From Our M & C Clerk,
When Nathan and Shandra shared with me on the evening of January 13th that they felt God leading them back to Ohio, I could hardly help but be excited for them because they were so excited about it. I was saddened at the same time because I knew I would miss their ministry with us. Nathan’s sermons were given from the heart and spoke to me because they came from his personal life and reflected the struggles that we all experience. He did not preach down to us but at times was very passionate, which could be a little threatening to some. The musical talents that he, Shandra, Lucas and Kari brought to us were astounding. I feel so privileged and blessed to have been able to experience worship with them, even in the short time they were with us. It was definitely not a mistake to have hired them, nor to allow them to move on. I believe we gained a lot from their being here and I believe they gained a lot from being with us. I know it was not always smooth sailing but growth can come during times of struggle. I will be the first to admit that I was a little upset, looking selfishly at the additional work this would create for me. I will also have to admit that this slowly turned to anger when Nathan called me at 8 a.m. on February 2nd to let me know of the offer to return to his old job. While on my way down to Des Moines to pick up a driver that afternoon, I finally had an opportunity to call Ron Bryan. I also talked to Rick that evening but ran out of time to contact any other Ministry & Counsel members. M & C had discussed and approved in our meeting on January 16th the possibility of releasing Nathan earlier than the end of June if a job opportunity came up. He needed to accept or turn down the aforementioned offer by February 3rd, so when he called me at work that morning I gave him permission to send out a phone tree announcement about their decision. I know M & C members were thinking an earlier release than the end of June would be more in the range of a month or two, not five. I know it is also hard to understand why we/I allowed it to happen. Even though this was painful, I firmly believe forcing them to stay would have been more detrimental to our church body. I could be wrong, I’ve been wrong before. It is very evident that God is still providing for our body. Linda Garrison’s willingness to help us through McCracken’s last Sunday was exceptional. Arlen Daleske’s availability to be our interim pastor is much more than coincidence. I’m truly encouraged to see people stepping up to fill the gaps in other areas as well. God has been preparing us and has so much more in store for us, if only we will continue seeking Him.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…You will see me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11, 13
-John Good, Ministry & Counsel Clerk
Thank You! Bangor Liberty’s church family wants to express our appreciation to our Ministry and Counsel members for the time and energy they have spent in meetings and in prayer individually as they lead us through this period of change. We are grateful for their faithfulness, dedication and leadership, along with Arlen Daleske stepping in as our interim pastor. With their leadership we move forward and our Spring Services and Easter Services will be held in April. We are trusting that God will reveal our new pastor in His timing.
Remember In Prayer~BLFC Ministry & Counsel members and our pastoral search committee ~Morgan Martin as she is very busy on campus and preparing for her wedding, resting secure in His guidance, provision & protection. ~Nathan & Shandra, Tyler & Jaron McCracken as they settle into their new home in Ohio. ~Our snowbirds, for safe travel home to IA! ~Camp Quaker Heights staff as they plan for the summer camping season. -Sam & Becky Barber & Family in Belize and for their students at the school, that they master and retain what they need to know for their April exam. ~Kaimosi Hospital in Kenya and Judy Davis from Des Moines as she is assisting there.
Signs & Wondersfrom churches around the U.S. -It’s a good time to thank God for warm friends. -Whoever is praying for snow, please stop! -God does not believe in atheists-Therefore atheists do not exist. -An enemy takes up more space in our head than a friend in our heart. -In Michigan, after a long, cold winter, a business put up a sign that read “Think Spring” in early March. On the first day of spring, March 20, the area was hit by a snowstorm and sub-zero weather. The business replaced the sign with another message: “Forget Spring, Think Summer.”
Ladies - You Are Invited! What? Iowa USFW Spring Fling When? April 9, 2011, 9:30 am -2:45 pm *Registration, 9:30-10 am *Lunch, 12:00-1:00 pm Where? Middle River Friends in Carlisle Cost? $10 Theme - Sharing Our Gifts Iowa USFW ladies will be sharing gifts of music, puppetry, stories, “how to”, ministries and much more! Kenyan items, 2011-2012 reading course books, calendars and Blueprints will be available for purchase. Lunch will be soups, dinner rolls, relishes, desserts and drinks.
Young Friends Camps at CQH June 3-5 Youth Exec, College Weekender June 5-8 Fry Camp (grades 3,4) June 10-12 Little Fry (K-grade 2 with adult participant) June 12-17 Jr. High (grades 7,8) June 17-19 High School Weekender June 19-24 High School June 26-29 Fox Camp (grades 5,6)
Triennial Sessions Wilmington, Ohio July 27-31, 2011 Transforming Lives - Romans 12:2
Online registration and information is available at the FUM website
Catch the Excitement! Mirembe - Peace in the Community Curriculum
Friends have an opportunity to attend a “Mirembe” (peace) curriculum workshop in April. The closest one to BLFC is in Marshalltown at First Friends Church. The workshops will be held on Saturday, April 16 beginning with 8:30 registration and coffee, and wrapping up before noon.
At this workshop you will become familiar with the Mirembe material, see it in actual use, learn how to incorporate music with the curriculum, and be able to purchase the curriculum. There is no workshop fee, but if you would like purchase the entire curriculum, 2-7th grade with music CD, there will be a $45 charge. Contact IAYM to get a brochure and register before April 1st to guarantee being able to take home the curriculum.
Humor for the hard times The famous clown, Nasir Ed Din, was invited to speak in a church. He looked at the congregation, and asked, “Do you know what I’m going to say?” “No,” they answered. “Neither do I,” he said, and then exited. The next week he again asked the congregation, “Do you know what I’m going to say?” Since their previous response hadn’t worked, they said, “Yes.” “Good,” he responded, “then I don’t have to tell you.” Again he exited without another word. During the following week, the congregation got together to plan their response. They were confident they had him trapped. On Sunday, when he repeated his questions, “Do you know what I’m going to say?" they replied, “Some of us do and some of us don’t.” “Good! Then those who know, tell those who don’t.” He left a third time and was never invited back. -submitted
Children’s Church We’ll meet in the fellowship hall after the children’s message on March 6 & 27. Lessons will encourage the children to build Godly character. Our service projects will be to make treats for those at the Embers and for our HOC meal. Kids, age 4 through grade 4, are welcome to participate.
BL Christian Education is seeking a person to direct our Panda Mania VBS scheduled for July 10-15. Please prayerfully consider this position and contact Kris Young or another member of CE if you feel led to direct our Vacation Bible School.
Bangor USFWThe March meeting will be at Shirley Landt’s, 1:30 on the 15th. Ann will bring the lesson.
All-Church Family Gathering Everyone is invited to attend the all-church family gathering at the BCLUW school gym in Union on Sunday, March 20th, 4-7 p.m. Bring clean athletic shoes, card tables, folding chairs, games, and food to share. Mark your calendars for this fun evening of games and fellowship at the Union gym!
Liberty USFW Ladies of Liberty USFW invite adult members of the congregation to their Shamrock Smorgasbord Potluck on Thursday, March 17th beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Bring a dish or two to share and enjoy this evening of fellowship. Sign up with Kay Feltz if you plan to attend.
Spring Body of RepresentativesBangor Liberty Friends will be hosting the IAYM Spring Body of Representatives Meeting on Saturday, April 2nd. Ladies of the meeting will be providing a lunch. See Sharon Johnson or Margaret Good to help provide for the meal. A spring workday will be held at the church on Saturday, March 26. Watch the weekly bulletin for more details and times.
Spring Services at BLFC~Friday Evening, April 8th Arlen Daleske will be guest speaker and will share about his Providential Homes Ministry ~Saturday, April 9th Workday at one of the Providential homes ~Sunday, April 10th, Morning Worship Morgan Martin will be sharing more of her work with InterVarsity.
Easter Services~Good Friday Service, April 22 ~Kids Easter Celebration, Sat, April 23 ~Easter Sunrise Service, Sun, April 24 followed by the Easter Breakfast, Sunday School and Worship *Times and details will be announced as plans are continuing.
Specials & Blessings Contact Kay Feltz or Diane Teske if you have a special you’d like to share during a Worship Service, or if you would just like to play the hymns or the offertory some Sunday. Our pianists would welcome volunteers.
Looking Ahead…..to Golf!Garrison Memorial Scramble 9 a.m. shotgun start, April 30th Westwood Municipal Golf Course, Newton, IA. Questions? Contact Anthony Nieywsma at 641-236-6412 or at newsma213@hotmail.com
New Bible Study Hebrews: “Live by faith, not by sight” Hebrews not only challenges us to live by faith; it provides us with many practical examples of how this is done. We will be encouraged to press on to deeper spiritual understanding and Christian maturity. Hebrews instructs us as to how to better “abide in Christ” the “author and finisher of our faith”. Hebrews exalts the person and work of Jesus Christ, prompting us to draw near to Him. Hebrews has many words of hope and encouragement, but it also has some very sobering words of warning for those who disregard God’s Word and draw back from intimate fellowship with our Lord. So let’s take the challenge of the Book of Hebrews, for it is God speaking to us. Let’s step up to the plate and partake of the feast, which God has placed before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (12:2). Many of us have been saved for some time. We may once have been zealous about our faith, but many have become cool (lukewarm?), resting on our laurels. We have become too occupied with our own impulses and are thus ripe for trouble when real trouble comes our way. We need to study Hebrews and take the corrective action that is prescribed. We need to heed His Word and to draw near to Him in intimate fellowship. As we do, we will also re-discover that “first love” once again. Join the discussion at 7:00 on Wednesday nights.
Living the Gospel Sometimes at the end of worship a pastor may say "Go in peace, live the gospel." The House of Compassion gives us an opportunity to do just that. We may view ministries like the HOC as existing for those who are being served but perhaps they exist for us to serve. Lives of service draw us closer to Christ and connects us in a way that increases our gratitude for the blessings that are ours. March is our month to fill the box in the entryway with items for the HOC Supply Closet. An average of 560 individuals or families come monthly to pick up their 3 items. This month we'll concentrate on helping families with babies and children. Please bring baby or children's cold meds, baby shampoo, wash and oil, diapers (size 3 & 4 needed) and wipes to fill the big box in the entryway by March 27th. Cloth bags will be available for you to take home as a reminder and to carry your items back to the church. If you wish to give $$, a container will available. Thanks in advance for 'living out the gospel'.
Why Give to Mission Work? The following quotes are from former missionary leaders. May they challenge us to continue to be generous in our 3rd Sunday giving to the Lindi Friends School in the Kibera Slums of Kenya. March will end our year of supporting this work. A new ministry will be chosen for our giving for April through March 2012.
"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; but a command to be obeyed."
"If Jesus died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."
"No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, if some have not heard it once."
"Lost people matter to God, and so they must matter to us."
Did You Miss Something? If you missed a Worship service or would just like to hear a Sunday sermon again, you may go to the church’s website, www.blfchurch.org, click on Sermons, then click on the date of the sermon you want to hear. Thanks to Isaac Good for his faithful service in posting the sermons to the website.
Library Ledge: Dandy Devotionals Having daily devotions is an essential part of every Christian’s life. Is there a day when we do not feed our body? Just the same we need daily devotional time with God to feed our spiritual life. Without these set apart moments, the inner man becomes weaker and weaker. When we spend time in the presence of God and meditate upon His Word, we find manna from Him. The main reason for a devotional time is to grow closer to God. Check out the library ledge this month for books and audios such as God’s Pace-Stress and Psalm 23, Fire Up Your Life, Proverbs for Busy Women, Too Busy Not to Pray, Expression of Faith and many more.
HOC Meal Report 17 from BLFC provided a generous meal for 50 guests. The menu was sloppy Joes or lunchmeat sandwiches, cheese, seasoned potatoes, green beans, relish tray, potato salad, fruit salad, 3-bean salad, cake, brownies or cookies, milk, apple juice and coffee. Our volunteers were Neil & Peg, Diane R., Bill & Rosalee and Diane T who provided food or funds; Betty, Vi & Diane T who prepared; Wayne T, Shirley L, Lora, Scott & Mary who served and Joe, Kay, Daniel & Vi who were on clean up. All had a good time. J Our next meal will be March 31. |