Freedom
As the weather gets warmer and school lets out for the summer, I think back to all those years I was in school. I used to hang out between classes, during study halls, after school, and on Friday nights my buddy Matt and I would jump into his candy apple red Sunbird and cruise the town looking for people to meet up with or race at the green lights. School had its fun times but it also had its stressful times. I remember struggling with homework, exams, my appearance, certain teachers, a couple of my peers, extra-curricular activities, and trying to become my own person in a place where conformity was popularity. My favorite memories about high school are those last few days of the year when all the kids get excited, the teachers start to get a little more relaxed, and in the back of everyone’s mind was the countdown to freedom! Summer vacation, the time of the year when all of the stress and pressures of school go by the wayside for almost three whole months! No more rules, dress codes, bells telling me that I was running late, no more popular and unpopular, and no more trying to fit in and conforming to the norm. During the summer I could be me, just the way I wanted to be, no deadlines or cliques, there was just freedom. Now that I am older and married with two young boys I don’t have summer vacations when I can just take a break from life, but there is a greater freedom that I have learned to know. This freedom is taught in Galatians 5:1 where Paul says that, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” This freedom I will take with me for the rest of my life because it is Christ who has given it to me and there is no time of the year when it comes and then goes, nor is there any person that can take it from me. This freedom that Paul teaches is freedom from the pressures of trying to follow a law that no human had ever been able to follow. Paul says in verse 6 that what counts is faith expressing itself through love and not trying to be justified by following a set of rules and regulations. This freedom is given to us just because Christ wants us to be able to live free in Him. Are you remembering this freedom as you journey through life? Remember this freedom and be free, as Christ has given it to us for that purpose. Pastor Nathan
Concert Under the StarsBangor Liberty Friends Church Sunday, July 19, 2009 6:30 p.m.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Refreshments afterwards
Invite your family and friends!
VBS FINALEIt was a lively, energy-filled week with at total of 32 children and teens at BLFC for Crocodile Dock. Adults and children enjoyed Bible dramas, games, crafts, music, skits and treats. Throughout VBS we learned that our powerful God is with always us; He keeps his promises and gives us life because He cares for us so much. We pray that each one will remember these Bible truths for a long time to come! During the week the kids brought $141.50 for Bikes for Boys in Belize. At the Friday program $140.01 was given for Belize and $140.00 given to the Red Cross with our Comfort Critter turtles. Thanks for the time, prayers, and financial gifts given. If you missed receiving a free CD of photos, just ask Isaac Good. If you still have your evaluation, fill it out and return it to Margaret. Your input will be helpful for next year when we’ll likely be traveling on a “High Seas Expedition”!
From Friends United Press Friends United Press, part of Friends United Meeting, mourns the loss of author, Tom Mullen, while celebrating his legacy of humor, love, and the ministry of writing. Remember Tom through his books: Living Longer and Other Sobering Possibilities, Laughing Out Loud, Where 2 or 3 are Gathered…Someone Spilled the Milk, A Very Good Marriage, now available at a 50% discount in memory of his ministry through Friends United Press. Enter coupon code TOM (all caps) upon checkout to receive your discount. Offer expires August 2, when Tom would have celebrated his 75th birthday.
House of Compassion Report We were asked to do an extra meal on June 12th. 25 from BLFC made possible a meal of grilled cheese or tuna fish sandwiches, green beans and bacon, mixed fruit, seasoned potatoes, pumpkin bars, yellow cake with chocolate frosting, or angel food cake with cherry pie filling and whipped topping, and drinks for 40 guests. June 25th was our regular monthly meal. 16 helped with our meal of goulash, garlic toast, creamed asparagus or peas, Jell-o with fruit, pudding, cookies, donuts, and drinks for 46 guests. Thanks to our great volunteers who donated food and funds, prepared, served and cleaned up the kitchen for these meals. Our next meal responsibility is July 30. Come share laughs and be blessed!
Family Camp 2009The Amazing RaceSeptember 18-19-20, 2009
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Details Coming Soon!
A Prayer for the FourthMay freedom be seen, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to please to do what is right. May it ever be understood that our liberty is under God and can be found nowhere else. May our faith be something that is not merely stamped upon our coins, but expressed in our lives…To the extent that America honors Thee, wilt Thou bless America, and keep her true as Thou hast kept her free, and make her good as Thou hast made her rich. Amen. -From The Prayers of Peter Marshall in the U.S. Senate
“The Living Stone and a Chosen People” I Peter 2:4-10
Iowa Yearly Meeting’s Annual Ministry Conference Thursday, July 30th through Sunday, August 2nd to be held at William Penn University and College Avenue Friends Church, Oskaloosa
Information and registrations for the annual sessions are available at the church. Registrations are due by July 15th so that final totals for meals and lodging can be given to WPU and to workers for Youth Programming.
Children’s Yearly Meeting will meet at College Avenue Friends and at the Yearly Meeting Park, Thursday, July 30, 1-5 p.m., Friday, July 31, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Christian Education Committee of IAYM is in charge of the programming. Children should bring a swimsuit and towel.
Young Friends will be staying again at the Twin Towers at WPU with Chip Daleske, our new IAYM Youth Director, leading the group.
The annual Missions Banquet will be held Saturday at noon with guest speaker, Eirena Diana Escalona Gonzalez from Moa, Holguin, Cuba. The challenges and ministry of Cuba Yearly Meeting will be shared. A buffet style meal will be served and a special offering will be taken for Mission’s work.
Tentative Schedule: Thursday, July 30 -Morning - Board Meetings, registration -Afternoon - Body of Representatives Meeting, Dinner served at WPU -Evening - Worship at College Avenue Friends “Concert of Prayer” led by Mary Glenn Hadley
Friday, July 31 -Morning - Breakfast at WPU Bible Hour with Mike Moyer Body of Reps Meeting Lunch served at WPU -Afternoon - Workshops (tentative) Quakerdale, EFM Rep, Friends Bringing Hope, Cuba Work Trip, Kaimosi Hospital Dinner served at WPU -Evening - Worship at College Avenue Friends Featuring EFM Representative
Saturday, August 1 -Morning - Breakfast at WPU Bible Hour with EFM Representative Quaker men and USFW Meetings -Afternoon Noon Missions Banquet Free time with Golf, swimming, biking, etc. -Evening - Catered Picnic, Edmundson Park Shelter House Worship at Park featuring Nathan McCracken And Tim Hadley
Sunday, August 2 -Morning - Continental Breakfast at College Avenue Friends Worship at College Avenue with Ron Bryan Speaking Recording Service followed by a Reception.
Minor Prophets Bible StudyWhat can we learn from the Minor Prophets? Habakkuk tackles the question, “Why does God permit evil?” In Zephaniah we will hear prophecy about God’s judgment and the tribulation. Join the discussion at 7:00 each Monday night in the fellowship hall.
Bangor USFWSince we missed some winter meetings we’ll be gathering during the summer months. On July 21st we’ll meet at Jeanette Roe’s home in Clemons at 1:30. The program will be announced in the bulletin. All ladies are welcome to attend and enjoy the fellowship.
Attention, Parents, Kids! Remember to check out the Children’s Library in the fellowship hall this summer. Not only will you find lots of great books for preschool through high school age, but you’ll also see many family videos, DVD’s and audiotapes. The audios could provide great entertainment during summer travels. We have several books about Moses for those who want to learn more about him after Crocodile Dock. And don’t forget to check out the music CD’s and Chadder videos from past VBS years. Take a little time to visit the bookshelves in the fellowship hall.
Bus To IAYM Contact Rick Bachman if you would like to ride a motor coach bus to Iowa Yearly Meeting in Oskaloosa on Saturday, August 1st. The bus would originate at Honey Creek- New Providence Church then come to Bangor Liberty and then head SE, stopping along the way to gather other riders. Saturday morning activities include Bible Hour with an EFM Representative, Quakermen’s and USFW meetings. The annual Missions Banquet will be held at noon with a guest speaker from Cuba Yearly Meeting. There will be free time in the afternoon for golfing, swimming, bike riding, etc. A catered picnic will held at Edmunson Park and then Pastor Nathan and Pastor Tim Hadley will be leading the Saturday evening Worship service. Information and registration forms for IAYM are available at the church. More information about the bus ride and cost will be available soon.
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 850 students with backpacks and supplies. Our church is asked to help provide the following: wide line notebook paper, 3-ring notebooks, pocket folders, facial tissue, scissors, black and blue erasable pens, spiral notebooks, wide line washable markers, erasers (pencil tip & regular) and colored pencils. A box will be available in the entryway for your purchases. Financial help is welcome also. Please bring items or funds by Sunday, July 30. Thanks in advance for giving smiles to the faces of children.
MissionsBarber Family Belize Update: The Barber kids are having fun inventing games and hunting crabs. They are thankful for another family with children close to their ages. The caretaker’s son, Carlos, is 13 and speaks English so he is able to translate when necessary. The Barbers ask that we pray for their ability to learn the language to better communicate with students at the Friends Boys School. Becky (Mom) is enjoying watching and listening to the birds. Orioles wake her each morning. But the geckos in their house and the mosquitoes and sand flies are not as enjoyable. Please pray for the boys at the school. One young man who attends the school chose the following prayer to hang in his classroom. “Father God, I don’t want to ruin my life by making a foolish choice. Help me to steer clear of sin and temptation.” In Belize where the only hope for their future lies in education, the Friends Boys School offers a vital service. Keep the Barber family in your prayers. A daughter’s broken arm is now healing but their work permits are still not finalized. Also remember to give financially for their support the third Sunday of each month.
Library Ledge: It’s Time to Laugh! Erma Bombeck knew the importance of laughter. "If I could live my life over, I would have laughed more." People who laugh are pleasant to be with. The importance of laughter can never be underestimated. It is a part of life. Scientists have proven laughter makes for good health. When a person laughs, endorphins are released. They make a person feel good, relieving stress and indirectly reducing one's risks of suffering a heart attack and other health problems. Laughing relaxes facial muscles that become tense on long working days. Laughter creates 'laugh lines' in a face, giving the person a kindly look, as opposed to wrinkles and creases caused by stress and unhappiness, which age a person. In India a group, called the Laugh Club, gather occasionally and laugh for a few minutes without stopping. Laughter is a powerful thing! Amidst the drudgery and toil of life, if we can learn to laugh, we can learn to live, to press on. Laughter is a reaffirmation of life. It is hope. Erma was right; we should all laugh more! You’ll find books, DVD’s and books-on-tape on the Library Ledge to help you laugh during July. Check them out and improve your health!
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