Broadway United Methodist Church

The Broadway
Spire
Volume 66 - Number 29 Phone 322-7741 April 15, 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 . . .

Several important things are happening in the life of our congregation which are both exciting and challenging:

We are planing a big celebration on September 7 of our Education Building which is 50 years old this year. Part of the planning is to name the building. You are encouraged to submit names for the building during April which will then be voted on by the congregation in May. Note the details below.

The Trustees are already planing for some repairs, painting, cleaning of the building. Watch for opportunities to volunteer your time and energies to assist. Note the details below of the May 30 All Church Auction to help fund the refurbishing projects. You can help with this by donating good useable items.

We have received the Church Consultation Report from Doug Anderson. The Administrative Council and various committees have already begun discussing the implications and how to best implement the various recommendations proposed in the document. If you want a copy of the report contact the church office for one.

SAVE THE DATE - Sunday, September 7, 2008, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Education Building at Broadway. In honor of the anniversary, we will finally give the building a proper name!! We need your help. Please be thinking of what you think the building should be named. Sunday, April 20 and 27, there will be a ballot in the Church Bulletin. Jot down your ideas for naming the building and place them in the offering plate or email suggestions to the church office muilenburg-bumc@qwest.net. On May 4 and 11 you will have an opportunity to vote on your choice of a name for our Education Building. The new name will be announced at a later date.

To prepare the building for the celebration, our Trustees are holding an auction on Saturday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. Lunch available 11:30-1:30 p.m. Clean useable donations will be accepted at the church May 19-30, 4 6 p.m. each day. Call the church office 322-7741 for information or to volunteer your help.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .

Single Diners will meet Friday, April 18, at Famous Dave's, 5:30 pm. Contact Karen Reynolds for reservations, 328-2167.

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.

UMW Annual Day Apart Sharing the Joy of Jesus will be April 24, at Salem UMC. Coffee at 8:30 a.m. Day’s activities begin at 9:00. Salad luncheon provided by District officers. No reservations needed.

Daytime Diners lost their meeting place when Valentino's closed so we will not meet Friday, April 25. We will join the Aged to Perfection Group the first Wednesday of each month and stay to play dominos after. More on the May 7 meeting later. Contact Vi Grote at 322-8402 with any questions.

Homebound members having a Sunday morning worship tape delivered are asked to return viewed tapes when your new tape is delivered. We are currently low on tapes.

Sign up in the Centrex or call the office to join our Broadway Golf League which begins May 6 at Fox Run Course.

Preparatory member received by Baptism: Kylie Arlene, daughter of Shelli Tilley & Eric Boyle.
There are 327 Preparatory Members.

Professing members received by Baptism and Profession: Shelli Tilley;
By Transfer: Ladonna Leach from Omaha Mt. Calvary Lutheran.
There are 996 Professing Members.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .

With our Presence: April 13, 2008
Worship: 8:00 a.m. -115; 9:30 a.m. - 111; 11:00 a.m. - 155; 6:30 p.m. - 105 = 489
Sunday School: 8:00 a.m -7; 9:30 a.m.-132; 11:00 a.m.-13 = 152

With our Gifts 2008: Received
Current Expenses, Need Weekly $11,209.13
Received April 13 $6,681.25
Total received to date $143,068.29
Growing through Grace 2008 $19,581.00
Guatemala Children’s Orphanage $342.87
Nothing But Nets $3,261.03
Native American Awareness $592.00
Vacation Bible School 300.00
Summer Camp Fund 400.00

With Our Prayers: Hospitalized at Jennie: Kris Lippke. Others: Marge Bean, Lesley Blom, Roger Coffey, Shirley DeHoogh, Brad & Holly Freeman, Max Hall, Sharon Jasnowski, London McSorley, John Metz, 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:
• Merle Johnson, Nicki Ford, Fred Kabbe and families in the April 12 death of Dalys Johnson.
• Jeff & Sondra Garton and family in the April 14 death of his grandmother, Rachel Kruckman in Sioux Rapids, IA.

LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS . . .
April 20 Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14

Concerned about climate change and protecting the environment? Here's something you can do about it. Add a new dimension to your stewardship commitments: Pledge energy efficiency. Prevent climate change pollution. Save money. How? Become a Cool Congregant: Calculate your carbon footprint, find ways to Reduce it, Pledge your reduction. Invite your friends from other churches. Meeting in Fellowship Hall, 8:30 a.m. to noon, May 10, 2008.FROM RUBEN MENDOZA . . .

In the ministry in which I work, I hear many life stories like this one…

A boy sat on the stairs of his home crying. He did this frequently in the past months, ever since his father left him alone with his mother to go to the United States to improve their economic situation.

His mother told me this story. The day before his father traveled to the U.S., he said goodbye to his son and left. The next day, the boy became profoundly sad. He was an only child and had a very close relationship with his father.

During the next year, the boy’s father sent money home to his wife and son. The mother saved this money – she had planned to use it to help her son find happiness again. She made the decision to follow the footsteps of her husband. She took her son by the hand and started off. She had no idea how long the trip would be, but she was sure of one thing – her boy would see his father again and she would once again be with her husband. Her husband knew nothing of her plans. She wanted to surprise him.

They traveled from Mexico to the border, then to the city where her husband was. When they arrived, her husband was speechless. He ran to greet and embrace them. It was the greatest gift the boy and his father had ever received. The boy’s sadness disappeared.

What made the mother make such a decision? Why risk her life and that of her son? The answer, I believe, is really quite simple. Love.
“So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

FROM MARGARITE GOODENOW . . .

The search for meaningful volunteer work began immediately upon retirement, even before. The purpose was to stave off boredom. It's amazing how much good one can find to do if you look for opportunities. So much good to do - so little time. The hour spent every Tuesday morning at Washington School has been one of the most rewarding in my “volunteer week”. When I was preparing to leave last week the teacher said I had helped the child with whom I work regularly so much she wished I could come an additional day because so many other children need help. I exited Washington School with a very full heart and the knowledge that I had received more than I had given. Another day at Washington - how could I refuse? I called the teacher back and said I'd come another hour on Tuesday afternoons too.

Call Ken Milford (323-6056) to help make a difference in young lives as a volunteer at Washington School.

NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY . . .

Watch for sign-up for new pictorial directory. Photos taken August 12-16 and August 19-20. Remember, you’ll get a free 8x10 of your choice when you have your photos taken!

BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO. . .

• Ron Larsen who transported the basket to the Nothing But Nets Free Throw Shoot and to Ray and Kathie Davis for helping it find its way home again! Also thanks to all who participated and sponsored participants. Thanks for making this such a great success and so much fun!
- Suze Bolduc and the Global Outreach Committee
• Wednesday evening kitchen helpers for your patience with the Easy Recipe group!
- Elisa Smith and Laura Holcomb
• Congratulate the youth chime choir on a great year. Thanks to the parents who supported our practices and Sunday morning performances. See you next fall.
• To everyone who has held me in prayer, visited or sent cards or called and offered food and other help this past 3 weeks. There is no way to adequately express my gratitude except to tell you all it has meant and helped a great deal. - Betty Milford
• Michael Kisby featured as the volunteer of the month at Atria Meridian Assisted Living Center in Florida.

BIRTHDAYS . . .

April 17 - Rylie Gittins, Marylea Hall, Wyatt Larson, Jon Schlemmer, Chris Schultz, Brent Williams, Ammy Mendoza
April 18 - Danette Bockert, Sarabeth Lewis, Emma Sutton, Jeffrey Walker
April 19 - Bobbie LeRette, George Smith
April 20 - Savannah Delozier, Luca Duncan, Jakob Durlin, Gloria Gardner, Matt Schultz
April 21 - Conner Carpenter, Glen Farrell, Bob Nielson
April 22 - Annie Driver, Manuel Hernandez Jr., Peyton Kvammen, Dick Schnackel
April 23 - Travis Borden, Katie Echison, Joel Leaders, Vivian Serpas
April 24 - Patrick Bicket, Harry Drake, Chad Fent, Gabriella Hernandez, Tyler Johnson, Wil Prine, Elizabeth Smith, Scott Williams

ANNIVERSARIES . . .

April 17 - Jeff & Sondra Garton - 15, Ed & Sandy Williams - 26
April 20 - Scott & Lea Brandenburg - 6, Kent & Diana Eckhardt - 46
April 21 - William & Sharon Jasnowski - 7, John & Lori Scott - 18
April 22 - Bill & Stacey Jones - 19, Don & Sarah Ratekin - 6
April 23 - James & Tammy Johnson - 25

ANNOUNCING . . .

Wednesday evening Seeker activities for children and youth end until fall with a catered picnic May 7, 6:00 p.m., at Big Lake Park.

Summer Sunday School for children begins May 25. Teachers are needed for 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. for 1-2 weeks. With changes in our schedule, more adults and youth are needed. Sign up in the Centrex to help!

If you are interested in being part of the Vacation Bible School staff, teaching, preparing snacks or afternoon field trips, June 4-July 2, call the office!

Needed: Cardboard toilet tissue rolls and ice cream buckets for Vacation Bible School.

May 4 will be Confirmation Sunday at Broadway! Parents of infants are invited to call the office to arrange for baptism on this important day at Broadway!

The Council Bluffs parish nurse network (7 churches and 18 nurses) has decided to offer some activities jointly. We will offer Tai Chi starting May 5 for 6 weeks on Mondays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2444 North Broadway. It will also be offered the same evening dates at Community of Christ Church,116 West Kanesville Blvd., 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. There is no charge.

Parish nurses will soon have a recipe box in the Centrex. Each month copies of a healthy recipe will be put in the box for you to take. The first month will be “Healthy Flax Seed Muffins.” Delicious!

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!

Sign up on the “Fellowship Friends” sheet in the Centrex for training as a Fellowship Friend on Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m. - noon.

Pastor and author Rick Warren, in his book A Purpose Driven Life, says God had you in mind long before you were ever conceived by your parents; that he wanted you just the way you are because your are unlike any one else who has ever been.” That powerful message is but one of many discussed in the Sunday morning study group at the Mall of the Bluffs 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The group then has lunch in the food court. Call Sue Jungman at 323-0750 or Rick Perkins at 256-8930 for more information.

Saturday, April 26, is A Day of Caring. Anyone needing help with something is asked to sign up in the Centrex or call the church office. Any member of the congregation wishing to volunteer with the care team on this day, are asked to sign up in the Centrex or call Betty Milford, Lea Kuper, Sue Jungman, Susan Durlin.

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. Youth will be offering nachos, apples and water during the Fair.

YOU ARE INVITED . . .

To learn more about Rainbow Network, an inter-denominational Christian ministry at work in Nicaragua with some of the poorest people in the world, Saturday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. at St Andrew’s UMC at 15050 W. Maple Road, Omaha, the program staff and several Nicaraguans touched by the hands of Jesus through Rainbow Network will share their experiences and gratitude in a Celebration of Miracles evening.

Rick Durlin had a bittersweet experience as he witnessed the poorest of conditions, but then saw the hands of Christ at work through the Rainbow Network programs. He was there in February as the communities celebrate the beginning of the school year by handing out shoes, school supplies and backpacks.

Rainbow Network works in rural Nicaragua with some of the poorest people in the world. Their mission or model as he calls it, is built around the core belief of sharing the love of Jesus Christ through sustaining enablement in four areas: healthcare, education, housing and economic development through education and miro-loans. These self help programs are extremely efficient and allow community volunteers to work together for sustainable change for their communities and families.

Rick has seen it and invites you to join him Saturday.
April 19. Call him for more information.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .

Wednesday, April 16 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Staff Meeting - 1:00 am
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
PACT Activities - 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
Introductory Bible Class with Pastor Dana - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II - 6:30 pm
Care Team Meeting - 7:30 pm
Thursday, April 17 Men's Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Scout Leaders - 7:00 pm
Global Outreach - 7:00 pm
Friday, April 18 Single Diners - 5:30 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Sunday, April 20 Choir Rehearsal - 7:19 am
Sunday Worship - 8:00 - 9:30 - 11:00 am
Children’s Sunday School - 8:00 am
Youth Pancake Breakfast - 9:00 am - noon
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 21 ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Worship Committee - 6:30 pm
Cub Scouts Den Meeting - 6:30 pm
SPRC - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, April 22 Girl Scouts - 6:30 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 23 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Staff Meeting - 9:00 am
Prayer Shawl Ministry - 1:30 pm
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Meal for Donation - 6:00 pm
Bell Choir - 6:15 pm
Wednesday Children, Children's Activities - 6:30 pm
Allstars, Christian Cadets, Jr. & Sr. UMYF - 6:30 pm
Introductory Bible Class with Pastor Dana - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm

The Southwest District needs Representatives for several Conference Committees. Laity interested in serving a four year term on a committee are ask to respond to Alan Moore: docmoore@mchsi.com before April 25. Committees needing laity volunteers include:
Hispanic Ministries, Commission on Religion & Race
BGOM Standing Committee on Volunteers in Mission,
BGOM Standing Committee on Nigeria Project,
Board of Higher Education & Ministries.
Youth (18 or younger) are invited to serve on any of the above mentioned committees.