The Bangor Liberty Bell

Sharing the News and Views of

Bangor Liberty Friends Church

 

June 2012   Volume 33, No. 6

 Manny Garcia, Pastor

 

 

Be Transformed…

Stories and Principles that Change Our Lives

 

            This next devotional is from my friend Robert Hays who is the pastor at Fresno Friends Church in Fresno, CA.  If you missed last month’s devotional and would like to take part in the 12 months series “Be Transformed” you can view all previous copies of The Bell on our website, www.blfchurch.org.  Enjoy!

-Pastor Manny

 

You’ve Gotta Have Heart

By Robert Hays

 

“The kind of religion that God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless “wouldlings” – those weak inclinations that lack convictions – that raise us but a little above indifference. God, in his word, greatly insists that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion: ‘Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’ (Romans 12:11, modified KJV).” - Jonathan Edwards, Engagement of the Heart

 

       One of the highlights of my life has been coaching my children’s soccer teams through the years. The teams I have coached have run the spectrum of talent and ability. One year I was coaching my oldest son Cameron’s team. Halfway through the season Cameron asked me who I thought were the five best players in our league (by this time we had played every team in our league at least once). As I thought about Cameron’s question, I realized that the five best players in the league were on our team. I was a happy coach that year.

       There have also been years when the talent level on my team has not been so high ... and that is a generous observation. One year I coached a team that was mostly 12-year-old girls in a coed league that had ages ranging from 12 -15 years old. Needless to say, we didn’t win many games that year. Through the years I have noticed that there are two different types of soccer players: there are those who want to play and there are those whose parents make them play. The kids who want to play have an excitement, an enthusiasm; they have energy. The kids who don’t want to be there, well, they don’t have excitement, enthusiasm, or energy. The kids who want to be there have heart; the kids who don’t want to be there, don’t.

       There is one thing I have noticed coaching: there is little or no correlation between heart and talent. I have coached kids with a world of talent but they lacked the passion to play. And I have had kids with no talent to speak of but played with all of the energy their little bodies could muster.

       The quote from Jonathan Edwards reminds us that the kind of service that God desires comes from a fervent spirit and an engaged heart. When was the last time that you put a little extra energy in your prayer life? When was the last time you witnessed with a little extra enthusiasm? When was the last time you worshiped with a little extra energy? When was the last time you really put your heart into any act of service for God? Think about it.

 

“Whatever your task is, put your whole heart and soul into it, as into work done for the Lord and not merely for men – knowing that your real reward will come from him.”

-   Colossians 3:23 (Phillips Translation)

 

Suggested soul-training exercise:

This exercise is to put a little extra energy, excitement, and enthusiasm into your spiritual life. When you pray (notice that I said when and not if) put a little more passion in your prayer. Martin Luther used to say that he would pray to work up a sweat on his soul. I’m not suggesting you go that far, but every prayer could use a little more passion. When you worship, put a little more heart into your singing. I’m not asking you to shout and do back flips across the stage at church. However, I am asking you to put a little extra energy, a little more enthusiasm, and a little more excitement into your spiritual life. We cheer wholeheartedly for our favorite sports team; how about putting as much heart in our service for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords?

 

 

Remember In Prayer   

~Camp Quaker Heights staff, directors, &

   campers as camps are in full swing

~Planning for VBS & Concert Under the Stars

~The possible hiring of a part-time youth

   pastor for BLFC

~Those who are caretakers for family

    members with health issues

~Iowa Friends Disaster Services

~Sam & Becky Barber & children visiting the

   U.S., June 9-August 21

~Morgan Martinez & her InterVarsity work

~The Mesquakie Friends Center

~The Kaimosi Hospital and staff in Kenya

~Mowa Choctaw Friends Center in Alabama

~House of Compassion, clients, staff

~Our Secret Prayer Partners

 

 

May HOC Meal Report

61 guests were served generous helpings of chicken gravy over potatoes & biscuits, peas & carrots, mixed fruit cup, cupcakes/cake, iced tea, milk and coffee.  Ask Bob if he has recovered from mixing the potatoes and Johnie about the surprising popping biscuits!  Join in the fun and fellowship at our next meal June 28.

          Thanks to Brent & Ann, Bill & Rosalee, Bob & Veronica, James & Sharon, Nathan, Scott & Mary, Megan and Rick & Lora who donated food or funds (extra $ used for dish soap for the supply closet); Vi, Bob & Jeanette, Johnie & Gladys who prepared; Levi & Ramona, Craig & Marlys who served and Ray & Robin who were on cleanup.

 

 

Congratulations to….

-Daniel Feltz on winning a silver and a gold medal in biking and two gold medals in swimming at the State Special Olympics meet in Ames on May 17th & 18th.

 

-Jennifer Davis on winning 2nd place in the shot put at the State High School track meet in Des Moines on May 17th.

 

Grad. Note

Emma Macy, who graduated from Barclay College in May, is enrolling in Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for their online Master’s Degree program to obtain a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology!

 

High Flyin’ Summer Fun

Every kid wishes they could fly! At Sky VBS, kids discover that by trusting God, anything is possible. 

Kids, age 3-grade 6, get ready to fly high with God!  Adults and teens, pray as to how you can share your God-given gifts. You don’t want to miss the fun during the evenings of July 16-20, 6:15-8:35 p.m.

          VBS volunteers may attend training sessions either June 17th or 24th immediately following worship service.  A simple lunch will be available.

 

*Top Ten Reasons to volunteer at 

  Sky VBS:        

 

It’s a GOODYEAR to join our flight crew!

10. Last year you said, “When pigs fly …” well guess what!

 9. Helping a child know God is just PLANE fun!

 8. You’ll love the fun ATMOSPHERE at Bible School!

 7. Sometimes HOT AIR and being FLIGHT-Y can make you SOAR!

 6. The SON shining on your heart feels good.

 5. It’s easier to PLANET if there’s plenty of helpers.

 4. Kids will GRAVITATE to you!

 3. Some things just feel WRIGHT, BROTHER.

 2. Instead of waiting for a change in the weather, come and be the change

And the #1 reason …

1. God is the HEIR traffic controller and you’ve inherited His kingdom

 

 

Bangor Liberty Friends

Concert Under The Stars

(sky, sun, Son,)

 

Sunday, July 15th

Invite your family & friends

to join us for an afternoon/evening

of musical worship!

 

If you know of a band that wishes to participate, or if you have a desire to help in any aspect of the event, John Good would love to hear from you at 641-849-0782. Most importantly right now, put the afternoon and/or evening of July 15th on your calendar. We’ll let you know the rest of the details as they come together.

 

 

Helping Cuba Friends

          Linda Garrison will be leading another Friends work team to Cuba in January 2013.  BLFC will be gathering items before December to send along with her: happy meal toys, flea collars, and vitamins specifically for children and pregnant women.  A collection basket is available in the church entryway.

 

 

Missions News

Iowa Friends Disaster Services

Our mission emphasis for June is Iowa Friends Disaster Services.  What is FDS?  It is people who obey God’s command to show love to their neighbor – whether they are near or far. 

This organization is built of volunteers who provide clean-up and rebuilding assistance to the elderly, disabled, low income, or uninsured survivors of natural disasters. It also provides an outlet for Christians to express God’s loving care. The presence of volunteer work teams helps to ease the trauma that is felt in the aftermath of a disaster.

Funds are needed to help purchase equipment and tools, food for volunteers, and gas cards for those who travel.  Please be generous in your 3rd Sunday giving to Iowa Friends Disaster Services and watch the bulletin for opportunities to go serve when needs arise.

 

 

Library Ledge   

For Guys & Gals

          During June the library ledge will display books, audios and DVD’s geared toward both Guys & Gals.  Men will find autobiographies of sport stars and encouragement for Dads.  Women will find challenge and humor to help them in their everyday lives as businesswomen, moms and volunteers.  No matter your stage in life there are materials to help you stretch and grow in your Christian life as faithful Guys & Gals serving our Lord.

 

 

Children’s Church

Attention Parents - Children’s Church will not meet during the summer. You are encouraged to find coloring and activity sheets on the table at the top of the stairs or in the boxes under the back pew.  You might want to borrow books from the children’s library in the fellowship hall.

Also remember to check out the children and family audiocassettes, videos and DVD’s (found in the fellowship hall as well as the upstairs library) to use during your family time at home or as you travel this summer.

 

 

New Bible Study

On Thursday, June 7 at 7:00 pm you are welcome to join us at Bob and Jeanette Roe’s in Clemons to begin a study.  The group will tentatively by studying “David, Man After God’s Own Heart”.  David was an interesting man – impetuous, sensitive, bold, compassionate, impulsive, in other words very human.  By learning from David’s character and actions we too can become God’s kindred spirits. 

 

 

Free Horse Camp

          Quakerdale will host a FREE Horse Camp at the Wolfe Ranch which is located just east of Marshalltown on Highway 30, June 18-22, 9:00-2:00 for boys and girls, grades 5-8.  Campers will get to know horses by learning how to care for them, how to bridle, saddle and ride.  They will also have crafts and a Biblical based character-building lesson.  Lunch provided.  Spots are limited so register soon by calling 641-752-6446.

 

 

Bangor USFW

On June 19, at 1:30 p.m. ladies will gather at Jeanette Roe’s home in Clemons where Donna Williams will provide the program.  All ladies are welcome.

 

 

Liberty USFW

          Ladies of Liberty USFW will gather at Culver’s restaurant in Marshalltown on Thursday, June 21st to help Helen Settle celebrate her birthday.  Time to meet will be announced.

 

 

Help for Mesquakie Friends Center

Victor and Brenda White have asked BLFC to help provide some items for their VBS beginning June 25. They need cookies or bars and paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissue). A sign-up sheet is in the entryway. Leave items in the church kitchen by Sunday, June 24. (Non-returnable containers.) Thanks!

 

 

Memorial Service

A memorial service for Rosella Willits Lane will be held at Bangor Liberty Friends Church on Tuesday, July 3rd at 10:30 a.m.  Burial of cremains will follow at the Bangor Friends Cemetery.  A lunch will follow at the church afterwards.

 

 

Women of Faith 2012

“Celebrate What Matters”

Friday, August 24th, 7-10 pm

Saturday, August 25th, 9-5 pm

Des Moines - Reserve your tickets now!  Please see Breanne Butler if you are interested in going or have questions.

 

 

2012 IAYM Annual Ministry

Conference - August 1-4

          The annual IAYM Ministry Conference will be hosted at the MTC building (Musco Technology Center) at William Penn University.  This is a fantastic space with ground level access to the atrium, convenient parking with access to the city bike trail, handicap restrooms and easy access elevator to the upper level.

 

*Keynote Speaker - Dr. Royce Frazier,

     President of Barclay College

*Saturday Banquet Speakers - Dan & Tracey      

     Whitehead, MAF missionaries to Nicaragua

*Children’s Yearly Meeting will feature

     MOBILE CAMP, a ministry of Quakerdale

*Workshops -

     Christian Ed - HANDS-ON Technology

     Missions - Effective Short Term Missions

     Church Conflict - led by Adrian

          Halverstadt of Barclay College

 

Run for Missions - a 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for missions.  This event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday morning!  More information about the event will be sent to local monthly meetings. 

 

*Schedules of events & registrations are in the June Iowa Friend or at the church.