Bangor Liberty Friends Church

Special Services At Bangor Liberty!

                Special Services will be held at Bangor Liberty Friends Church April 28th and 29th with Wes Davis as guest speaker.  Saturday evening the service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the quartet, Press On, bringing special music.  The quartet includes our own Sherwood Lundgren.  Wes will share afterwards and a refreshment and fellowship time will follow around 7:30 p.m.  On Sunday Wes will meet with the youth during the Sunday School hour and then speak during morning worship.  A potluck meal will follow at noon.

Wes grew up in a small country Friends church in rural south central Kansas.  He attended Friends Bible College in Haviland, Kansas and served as an intern at Haviland Friends Church.

Wes was Pastor and Youth Pastor at Woolson Friends Church in Iowa for two years. He attended Asbury Seminary in Kentucky, then moved to California to help with church planting in Southwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Churches.  He attended Azusa Pacific University earning a Masters degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling and a Master of Ministry in Religion.  He was on staff at a church plant, Disciples Church, for six years, doing counseling, discipleship training, and small groups ministry.

Wes, his wife, Michele and children Josh and Mackenzie, now reside in Riverton, Kansas where he has been Senior Pastor at Riverton Friends Church for eleven years.

Mark the dates of April 28th and 29th on your calendars and plan to join us to hear what Wes has to share!

April Showers

We’ve all heard the old saying before, “April showers bring May flowers”.  Why don’t we all take a look into what that little phrase is or isn’t really saying?  Of course April is one of the first months of spring and accordingly the rain that happens during that month does encourage and help promote the growth and blossoming of the beautiful flowers we have the privilege of enjoying in May.  We would be amiss though if we were to credit the blossoming and growth of those “May flowers” to the “April showers” alone.  We can’t forget the other crucial elements in the process such as the nutrients in the soil, the temperature of the air, the air itself from which the plant takes carbon dioxide and returns oxygen, and last, but certainly not least, the sunlight which is really the most crucial of all in this whole process of plant energy production called “photosynthesis”.  Well, that’s enough botany for one day.  What does all that have to do with anything?

This time of year is also a time when we are reminded of the great love God has for us because it is during this time of year we celebrate Easter which exemplifies God’s grace, mercy, and love for us in that “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8) His Son, Jesus willingly gave His own life for us on the cross of Calvary.  Spring is a time of new life and Easter is the greatest example of new life that next to it, all other examples or illustrations pale in comparison.  Just as the saying “April showers bring May flowers” doesn’t truly do justice to the whole process of bringing a plant from seed to bloom, so too only one thing about Easter – i.e., Palm Sunday, Good Friday, or Easter Sunday, doesn’t truly do justice to the whole plan of salvation and all that God wants and desires for those who truly desire to be “born again” (John 3:7).

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus gave us freedom from sin and the power to continue to live free from its power and influences as well as to handle the temptations from the enemy Satan himself, but that was just the beginning of this new life.  We must continue to grow and the great part about it is we will not just blossom once, but many times during our life with Him by our side and with His power living in and through us.  Just like that plant, we need water, but not just any water will do.  We need to tap into the “Living Water” that is Christ Jesus.  Jesus the following as recorded by the Apostle John – “…whoever drinks of the water I shall give Him shall never thirst.  But the water I shall give him shall become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).  We drink Him in through daily prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship.  Part of that includes edifying one another as well as holding each other accountable – “…speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15&16).  That’s the nourishing elements of fellowship within the Body and with the Son.

We also need that most crucial element, Light so we are aware of the dangers and so our path is well lit and all potential pitfalls made known.  Jesus is that Light and He Himself said, “I am the light of the world.  He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).  The great thing about this is we don’t just partake of the Light that is Jesus; we become purveyors to other lost and dying souls in the world so that they too may partake of the saving grace of Jesus.

So the next time you hear a simple statement like “April showers bring May flowers”, remember how much more truly lies beneath the surface of such a statement.  As I now say to you “Happy Easter”, I hope much more comes to your mind now than merely a cross and a tomb.  I trust the total truth that is Easter will come to mind, a renewed relationship restored by a Son willing to pay a price for us that we could never pay on our own.  And now when I say, “He is Risen!”  Your response will not just be the words “He is Risen Indeed”, but you will be reminded of what His resurrection means for you!

                                    Dean

Missions News

            The Bangor Liberty Missions Committee has selected the Kaimosi Hospital in Kenya for our monthly mission pledge starting the 3rd Sunday in April through March 2008. The work of the Kaimosi Hospital began in 1911 as a dispensary.  The present structure of the hospital was erected in the1960’s.  Thru the years the hospital has deteriorated and is in need of much repair.  The immediate need for the hospital is a new roof, which our Mission Pledges will go toward.  The hospital serves an area of about 100,000 people so the need is great.  Even in the run down condition there were still over 2,200 patients in 2004.  Friends United Meeting and East Africa Yearly Meeting signed an agreement and will take governance of the Hospital and get it back to its original use.  We hope that you will prayerfully consider this opportunity to be a part of this Mission work. 

Other news from the Friends Theological College in Kenya is that they are into the second semester of school and report that    nearly all the students performed very well on their exams last term.  Since affiliating with St. Paul ‘s in May of 2004, FTC students have performed competitively with students from other colleges.  The faculty has a reputation for being severe in marking exams, but are encouraged to keep their standards high.  The Edith Ratcliff Memorial Library at FTC marks the 10th anniversary of its renewal.  Edith Ratcliff was a much-loved American missionary who spent 57 years as a nurse and was generous with her encouragement and devotion to pastoral training.  She passed away in 2003, and the library is a symbol of her devotion to the people of Kenya.  With the help of many, the missionary people have worked to build up the library and bring the resources up to date.  The FTC community is blessed to have easy access to so many excellent books and other learning materials. 

-BL Missions Committee 

Library Ledge:   

A Time to Laugh

            Finally the experts tell us there’s something we like to do that’s good for us!  It’s laughter!  Doctors say it works wonders for their patients’ health and well-being, and pastors know that the most effective Christians find something to laugh about no matter what comes their way.

            You’ll find lots of laughs on the library ledge during April, but be assured these books will also give you food for thought.  You’ll find: Humor for the Heart, Quaker Chuckles, Audio: Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt, Video: Life on the Lighter Side and DVD: Have I Got a Story for You.  And don’t forget the Veggie Tales – fun for kids of all ages!

            Remember: A good laugh is like manure to a farmer – it does the most good when you spread it around!

Easter Services

-Sunrise Service, 6:30 am at Royal Ranch.  In case of rain, service at the church.

-Breakfast at the church after Sunrise Service.  Quaker Men will prepare and serve breakfast.

-Praise Service, 9:00 a.m.

-Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.

-Morning Worship, 10:30 a.m.

Come celebrate our Lord’s resurrection!

Ladies Spring Fling

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

Saturday, April 14

9:00 a.m.

Guest Speaker, Mary Porter

and Suzi Q

Children’s Church

On April 1st we’ll be making Resurrection Rolls for BLFC and preparing decorations for Easter.  April 15th we’ll continue our study of the 10 Commandments with a review of #8.  Our service project will be to provide treat bags to be given out at the Stork’s Nest ministry in Marshalltown.

Liberty USFW

          Ladies of Liberty USFW will meet at Gladys Lane’s home on April 11th at 7:00 p.m.  Lora Bachman is co-hostess.  This is a change in location from the program books.  The annual USFW Thank Offering will be taken at the meeting.

Bangor USFW

The ladies will gather at 1:30 on April 17th at Betty Arterburn’s home in Marshalltown.  Peggy will bring the program and Naomi will provide refreshments.  Ladies are asked to bring greeting cards or heavy stock calendars with spring type photos, which we will use to make small boxes.  These will be filled with candy and be given to a local nursing home.

New Bible Study:  “12 Ordinary Men”

            A new Bible study centered on the 12 disciples has begun.  The study starts with an overview of Christ and His purposes for these men and then looks at each one specifically.  Through this study you’ll learn of their doubts and hopes and hear the power of Jesus’ words in a new way.  If Christ can accomplish His purposes through the lives of men like these, imagine what He has in store for us!  Join the group at 7:00 at the church each Monday evening, as we learn and grow together.

Volunteer Banquet

            All who have volunteered at the House of Compassion this past year are invited to a banquet on Thursday, April 12th at 6:00 pm, at 1st United Methodist Church, 202 W Main Street in Marshalltown.

Summer Camp

Camp Quaker Heights registrations for summer camp are due May 21st at the Iowa Yearly Meeting Office, PO Box 657, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.  Please let Scott Davis know by May 13th if you plan to attend camp, so camp scholarship funds can be allocated.  Extra registrations at the church.

Vacation Bible School

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

Avalanche Ranch

Monday evening thru Friday evening

June 4th - 8th

Sunday, June 3 - Family Picnic

Sunday, June 10 - VBS Program

To volunteer for VBS contact Pastor Dean Lambdin or Veronica Daniel.

Bangor Friends Cemetery Association Annual Meeting,

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

Sunday, April 29, 2:00 p.m.

Special Weekend with Gwen Diaz

Grace Community Friends Church in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa will be holding a special outreach weekend with renowned speaker and author, Gwen Mitchell Diaz, and everyone is invited!  Gwen will be sharing about teen issues, parenting, her relationship with God, and much more! 

Scheduled events:

-Friday, April 20, 7 pm - Teen Night ($2.00 to get in - pizza provided)

-Saturday, April 21, 11 am - Women’s Luncheon - $7.00 - registration forms available at the church - due April 17

-Saturday, April 21, 6 pm - General Service with Gwen as speaker (free)

-Sunday, April 22, 10 am - General Service with Gwen as speaker (free)

Each event will be held at Mount Pleasant Christian School with free will offerings.

Opportunities!

*Members of College Avenue Friends Church of Oskaloosa are planning a mission trip to Jamaica, July 7-16.  They ask for prayer and financial support.  Check out the invitation letter posted at the church.

*Iowa Friends have opportunity to host African exchange students thru Iowa Resource for International Service to promote peace and justice among Muslims and Christians around the world.  Students will be in Iowa August to June 07-08. Email is posted on the bulletin board.

*Healthy Congregations Workshop, May 18-19, 2007, Roseville, Minnesota.  Discussion topics feature what is the focus of Healthy Congregations.  Want more information? See Pastor Dean.