By Pastor Manny
Let me preface this article with this statement; I love the Friends Church, God has called me to the Friends Church, and the Friends Church is the part of the body of Christ that I resonate with the most. Now, with that said, I want to say that the Friends Church does not have the corner on the market when it comes to spirituality. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of things we Friends can learn from other denominations, and there are a lot of things we can teach other denominations as well. Sadly, in our culture, many church denominations feel as though they have figured out some cosmic code that enables them to approach truth just a little more closely than the rest. This creates competition, division, and pride among many denominations. The question we must ask ourselves is are we more concerned with keeping a certain status quo and a constant grasp on the little idiosyncrasies that we think make us Quakers, Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, or whichever other flavor of Christianity we might identify with, than we are with being true to God’s leading in our lives and in our communities, our body, and our church? What makes us special? What makes us unique? What do we have to offer the rest of the world? These should be our questions of focus. We shouldn’t ask how to make other people think like we do, instead we should ask how we can love people who don’t think like we do. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 Paul outlines the greatest importance, which is the Gospel. This is and should remain the “first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3) to all denominations. That’s what really matters. The rest, the preferences, the convictions on how things are done, are secondary. The first importance is the Gospel; namely that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. If we make that the first importance we will soon realize that the secondary issues that create our denominations are not bad, but they aren’t primary either. I grew up in a Catholic church that confused the primary and secondary issues. There was a large group of people in the church I attended that felt that once they arrived in heaven there would only be other Catholics because everyone else had it wrong. I pray that this mentality has subsided, but I fear it has not. My prayer is that we, as Friends, not be prideful about the secondary issues that create our fellowship. Instead let us, as a good friend once said to me, “major on the majors and minor on the minors.” We serve a very big God and I am sure that in heaven we are going to see just how big. There is room for all believers in God’s kingdom because the only prerequisite is to put our faith in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sins (Romans 10:9). When we represent that truth, spread that message, and follow that command, we are the Church and we are His friends!
“Greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” -John 15:13,14
Membership Class Pastor Manny will be leading a church membership class for those that are interested in learning of Friends beliefs and practices. The class will be held on 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings at 7 pm at the church, beginning on Tuesday, November 5th, but skipping the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. After the class the participants will have the option of becoming active members. See Manny if you are interested in joining the class.
“Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count past mercies.” Charles E Jefferson
“I praise God because He not only guides my directions, but overrules my mistakes.” H. Norman Pell
Remember In Prayer ~All veterans and those we know who are currently serving in our military: Michael Daniel now serving in Kyrgyzstan-Inner Mongolia; Justin Schinnow, Ty Morgan, Milon Thatcher, Zach Johnson & Logan Henze ~Continued safety for farmers as they finish up harvesting ~Kris & Amber Smitherman, for a part time job for Kris or Amber, and for Kris as he makes plans for & with our youth ~Our Youth program - LOCK IN, Nov 8-9 ~Don Macy continues chemo treatment ~Our Annual Thank Offering & Service, Nov. 24th & the recipients of our offerings ~The Friends School in Belize, Sam & Becky Barber and family serving there ~Nathan & Brianna Martin back in the USA on furlough from Cambodia for a year. Pray for their reconnecting & ministry, & also for refreshing, renewal and soul care. Their 2nd son, Jonah Timothy was born on Oct. 18th and doing well. ~Quakerdale’s Wolfe Ranch, Marshalltown ~Mesquakie Friends Church and their director, Deneen Ahumada & her family
Save the Date!Friends United Meeting Triennial June 11-15, 2014 Indiana Wesleyan University Marion, Indiana
Guest speaker, Richard J. Foster, Quaker author & theologian
Quakers all over the world gathered together in Christ, in Community, for Mission.
HOC Meal Report On Oct. 31st, 16 were involved in preparing, serving & cleanup for 78 guests. The menu was liver & onions or cheesy beef & potato soup, green beans, corn, mixed fruit, rolls & butter, pumpkin bars, rice krispy bars or chocolate pudding and drinks. Many were excited to see the liver and most all spoke about the wonderful smell that was all the way down the street. Thanks to all who made the meal possible: Royal, Bob & Veronica, James & Sharon, Chuck & Ann, Diane R, Ann & Brent who provided food or funds; Deb Gould, Vi, Bob & Jeanette who prepared and Chuck, Darla & Vi who served and helped with clean up. A few guests also helped us when they saw we were short staffed. God always provides! Our next meal will be Friday, Nov. 28, a change because of Thanksgiving. Come join the fun of serving together. Also thanks to all who brought items for the supply closet in October. The trunk load of dish soap, over the counter meds, diapers, etc. will be used and appreciated by those in need.
Grow Thru GriefIowa River Hospice of Marshalltown is offering a 5 week bereavement class again this fall. The next Grow Thru Grief support group will meet Thursday, November 7th, 14th, 21st and again after Thanksgiving on December 5th and 12th at 5:30 p.m. at the Iowa River Hospice Home, 502 Plaza Heights Rd, Marshalltown. There is no charge and anyone is welcome to attend the grief group. The main focus is to offer emotional support as well as education and is designed for those dealing with the loss of a loved one within the last year or two. Please call 641-753-7704 for more information or to register for this group. Everyone is welcome!
Ideas to “Live Love” in November~Veteran’s Day is November 11th - Personally thank a co-worker, neighbor or loved one who is a veteran. Take baked goods or cards to a local retirement home & help staff distribute to veteran residents.
~Ideas to “Live Love” at your job - Write your boss or fellow employee a note of appreciation. Leave an anonymous treat on the workspace of someone who needs a smile. Tell the janitors how much you appreciate their efforts. Give flowers to someone who is often taken for granted. Display a joke or riddle of the day to brighten everyone’s mood
Annual Thank Offering ServiceBangor Liberty’s annual Thank Offering Service will be held Sunday, November 24th at 10:30 a.m. with a potluck meal afterwards. The Missions Committee encourages all to participate in the service by giving gratitude to God with their words and funds. They have chosen the following projects and ask us to prayerfully consider how blessed we are and how we can share with these areas or with other work that we may feel called to support. All undesignated offering collected will be divided equally between:
More details about these projects will be in upcoming bulletins. Social Committee #3 will be in charge of setup and cleanup for the potluck meal.
DEEPER Program - Join Us!Classes/Studies at 7 pm each Wed. Nightat BLFC - Everyone is welcome! Meals are held on the 2nd & 4th Wed. nights at 6:15 pm before the studies begin. Come join us for food, fellowship and growing in our faith together.
Molded Bible Study All adults are welcome to join the twice-monthly Bible Study that meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings at 7 pm at the church. The group will study the book of Matthew, chapter 8, November 11th. The group will not meet the fourth Monday, Thanksgiving week, in November.
Jr & Sr High Youth LOCK-IN All Jr. High and Sr. High youth are welcome to attend the LOCK-IN to be held on Friday night, November 8th at BLFC beginning at 7 pm. The LOCK-IN will end Saturday morning, November 9th at 7 am. Contact Kris Smitherman, Youth Pastor, for further details.
Bangor USFWOur next meeting is on November 17 at 1:30. Betty Arterburn will host us at Glenwood Place. Margaret will bring the lesson. All ladies are welcome to participate. Members are reminded to bring their Christmas offering which will be donated to the Van Orman House for women in crisis in Marshalltown.
Liberty USFWLadies of Liberty USFW will meet at the church on November 21st at 7 p.m. for a work night. Please bring scissors for cutting soup labels and Box Tops for Education for our local school. An additional project will be available to work on also.
Congratulations! Our new Youth Pastor, Kris Smitherman and his wife, Amber, welcomed Ava Kate into their family on October 9th at 4:17 a.m. at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center. Ava weighed 7 lbs and 9 oz at birth. She was welcomed home by Aiden, Adaline and Zander. Kris and Amber have purchased and moved into the HCNP Friends Church parsonage home in New Providence.
Thank You!-Thanks to the Jr. High Sunday School Class and Mike and Charlene Martin for hosting our monthly potluck meal in October!
-Thank you to Social Committee #2 for hosting the baby shower for Alicia, Blake and Parker Matney in October.
-And a big “thank you” to our Christian Ed. Committee for all of their planning and work for our Fall Family Fun Festival which was held on Wednesday, October 30. And thanks also to all of the volunteers who helped with the games or provided food. Just over 80 children, youth and adults attended and had a great time playing various carnival type games, making crafts, and doing the cookie walk, and enjoying the food and fellowship. There were lots of fun costumes as well. A fun night for all!
-Thank you to all of our veterans who have served our country so well.
Library Ledge – Being ThankfulWith the beginning of November I start thinking about Thanksgiving Day and meditate on the things for which I am thankful. As I ponder the list, I become aware that I should be thankful every day, not just on Thanksgiving Day. While I knew this before today, it seems to hit me anew every year. This year I am thankful for all those who donated books to our library, as well as those who gave for the books we pulled. For what are you thankful? Be thankful we have a nice selection of books in our library. Come choose something to read. We have many books on Encouragement, Blessings & Miracles for which to be thankful, such as “Stories for the Heart”, “Little Blessings from a Big God”, “Everyday Miracles”, “Twice Blessed”, and Helen Steiner Rice’s “A Collection of Blessings” to name a few. I’m sure you will find something here for which to be thankful year around. -Kristy Albright
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens
Christmas Adopt-A-FamilyMany in our area will not have Christmas gifts this year without our help. We have the opportunity to help others through the House of Compassion’s Adopt-A-Family project. You do not have to be wealthy to assist a family in need. Together our $ add up and make a big difference. The House of Compassion recommends 2-3 gifts be given to each person. $20 could buy toys for a child or a gift for a senior citizen; $30 could provide clothing; $40 could provide a family meal; $50 could buy gifts for a teen; $75 could provide gifts and a meal for a widowed senior and $250 could provide Christmas for a family of 4-5. If you would like to adopt an individual or family, tell Margaret the number of people you wish to help by Nov. 18. After you are given your family information, you will call and let them know they have been adopted. Then purchase the gifts and food for their holiday meal and deliver these by Dec. 21. There will be a family chosen for our church to share. Let us know if you would like to help by buying 1 or 2 gifts or some food for that family. If you are unable, or prefer not shop, you may give funds and others will shop for you. Thanks in advance for bringing smiles to families in need at Christmas. -Margaret Good
“You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.” ~ Amy Carmichael, missionary to India
Ladies!Mark your calendars - All ladies of our church are invited to Honey Creek-New Providence Friends’ Annual USFW Christmas Coffee on Thursday, December 5th, 2013. Please join the ladies of HC-NP in their sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. for a special program, “Christmas Lambs” presented by Johnson Strings.
Helping HandsThree years ago BLFC began a ministry of Helping Hands. This program has been used successfully several times but could be used more. We have many able volunteers ready to assist. Whether your need is changing a flat tire, a ride to the doctor, emergency child care, help with financial issues or correspondence after the death of a loved one, etc. there is someone waiting to help. Contact Shirley Davis, Ann Nichols or Manny for assistance or more information.
Thanksgiving Thoughts“Our forefathers were not so much thankful for something as they were thankful in something. In bounty or in famine they were thankful. In joy or in misery they were thankful. There is a big difference between being thankful for things and being thankful in all things.” -Brett Blair
“Hugely important is the way a person expresses thanks for being alive. The person who does so through service will possess a great comfort throughout life.” -Patch Adams, M.D.
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