April 8, 2008
The Broadway
Spire
Volume 66 - Number 28 Phone 322-7741 April 8, 2008
The Broadway Spire (USPS 875-600) published weekly except every other week during June, July and August, by Broadway United Methodist Church, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315. Phone 712-322-7741. Prayer Chain: 712-322-7705. Fax 712-322-2162. Periodical rate paid at Council Bluffs, IA, 51503. Postmaster: Address changes to: The Broadway Spire, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315 Web Site: www.broadwayunitedmethodist.com
Our mission: Ever seeking, serving and growing as the family of God with unconditional love and acceptance!
FROM MARVIN ARNPRIESTER . . .
During my years of ministry, I have been asked by various people how one can know if something is true to the Christian faith. This question came up in a recent conversation around Senator Charles Grassley’s investigation into the finances of high profile preachers in our country. Another person talked about what is going on in politics right now and mused how hard it is to know the truth in these times. And there are those 401 children removed taken from the fundamentalist, polygamist, Morman compound in Texas this week.
William Barclay, an eminent Scottish Biblical scholar, in his Daily Bible Study series, shares the following tests:
You can know a false prophet or preacher or religion if:
1. The emphasis is on gain or success, usually numbers or money.
2. The desire is for prestige, and the stress is almost always on
one’s own importance.
3. He or she wants his or her or its “truth” to prevail. Makes sure
you know they are always right. Is unable and/or unwilling to ever admit being wrong.
4. Everything has to make sense and must be correct at all times.
Evidence of a false religion:
1. It generally pushes externals.
2. The emphasis is on prohibitions or “Thou shalt not.”
3. It’s an easy religion. (Just keep these rules and do only these
things and everything will be fine)
4. It divorces religion and life, with emphasis on going to heaven
rather than on living out one’s faith day by day.
5. It is usually arrogant and separating because it knows it is better
than any other religion.
I am concerned with cults, groups, big name preachers, programs and religions that stifle, use and hurt folk. There are those who worship self, or success, or country in place of God. It’s easy to over-emphasize externals or certain issues, rather than on the fullness of Christian faith and its concern with the whole of life. Dr. George La Moore, retired professor at Iowa Wesleyan College, one time said something I have never forgotten, A false religion is like someone taking a single piece of the pie and pretending it is the whole pie.
This causes me to reflect more carefully about my faith, the religion I claim, the church I serve, and how I live my life! Is my faith and your faith concerned with all of life, or are we emphasizing only pieces?
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
Jr. High youth will view the video, “Sex, Love and Relationships” with Melba Bentley and Kim Perkins on Wednesday, April 9. This video talks openly with teens about issues in relationships that will confront them either directly or indirectly during the coming years. This video shares Biblical information and Christian values in a direct discussion. Parents may attend with youth.
The United Methodist Women will meet Thursday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. The program, Israel/Palestine, will be presented by Pastor Dana Scopatz. Please make reservations to Pricilla Gearhart, 328-0007. The Board will not meet.
Pizza/Bingo Night - Family Activities Council presents an opportunity to join in fellowship for those ages 1-100 on Saturday, April 12, 5-7:00 p.m. Pizza will be made by Margarite for a freewill donation. Pack up the van and bring friends! We’ll play Bingo. Call the office so we will know how many pizzas are needed!
Youth Drama for those grade 4 through high school interested in participating in short dramas for worship meets in Room 210, 10:30-11:00 a.m., Sunday mornings.
Sign up in the Centrex to deliver Meals on Wheels Thursdays in April. Contact Ken Milford or Gene Thomson for information.
The Church Consultation Report from Doug Anderson is available. Ask for a copy in the office or give us your email address and we will email it to you.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: April 6, 2008
Worship: 8:00 a.m. -119; 9:30 a.m. - 108; 11:00 a.m. - 135; 6:30 p.m. - 82 = 444
Sunday School: 8:00 a.m -7; 9:30 a.m.-113; 11:00 a.m.-33 = 153
With our Gifts 2008: Received
Current Expenses, Need Weekly $11,209.13
Received April 6 $16,463.50
Total received to date $136,387.04
Growing through Grace 2008 $18,830.00
Guatemala Children’s Orphanage $342.87
Nothing But Nets $3,241.03.03
Native American Awareness $517.00
With Our Prayers: Hospitalized at Jennie: Kris Lippke. Others: Marge Bean, Lesley Blom, Roger Coffey, Shirley DeHoogh, Max Hall, Sharon Jasnowski, Dalys Johnson, London McSorley, Betty Milford, Lindsay Miller, Les Pearson, Sharon Priebe, Steve Roberson, Elizabeth Rollings, Conrad Schlemmer, Maxine Tait, Kathy Whitson, homebound & nursing home members, missionaries, military personnel, victims of war & natural disasters, District Superintendent Brian Milford, Field Staff Ed Kail, Bishop Palmer, pastors and staff. Call 322-7705 to hear additional requests.
With Our Sympathy:
• Michael & Carla Schoenbohm in the March 30 death of his mother, Mary Schoenbohm.
• Jeanne & Hugh Prickett in the April 4 death of her father, John Glidden of Macon, GA..
• Rosie Schlemmer in the April 5 death of her mother, Ione Donnelly.
• Sam Dahlke in the April 5 death of his grandfather, Dean Dahlke.
LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS . . .
April 13 Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
Cool Congregations carbon saving tips . . . This week: Put clear plastic over windows during the heating season to reduce heat loss and prevent uncomfortable drafts.
Campers: Sign up for Camp by April 15 and get a free t-shirt. Call the office for additional information.
FROM PASTOR DANA . . .
Missions Update: We’ve raised over $3000 for Nothing But Nets – that buys 300 mosquito nets for 300 children in Africa to sleep under. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
Global Outreach Committee’s next project is our second annual Bead for Life sale. We’ll be selling paper-bead jewelry made by women in Uganda who are refugees, HIV positive, or caring for AIDS orphans. Those of you who remember last years sale remember how amazing these beads are and how hard it is to believe they are rolled from paper – used magazines, leftover calendars, any paper with bright colors. And they allow the women who make them to earn a living for themselves and their families. It’s a community empowerment and recycling project all in one!
Speaking of recycling, April 22 is Earth Day and for people of faith this is a good time to take a look at our stewardship of God’s creation. In Genesis 2 humanity is given the responsibility to “till and keep” the garden – we are to care for the plants and animals and make good use of the seas and skies and land. Broadway’s “Cool Congregations” committee helps us to monitor how well we’re doing at protecting the wonders that God has entrusted to us. The households who measured their “carbon footprint” last year are recalculating to see what energy savings we’ve achieved in 2007. Keep looking for energy-saving and pollution-reducing tips in the Spire. The Cool Congregations committee is also hosting a training for other churches who want to learn more about environmental stewardship and carbon reduction. If you have a friend from another church who you think might be interested, pick up information in the office.
And speaking of friends, Broadway is always looking for people to be “fellowship friends” to newcomers and visitors. Studies show that making friends within a group or organization is highly correlated to whether a person will continue as a part of that organization. But in a big church like Broadway it’s too easy for individuals to get lost in the crowd. If you’d like to be an intentional friend, to help introduce newcomers to the people and programs at Broadway, talk to Bob Folkers or sign up on the “Fellowship Friends” sheet in the Centrex. There will be a training for Fellowship Friends on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00a.m. - noon.
SAVE THE DATE…And Save your stuff!
In partnership with the Trustees, our church is holding an auction on Saturday, May 31. Rather than go through the hassle of organizing a spring garage sale, we invite you to hold on to your items and donate them to the church for this event. Gary Davie will be our auctioneer. We invite your participation through volunteering to help in various ways to make the auction a success. More information will come, but feel free to call the office 322-7741 to volunteer your help. Proceeds from the auction will help repairs and refurbish our education building in preparation of our 50th anniversary celebration September 7. Any remaining proceeds will be used to help pay off our parking lot loan.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO. . .
• Kimiko Wagner, Red Cross Youth Hero Essay Contest Winner, for an essay regarding her mother.
• Thank everyone whose prayers helped to heal me during recovery from my second spine surgery. Also for the prayers and wishes that my heart cath would show that the valve would not have to be replaced, which it will not at this time. God Bless you all. - Jean Talbert
• Ben Bell and Bruce Turpen as part of the TJ HOSA team going to Nationals this summer.
• Andera & Ryan Goy in the March 22 birth of Alyssa Ryann.
• Sarah Byers & Dustin Townsend united in marriage, April 5 by Rev Arnpriester and Hopp.
• Debra Swirmicky for the wonderful Cool Congregations display she created in the Centrex display case. - Local Missions & Advocacy
• Victoria Alba on being chosen to give an opening speech at the Special Olympics Field and Track Day in Council Bluffs, April 27.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
April 10 - Krystina Hinman, Sara Innes, Scott Kvammen, Robert Sharp, Paul Shomshor, Jr.
April 11 - Cynthia Ciurej-Sieford
April 12 - Carrie Belt, Mason Dales, Matt Sell, Isah Vanarsdol
April 13 - Kullen Dieter, Mike McSorley, Molly Pengra, Rafael Ramos, Sherrie Rollings, Kaden Sellmeyer, Niles Sollazzo, Sawyer Sollazzo, Melissa Wittland
April 14 - Steven Speight
April 15 - Kenneth Cutler, Jean Kjeldgaard, Casie LeRette, Skyler Schott, Gayle Strickland
April 16 - Cameron Colter, Cameron Williams
April 17 - Rylie Gittins, Marylea Hall, Wyatt Larson, Jon Schlemmer, Chris Schultz, Brent Williams
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
April 10 - Bill & Sharon Phillips - 44
April 12 - Charles & Marci Ludington - 17
April 13 - Chad & Ashlee Kunze - 6, Aaron & Phyllis Smits - 1
April 15 - Glenn & Tonia Birks - 13
April 16 - Frank & Kristin Hayes - 25, Frank & Robin Stander - 20
April 17 - Jeff & Sondra Garton - 15, Ed & Sandy Williams - 26
Needed: Cardboard toilet tissue rolls and ice cream buckets for Vacation Bible School.
NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY . . .
Can you believe it’s been three years since our last directory was published? We have a lot of new faces! Save the dates August 12-16 and August 19-20 to have your family photos taken to be included. We want as many members in this directory as possible, so new and old members can put together faces and names! Watch for more information on Lifetouch’s web site! Remember, you’ll get a free 8x10 of your choice when you have your photos taken!
ANNOUNCING . . .
Youth Pancake Breakfast Sunday, April 20, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Youth will have pancakes sausage, juice and coffee for a free-will donation in Fellowship Hall. Proceeds to summer work trip.
May 4 will be Confirmation Sunday at Broadway! It is always a good thing to have infant baptisms help make the connection for everyone regarding baptism and confirmation. Parents of infants are invited to call the office to arrange for baptism on this important day in our congregation.
Beach Party Christian Day Camp at Broadway begins each Wednesday, June 4-July 2. At 7:30 a.m., doors open for breakfast. Vacation Bible School is held 9:00-11:45 a.m. for all ages from 2 through current 6th graders. At 11:30 a.m., children ages 2-4 who will not be in Kindergarten this fall will go home. Remaining children will board Laidlaw busses for lunch. Afternoon trips this year include Harrison County Historical Village and Religious Museum (6-4), Wabash Trace/Dream Playground (6-11), Carstens Farm (6-18), Ft. Atkinson (6-25) and Henry Doorly Zoo (7-2). Two snacks are served each day. Following afternoon trips, children play games in Fellowship Hall until parents pick them up, with doors closing at 5:30 p.m. Registration forms are available in the Centrex. Please register your child as soon as possible so we can be sure we have adequate craft, curriculum and snacks. This is a great opportunity to include friends!
Saturday, April 26, has been designated by The Care Team as A Day of Caring. Care team members will volunteer to help members of the congregation with jobs they need help doing. We have volunteers who will: make phone calls, bring in a meal, run errands, provide transportation, do yard work, send cards, go grocery shopping, plant flowers, go shopping, or “do whatever needs to be done”. Any member of the congregation who would like to volunteer with the care team in A Day of Caring, sign up in the Centrex or call Betty Milford, Lea Kuper, Sue Jungman or Susan Durlin. Anyone needing help with something is asked to sign up in the Centrex or call the church office.
Peace with Justice Scholarship Essay Contest is open to high school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in Iowa. There will be three winners of $500 scholarships, presented during Annual Conference. Essays must be 500-1500 words. You may choose one of the following topics: “How We Can Change the U.S. Reputation in the World from being the World’s Bully to Being the World’s Friend”; “The U.S. as World Leaders: How Others View Us”; or “How We Can Move from War to Peace”. Essays should be e-mailed to by April 15, 2008, to sttimsrevdick@cfu.net.
Horizons of Faith will be held at First United Methodist Church in Omaha, April 11-13, 2008. This yearly event brings in speakers of note to address matters of faith and society. Rita Nakashima Brock, author of “Losing Your Innocence But Not Your Hope,” will invite participants to go deeper in their faith journey.
Casting Crowns will be at the MidAmerica Center Sunday, April 27, 6:00 p.m. This Christian pop group has become the fastest selling, platinum reaching Christian artist in history. If we have a group of 10 or more, tickets will be $23.25 or $18.25. If interested, sign up in the Centex or call the office by Sunday, April 20. Tickets must be prepaid before ordering.
Just Give Me Jesus - a life-changing two-day revival for women. You will be stirred in worship by Fernando Ortega, inspired in prayer by Jill Briscoe and Anne Graham Lotz (daughter of Rev. Billy Graham) will lead you into the pages of God's Word, Friday, April 18, 2008, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Saturday, April 19, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Admission is free. Email JGMJesusDSM@netins.net, or go to www.AnneGrahamLotz.com or call 515-264-7200.
The Prevent Child Abuse Council of Pottawattamie County and Boys & Girls Town are holding a Family Health and Safety Fun Fair at Broadway, Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. The fair includes: clowns, face painting, fire trucks, health screenings, family activities along with information on keeping your family healthy and safe. All are welcome to attend.
I HAD A HORRIBLE DREAM . . .
I dreamed the Lord took my Sunday contribution and multiplied it by ten and this became my weekly income.
In no time it seemed. . .I lost my color TV. . .had to give up my car. . .I couldn’t even make a house payment.
What can a person do on $50 a week?
Suppose the Lord took your offerings and multiplied it by ten and that became your weekly income? How much would you make? --Copied
CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .
Wednesday, April 9 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Staff Meeting - 9:00 am
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Meal for Donation - 6:00 pm
Final Chime Choir Practice - 5:55 pm
Bell Choir - 6:15 pm
Wednesday Children, Children's Activities - 6:30 pm
Allstars, Christian Cadets, Jr. & Sr. UMYF - 6:30 pm
Inquirer's Class with Rev. Arnpriester - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm
Thursday, April 10 UMW Board Meeting - 12:45 pm
UMW Unit Meeting - 2:00 pm
Men's Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Trustees - 6:30 pm
Friday, April 11 Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 12 Pizza/Bingo Family Night -5:00 pm
Sunday, April 13 Choir Rehearsal - 7:19 am
Sunday Worship - 8:00 - 9:30 - 11:00 am
Children’s Sunday School - 8:00 am
Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School - 9:00 am
Sunday School - children & adults - 9:30 am
The Bible From Scratch - 11:00 am
Sunday School for elementary & younger - 11:00 am
Worship Service in Spanish - 6:00 pm
NA Group - 7:00 pm
Monday, April 14 Grace Study - 1:30 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Finance Committee - 7:00 pm
Cub Scouts Den Meeting - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, April 15 Craft Circle - 1:00 pm
Girl Scouts - 6:30 pm
Administrative Council - 7:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 16 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Staff Meeting - 9:00 am
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Meal for Donation - 6:00 pm
Wednesday Children, Children's Activities - 6:30 pm
Allstars, Christian Cadets, Jr. & Sr. UMYF - 6:30 pm
Inquirer's Class with Rev. Arnpriester - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II - 6:30 pm
Care Team Meeting - 7:30 pm
Need minor home repairs? Broadway has a group available to assist! Call the office and Duane Duncan will seen a handy man to determine what supplies are needed and a convenient time for both of you. The only cost to you is for supplies purchased. A variety of skills are available, ranging from minor plumbing to drywall and carpentry. Take care of any needs your house might have today!