The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

May 2012   Volume 33, No. 5

 Manny Garcia, Pastor

 

 

Be Transformed…

Stories and Principles that Change Our Lives

By MATL-SF Cohort 1

 

            As many of you know I have been pursuing my MA in Transformational Leadership (with an emphasis on Spiritual Formation) since August of last year.  My latest assignment was to take part in creating a collaborative devotional with the other members of my cohort.  The end result is a unique look at the many personalities that God has chosen to bring together in a season of transformation.  My desire over the next 12 months is to share this devotional with you.  Every month I will share a new piece of the devotional along with the suggested “soul training exercise”.  It is up to you how involved to be in this process but I can say with great confidence that if you actively engage God you WILL experience a transformation in your life.  You have all heard me say that I feel God moving in our midst in powerful ways and it is my firm belief that He has wonderful, new, and exciting things for Bangor Liberty Friends Church.  Perhaps this is the next step in that process.  Please join me over the next 12 months on a journey of transformation, growth, and renewal.  It’s sure to be an exciting ride!

-Pastor Manny

 

 

Imitate Who?

By Rich Kopp

 

“The principle runs through all life from top to bottom. Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Lose your life and you will save it.”

- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

 

            We all tend to grow up wanting to be like somebody else. If you go to the mall and watch the young people, you’ll notice how they all tend to dress alike and you can almost spot what movie star or musician they idolize and imitate by the way they dress. It might be the stocking cap being worn in 90-degree weather like Zac Brown, or the skinny jeans and tennis shoes like Kanye West. In fact, a lot of us adults still want to be like somebody else, we just might not be as obvious about it.

 

            When I was growing up I wanted to be like my big brother.  My brother was, for the most part, my dad as well. We lost our dad when we were young and since my brother was seven years older than me, I looked up to him. My brother was a track star and he was smart and brave so I tried to be just like him. But no matter how fast I ran I could never match his time.  My brother was a whiz at math and I struggled just to make a passing grade. People never really talked about me the way they talked about him. He is an elected politician and everyone seems to want his opinion. Even today when we have family gatherings, my brother is often the center of the conversation and his exploits legendary. It was pretty disappointing trying to be like my brother.

 

Trying to be like someone else is always a hollow sort of thing, as the clothing and the hairdos and the like never get us what we really want - recognition and to be somebody we think is important to others. C.S. Lewis points out that to really be somebody requires giving ourselves up to Christ. It’s when we surrender ourselves to Jesus that we begin to truly discover our value. As Lewis points out in his book, Mere Christianity, “It is when I turn to Christ, when I give myself up to His Personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own .... sameness is to be found among the most ‘natural’ men, not among those who surrender to Christ. How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerors have been: how gloriously different are the saints.”

 

The Apostle Paul, when writing to the church at Thessalonica wrote, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of the severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit” (I Thess. 1:6). Like C.S. Lewis who would come thousands of years later, the Apostle Paul found his real personality on the road to Damascus. It was that moment he fell to the earth, blinded by the wonderful power of the Holy Spirit, that Saul the Pharisee became Paul the Apostle and the man God had designed him to be all along. The Apostle Paul, fisher of men, evangelist and missionary, would forever encourage others to imitate Christ, just as he had. I have learned that while I would never be as fast or my exploits as legendary as my brother’s, in imitating Christ I have this unique and wonderful life and I am exactly who God intended me to be.

 

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, behold old things have passed away, all things have become new.”

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

Suggested soul-training exercise:

 

One of the things I did a number of years ago that really helped me continually appreciate my uniqueness and value as a child of God, was to type up on a small sheet of paper, about a 5x7, these kinds of statements:

  • I am a uniquely created person.
  • I am loved by God for who I am.
  • I have been given all the talents and gifts I need.
  • I have this awesome power of the Holy Spirit residing within me.
  • I will take all my burdens and share them with Him.
  • I will spend time every day reading His Word.
  • I believe God has a plan that is wonderful and challenging.
  • I believe no matter what happens today He will see me through.

 

Once you have these (or similar) statements typed up on the sheet of paper, tape the paper to your mirror, and leave it there for a month or so. Periodically revise it.

 

 

Bangor Park Clean Up

            On a very nice March evening 45 people from the Bangor community and BLFC gathered to clean up the Bangor Park.  Lots of work - raking and hauling, painting, removing overgrown bushes - was accomplished during the evening and everyone enjoyed the fun of working together, sharing fellowship and a picnic. Pictures are posted on the church’s website and on Facebook. 

 

 

HOC Meal Report

On April 26 (thanks to our 17 volunteers) 59 guests were served generous helpings of meat and cheesy pasta casserole or leftover chicken and rice, a large variety of donated salads, green beans & bacon, radishes, rolls or biscuits, Hy-Vee pies and cake, iced tea, milk and coffee.  Join in the fun and fellowship at our next meal on May 31st.  You’ll likely be blessed for your service.

 

 

“Do you want to hear the Lord laugh?  Just tell Him your plans for tomorrow.”

– Fr. Mychal Judge

 

“A happy woman is one who has no cares at all; a cheerful woman is one who has cares but doesn’t let them get her down.”

– Beverly Sills

 

Laughter is one of the most inexpensive, non-fattening, contagious, pleasant ways to relieve stress.

 

“If you have no joy, there is a leak somewhere in your Christianity.”

– Billy Sunday

 

“Joy is the echo of God’s life with us.” 

–Joseph Marmion

 

 

Congratulations to….

Wayne Tuttle on his trip to Washington DC on April 24th with other area WWII veterans on the Central Iowa Honor Flight to the Capital from Cedar Rapids.  It was a very long day but a great time and Wayne would be happy to visit with you about his experiences.

 

Nathan Davis was inducted into Iowa State University’s Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society on April 22nd.

 

 

Bangor Liberty Friends Concert Under The Stars

(sky, sun, Son,)

 

For anyone who would like to see what an excited John Good looks like just ask him about the vision that is developing concerning the expansion of the traditional Concert Under the Stars in July. The simple idea of inviting a couple of area praise bands to perform in the afternoon, before the official evening concert, has exploded into the possibility of having six or more Friends Church and/or local praise bands performing most of the afternoon in the beautiful outdoor setting east of the church.

Another possibility is to have a workshop late in the afternoon so that band members can share ideas amongst themselves and/or learn from an expert in this area of worship. We will also have food available for those who come for the afternoon and evening (besides our usual ice cream social after the evening concert is over.)  What else would you want for the makings of a great afternoon of fellowship and worship; free admission, free water, inexpensive concessions (or bring your own,) good praise music, plenty of shade and a playground and room to run for the kids.

The only thing to spoil it completely would be a rainy day!! We would have to cancel, with no rain date, if it were to rain, as this can only be planned as an outside event. (The inside of the church will already have to be set up for our VBS which is to start the next evening.) I have been informed that a couple of large tents might take care of this potential problem, we’ll see.

If you know of a band that wishes to participate, have any further ideas, or have a desire to help in any aspect of the event, John would love to hear from you. Most importantly right now, put the afternoon and/or evening of July 15th on your calendar. We could start as early as 2:00 PM if we have enough bands participating. We’ll let you know the rest of the details as they come together.

 

                                

Congratulations, Graduates!

Congratulations to all of our graduates on all of your accomplishments!  We wish you continued success as you further your education.  May you continue to grow in your life of faith as you pursue your dreams and passions in life. 

 

 

Children’s Church

Children, aged 4 through 5th grade are encouraged to meet in the fellowship hall after the Children’s Message on May 6th & 20th.  Lessons will teach Bible stories and encourage Godly living.  Our service projects will be to provide a snack for Monthly Meeting attenders, thank our church volunteers and give appreciation to our Quaker Heights Staff.

 

 

Farewell Gathering

Victor and Brenda White will be retiring a little later this summer from Mesquakie Friends Center.  There will be a farewell gathering on Sat, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Mesquakie Center.  A potluck meal with pulled pork sandwiches will be served.  Please bring a side dish and table service.  Everyone is invited to assist in a love gift for the White’s celebration service.  Please send checks to the Yearly Meeting Office in Oskaloosa (PO Box 657, Oskaloosa IA 52577) and a check will be presented to them on the 12th.

 

 

Membership Class

            A 6-week church membership class will begin on Sunday, May 13th at

9:30 a.m.  Another membership class may be held in the summer if you are unable to attend the class beginning on the 13th.  See Pastor Manny If you wish to attend a membership class.

 

 

Bangor USFW

On May 15, at 2:00 pm we will gather at the Quakerdale Ranch outside Marshalltown for a tour and program by Jennifer Daniels.  We are encouraged to bring an offering to help support the Ranch.  Anyone interested in this local ministry is welcome to join us for the afternoon.  A short business meeting will be held after with refreshments (on your own) at Culvers. 

 

 

Liberty USFW

          Ladies of Liberty USFW will meet at Colleen Welch’s home on Thursday, May 17th at 7:00 p.m.  Cathie Zeliadt, IA USFW Reading Course Chairman, will share the new fall reading course books.

 

 

Quaker Heights Registrations

Summer Camp registrations are now available.  Pick them up from the round table in the entry, complete and return to Scott Davis by Sunday, May 20th.  He will mail them all in together with funds before the deadline to avoid late fees.

 

 

Fun & Fellowship

Christian Ed Sponsored Barbecue

Wednesday, May 30th, BLFC

6:00 p.m.

Everyone Welcome!

Bring friends!

Also bring your own meat to grill

and a side dish to share. 

CE will provide dessert and drink.

Outdoor games are being planned.

 Bring two empty 2 liter pop bottles

(round ones) for a special event!

 

 

Missions News

Cuba Friends

Our mission emphasis for May is the Cuban Friends Churches.  Early in the 1900’s, a Quaker effort began in Cuba. Gibara, a flourishing seaport, was selected as the place to begin the new work. Zenas Martin of Hardin County was involved as Superintendent of IAYM, and the first missionaries were Penn College students. 

Cuba Yearly Meeting now consists of 13 monthly meetings. Cuban Friends are actively serving Christ.  Evidence is seen in their enthusiastic singing, heartfelt testimonies and generosity.  Friends United Meeting supports them by visiting, sending representatives to their yearly sessions, organizing work teams and providing occasional finances.

FUM invites individuals to join work teams to Cuba.  Much of the work involves painting and repairs.  Church services are allowed only in established buildings, so it is important to keep repairing meetinghouses.  Team members also visit meetings to worship and share their faith.

Please be generous in your 3rd Sunday giving to encourage the Cuban Friends churches.

 

 

Remember In Prayer   

~The possible hiring of a part-time youth

    pastor for BLFC

~Those who are caretakers for family

    members with health issues

~College & high school graduates & their

    families

~Cuba Friends Churches

~From Sam & Becky Barber - pray that all

    paperwork needed for visas is done for

    the Belizean kids & that they can travel

    to the US as a whole family this summer

~Morgan Martinez & her InterVarsity work

~The Mesquakie Friends Center-for new

    leadership

~The Kaimosi Hospital and staff in Kenya

~Mowa Choctaw Friends Center in Alabama

~House of Compassion, clients, staff

 

 

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

May 9 - Meal at 6:15 pm, studies at 7 pm

May 16 - Studies at 7 pm

May 23 - Meal at 6:15 pm, studies at 7 pm

May 30 - BBQ Cookout for all, 6 pm

High Flyin’ Summer Fun

At SKY VBS kids will discover that everything is possible with God!  Sky is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch and even taste!  You can join the journey! 
         Our goal is to reach 50 kids and we need your help.  Look for toy airplanes, hot air balloons, colorful kits – or anything that might be in the sky, like birds to help us decorate. 
          Prayerfully consider your involvement during the evenings of July 16-20.  We need crew leaders, helpers for games, crafts, devotion leaders, and more.  Jenalee and Margaret will be talking with you soon so be thinking about how you want to join the fun!

                                       

Library Ledge   

Laugh a Little…or a Lot!

          Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart is like good medicine.”  A good laugh relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, and enhances the immune system. Your cheerful attitude can affect the way people feel when they are around you.  Laughter rubs off onto others.  Good clean laughter brings about inner healing along with our faith in the Lord.  Pastors declare the most effective Christians find something to laugh about no matter what comes their way.  A sour meeting can be sweetened with just a sprinkle of humor.  Check out the library ledge for some laughs this month.  You’ll find many books, DVD’s and books-on-tape all waiting to help improve your health. 

 

 

Helping Hands

This committee coordinates church volunteers to meet needs within our church and in our community.  The desire is to serve God while serving others.  If you have a need or know of another who could use a ‘helping hand’, please call the church or one of the committee: Ann N., Shirley D., Levi and Ramona W. or Mission members Vi G., Gladys L. and Margaret G.

We have volunteers who are willing to drive someone to a doctor appointment or pick up groceries, help with at home care during illness, do general home repair or upkeep, provide food and visit while shut-in, provide emergency childcare, help with financial issues after the death of a loved one or to assist with correspondence.

Thanks to 9 folks who spent a part of their evening on April 26 mowing, raking, trimming, visiting with, cleaning gutters and more for a ‘neighbor in need’ in Union.  She was very appreciative and we hope felt the love of Jesus through these small acts of kindness. 

 

 

Thanks to all who helped with the recent workday at the church.  Much was accomplished!  There are a few jobs left to complete.  If you have some spare time and wish to help check out the list in the church office.