Training Wheels
This past week we had our first really nice days of spring. I mean the sun was bright, the air was warm, and the trees covered themselves with buds in anticipation of the spring. All winter long my boys have been trapped inside the house with only as much room to run as the basement will allow. It has been about six months since they have been able to play on the playground, dig in the dirt, and ride bikes and trikes. And now they are having a blast trying to catch up on all the things that they haven't been able to do during the winter! Two days ago I was working in the garage when Tyler, my four year old, rode up to me on his bike and asked,” Hey daddy, you know you could maybe take my training wheels off my bike so I can ride without them now?” To which I replied excitedly,” You bet buddy, it may take some practice but I bet you could ride without them.” “Yeah, well I'm really bigger now than I was,” Tyler confidently added. So I took the training wheels off and helped Tyler put on his helmet to begin his first lesson in riding without training wheels. I was thinking what a great time this was going to be with all the hard work and the new learning curve of balance and how proud both he and I would be when I let go and he is able to keep the bike up and balanced. I was thinking what a great week it would be going out and spending time each day learning this new talent (one that I wasn't able to learn until at least five or six). He got on the bike and I began pushing him out to the end of the drive. I had a tight grip on the back of his sweatshirt to help him balance. I was thinking about the steps we would have to take to get to where he was comfortable with me not holding on so tight and then to where I could be running beside him without holding on when I heard him say, ”Ok, Dad, let go now!” I was pretty surprised when I heard him say that after only 30 feet of riding he wanted me to let him go. I was even more surprised when I did let go and he didn't fall over! Not only did he not fall over but he was pedaling hard, leaning into turns, and basically looking like he had been riding for months! Tyler was so excited that he wanted to call all of his friends and have them come over and watch him ride. We called the family and Tyler exclaimed to each person how he could ride with just two wheels. After each call he would strut about with his chest puffed out and his head held high because he knew how much he had grown over the winter. As I think about this exciting new time in Tyler's life I also look at mine and ask, “Where am I still using my training wheels when I should be big enough to ride on two?” Training wheels are a type of crutch or safety net for your bicycle. They let you learn the basics of bike riding, pedaling, steering, and braking, without falling over. But what they also do is inhibit you from learning the essentials of riding, like balance. So what about me? In my Christian walk where am I still using crutches when God has called me to walk or run with Him? I may find safety in the crutch but until I let them go I will not be able to follow when the path gets hard or keep up when the pace gets beyond what my crutch allows me to do. In Hebrew's 5:11-14 we are called to spiritual growth. The author is frustrated with the Christians because they have been believers a long time and yet they still need to be taught the basics of God's word. He compares them to babies who need milk opposed to solid food. The milk is for the infant who does not know right or wrong, but solid food is for those who are maturing and growing and I ask myself, “Where am I still drinking milk when God has called me to set down the bottle and eat solids?” Or in other words, “Where, in my life, has God asked me to take off the training wheels and let Him teach me how to ride? How about you? -Pastor Nathan
You are Invited! Spring Services at BLFC with special guests Stacie Ruth and Carrie Beth Saturday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. Fellowship time afterwards
Sunday, April 11th, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Family Camp meal afterwards Free will offering Enjoy inspiring speaking, acting and singing. Stacie Ruth and her sister, Carrie Beth seek to give all credit to their Rescuer and Redeemer, Jesus Christ!
Library Ledge: Prayer Power! During April the books on the library ledge will remind you of the power of prayer. A Passion for Prayer seeks to help us develop a prayer habit and a more effective prayer life by sharing the principles of prayer and challenging you to pray a matter through to its conclusion. This book will strengthen you in your boldness and desire as you daily come to Jesus in prayer. The Incredible Power of Prayer reminds us we should never rush off to do God’s work before we have adequate prayer support. The Power of a Praying Parent instructs us to place every detail of our child’s life in God’s loving and capable hands. Whatever your child’s age it is not too late to discover the joy of being a part of God’s work in their life through prayer. Visit our library this month for some encouragement for your prayer life.
All Hands on Deck! Mark the evenings of August 8-12 to explore the mighty love of God at our High Seas Expedition VBS! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure through God's Word awash with fun for kids age 3-teens. Everyone involved in this VBS will dive into God's Word to experience amazing Bible adventures, learn exciting music, play Ship Rec games, eat tasty Galley meals and more. Adults and teens please pray as to how you can help with this important community ministry and tell Kris or Margaret how God is leading you. Pass along this news to friends & family and get ready for a vast voyage through God's Word this summer!
Thank You! A big thank you to all adults, youth and children who have helped with our painting project in the Sunday School rooms, nursery, hallway and bathroom. Additionally there have been other projects completed along with the painting - new ceilings and lighting, shelving, some heat run work, etc. and we thank the men and women who have helped with those. Special thanks to Don Davis for bringing a crew to help out as well. And we can’t forget the ladies who have furnished snacks!
House of Compassion On March 25th, we served 46 guests generous helpings of liver & onions, meat & potato casserole, green beans & bacon, rolls, mixed fruit, leftover Jello, pudding, blueberry dump cake, milk & coffee. Thank you to all of our great volunteers who provided food or funds, prepared or served, or came to clean up! Many gave their thanks before leaving. The board member who opened the shelter stayed and ate a meal and gave his appreciation, noting that our church always serves a great meal. It’s such a nice opportunity for fellowship. I heard or participated in conversations about sports, college studies, neighbors, childhood memories, grandchildren, and missions. Join in the fun on April 29.
Remember In Prayer ~Our missionaries, Sam & Becky Barber, Nathan & Brianna Martin, Victor & Brenda White ~Morgan Martin with InterVarsity ~Quaker Heights Camp staff preparing for the upcoming workday for and the summer camping season. ~Our Church: -Spirit-led volunteers to be worship leader assistants -Spirit-led people to be members of a prayer support team for Nathan & Shandra -Youth leaders to minister to our youth -Joyful volunteers for VBS. -Our Prayer Partners
Quaker Heights Camps-2010June 4-6 - College Weekender June 11-13 - High School Weekender June 13-18 - Junior High Camp June 20-25 - High School Camp June 25-27 - Little Fry Camp (K-2 Gr) June 27-30 - Fry Camp (3rd -4th Grade)
Camp Brochures are available at the Church if you have not picked one up.
Mission Update Thanks! The total given for the Barber’s at the Belize Boys Home from April 2009-March 2010 was $3,136.51! Your generosity is always heart warming. The Missions Committee trusts you will continue to give faithfully to our new project beginning the third Sunday of April. Please fill out your pledge card and return it to Scott Davis by April 11. We will be supporting the Lindi Friends School, Nairobi, Kenya. The school is set in the midst of Nairobi's sprawling Kibera slum. Many of the children live in shelters made of produce sacks and cardboard. Nearly 200 children crowd into the small school with no pencils, papers or books. They learn by singing and repeating what the teacher says. Each time a child learns something new that child takes one step closer to a life outside the Kibera slum. Parents must provide the 1000 shillings for fees and 600 for a uniform. Books are 1000 shillings a year and the eight teachers receive 5,000 shillings per month. Lindi Friends School gives a healthy meal to their students. This may be the only food they eat that day. The school relies on donations to cover these expenses and appreciates the prayers and support of friends in Iowa.
On Palm Sunday, a five-year-old boy had to stay home with a sore throat, and missed church. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm branches. When the boy asked what the branches were for, his mother told him, “People held them over Jesus’ head as He walked by.” “Wouldn’t you know it!” the boy fumed. “The one Sunday I don’t go, He shows up!” —Columnist Smiley Anders
Bus Trip to Sturgeon Bay Friends for the Winneshiek Quarterly Meeting, July 10-11th. Total Cost: Approximately $318 per person plus food stops and shopping. Will depart Friday, July 9 and return Sunday, July 11. Ron Bryan needs to know how many people would be willing to make this commitment by April 15 (contact the office either by email or phone iaym@mahaska.org or 641-673-9717). If there are not at least 27 people interested in the bus travel then carpooling arrangements will be arranged.
Liberty USFWLadies of Liberty USFW will meet at Gladys Lane’s home on Wednesday evening, April 14 at 7 p.m. Kay will share a lesson and Robin will bring devotions and be co-hostess.
Children’s Church We’ll meet in the fellowship hall after the children’s message on April 18th and 25th. Our lessons continue on the topic of joy. Service projects will be to make Joy Lights to share and to provide a meal for church couples married 40 years or more. Children age 4 through grade 4 are encouraged to participate.
Special Concert! On Sunday, April 18th a special concert featuring Michael Card will be held at the BCLUW High School sponsored by the Ivester Church and Kruse Music. A beef burger dinner will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. Tickets for the concert are only $12. Proceeds from the free will offering dinner will go to the Food Resource Bank. Contact the Conrad United Methodist Church office or Bob Kruse (366-2402) to get tickets for the concert.
Bangor USFW On April 20th ladies will gather at 9:30 at Peggy Martin’s home in Marshalltown for the postponed workday to make pillowcases for Hospice. Lunch will be provided.
3rd Annual Ric Garrison Memorial Golf Scramble April 24, 2010 - Westwood Municipal Golf Course, Newton, Iowa
This tournament is a fundraiser designed to help source scholarships for college students within Iowa Yearly Meeting. It was started to provide scholarships for Ric Garrison’s children and their college education. A future goal is to be able to expand these scholarships to more students within Iowa Yearly Meeting. 3 Ways that You Can Help: -Send a team to play - scramble begins at 9:00 with a shotgun start -You can sponsor the tournament financially. There are 3 levels of sponsorship. -You can donate prizes for the event. There are pre-registration forms at the church. Questions? Contact Anthony Nieuwsma at 641-236-6412 or at newsma213@hotmail.com
Ladies Spring Fling - April 24, Middle River Friends, Carlisle, Iowa. Registration begins at 9:30. $10 retreat fee includes lunch, paid at the door. You do not have to be a member of USFW to attend. Childcare available. Hear the latest news from Camp Quaker Heights and enjoy good fellowship. Reserve with Sharon or Margaret by April 18.
May 1st Events Mark Saturday, May 1st on your calendars for two events happening in the area. The Quakerdale Wolfe Ranch near Marshalltown will be holding an Open House from 6 to 10 a.m. to showcase the changes and opportunities available at the facility. You are invited to come and see the ranch and have some breakfast. Then you can go to Camp Quaker Heights for a big workday to ready the camp for the camping season. There will be jobs available for all ages. Watch for further details on these events.
Spring Cleaning?? Do you have any extra beds you would be willing to share with House of Compassion clients? Many of the clients sleep on the floor or on unfit mattresses. Contact Jean Bergen at the HOC if you could help with this need. Phone her at 641-752-5999.
Specials & Blessings Please contact Peggy Martin (April) or John Good (May) if you would like to volunteer a special/blessing for Morning Worship or if you would have a suggestion.
God Will Provide I wanted to thank everyone for their faithful giving this past month. Our treasurer said we had the largest weekly (non-special) offering that he can remember! We also had two generous gifts mailed to us by friends from outside the area. With these combined blessings our General Fund balance is back in the black by a healthy margin, and with your continued support there it will stay. Praise God! Isaac Good, Stewardship Chairman
Easter ReflectionsThe Christian faith is based on an empty tomb. On the third day after the world did its very worst to Jesus, God won. God would not allow His Son to remain dead and raised Him to life again. “Easter shouts to every dark place in the world that brokenness, disappointment, failure, heartbreak, and death are not the final words. The final word is the love of God. The gift of Easter – a second, third, or infinite number of opportunities to start all over again. This is the very practical message of Easter.” —Rev. David Elsensohn in The Anglican Digest |