The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

November 2011   Volume 32, No. 11

 Manny Garcia Pastor

 

 

 What is Spiritual Formation Anyway?

By Pastor Manny

 

          I was thinking the other day that while I have really put a lot of emphasis on our being spiritually formed in the image of Christ I have not taken time to explain in detail what spiritual formation is.   Dallas Willard, in his explanation of this topic begins by saying, “everyone is in the process of spiritual formation.”  To be sure, we are all being formed spiritually by what we allow to enter our lives, the choices we make, the people we encounter, the reactions we have to certain happenings, and so many other things.  Just as a child develops physically and learns to speak and interact with others we, as Christians, also learn to live, speak, and love in a more Christ-like way or else in a way that is farther from the image of Christ each day.

            The actual process of spiritual formation is not a formula or paradigm that we can choose to say, “today I will start the process of spiritual formation.”  It is, rather, a process we are already involved in.  Taking a more intentional role in this process by realizing that our everyday lives are taking us closer or further from Christ is the key to what Robert Mulholland shares in his book, Invitation to a Journey, “we are being shaped into either the wholeness of the image of Christ or a horribly destructive caricature of that image.”

          Spiritual formation, the term might be a newer concept but I assure you that, while the term itself is newer to the scene, the theory and practice of spiritual formation is very scriptural.  God has been imploring us to be Christ-like since Old Testament times; “I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.  I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy (Lev 11:44-45).”  And on this side of the cross He still calls us to this lifestyle; “for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy (1 Peter 1:16).”

          The disciplines that foster spiritual formation are as numerous as the personalities of the people on earth.  Prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, solitude, silence, worship, and the like are among the anchors we can practice to enter into His presence and allow His light to reveal those areas that are farthest from the image in which we were created but there are also other ways in which we can allow God to form us and thus become more deeply in tune with His will for our lives and the good works that He has prepared for us to do (Galatians 2:10).  Be creative and be true to the personality God gave you.  If you are a lover of the great outdoors then perhaps a hike in the woods or a silent retreat to a stream or lake might place you at His feet.  If you are a writer or art lover then maybe a more hands on approach to the Holy of Holies would speak to you best.  The fact is there really isn’t a wrong way to allow God to shine His light of love on you.  The proper method isn’t as much about the place or action as it is the heart.

          The vision God has given me for the ministry He has called me to here at Bangor Liberty is to help ignite a deep desire to be conformed into the image of God among our entire fellowship and then to see that passion and desire spill out onto the surrounding areas.  I dream of Bangor Liberty becoming a beacon of hope and love for Iowa and a center for spiritual formation that brings His Kingdom closer to us each day.  God is still in the business of reconciliation, renewal, and awakening.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1,2).

 

 

 

Go “DEEPER” with us on   

          Wednesday evenings!

 

Discovering God’s Truth

Enduring with one another

Encouraging & lifting each other up

Praying for one another

Exemplifying Christ to others

Recruiting others to Christ

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends, I just wanted to take a minute to write and thank you for your continued support in so many ways.  Your prayers are felt and your partnership a tremendous blessing as I continue to build the partnership team I need to work full time on campus here in Atlanta.  Please continue to pray, as I know He listens to your prayers and is a faithful God!  My Dad and the monthly Bell keep me informed of how to be praying for you, and please feel free to send prayer requests as I would love to be praying specifically for you and to hear from you.   I long to see you all and hope it will be soon.

For His Kingdom and by His grace,

--Morgan (& Mario) Martinez

 

 

Winter Weather Reminder

          Because we do not wish to have anyone involved in any kind of accident during inclement weather, we would encourage people in our congregation to use their own judgment on whether or not to drive to church for Sunday Services or Wednesday evening studies.  Services will be held on Sunday morning for those who wish to or are able to come, unless there are extreme blizzard conditions or power outages.  Wednesday evening services, on the other hand, will more than likely be cancelled in case of bad weather.

 

 

HOC Meal Report

On Oct. 27, 22 from BLFC provided a generous meal for 64 guests.  Our menu was vegetable beef soup, crackers, rolls and butter, shredded cheese, fruit cup, cottage cheese, celery, carrots, Halloween cupcakes, walnut cookies, pumpkin bars, milk and coffee.  The hot soup was appreciated on the cool night.

Volunteers were Diane R, Bill and Rosalee, James and Sharon, Ray and Robin, Chris, Johnie and Gladys, Scott and Mary who provided food or funds; Bob, Jeanette, John, Gladys and Betty who helped prepare, Vi, Wayne, Scott, Mary and Jennifer who served, and Joe, Kay, Daniel and Vi who stayed for clean-up. Come join the fun on November 30th.  You’re sure to receive a blessing. 

 

 

Check Us Out on--

          Facebook & Twitter!

 

                   www.facebook.com/blfchurch

                     

                  www.twitter.com/blfchurch

 

 

O Give thanks unto the Lord,

for He is good. - Psalm 136:1

 

 

            Annual Thank Offering Service

 

Bangor Liberty’s annual Thank Offering Service will be held Sunday, November 20th at 10:30 a.m. with a potluck meal afterwards.  The Missions Committee has chosen the following projects and asks us to prayerfully consider how blessed we are and how we can share with these mission areas or with other work that we may feel called to support.

 

·         $500 to the House of Compassion Adopt-A-Family Christmas program

·         $300 to the Union Food Box

·         $200 to the Mesquakie Friends Center for Christmas gifts to the children

 

After the above $1000.00 is set aside the remaining undesignated offering will be divided equally between:

 

·         Salaries for Sam & Becky Barber, directors of the Belize Friends Boys School

·         Scholarships for our kids to attend Quaker Heights summer camps

·         An income-generating loan project for a Friends woman’s group in Africa through Right Sharing of World Resources (more details in the bulletin

 

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  (2 Cor. 9:7)  “You can give without loving.  But you cannot love without giving.” -- Amy Carmichael, missionary to India

 

 

Remember In Prayer   

~Safety for farmers & families as the harvest

   winds down - Praises for an abundant harvest.

~Our college students

~Morgan Martinez and her work with

   InterVarsity in Atlanta

~The Mesquakie Friends Center at Tama &

   Victor & Brenda White

~The Kaimosi Hospital and staff in Kenya

~Sam & Becky Barber & family in Belize

~Mowa Choctaw Friends Center in Alabama

~House of Compassion, clients, staff, & volunteers

 

 

Children’s Church

Children, ages 4 through 5th grade are encouraged to meet in the fellowship hall after the Children’s Message on November 6th and 27th for a lesson geared to their age range and a group project.  One project will be to create Christmas cards to encourage our mission workers in the states and around the world.

                                               

 

Bangor USFW

         Our fellowship and meeting will begin at 1:30 on November 15 at the home of Betty Arterburn in Marshalltown.  All women are welcome. 

 

 

Liberty USFW

          Ladies of Liberty USFW will meet at the church for a work night on Thursday, November 17th at 6:30 p.m.  Soup will be provided for the meal, with ladies bringing a favorite salad, and also a pair of scissors.

 

 

Forward Movement

All youth, 7th-12th grade, are invited!

Forward Movement Youth Group,

Sunday, November 20th

6:30-8:00 p.m.

Pastor Manny and Jenalee’s home,

 

Youth, invite your friends to join you for

fun & fellowship at the Garcia’s!

 

 

 BLFC Family Night

 

Wednesday, November 30th

beginning with a potluck meal

at 6:15 p.m. at BLFC

 

CE will provide loose meat sandwiches-

Bring side dishes such as chips, beans,

vegetables, salads or desserts.

 

Bring your favorite games or activities

to share for a fun Family Night!

 

 

Need a Gift Idea?

          During November orders are being taken for shirts or a jacket with the church’s logo silk-screened on them.  Items available are short sleeved and long sleeved T-shirts, short sleeved and long sleeved polo shirts, sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts, and a Dri Duck cotton canvas jacket with sherpa lining.

          You may also bring in items to have them silk-screened with the church’s logo.  Order forms with pricing and colors are located in the church fellowship hall.  To have our order completed before Christmas, all orders need to be placed by Nov. 27th.

 

 

Library Ledge:

Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” Mark 13:15.  The books on the library ledge this month will challenge you to reach out to tell others the Good News about Jesus and His love.

            101 Ways Your Church can Change the World gives simple, practical and effective ideas to help Christians reach out to a hurting world, as Jesus did.

            No matter who your neighbors, co-workers or relatives are, Lifestyle Evangelism can help you establish common ground and build relationships that can be powerfully used by God.

          Conspiracy of Kindness tells us that God is passionately in love with unbelievers and can win them most effectively through small acts of kindness.  These and more can be found on the library ledge.

 

 

Christmas Adopt-A-Family

Many will not have Christmas gifts this year without our help.  You do not have to be wealthy to assist a family in need.  Together our $ add up and make a big difference in the lives of others.

The House of Compassion recommends 2-3 gifts be given to each person. $20 could buy toys for a child or a gift for a senior citizen; $30 could provide clothing for a child; $40 could provide a meal for a family; $50 could buy gifts for a teen; $75 could provide gifts and a meal for a senior and $250 could provide Christmas for a family of 4-5.

If you would like to adopt an individual or family, tell Margaret the number of people you wish to help by Nov. 15.  After you are given your family, you call and let them know they have been adopted.  Then purchase their suggested gifts and a food basket for their holiday meal and deliver these by Dec. 21.

          There will be a family chosen for our church to share.  Let us know if you would like to help by buying just 1 or 2 gifts or providing food for that family.  If you are unable, or prefer not to do the shopping, you may give funds to Margaret who will shop for you. Remember the deadline is Nov. 15.  Thanks in advance for bringing smiles to families in need.

 

 

White Gift Offering

            Our annual White Gift offering (collected at the Christmas Eve service) will be shared between Morgan Martinez’s ministry with InterVarsity and Nathan and Brianna Martin’s ministry in Cambodia.  Look for more details in the December Bell.  Both ministries will appreciate your prayerful and financial support.

 

 

From the Iowa Friend

Iowa Pastor’s Association President, Ruthie Tippen writes, “What do Mary Thury, Victor and Brenda White, Linda Garrison, Ron Bryan, Spencer Thury and Chip Daleske all have in common?  They all love and serve God, and minister faithfully through the work of Iowa Yearly Meeting.  On campus at William Penn, at Camp Quaker Heights, at Mesquakie Friends Center, and through the Main Office, these Friends serve to meet the needs of individuals and churches throughout Iowa Yearly Meeting.  This Christmas, consider sending a gift of joy and appreciation to our staff.  Checks can be mailed to Wes Blanchard, Iowa Pastor’s Association Treasurer, 12172 150th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125.  All gifts will be divided equally, as per our testimony of equality.  Thank you!