi, John, Isaac & friend Toby joined more than 15,000 volunteers to package 5,122,008 meals for the world’s hungry!  Thanks to those who went to HyVee Hall and others who gave funds.  Each one made a great difference!

 

 

Remember In Prayer   

~Area farmers as they continue harvest - for their safety & provision

~Our college students with challenges they face

~Our youth program--plans for sharing with HCNP Friends

~Mark Arviso and Mesquakie Friends Center

~Samburu Friends Mission in Kenya

~Iowa Friends Disaster Services

~Sam & Becky Barber at the Belize Friends School

~House of Compassion, clients, staff

~Our Secret Prayer Partners

 

 

40 Days of Prayer

            One of the things that we have committed to as a congregation is to “Focus on Prayer – being intentional about prayer for our church and community.”  We have been presented a great opportunity to do just that through Friends United Meeting Forty Days of Prayer.  By working through the same devotional readings together, listening to what the Holy Spirit shares with us through these times of reflection, and sharing those leadings with others in our congregation and Quakers around the world, we can help fulfill that prayer goal. 

Everyone is encouraged to pick up a free copy of the guidebook available in our church entryway, or go online to download one off of the FUM website (fum.org).  The official start is October 10, but if you don’t happen to get access to a copy before then, you are still encouraged to jump in when you can.  Please consider being a part of discovering who we are as a body of believers and what God wants us to be and do.

 

 

Fall Family Fun Night

for all ages

Wednesday, October 31

6:30 p.m., BLFC

Crafts & Activities for Kids

Costumes optional

Snacks

 

 

*2 Aerial Photos of BLFC from 1972 are available for a limited time.  Call or email Steve at 616-706-2023 or AerialPhoto@live.com  Two pictures are available - one taken from the southwest: 40-PMA-22 (1972) or from the northwest: 40-PMA-17 (1972). Leave your name, phone number and photo number.

 

 

Easy as ABC

Each month over 600 needy households can choose 3 items from the House of Compassion Supply Closet that cannot be purchased with food stamps.  While needs are growing, donations are shrinking. In October we join other churches to fill the HOC shelves with non-food items.  To remember items most needed think ABC: A-aspirin, Aleve; B-baby supplies; C-cold medicine; D-dish soap, detergent.  Take home a bag in the entryway and bring it back with any of these items by Sunday, October 28.  Or write a check and designate it HOC Supply Closet.  Each item will be used and  appreciated.

 

 

David Bible Study: 

          This group will continue to meet at 7:00 pm each Tuesday through October.  At the end of the month a decision will be made regarding picking another lesson topic or merging with the DEEPER studies on Wednesday at church.

 

 

Children’s Church

Children age 4 through grade 5 are encouraged to participate on October 7th and 21st.  Our projects will be to send care boxes to our 15 college kids and show appreciation to our pastor.  The lessons talk about being good stewards of our money, possessions and talents.

 

 

DEEPER Program

          All ages are welcome at our Wednesday night DEEPER program that meets weekly at 7:00 p.m. at the church.    There are groups for everyone and a nursery for the younger children and babies.  Plans for the senior youth continue to be worked out, with a Kick Off planned for October 24th.  Children, ages 4 thru 4th grade have activities that revolve around the theme Bible Heroes and the Disciples.  Charlene Martin is leading the Jr. Youth, 5th-8th grades. 

A women’s group is studying a Women of Faith Study, Celebrate, Discovering Joy in Life’s Ordinary Moments. Other adults are welcome to join a group led by Joe Feltz as they watch and discuss Dr. David Jeremiah’s video series, Slaying the Giants in Your Life - Fear, Discouragement, Loneliness, Worry, Guilt, Temptation, Anger, Resentment, Doubt, Procrastination, Failure and Jealousy.  A nursery is available for babies and toddlers.  Fellowship meals are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 6:15 p.m.  Come join us on Wednesday nights for a time of fellowship, fun and growth in our classes, studies and meals! 

 

Discovering God’s truth

Enduring with one another

Encouraging & lifting each other up

Praying for one another

Exemplifying Christ to others

Recruiting other to Christ

 

 

Bangor USFW    

Ann Nichols will host the Bangor USFW on Tuesday, October 16 at 1:30 p.m.  The lesson will be provided by Shirley Landt.

 

 

Liberty USFW

          Ladies of Liberty USFW will meet on Thursday, October 18th for a work night at Sharon Johnson’s home in Union.  Please bring a pair of scissors to the 7:00 p.m. meeting.

 

 

All the King’s Men

          Men are welcome to join a new group which meets on Monday evenings twice a month at Pastor Manny’s home from 8:00-9:00 p.m.  They are just starting the study, Chasing God with 3 Flat Tires.   The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 22nd.

 

 

Missions - Quakerdale Ministry

Our October Mission offering will help support the Quakerdale Prep Academy and Basketball Program at New Providence.  The Prep Academy provides young men with the opportunity to reach their goals of becoming better men, as well as basketball players.  Student athletes receive a quality private education, live and learn at the Quakerdale campus and participate in an NCAA approved curriculum.

Quakerdale provides a community setting to teach discipline and life skills to students preparing them for college and life in general. The program helps student athletes develop and deepen their individual faith by attending church on Sundays and participating in weekly devotions.

Bradley Matney is in his first year of coaching basketball at Quakerdale Prep as the Athletic Director of the Eagles.  Commenting on his goal in coming to Quakerdale: "I want to build a program that makes a difference in kids’ lives. Winning basketball games…will come with building a better person and a winning attitude."

The Quakerdale Eagles are looking for volunteers to help make their season a success. Opportunities include: Running the scoreboard, Running the clock, Medical personnel, Concession stand, Driving the Eagles to their games, Announcer, Mentors.  Call 641-497-5294 if you are interested.  The first home game will be played Saturday, Nov 3, 2012 at Quakerdale Prep Academy.

 

 

Marriage Enrichment Retreat

October 26th & 27th     

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

Brochures are 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

 

 

*October is Pastor Appreciation Month!  Let’s all remember Manny in a special way this month!