The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

July 2006   Volume 27, No. 7

Dean Lambdin, Pastor

 

Declaration of Dependence

 

            In the course of human events, it becomes necessary to realize that “since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).  While running this race that is laid out before us, we will have certain times of trials and tribulations.  Nevertheless, while we are running our race, we must never lose sight of the fact that there are certain truths that are, do, and will continue to exist throughout the length of the race and beyond into all eternity.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (The Declaration of Independence).   Furthermore, “God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11).  God sees into the true essence of a person beyond their skin color, social status, ethnicity, economic position, etc. – “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).  So, all being equal in the sight of God – equally endowed with these rights, and also equally in need of His saving grace.  We begin our journey we call life, our race if you will.

As we live out our life, running this race, pursuing these unalienable Rights, we are constantly seeking out guidance and direction.  Who better than the One who created and molded us in His own image (Genesis 1:26) to be the One to guide and direct us in this journey called life?  We can always count on Him.  After all, He gave His own life for us so that we could be saved from sin and death.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.  In Psalm 62:7 David said, “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.”

So as we look to the future; to another day, who is it we look to for the strength to get through it?  Ourselves?  Our friends?  Our spouse?  Our parents?  Our kids?  Our pet?  Or, Our God?  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5).  It’s only when we make our “Declaration of Dependence” upon God a daily habit that we really start to be able to run this race unhindered.      

                                                -Dean

 

 

Fiesta! VBS Wrap Up

           It was a lively, energy-filled week with 51 children here at BLFC for VBS! Adults and children all enjoyed Bible dramas, games, crafts, music, skits and munchies.

           Throughout VBS we learned that Jesus is our friend, life, leader, Savior and helper. It is our prayer that each one would remember these Bible truths and the verses from each night for a long time to come!

            There is a great need in Turkana, Africa, for schools and churches and the children gave $88.45 thru the week for a new building for the Lokoyo Primary School in Turkana. The offering of $230.55 Friday night also went to this mission project. Crew leaders and children alike learned to tie a fleece blanket during the week of VBS. 10 blankets were finished and given to the Stork’s Nest in Marshalltown. We want to thank each one for your support of prayer, financial gifts or volunteering for our VBS. We had awesome volunteers!

                        -Diane and Veronica.

 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME

         You may think it's too early to think about going back to school, but the House of Compassion needs to collect supplies in July to combine and distribute in early August. Last year we helped 750 students with backpacks and new supplies. Our church is asked to help provide the following: wide line notebook paper, pencils, pocket folders, facial tissue, scissors, black & blue erasable pens, erasers (pencil tip & regular) and colored pencils. A box will be available in the entryway for your purchases. Financial help is welcome also. Deadline is Sunday, July 30. Thanks in advance for bringing smiles to the faces of children.

 

 

 

IAYM Ministry Conference

August 2-5

 

Highlights  - Thursday

Short-Term Mission Trip Open Forum

Friday - Workshop Sessions - some include:

-Lifestage: Retirement - Do I have enough?

-Churches Response to Homosexuality

-Mission Work in Cambodia and Thailand

-Patrick Nugent-FUM & Vicki Henshaw-EFM

 

Save some $ by registering before July 15

 

 

 

Answers for Do You Know. . .?

1. The tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  (Genesis 2:9)

2. St. Paul

3. Thomas (John 20:24)

4. Adam and Eve had no children when they were driven from Eden.

5. Abel  (Genesis 4)

 

 

Community Worship Service

            Eleven churches in the BCLUW school district held a joint community worship service on Pentecost Sunday, June 11. Approximately 500 people attended the service at the gym in Conrad. The Bethel Grove Praise Team and the Conrad Methodist Praise Group led the hymns for the service. The combined choir of members of participating churches provided music during communion. Pastor Rick Schill of Union was speaker for the service

 

           

Christian Ed Notes

The Christian Ed. Committee is seeking volunteers to teach summer Sunday school for the combined group of children, preschool thru 5th grade. A sign up sheet is available in the church entryway.

 

 

The Household of God

The Monday Night Bible study on Timothy continues to meet during the summer months. We’re currently beginning chapter 4. Come join us at the church at 7:00 any Monday evening. You might get lucky and pick a time we’re sharing treats!

 

 

Bangor USFW

          We will gather at Ramona’s home, 1:30 on July 11 for our final meeting of the summer. Jeanette will provide refreshments and Donna will bring our devotional program. Come with ideas of projects, special speakers, and field trips to plan for the coming year.

 

 

Children’s Church

Children, age 4 through grade 5, are welcome to gather in the fellowship hall during Morning Worship on July 23. Our service project will be to make care bags for people who need to stay overnight at the House of Compassion. The Bible lesson will help us learn to calm our fears.

 

 

You’re Invited

            Friends are invited to an early 90th Birthday Celebration for Kenny Holveck on Sunday, July 9th at The Embers Community Room, 1211 W State Street in Marshalltown from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

 

 

Library Ledge:   

Summertime Audios & Videos

Planning on traveling this summer? Take along a book-on-tape from our church library. Or enjoy one while you’re home doing projects, or out riding a bike. You’ll find them a handy source of encouragement. Kids will love the Odyssey stories from Focus on the Family.

We also have several videos for adults and children. They are great for rainy days or when it’s too hot to be outside. Check these out on the library ledge during the month of July. A complete listing of audiotapes and videos is hanging by the library shelves. Check out the library this summer…you’ll find growth there.

NEW BOOKS

            Check out the table in the entryway during July and you’ll find newly donated books that are being added to our church library.  (Thanks to the donors!) You’ll enjoy the wide selection of fiction, devotional and inspirational stories.

 

Missions News

Mike and Kay Cain write from Belize saying they have graduated 13 students this year. They are now visiting primary schools explaining what Friends Boys School has to offer. Some of their recent graduates have gone on to graduate from Wesley Junior College, one is attending the University of Belize, one has graduated from the Nazarene High School. The school has helped many young men to get a second chance at a better life thru education and for this they thank you and the boys thank you. Mike and Kay’s landlord has informed them that he is being transferred back to Belize City and will need his house by July first. They were fortunate to find a house just a few blocks away that will meet their needs. For their summer schedule Mike and Kay will be in California, Colorado and Indiana, returning to Belize by August 18th.

Andy and Lisa Stout, who have been helping the Cains in Belize have had to return to the States due to Andy having to have back surgery and at this time are unable to return to Belize. Their future plans are uncertain.

Patrick Nugent writes from the Friends Theological College in Kaimosi, Kenya saying that the construction of a meetinghouse on the campus is getting underway. He asks for prayers that the construction goes smoothly. Patrick will be in the U.S. from July thru January, trying to raise enough funds to carry them thru a year. His plans are to be in Indiana, North Carolina and Iowa. Emma and Eliza will be coming with him, but Mary Kay will not have a break from school until November. He closes his letter with a blessing from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, based on a passage from Philippians. It is often used at the FTC.  “May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and his Son Jesus.”  

 From the Friends School in Ramallah:  they are celebrating 100 years of the established Friends Boys School. In these 100 years the graduates of Friends have helped to shape and mold the Palestine of their day and the Palestine of our day. God willing the graduates of 2006 will further help to mold the history of the Palestine of tomorrow. The number of graduates has steadily increased from 7 in 1906 to 82 in 2006.  The school was established based on the Quaker principals of honesty, discipline, simplicity, individuality, community, concern and peace.

                                    BLFC Missions Comm.

 

 

Do You Know…?

1. What two trees grew in the Garden of Eden that grows nowhere else?

2. Minnesota’s capital city is named after which Bible character?

3. Who was absent when the risen Jesus appeared to the apostles?

4. Who drove Adam and Eve and their children out of Eden?

5. Who was the first man in the Bible to die?

 

 

-It’s frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

-Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels good.

-A bicycle can’t stand alone because it is two-tired.

 

 

House of Compassion Report

On June 22, 57 guests enjoyed grilled cheese, summer sausage or braunschweiger sandwiches; green beans and bacon; creamed asparagus; deviled eggs; salad; mixed fruit; cookies and ice cream. Their plates were overflowing! Thanks to all for their donations and help.  We have such talented workers--Fern can give you a yummy deviled egg recipe and Levi can give you tips on mopping a floor.  Our next meal is July 27.  School kids are encouraged to help especially during the summer months.

 

 

Thanks for Baking!

Fifteen families baked a variety of yummy desserts for the Mesquakie Indian Mission camp. Five ladies delivered the dozens of cookies, brownies, cakes and apple crisp on June 20 and were able to see the smiles of the faces of the children as they saw all the goodies. Victor & Brenda were very appreciative of the donations and asked that we continue to lift them and their ministry to Indian children and families up in prayer.  

 

 

Horse Sense

Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

            Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is so he can follow her.

            As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.

            Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom He places in our lives. Other times, we are the guide horse helping others see God.              -Copied