The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

September 2011   Volume 32, No. 9

 Manny Garcia Pastor

 

 

 New Beginnings

By Manny Garcia, Pastor

 

            Adventure is the first of many words that comes to mind when I think of the last few months.  I have gone from a seemingly secure youth pastorate to a state of limbo, unaware of what the future might hold, to being the pastor of this church, and all the while I have been preparing to enter into my first semester of master’s studies.  Throw in a move to a new community, kids starting at a new school, yearly meeting sessions, a trip to Kansas, painting, unpacking, meeting new people, and so many more new experiences and you can begin to understand why I chose the word adventure.

 

          In the midst of this somewhat chaotic time in our family’s life, we have been using another phrase quite a bit; that phrase is “new beginnings”.  As I have considered this thought for the last two weeks, and even toyed with the idea of having it be my sermon subject for my first sermon here (ultimately deciding it was just too predictable), God has given me insight as to just how new this beginning can be just the invitation we need to go deeper with Him and with one another.

 

          This is a time that God is starting new works in our midst.  He is opening us up to experience life together with Him as the center.  This blend of personalities and desires and gifts and flaws and needs and callings is a brand new formula.  Perhaps we aren’t far off from where you were before my arrival but simply adding one new person or family to the mix creates a whole new paradigm and God knew that when he called us here and when he called you to enter into this new beginning with us.  My prayer is that our foundation as a church family is laid in the most rigid of forms so that as we begin to build on top of it we are firmly bonded to Christ and to one another.   This can only happen if we are open to experience life with one another, more than on Sunday morning, more than on Wednesday night, God is calling us to be the body of Christ in this area and in order to accomplish that call we must be deeply invested into each other’s lives.

          In this time we can also enter into new beginnings in our personal spiritual journeys.  It’s possible that your faith has been tested and tried in the past few months.  It’s probable that you are weary and somewhat broken at this point in your spiritual life.  Even if the events of the past several months haven’t caused strain on your walk with God, the mere slow pace of summer and the temptation to “take it easy” could be intruding into your spiritual growth.  This time can be a new beginning in your dedication to your spiritual health and in your desire to grow closer to God.  I have chosen to abandon the things I was attempting to do at my last church because the turmoil I was experiencing caused me to fall away from the purpose of my actions and I found myself simply going through the motions or at times not even trying.

 

          This is a new beginning in my life, my ministry, and my spiritual formation.  I have found such blessing in starting anew with God in the past few weeks.  Giving Him all the confusion, chaos, and disorder of the recent months and receiving His peace “which transcends all understanding” (Phil 4:7) has strengthened my faith and my resolve in Christ.  Is God calling you to a new beginning?  If so, I ask that you join me on this journey.  Together we can begin to experience deeper intimacy with God, deeper relationships with one another, and as a result be salt and light to middle Iowa, the surrounding areas, the Judea(s), Samaria(s), and to the ends of the earth.

 

 

Remember In Prayer

~Manny, Jenalee, Syler, Chasley, Elena, and

   Ciela as they continue to settle in their

   new home here and make new friends.

~Local school districts’ teachers, staff & kids

   as they’ve begun a new school year.

~College students back on campus

~The Mesquakie Friends Center near Tama,

   Victor & Brenda White, Directors

~The Kaimosi Hospital and staff in Kenya

~Sam & Becky Barber & family at the

   Friends School in Belize as they have

   begun a new school year.

~Mowa Choctaw Friends Center in Alabama

   and their after school program

~House of Compassion, clients, staff, &

   volunteers

                           

                 

 

Fall Kickoff for Sunday School

You are welcome to join us for Sunday School at Bangor Liberty on Sunday mornings at 9:30!  Whatever your age or wherever you are at in your Christian walk we have a class for you!  New studies for the children and youth begin on Sunday, September 18th.

Let’s grow in the Lord together, and encourage one another!

 

 

Thank you to all who have contributed to our parsonage roof project.  The new steel roof was installed the middle of August.

 

 

BLFC Family Camp 2011

“Pioneer Camp, Living the Past Today”

at Camp Quaker Heights, September 9, 10, 11th.

 

Friday Night Meal, 6:30 p.m.

Meat, drinks and chips provided by the Committee.

Bring salads, sides or desserts.

Walk of Faith with flashlights & more

Saturday - lots of activities- devotions, crafts, petting zoo, 1800’s dress up with props & photographer, pie judging contest, pie eating contest, lots of games, races, a chuck wagon evening meal, movie and bonfire.

Sunday - Worship will be held at 10:30 a.m.  At 11:30 a congregational picture will be taken.  Lunch will follow at noon.

 

Registration has closed for cabins and meals, but everyone is welcome to join us for daily events.  Come and enjoy time at camp and with our church family.  This would be a great time to get to know Pastor Manny, Jenalee and kids!

 

 

Attention Parents        

The Children’s Church program, which meets in the fellowship hall twice a month after the children’s message, has been expanded to include those who are age 4 through grade 5.  Nursery care is available for children under age 4.  We’ll meet on the 4th & 18th during September.

On the weeks when Children’s Church is not held, you will find activity sheets and coloring pages for various grade levels on the table or choose some books in the fellowship hall.  -Margaret Good

 

 

Bangor USFW

Our fellowship will begin at 1:30 on September 20th in the home of Donna Williams in Marshalltown.  Shirley Landt will bring our lesson and Barbara Jo Morgan will provide refreshments.  All women are welcome. 

 

 

Join us on September 14th

to Kick Off our BLFC

Wednesday Night Program

at 6:00 p.m.

Hot Dog Roast, chips,

dessert and drink provided.

Hayrides after meal.

 

All ages welcome to join us

for this time of food, fun

and fellowship!

*New studies begin on

Wednesday, September 21st

at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

Liberty USFW

          Sharon Johnson will host the first meeting of the new year for Liberty USFW in her home on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.  Helen Settle will provide devotions. 

 

 

Missions

Mesquakie Friends Center, Tama, IA

The following from a recent newsletter sent by directors, Victor and Brenda White: “We continue our regular programs year round.  It makes for weary bodies since we don’t take a summer break, but we don’t lose connection.  Our Wed. Kids Club remains strong while Sunday Worship drops.  There is a constant battle going on for the lives of our people.

Vincent Baptiste from OK came as an intern in April and stayed through July.  With a rebellious group of 5th-6th grade boys, he first tried being stern but found expressing a gentle love brought better response and calm.

The annual camp brought almost 50 kids from IA, WI and OK together.  The presence of the Holy Spirit was constant and spoke to our young people.  Six came to be new believers!  Those returning to WI read their Bibles and asked questions during the trip.

Each month approx. $8000 is needed to meet our budget.  This includes upkeep, salary, medical insurance, retirement, etc.  We know our time at the Center is drawing short due to health reasons, but we know God is preparing someone to pick up and He will be faithful to them as He is to us.  Please pray about this with us.  We praise God for you who support God’s work!”

 

Mission Trip to Belize Friends School, Thanksgiving 2011

The IAYM Missions Board is sponsoring a short-term mission trip to Belize to accomplish several work projects at the Friends School, which was started 30 years ago.  They also want to encourage Sam and Becky Barber, directors of the school as well as staff members and students.  The mission trip scheduled for November 21-28, 2011 is open to anyone interested in doing a short one-week mission.  Probable work projects are a lot of painting, repairing and painting a classroom ceiling, and sanding and refinishing a floor.

          Approximate cost for the one-week stay is $675, plus an airline ticket running around $900, for a total approximate cost of $1,575, with a $200 deposit to be sent to IAYM Missions Board by September 15th.  A passport is required.  A short biography is needed along with your leading about going to Belize.  One and one-half days will be spent on excursions to the largest living coral reef in the world, and a visit to Mayan ruins.

Questions?  Contact Dr. Tanya English at 319-325-4325 or by email at drenglish@blest4today.com.  Let’s remember the Barber Family, staff and students at the Friends School in our prayers, and for all who will be involved with the mission trip.

 

 

PandaMania VBS Finale

It was a lively, energy-filled week with a total of 41 children coming for at least one night with a nightly average of 31 and 25 terrific staff.  We learned that God made us; listens to us; watches over us; and loves us no matter what! (Thank you, God!).

          Two Bibles were given to kids who didn’t have one. Many school supplies were collected for the HOC give-away. During the week $75.00 was donated for the Kids for Kids goat project.  At the program $244 was collected and shared between HOC and the Kids for Kids.  Thanks for the time, prayers, and financial gifts given! Free CDs of photos are still available at the church. You’ll want to see all the fun we had!

Volunteers: Please complete your evaluation sheet.  Your input will be helpful for next year when we’ll likely be looking up to the ‘Sky’ and learning that with God everything is possible!

 

 

Friends Disaster Work Project

Friends Disaster Service has been asked by the Board on Mesquakie Friends Mission to partner with them to maintain and repair the Mission near Tama.  Can you commit some of your time on September 16 and 17?  The tasks are to paint, stain, and weather-seal two decks, give two roofs a new coat of paint, repair and re-install a wind-damaged barn door and fix a wooden fence.

It is not necessary to bring tools, but it would be helpful to have weed whackers and paint rollers with extension handles.  Meals will be provided Friday noon-Saturday noon. This is your chance to not only visit the Mission but to be involved and encourage directors, Victor and Brenda White.

 

 

HOC School Give Away Review

On August 13 and 15, 865 backpacks with supplies (390 in the first hour) were given out to families in need in Marshall County.  Supplies (without backpacks) continue to be given out at the HOC supply closet.  Currently the total is 983 with the expectation of going over 1000. The children loved getting new things and the parents wrote heartfelt notes of appreciation for these donations. Thanks for your part in making this program possible.

 

 

Library Ledge:  Prayer Power!

God cares deeply about each and every one of our problems and is just waiting for us to come to him with those problems. The Bible tells us to constantly bring our problems to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is not to inform God of something that He may not be aware of or to try to convince Him to love us more.  He already knows our needs and He has certainly shown his love. Prayer's purpose is to assist us in building our relationship with God.

          During September the library ledge will remind you of the Power of Prayer.  The Power of a Praying Parent instructs us to turn to God and place every detail of our child’s life in His hands.  If you would like to work with God in raising your children, this is a great guide.  No matter your child’s age it’s never too late to pray.

          A Passion for Prayer seeks to help us develop a prayer habit and a more effective prayer life.  This book will challenge you to move from where you are with your prayer life to a deeper more intimate experience with God.  Visit our church library this month for more to encourage your prayer life.

 

 

HOC Report

On August 25, 12 from BLFC provided a generous meal for 65 guests.  Menu was creamed chicken on biscuits with smashed potatoes, peas or corn, mixed fruit or applesauce, various cookies, and drinks.  We received lots of compliments and appreciation. 10 people were staying in the shelter.  Thanks to all of our volunteers for food or time.  Come join the fun on September 29 at our next meal.  You’re sure to receive a blessing.