Seasons Change – God Doesn’t
I can’t believe it is already April. The flowers are beginning to burst forth from their wintry slumber, the buds on trees are popping, and the farmers are getting geared up to plant. Time sure does have a way of getting away from us. As we look into all that this spring has in store, I can’t help but be reminded of how God has placed within the seasons a reminder of the wonderful blessings of His grace and the plan of Salvation brought to us through His Son, Jesus the Christ. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 we read that everything has its own time, its own season. In other words, everything has its proper place in the grand scheme of things. The most important thing is to remember is who controls the timing of those seasons – God. Have you ever thought about the seasons as an illustration of the effects of sin and the redemptive power of the plan of Salvation? Well, let me share something that God has given me as a wonderful way of seeing the plan of Salvation in the way He created the world. Let’s begin with fall. Now fall is a beautiful season full of colors and the weather is usually very pleasant. It is also a time of thanksgiving for the blessing of the harvest. The colors of the leaves, don’t they occur just as the tree is shutting down for the winter? And the harvest, doesn’t that occur after the plant has produced its crop and is preparing to die? The fall is in a way a picture of the fall of humanity and the effects of sin on us and the world. It may appear beautiful on the outside, but what’s happening on the inside really tells the whole story. The beautiful reds of the leaves are a reminder that there is something to look to for our hope – the blood of Jesus. Winter can be one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, but it can also be the more harsh and demanding times of the year. The cold, desolate nature of winter can be a very depressing time for many people. The trees are barren, the sun barely shines, and very few animals even brave the cold to venture out. That is why winter reminds me of the death that is caused by, and that sin demands. But there is hope, the snow falls on the dark barren landscape of winter and brightens the day reminding me that because of the grace of God I, we do not have to remain dead in sin but can be made whiter than snow! Then there is spring – the temperature begins to warm, the grass begins to green, the flowers begin to burst forth, and the birds and animals all begin to rejoice. This is a precious time of year. New life springing up all around us – baby calves and lambs are being born; the tulips are growing and preparing to bloom in all their glory, and children are outside playing. This is the perfect picture of the new life that we’ve been given through the resurrection of Jesus on that first Easter morn. And it just so happens that was during spring. But there’s more! Everyone loves summer don’t they? Sunshine, vacations, green grass, (hey kids, “NO SCHOOL!” :-), what more could you want? Summer is typically a time of enjoyment and leisure; a time of fun and friends. Now with all that in mind, remember what Jesus said in John 10:10? He said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (NLT). That’s what summer represents to me, life in all its fullness! We can have that as we live in God’s grace here on earth and an even fuller life than we could ever imagine awaits for us in Heaven. To adapt the phrase used around Easter of “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!” – “It’s spring, but summer’s coming!” – or, “It’s summer, and Heaven’s waiting!” -Dean
Fiesta! Where Kids Are Fired up About Jesus! Vacation Bible School at Bangor Liberty June 4-8, 2006
Plans are being made and materials ordered for our upcoming Vacation Bible School. We are excited about having another opportunity to share God’s love and to learn more about Jesus with the children of the church and community! All children, ages 3 thru 6th grade are welcome. Many volunteers and helpers are needed to help make this program a success. Contact Veronica Daniel or Diane Teske, the co-directors, to volunteer or with questions.
Easter ServicesJoin us on Sunday, April 16th as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
-Outdoor Sunrise Service, 6:30 a.m. at Royal Ranch. In case of rain the service will be held at the church. -Continental Breakfast served at the church after the outdoor service. -Praise Service, 9:00 a.m. -Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. -Morning Worship, 10:30 a.m.
Summer Volunteers Needed at Camp Quaker Heights CQH is seeking counselors, nurses, kitchen/general cleaning staff, mowers and canoe runners for all summer camps this year. A staff training session is not needed for the 2006 season.. Each individual must complete a volunteer form and pass a background check. Only those who have returned a form can be considered. Forms are due before May 5th.
Library Ledge During April the library ledge will display devotional books and ones regarding stewardship of our time and finances. One of our Quaker Queries asks, “Do you endeavor to advance your spiritual growth by prayerful study of the Bible and devotional literature?” Our church library has many books and audios to encourage this. The audio When God Whispers Your Name by max Lucado reminds us that only God can move us along in our journey. In Everyday Miracles you’ll read inspirational stories of God working in ordinary lives. Money: Frustration or Freedom? will help you understand God’s view of money. It’s chapters address budgeting, ethics, debt, etc. Check out the library ledge.
Quakerdale Youth to CQHQuakerdale and Camp Quaker Heights have partnered for many years to bring an excellent camping ministry to Iowa’s youth. Last year 21 youth attended a full week because of the generosity of the IAYM churches. You can share again in this opportunity by sending funds directly to Quakerdale or by giving them to Scott Davis our treasurer who will send any gifts on to Quakerdale. Thank you for your interest and prayers to provide an opportunity for youth to have a Christian camping experience.
In MemoriamWayne Sloat of Marshalltown, a member of Bangor Liberty, died on Saturday, March 25th at the Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad. Wayne attended worship faithfully for a number of years, until moving to Marshalltown from Conrad when his health prevented him from participating as much as he would have liked to have. Services were held on Saturday, April 8th at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marshalltown. It is also with much sadness that we report the death of long time member of Bangor Liberty, Louise Davis, on April 1, 2006. When Louise left in mid-December for a doctor’s appointment in Iowa City, no one knew she would not return to worship with us here again at Bangor Liberty. With a discovery of the return of cancer and a fall, which resulted in a broken hip, she spent time in the University Hospitals at Iowa City and later at the Solon Nursing Facility. She continued to place her trust in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as she had throughout her life, and we know that she is with Him now, and we rejoice. A celebration of her life was held at Bangor Liberty on Wednesday, April 5th with burial in the Bangor Cemetery.
Changes to IAYM DisciplineAdditions to and changes in the IAYM Discipline were shared at the Spring Body Meeting on March 25th. There is a copy of these additions/changes posted on the church bulletin board. Friends are encouraged to look them over and make any comments or suggestions to the Discipline Committee before June. Ann Nichols is a member of that committee currently.
Children’s ChurchWe will meet April 9 and 23 to learn about Easter and the disciples of Jesus. Our Service projects will be making resurrection rolls for the congregation and sending gifts of appreciation to workers at Colonial Manor in Zearing. All children age 4 through grade 5 are welcome to participate.
Liberty USFWLadies of Liberty USFW will meet at the church on Wednesday, April 12th at 7:00 p.m. Michelle Herman from Quakerdale will be guest speaker. Ladies are asked to bring any soup labels or box tops for education so they can be turned in before the deadline.
Bangor USFWAnn Nichols will host the ladies in her home on April 18th at 1:30 where Betty will provide the program. All ladies are welcome to join the group for mission updates, fellowship and encouragement for your Christian walk.
Joshua Bible StudyAll are welcome to come to the church Mondays at 7:00 to study together the book of Joshua. We’ll be starting the 22nd chapter “Healing our Misunderstandings.” Be strong! Be courageous! Come join the discussion.
CQH Workdays, 2006Friday, April 21, 2-6 p.m. Supper and lodging provided. Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast at 8:00-Biscuits and gravy Lunch will also be served! Come work & fellowship on Friday & Saturday or just come one day. Everyone is needed as Camp Quaker Heights looks forward to another succesful year. We can’t do it without you! Can’t make it to one of the planned workdays, but still want to help? Call Chip or Rick and find out how. Ric: 641-751-4400 Chip: 319-939-6611
Congratulations to Jolene and Andee Nolta on the birth of a little girl, Gracie May, who was born on Friday, March 3rd at Mary Greeley in Ames. She weighed 7 lbs, 7.5 ozs and was 20” at birth. Grandparents and great grandparents are Dennis and Janet Klein and Robert and Jeanette Roe respectively.
Pastor Dean’s Work Schedule Please note that Pastor Dean has made a change in his work schedule. He will now usually be in the office in the mornings and out doing visitation in the afternoons on the following days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. His days off are now Tuesday and Friday. He is always available by phone: Church office 641-486-5434 Parsonage 641-486-2230 Cell 641-750-3622
Supply Closet Report - HOC Your generosity to the House of Compassion Supply Closet included 15 packages toilet paper, 18 bottles dish soap, 18 packages medicine, 8 paper towels, 8 shampoos, 4 containers of laundry detergent, and 3 miscellaneous items. Your contributions will be much appreciated by those who use the closet.
Missions NewsThis month BLFC will be starting a new Mission and it will be for the Iowa Friends Disaster Service. Last month you received a blue sheet in your mailbox to sign and return to Scott Davis if you wished to be a part of this Mission Project. This project will start the 3rd Sunday in April. We don’t think the Disaster Service will be going to Mississippi any more but we can help with our monthly pledges in other ways as the year goes by. We’ll try to have more information later.In other Mission news, Andy and Lisa Stout have had to return to Indiana so that Andy can receive the medical care he needs for his back. He has been in physical therapy for four weeks and is starting to show some small improvement. They will wait to see what the next course of action will be with Andy’s treatments. It is clear that they will be in Indiana for a considerable length of time. Along with FUM they have decided the best thing to do is to take a Leave of Absence from their position at the Friends Boys School in Belize. They will settle in Wabash, Indiana and seek employment for the present time. They ask for us to continue to pray and support Mike and Kay Cain and the Friends Boys School. They appreciate all the interest received and support and the encouragement to them personally. They are disappointed but are at peace that the right decision has been made. Some things are hard to understand but they are looking forward to whatever the next phase of their life has for them. They have their trust in God knowing that He knows what is best for them. (Romans 8:26-28) -BL Missions Committee
Youth OpportunityJUST GO!July 22-30, 2006
FOR: High school students who have completed their freshman year thru college seniors WHAT: building a bathroom with running water in the home of a needy family. WHERE: Pine Ridge Indian Reservation South Dakota COST: $400-500 depending on group size
You talk about how cool it would be to help others, to make a difference, to not be one of those people who talk about service, but just doesn’t have time. This summer take time to will be for JUST GO to happen this summer.
If there are 5-9 participants the cost is $500 each. If there are 10-12 participants the cost is $400 each. The cost includes transportation, staffing, meals on site, and entry into Mt. Rushmore. JUST GO participants will be tent camping. Each person is asked to raise $100 for supplies for the mission. Registration forms, a $100 deposit and a two paragraph essay on why you would like to JUST GO are due in the IAYM Youth Ministries office by May 15, 2006.
House of Compassion Report14 people were involved in purchasing, preparing, serving and clean up for 55 guests. Menu: meatball casserole, creamed asparagus, green beans & bacon; Jell-O with fruit; lettuce salad; cheese bread; blueberry dump cake or chocolate cake; milk & coffee. We seemed to have an evening of errors, which led to many laughs. Regardless the food was enjoyed and appreciated. Neil spent a quiet night in the shelter with 4 men. He said they watched a movie and headed to bed without much conversation. Thanks to all! Come share in the fun of giving to others at our next commitment the evening of April 27.
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