What about the Good News?
So, what about the good news? I hear the words, ”The Good News” said all the time in reference to the ministry of Jesus Christ but I rarely hear it explained as to what that good news is. Do we remember what the good news is? And if we do what does it mean in our hearts? The good news is found all over the New Covenant (New Testament) in the Bible. We hear the words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I think this may be the most well known verse in the Bible concerning the good news. We read the words of Paul in Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” This is one of my personal favorites along with verses 38 and 39 in the same chapter - “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” These should be the most powerful and comforting words any Christian can read, but what if they aren't? Sometimes I read these words with little or no emotion, and other times I am overwhelmed with the victory of my Jesus. It is the times when they don't provoke emotion that I realize how my heart has forgotten what it once was before the good news of Christ began to transform my life. Did you know that there is more to the good news than just Jesus dying for your sins? You can find it after John 3:16 has been read, but do we read on or do we stop after that one verse thinking that it is all we need? Let's read on in verses 18 through 21, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” What do these verses mean to me? They mean that not only has Jesus saved me but He is also the light that reveals my darkness. When you give yourself to Christ you are letting him bring your darkness, your sins, into the light so you can realize how great and awesome is the grace of God! And verse 18 says that because we are in Christ we can have our sins exposed and not be condemned! When we let Jesus bring our darkness into light we can be transformed and once He begins to transform you, you realize how great the message of salvation, the good news really is! How good is the “Good News” to you? -Pastor Nathan
In MemoryEugene Wolfley, former pastor of Bangor Friends Church, passed away at his home in Ankeny, Iowa on August 9, 2010. A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 28th in West Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends, PO Box 657, Oskaloosa IA 52577 for the Worthington Friends Church in Kingston, Jamaica. Eugene was pastor at Bangor Friends from 1958 until 1963. His wife, Fran, daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren survive him. He was a faithful servant, living out the verses - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Remember In Prayer~Our college youth who are back on campus or there for their first semester of study. ~Eugene Wolfley’s Family following his death. ~Sam & Becky Barber & family back in Belize- their financial funding is low at this time. ~Morgan Martin has returned to Coe College working with students on campus through InterVarsity. ~Nathan & Brianna Martin in Cambodia ~Victor & Brenda White, Mesquakie Friends Center ~Our Prayer Partners ~FUM is partnering with Odyssey Networks (formerly Faith and Values Media) in the “Million Minutes for Peace Campaign,” working to collect one million pledges to pray for peace for one minute, at noon, on the United Nations International Day of Peace (September 21). To participate in this day of peace, visit http://amillionminutesforpeace.org/.
Join us! Wednesday Evening Program New Sessions! 7 p.m. Classes/Studies offered now: *Preschoolers - 5th Grade *Jr. High/Youth *Adult Studies- “Study of Job” “Small Changes for a Better Life” “Lies Women Believe” *Nursery available for younger kids. + Meals are held 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wed. at 6:15 p.m. Service Project monthly
Thank You! Dear Church, Thank you for sending me to camp. I love it! My favorite part was games. And I learned God loves everyone. Love, Victoria Stanfield
Thank you all for the cards, memorials, condolences and many ways you demonstrated your sympathy following Mom’s death. You are truly a caring, thoughtful congregation. Mom missed her church and all her friends. You were a big part of our family’s lives and still are. Marilyn Kroll and Jerry Holveck
BLFC Youth NewsThe Youth will start their new book study on Wednesday, September 8. The youth will continue to meet on Sunday evenings as well, the 1st and 4th Sundays of each month during the school year, beginning on Sunday, September 26th from 5-7 p.m. at Ray and Robin Willits’ home. The Youth are also planning to participate in the Christmas Shoebox project again. They will start collecting items, boxes and funds for postage soon.
Attention Parents! Children’s Church will be held September 12th and 26th and will continue to meet twice a month during the school year. Kids, age 4 through Grade 4, are welcome to participate. They will be dismissed to the fellowship hall following the children’s message during Worship. (Those under age 4 are welcome in the nursery.) The program includes Bible lessons, service projects to our church and community, and fun activities to encourage the children as they learn to live like Jesus. -Margaret Good
Specials & Blessings Contact Peggy Martin during September or John Good in October if you would like to volunteer a special/blessing for Morning Worship or if you would have a suggestion.
Bangor USFWOur September meeting will be Tuesday the 21st, 1:30 at the home of Ann Nichols in Marshalltown. Barbara Jo Morgan will provide the refreshments. Arlen Daleske will be sharing about his new ministry to the community, “Providential Homes”.
Liberty USFWThe ladies of Liberty USFW will start their new year off by meeting at Kay Feltz’s home on Thursday, September 23rd at 7 p.m. Anyone interested is welcome to join.
Ladies, Mark Your Calendars! All ladies are welcome to attend the USFW Fall Retreat at Camp Quaker Heights on Saturday, October 9th. Guest speakers will be Mary Glenn Hadley and Charlotte Stangeland. Cost is $10 for lunch and program. Pre-register with Evelyn Cook by phone - 641-497-5484 or contact Margaret Good or Sharon Johnson.
Mission NewsMOWA Choctaw Friends Center Tim and Ann Kendall invite you to come to quiet, rural Alabama to rest. It is their desire to bless the weary. They are close to the Mobile Airport and Pensacola, 1 hour from historic Mobile, and 2 hours from the Gulf. While not the Hilton, they will do all they can to help you recharge and restore. The lodge kitchen is available for meals or you may enjoy the small town cafes close by. There is limited wireless and they are working on TV. A library is stocked with vintage books of all sorts. Contact them at 251-829-6507 with your questions or to reserve a date.
News From Morgan Martin “As year two on Coe Campus gears up, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have people partnering with me in God’s work. This year with a budget increase, I am looking for new partners. I am praying for God to provide about $2000 a month of financial support in order to reach my ministry budget of $51,400. Will you prayerfully consider a partnership with God’s work at Coe? Contact me by email at morgan.m.martin@gmail.com or 641-750-7058. This is a very busy season. Pray that I won’t forget where my source of life comes from. As students return to campus pray that God will help us love them into the Kingdom.”
Library Ledge: Biography Buddies Buddy up to a biography…make new friends or learn more about an old one. Following are just a few of the varied personal stories available to give you inspiration and challenge. Rebel With a Cause – audiotapes by Franklin Graham shares his account of how he struggled and matured in his faith as the son of Billy Graham. Though None Go With Me follows the life of Elisabeth Grace Bishop, which stands as an “experiment in obedience” to God’s will. Carver’s George tells how this orphaned slave boy became a man with a self-effacing personality and an artistic sense that brought goodness from everything he touched. Check out the library ledge … you’ll find growth there.
Special Thanks to Brent Rogers for his wonderful work on constructing the new covered walkway over our main entrance. The funds for this project were provided by a gift from Shirley Settle’s estate for which we are especially thankful and appreciative.
VBS FinaleIt was a lively, energy-filled week with a total of 37 children and teens coming for at least one night with an average of 30 and 25 staff. We learned that God’s Word is true, comforting, surprising, life changing and for everyone! (Let’s Go!) Three Bibles were given to kids who didn’t have one. Many school supplies were collected for the HOC give-away. During the week $250.50 was donated for bio-sand water filters in Kenya and 6 Jesus Loves You blankets were tied and given to the Red Cross. At the program $270 was collected and shared between HOC and the water filters. Thanks for the time, prayers, and financial gifts given! A free CD of photos is still available, check at the church or contact Isaac Good. You’ll want to see all the fun we had! Volunteers: 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 to China!
Signs and WondersSign outside Struthers (OH) Presbyterian Church: Honk if you love Jesus – Text while driving if you’d like to meet Him.
A church put up a huge banner above the front door to celebrate Christianity. The banner read, “Open wide the doors to Christ.” Directly below, taped to the door, a smaller sign was posted: “Please help us conserve energy. Use other doors.”
Sign in front of Huxley (IA) Veterinary Clinic: “1000’s of years ago cats were worshipped as gods. Cats will never forget.” -Copied
The House of Compassion Supply Closet Team wants to thank you for contributing school supplies at the bus and/or at your church. We were able to give out school bags to children who would have otherwise gone without, or at the very least, found it a hardship for the family to buy what they needed. With your help, we were able to collect supplies and give out 811 backpacks or bags at St. Paul's and many additional Ziploc bags filled with supplies at HOC the following week (no backpacks). Families expressed gratitude, and hundreds of thank you notes were left from students and parents alike. Thanks so much for helping to make the beginning of school so much more enjoyable for many students! Thank you, Bangor Liberty Friends, for all the supplies you gave in love to our community. Many kids were blessed by them. Sincerely, The HOC Supply Closet Team
HOC Meal On August 26th, 17 provided a meal for 50 guests. Join us next on September 23. You’ll likely receive a blessing in return. Jean told us 9 guests were staying in the shelter. Also 75 bags of school supplies were given out at the supply closet so 886 students have been helped so far. Thanks to all who help make this ministry possible.
Meals from the Heartland Report: Recently 18 people from BLFC spent 2 hours packaging 39 cases of food bags equaling 8424 meals. These were a part of the 4,490,640 prepared at HyVee Hall to send to hungry people in Iowa, New Mexico, Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti and South Africa. $40,000 is still needed by the agency to cover meal cost.
-Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace, and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of it. -Copied
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