The Bangor Liberty Bell
Sharing the News
and Views of
Bangor Liberty Friends Church
September
2012 Volume 33, No. 9
Manny Garcia,
Pastor
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Be Transformed
“Stories
and Principles That Change Our Lives” #5
The fifth
devotional in our series comes from my friend Frank Penna who has worked in
several areas of ministry in his life, the most recent being on staff at
World Renewal where he travels all over the world to help churches and church
plants by encouraging their leadership and training them to do the work of
the ministry. His heart for God can be seen clearly as you read his words.
Please take time to read this and apply it to your life. If you need to
catch up on this series you can find back issues of the Bangor Liberty Bell
online at www.blfchurch.org.
God Bless,
Pastor Manny
The JOY
of Obedience? YES!
By
Frank Penna
“Perfect obedience
would be perfect happiness if only we had perfect confidence in the power we
were obeying.” -
Hannah Whitall Smith, The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life
My son’s freshmen year in high
school was great in most every way. He played trombone in the band, marched
at football games for the maroon and gold (his favorite colors), played
tennis and basketball, enjoyed his studies and classmates (except for the one
who beat him up on the way home from school), and in general had a very positive
experience. He was looking forward with great anticipation to his sophomore
year, when our family moved across town. It was not feasible for him to
attend West High anymore, and the discussion about changing to East High
(baby blue and white ... what is that all about?) was a difficult one. During
a lengthy, emotional conversation, I told him his mother and I had prayed
about this, and felt it was best for us all to make the change. His tearful
response was, “I prayed too, and I just want to stay at West.”
I’m so thankful he willingly made
the decision to obey his parents, even though he was not very happy about it
initially. Things did not get any easier for us when we noticed him sitting
alone in his marching uniform during a break in the first football game. I
will never forget seeing him there in colors he despised. He was one very sad
(yet obedient) trombone player. It broke this father’s heart. Not much made
sense to him at that point, but he had decided to make the best of the
situation. I was never more proud of him.
The rest of the story is too long
to tell here. What happened during the course of Jesse’s next years was
miraculous. His East High School music career and experience was phenomenal
(even full of joy!) and facilitated an excellent scholarship to the local
university. During college, he changed majors in order to prepare for
effective youth ministry. His life and leadership skills were transformed. As
a result he found true happiness and blessing in serving the Lord. I believe
one of the many reasons for all of that goes back to his youthful decision to
submit in the right way to those who loved him and had his best interests at
heart, even though that decision was unpleasant at the time.
Our heavenly
Father has our best interests at heart. Sometimes when He asks us to obey Him
the first steps are not happy ones for us. The principle of joyful obedience
Hannah Whitall Smith promotes does not promise immediate results, but the
process can be absolutely transforming for us and for others. Jesus
obediently endured the greatest suffering imaginable because of “the joy set
before him” (Hebrews 12:2). What were the eventual joyful results of his obedience for you, for
me, for him?
Even if the
perfect happiness we desire does not come in this life, we are promised
eternal, pure joy. We can have perfect confidence in the one Perfect
Power who alone provides perfect joy. The delight of obedience may
not be felt immediately. There may even be sorrow and weeping that lasts
longer than we desire, but God promises that “joy comes in the morning”
(Psalm 30:5, NKJV). Talk about transformation! Yes!
“I delight to
do thy will.” - Psalm 40:8 (KJV)
Suggested soul-training exercise:
During an
unlimited time away from all distractions, consider the Hannah Smith quote on
the previous page as well as
Psalm 40:8 by
doing the following:
• On one side of a
blank sheet of paper, slowly write out by hand the Hannah Smith quote, and on
the other side Psalm 40:8.
• Record your
prayerful reflections on what each aspect (specific words and phrases) means
to you. Include questions you might have.
• Now take the time
to think about any past experiences that might apply to this devotional. How
might you ask the Lord to forgive you for something, or praise Him for His
work in you, for the joy He gave as a result of your obedience?
• Next think about
any ways in which He is asking you to obey that are not pleasant for you.
Write those down, too.
• As best you can
commit yourself to obey. Feel free to confess your weakness. See if you can
honestly repeat in various ways, “I delight to do Thy will” and notice what
happens as you do.
• Keep that paper
with you over time as you willingly obey. Reflect and rejoice in the
transformation that takes place.
Your
Support Makes a Big Difference!
The House of Compassion is an extension of
each one of our congregations. Through the Soup Kitchen, Shelter, and the
Supply Closet we are able to reflect our love for Christ by making a
difference in the lives of our neighbors who are served by the House of
Compassion. Working together we are able to accomplish what is beyond each of
our individual congregations.
Your financial support, donations, and
time as volunteers made possible in July for 1,792 meals to be prepared &
served, 319 nights of shelter for 33 people, and 608 households to receive
household and hygiene items from the Closet. In August well over 800
children received backpacks with school supplies. Please continue to be
faithful. By God’s grace the House of Compassion is the most ecumenical and
volunteer driven ministry in the area. Thanks to all of you!
~Jean Bergen, Director of HOC
August
HOC Meal Report
On
August 23, 11 served an unexpected meal to 70 guests. Evidently our usual
last Thursday of the month got moved up a week but our great volunteers came
together to provide generous servings of a soup, grilled cheese sandwiches,
carrots, baby tomatoes, cantaloupe, mixed fruit, Hy-Vee cupcakes, cake, tea,
milk and coffee. For those of you who missed this month, Margaret will be
preparing an extra meal Friday, Sept. 14. Let her know if you are available
to help. Our regular night will be Thursday, Sept. 27.
Helping Cuba Friends
As you are
shopping this fall remember that Linda Garrison will be going to Cuba in the
New Year. We are collecting items for her to take along for the people in
the Friends Churches. A
basket is in the entryway to collect vitamins for children and pregnant
women, small “happy meal” type toys, and flea collars.
A Smile
Two
gentlemen boarded a coast-to-coast flight and were seated next to each other
on the commercial plane.
After
breezing through the on-flight magazine, the first man turned to the other
and asked, “What do you do?” The gentleman replied: "I am a pastor of a
church."
"Oh,"
said the first man quickly. "I don't believe in this religious stuff.
It's for kids, you know, like the song 'Jesus Loves Me This I know, for the
Bible tells me so...."
The
minister politely laughed and asked the other man what he did for a living.
"I
am an astronomer," said the first man.
"Oh,
that stuff," said the minister. I thought it was just for kids, you know
- 'Twinkle, twinkle little star....'" -copied
Remember In Prayer
~Area
farmers as they begin the harvest
of
crops--for their safety & provision
~Our
college students, local school
districts, teachers & students getting
into
the routine of a new school year.
~Our
youth program-plans for sharing
with
HCNP Friends
~Mark
Arviso and Mesquakie Friends Center
~Samburu
Friends Mission in Kenya
~Iowa
Friends Disaster Services
~Sam
& Becky Barber during a busy start
to a
new school year with no internet
usage
& getting into a routine with
new
students at the Friends School in
Belize
~The Mesquakie
Friends Center and their
new director,
Mark Arviso
~House
of Compassion, clients, staff
~Our
Secret Prayer Partners
*He
who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.
-C.S.
Lewis
David Bible Study:
All are welcome to join a study of “David, Man after God’s Own Heart” at Bob
and Jeanette Roe’s home in Clemons. The group will meet at 7:00 pm on September
5th, 13th, 18th and 25th. We are
learning from David how we can become God’s kindred spirits.
Children’s
Church
This
program takes place twice a month beginning on Sunday Sept. 2nd.
Children age 4-grade 5 are encouraged to participate and will be dismissed
from Worship after the children’s message. Those under age 4 are welcome in
the nursery. The program includes Bible lessons, service projects to our
church and community, and fun activities to encourage the children as they
learn to live like Jesus.
Everyone’s
Invited
as
we Kick Off a
New
Sunday School Year
&
Wednesday Night
DEEPER Program
Wednesday,
September 12
Bangor
Liberty Friends Church
Meal
at 6:00 p.m. - hot dogs, chips, desserts, s’mores, & drink.
Hayride
after the meal.
“Back to Church Sunday”
Community Worship Service
Bangor Park
Sunday Sept. 16th
Family Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
Nursery available during Worship.
Potluck picnic lunch after Worship.
Each family should bring a salad, chips
& dessert as well as enough sandwiches for your family plus a couple of
extras to share. Each family should bring their own eating utensils &
plates. Water and iced tea will be available or bring your own drink.
Invite your friends and neighbors to join us!
In case of rain all events will be at the
church.
Ladies
are Invited!
All ladies of the church are
invited to a Bridal Shower for Trisha Scott, Tyler Patten’s fiancée, on
Saturday, September 15th at BLFC at 10:00 a.m. Social Committee
#4 is hosting the shower.
Bangor
USFW
The
Bangor USFW ladies will gather at 1:30 on September 18th at Donna
Williams’ home. Barbara Jo Morgan will bring refreshments and Betty
Arterburn will provide the lesson. All ladies are welcome.
Liberty
USFW will start
the year off meeting at Kay Feltz’s home at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September
20th. All ladies are welcome; speak with Sharon Johnson if you
have any questions concerning USFW.
DEEPER
Program
Our
Wednesday night DEEPER program will begin on September 19th
with all studies/classes beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the church. All ages are
welcome! There are groups for everyone and a nursery for the younger
children and babies. Plans for the youth are being worked out. A Women of
Faith Study will be available for ladies, and all adults are welcome to join
a group led by Joe Feltz as they watch and discuss Dr. David Jeremiah’s video
series, Slaying the
Giants
in Your Life - Fear, Discouragement, Loneliness, Worry, Guilt, Temptation,
Anger, Resentment, Doubt, Procrastination, Failure and Jealousy. Fellowship meals will be held on
the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month at 6:15
p.m. Come join us on Wednesday nights for a time of fellowship, fun and
growth in our classes, studies and meals!
Discovering God’s truth
Enduring with one another
Encouraging & lifting each other
up
Praying for one another
Exemplifying Christ to others
Recruiting other to Christ
New
Men’s Group
A
new group, just for men, will be starting on September 24th. All
the King’s Men will meet every other Monday evening from 8:00-9:00 p.m.
at Pastor Manny’s home for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Pastor
Manny if you are interested in becoming a part of this group.
USFW Fall Retreat
Saturday,
September 22
Motor Friends
Church, Milo IA
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
Program at 10:00 a.m.
Theme is “Showers of Blessings”
Speaker will be Marilla Robins of
Middle River Friends.
The offering will be given to
Freedom Village - Outreach Ministry of
Des Moines Friends West.
Cost is $10.00 payable at the
door. Childcare provided if needed. Bring a sack lunch for each child.
Registration deadline September 16th.
Missions
News:
Our September Mission offering will help support the Mesquakie Friends
Mission. Due to all of our extra Sunday activities this month the mission
offering will be taken on Sunday, September 30th. Mark Arviso, a
Navajo from Arizona, is their new director. Mark established four churches
in the Midwest and recently walked across America in obedience to God to
speak to people, pray over our land, and be a witness to whoever would
listen.
Mark is a single man currently living in half of the house at the Mesquakie
Friends Center as Victor and Brenda continue to move their belongings to
their Oklahoma home. Pray for this time of transition. Victor and Mark
visited a man in the hospital recently. Victor introduced Mark and then
allowed him to minister. We praise God that the man was led to the Lord that
day.
Library
Ledge: Christian
Living
During
September the library ledge will display books to assist you in ‘walking the
walk’ of your Christian life.
In
Traveling Light, Max Lucado conveys God's loving desire to be called
in times of need. He also counsels us to offer God all of our burdens, the
luggage of our wants, worries, hopelessness, guilt, arrogance, grave, grief,
fears, loneliness, doubt, etc. Max Lucado's sense of humor makes his
teachings easier to understand and fun to read.
When
Life Isn’t Fair provides a wealth of biblical and personal insight into
the reasons for pain and suffering, as well as practical help for those who
hurt.
In
Quiet Strength, (on CD’s) Super Bowl championship coach Tony Dungy
writes one part autobiography, one part thrilling sports biography, one part
coaching technique, one part dealing with suffering, one part family life
narrative, one part social commentary, and one part Christian living
teaching. All woven together seamlessly.
Check
out the library ledge – you’ll find way to stretch and grow there.
Marriage
Enrichment Retreat
October 26th
& 27th
Quakerdale’s
Wolfe Ranch, Life Enrichment Center, Marshalltown, Iowa, led by Paul &
Jennifer Daniel.
Brochures are posted on the church bulletin board for more details. The
retreat begins at 6 pm on Friday October 26th at 6 pm and ends on
Saturday October 27th at 5:30 pm. Cost is $150 for an overnight
stay, and $120 if you commute. To register contact Mindy Hadley at
mhadley@quakerdale.org.
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