December 8, 2009
The Broadway Spire
Volume 68-Number 10 December 8, 2009
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 change to The Broadway Spire, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315.
Web: www.broadwayunitedmethodist.com
Our mission: Ever seeking, serving and growing as the family of God with unconditional love and acceptance!
FROM MARVIN D. ARNPRIESTER . . .
Sunday mornings at Broadway sometimes take on a life of their own. It happened again this past Sunday. I knew it was going to be a hectic day with the children’s Christmas program between services. The first Sunday of the month we observe the Sacrament of Communion and then there were baptisms and a drama which meant we ran over the scheduled times. I heard no complaints. I was a bit nervous about it all, but once again God has a way of throwing my plans and concern about being done with worship in no more than an hour.
We had the privilege of sharing in the baptism of three children and receiving into membership a young woman who walked all the way from Guatemala to Nebraska for a better life for herself and her children. She joined Broadway because of the warm, caring welcome she has received here. What a tremendous statement of her faith and courage. She has a work permit and is studying English. She then surprised me as I led her through the vows by saying in English, “Yes, I will.” I continue to be amazed and overwhelmed at times by what continues to do in our ministry here at Broadway. And, most amazing, I get to be a part of it and get to share the stories.
I want you to hear the tremendous affirmation of Broadway and our life together. This young woman expressed what I continue to hear from folk about their relationship with God through Broadway. I have and continue praying God will send us the people nobody else accepts and God continues sending them to us. What a blessing they become in our life together here at Broadway. Thank you for all the ways in which you live out your faith as we continue serving and growing as the family of God with unconditional love and acceptance of all persons.
Regarding Christmas Eve services: We will have four services on December 24 as follows: 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. All four services will be Candlelight services. The 7:00 pm service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The 9:00 pm will be conducted in Spanish. There will be no 11:00 pm service. Thank you for sharing your input as this decision was made.
Finally, I share with you that Confirmation Class for youth in Grades 7 and older will begin Wednesday, January 13 at 5:00 pm and will be held each Wednesday at that time. Confirmation will include memory work, Bible study, work projects and fun as they youth grow in their faith and witness. Laura Hartley and I will lead this group of young people with May 2 being Confirmation Sunday. More information will be mailed shortly.
FROM CHRIS ST. CLAIR . . .
Philippians 1:6 says, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” Paul is referring to the work of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the community at Philippi. He’s reminding them of quite a bit even in this simple phrase. Hearing this changes the way we live in the present. Knowing that someone began something in us and is still at work in us, gives us hope. Paul tells us that he will be the one to complete it. Though it was said to a church in a different time and place, it’s quite timely for those of us who call Broadway our church.
As we are entering the second Sunday of Advent and the study groups meet to discuss the scriptures, I am reminded that there is so much that happens to the church while we are together, isn’t there? Even what happens to us when we are alone is meant to prepare us for when we are together. NRSV translators of this verse translate the Greek en humin “in you” as “among you”. For me that is a telling way to remind those who read it that Paul was addressing a community of believers in the church and not many individuals who happen to be in the same place. We are not shoppers at a mall who happen to all be in the same place at a given time—we are the family of God, together for a purpose and a reason, with a plan at work in us—the missio Dei—mission of God.
Paul says the work has begun in us implying that there is still work to do. The mission of the church is not a destination, but a journey. The church who has a sense of their mission as having “arrived” at a destination with nothing further to do other than enjoy the view and receive the accolades is a church out of touch with reality. I was reminded during worship on Sunday just how in touch with our mission we are at Broadway as I witnessed many moments of people living into “unconditional love and acceptance.”
Paul says the one who began the work will bring it to completion. There’s a tendency to let the pressures and anxieties get the best of us. Issues like finances, shopping and commercialism can seem to hi-jack the season. We aren’t giving Advent its time to be as we’re already rushing toward Christmas. We can learn from the mother-to-be, who when asked, last Sunday, said, ‘Today is the due date, but I’m not in charge of the delivery.’ Like the coming of a child, it is imminent, but not entirely predictable. It’s going to happen as God has promised, but on God’s timetable. In the meantime, our task is to be prepared—just as if you were awaiting the birth of a child.
There’s a plan and we’re a part of it and its completion is hinged on the one who died for us and rose again over that death in victory for us. If that doesn’t change the way we look at today, it certainly should. The day is coming: God give us the grace to live each day in light of that one.
Part of our “waiting” during the Advent season is a faithful reminder to ‘press on.’ As Paul says later in his letter to the Philippians: ‘not that I have already obtained this [power of the risen Christ] or have already reached the goal, but I press on to make it my own.’ God’s not finished yet and the things he’s started are in process. Our prayer for this day in the middle of the season of Advent might be, ‘LORD, help us to live this day in light of the day of Jesus Christ.’
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
Carolers: Join youth on Wednesday, December 9, 6:30-7:45 p.m., as they share songs of the season at various locations.
Midweek Moms invite you to join them in visiting the Gingerbread House display at Kanesville Tabernacle, Wednesday, December 9, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Recipe children’s group are reminded to bring a can of food for the church Food Pantry!
UMW catered lunch at noon Thursday, December 10. Call Fran Hansen, 323-3794, for reservations. The Board will meet at 10:30 a.m.
Help deliver Christmas Eve door hanger invitations to our neighbors. Meet at the church, Saturday, December 12, 8:30 am.
Children’s 9:30 am Sunday School Christmas Programs will be shared at 9:00 am and children from 11:00 am Sunday School will sing at 11:00 a.m. on December 13.
UMW Cookie Walk is Sunday, December 13, beginning at 9:00 a.m. A large box is $8, small box $5 and take advantage of ½ off bazaar items during the cookie walk. Proceeds go to mission projects. Cookies may be delivered to the church Friday morning or Saturday, December 12, 10:00 am to noon. Thanks for your participation!
The 160th Anniversary Committee will meet Monday, December 14 at 6:30 pm to continue planning the schedule and working out the details for our 2010 year long celebration. You are invited to join us.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: December 6, 2009:
Worship: 8:00 am - 92 9:30 am - 152;
11:00 am - 79; 6:00 pm - 148 = 471
Sunday School: 9:30 am - 104; 11:00 am - 23 = 127
With our Gifts 2009: Received
Current Expenses needed weekly $11,386.71
Received December 6 $18,832,25
Total current received to date $514,270.93
Budgeted to date $546,562.08
Growing through Grace received $48,943.40
United Methodist Student Day $144.00
With Our Prayers:
Hospitalized, Jennie: Kris Lippke. Mercy: Dorothy Johnson. Others: Patti Bruner, Barbara Condecon, Roger Coffey, Richard Devereaux, Roxine Devereaux, Bob Dodder, Ron Larsen, Denise LeBaugh, Aeon Long (service), George & Phyllis Marshall, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Bob Nielson, Phyllis Rajcevich, Kerri Randolph, Gary Richardson, Steve Roberson, George Smith, persons needing jobs, missionaries, victims of war and natural disasters, Bishop Trimble, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Field Staff Ed Kail, pastors and staff. Call 322-7705 to hear additional prayer requests.
Lectionary Bible Readings
December 13 Zephaniah 3:14-20
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18
Reminder . . .
When school is called off or dismissed early for inclement weather, all activities at the church are canceled as well.
Consecration Sunday Update . . .
As of December 7 we have received 165 commitments in the amount of $422,852 to support our 2010 General Fund Budget. Thank you for your commitment.
We are grateful for each person’s financial support. It is only through the freewill giving of your tithes and offerings that the ministry of Jesus Christ is made possible through our church, both here in Council Bluffs and around the world.
The Finance Committee
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .
· Laura Hartley for driving Sr. High youth to Micah House December 2.
· EQ School of Hair Design for their generous food pantry donation.
· Thank the Drama Team for their entertaining, yet meaningful skit Sunday.
· Thank you for the afghan. It is very thoughtful and will come in handy. -
Ray, Lindsey & Kyler Miller
· Dana & Adam Driscoll in December 7 birth of Kinnick Adam. Sandy & Ed Williams are proud grandparents.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
December 10 - Christopher Holeton, Eric VanHorn, Bonnie Wright
December 11 - Bryce Walker, Jayce Weik
December 12 - Kay Anne Bryant, Paul Holz, Kailey Leonard, Roald Whitsell
December 13 - Maya Crowl-Kinney, Chris Heuer
December 14 - Ladonna Boyle, Tom Fox, Michael Hartley, Dennis Hilder, Kendra Miller, Brenda Peak
December 15 - Scott Bell, Larry Hutchinson, Tammy Jensen, Cheryl Parkinson
December 16 - Leslie Adams, Anne Brunko, Jordan Harden
December 17 - Matthew Dickerson, Brian Loomis, Patty McElderry, Yolanda Mendoza, Kathy Walter
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
December 11- Raymond & Lindsey Miller - 5
December 14 - Jean & James Talbert - 56
December 17 - Harold & Midge Austin - 62
NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED . . .
By Baptism as a Preparatory Member:
Daniel & Jonathan Yos and Josslen Lopez
By Profession of Faith: Lesvia Lopez
There are currently 354 Preparatory Members
There are currently 1,076 Professing Members
TO HELP YOU GROW SPIRITUALLY . . .
Purchase from the office:
The 2010 Disciplines, a book of Daily Devotions for $12. 52 authors are featured with the same author writing one week of devotionals based on the lectionary scripture readings for the week.
The New Wesley Study Bible compiled by a group of Wesleyan Scholars featuring comprehensive study notes, inspirational life applications and explanations of core terms used in the Bible for $30.
PROVIDE SPECIAL MUSIC . . .
Persons wishing to provide special music during Advent and for Christmas Eve should contact Ann Carpenter, Gary Richardson, or April Wichman.
UMW NEWS . . .
UMW needs Helping Hands to provide cakes, salads and/or your time at different functions. Contact Fran Hansen, 323-3794, to volunteer or with any questions.
Cold weather means it’s soup time. Save your Campbell Soup labels for Missions and place them in the coffee can in the Centrex. A list also shows other product labels to save.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . .
Give the Gift of Life and Hope this holiday season by donating blood at Broadway on Saturday, December 12. 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A sign-up schedule is in the Centrex or call Mary Ann Pedersen, 328-0141 or the church office, 322-7741, to schedule an appointment.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 . . .
Daytime Diners meet at Tish’s at 11:30 am. Call Vi Grote, 322-8402.
Single Diners meet at Panera’s at 5:30 pm. Call Carol Ratashak, 322-7360.
YOUTH NEWS . . .
Wednesday Youth Sponsors and Children’s Leaders will meet Wednesday, December 16, 6:00-7:30 p.m., to plan for spring activities.
Wednesday evening Seeker groups meet December 9 for the final night before Christmas. All activities resume January 6, 2010. Children ages 4 through 2nd Grade may sign up for new activities in the Centrex.
BROADWAY’S 160TH ANNIVERSARY . . .
Sign up in the Centrex or call Ken Milford, 323-6056, to help with a special 160th Anniversary project. Persons are needed to spend an occasional hour now and then helping view past issues of the Daily Nonpareil at the Library. The purpose is to discover historical tidbits and information regarding Broadway’s church history. Training will be provided.
SANTA IS COMING TO BROADWAY . . .
In partnership with In Jesus’ Name Ministries, we have made arrangements for a visit from Santa on Sunday December 20, 7:00 pm, in Fellowship Hall. Sign up in the Centrex so Santa knows how many children to expect! Children’s activities provided. Simple round sugar cookies are needed for children to decorate.
COOL CONGREGATION TIP . . .
1.9 billion Christmas cards are sent to friends and loved ones every year, making Christmas the largest card-sending occasion in the United States. (Hallmark research). This amount of cards would fill a football field 10 stories high, and requires the harvesting of nearly 300,000 trees. Send electronic cards or call your friends and family as an alternative to paper Christmas cards.
BAPTISM AND RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS . . .
December 13, 20 and 24 have been designated for those desiring to be baptized and/or received as a member at Broadway. Speak to Rev. Arnpriester or call the church office to make arrangements.
CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS . . .
Make Christmas gifts or memorials to the pastor’s discretionary fund through December 18 and your name will be included in the bulletin. Call or stop in the Church Office to make the necessary arrangements.
REMEMBER, we are a five talent church, known, loved and blessed by God!
CHURCH STAFF . . .
Ministers - All Baptized Christians, Administrative Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator - Linda Muilenburg, muilenburg-bumc@qwest.net, Band Coordinator - April Wichman, alwichman@yahoo.com, Building & Grounds - Dora Olivo & Greg Foster, Children & Youth Ministries Coordinator - Judy Smits, smits-bumc@qwest.net, Congregational Development Coordinator - Bob Folkers, rcfolkers@cox.net, Financial Secretary - Virginia Paap, Music Coordinators - Ann Carpenter & Gary Richardson, Nursery Attendants - Patty Garcia, Whitney Kurcz, Kay McDonald, Sarah Opal, Stephanie Rodriguez; Organists - Ann Carpenter & Clarence Smelser, Parish Nurse Coordinator - Sue Jungman, Associate Pastor for Discipleship - Chris St. Clair, cstclair-bumc@qwest.net, Associate Pastor for Hispanic Ministries - Ruben Mendoza,Rubyoli@hotmail.com, Senior Pastor - Marvin Arnpriester, arnpriester-bumc@qwest.net, Treasurer - Terry Muilenburg
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wednesday, December 9
Pastoral Effectiveness - 9:00 am
Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Tai Chi - 11:00 am
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus - 1:30 pm
Senior High Youth Synago - 5:30 pm
Seekers Meal for donation - 6:00 pm
Bell Choir Practice - 6:25 pm
Midweek Moms, Alpha - 6:30 pm
Wednesday’s Children, Children’s Activities - 6:30 pm
Jesus’ Allstars, Christian Cadets - 6:30 pm
Jr. & Sr. High Youth - 6:30 pm
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus - 6:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 10 UMW Board - 10:30 am
UMW Catered Lunch - 12:00 pm
Men’s Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Disciple 2 - 6:30 pm
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus at Crescent - 6:30 pm
Friday, December 11 Outside Group - 11:30 am
Outside Group - 6:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
AA Group - 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 12 Blood Drive - 7:30 am
Door Hanger Walk - 8:30 am
Sunday, December 13 Third Sunday of Advent
Worship - 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am
Children’s Christmas Program - 9:00 am
Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School - 9:00 am
Cookie Walk - 9:00 am
Sunday School for all ages - 9:30 & 11:00 am
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus 11:00 am
Drama - 11:00 am
Worship in Spanish - 6:00 pm
NA Group - 7:00 pm
Monday, December 14 Single Mom’s Group - 6:00 pm
Divorce Care - 6:30 pm
160th Anniversary Planning Meeting - 6:30 pm
Cub Scouts - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 15 Celebrate the Newborn Jesus at Panera’s - 6:30 pm
Administrative Council Meeting - 7:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 16 Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Tai Chi - 11:00 am
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus - 1:30 pm
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus - 6:30 pm
Children & Youth Planning Meeting - 6:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
Graduating seniors and college students: Iowa United Methodist Foundation scholarship information is now available at www.iumf.org for you to download. All applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2010. If you have questions, call Judy. This does not include Broadway Scholarship applications.http://www.iumf.org.