December 15, 2009
The Broadway Spire
Volume 68-Number 11 December 15, 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 . . .
Someone commented to me that the Advent scripture readings this year don’t sound like very good news. This person was referring to the passages from Luke’s Gospel where we learn of John the Baptist’s message to the people of his day. John uses some images in his message that are not real uplifting. He calls those who came out to hear him, “You brood of vipers.” He uses the image of cutting down a tree bearing no fruit and throwing it into the fire. He names the realities of his day which sound little different than our day. His message calls the people to examine their lives and their belief system in light of the reality of God sending one to make things right. The one coming would address the wrongs going on in society, including the abuse of the poor by those in power. Justice will occur, with every valley being filled, mountain and hill made low, the crooked made straight, and the rough ways made smooth. John’s hearers got it and understood his message. So they asked, “What then should we do?”
John tells them to repent, which meant changing the direction of their lives. When they pressed him, he became specific. Share your food and clothes with those who have none. Collect no more than is due you. Do not extort money from anyone. Be satisfied with your wages. John’s message was not “just get saved and everything will be fine.” He called people to demonstrate their repentance in relationship with each other. He called them to acts of charity and fairness in matters having to do with work and money. It was not about feeling good! It was about changing their behavior!
Bottom line, John is calling the people of his day to live in the present not in the past. He pointed out that God has no grandchildren. Every person is accountable and responsible for their relationship with God and with others. The evidence of our relationship with God is seen in how we relate to others and how we handle work and money.
Luke tells us the people were filled with expectation. They heard the truth he told them. Knowing the truth set them free from their fear and worry, their sin and their shame. It was “good news” for them that God had not forgotten them and things were going to be made right. They and their forebears had long looked for a political and military Messiah to save them from the oppression of life at the hands of those around them. So John’s message of honesty about the realities in their lives and relationships and what they needed to do became for them “good news.” Their hope was not in vain. God had not forgotten them. There was one coming with the power of the Holy Spirit whose birth we will celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
FROM JUDY SMITS . . .
Sunday School is now being offered during Rev. Ruben Medoza’s Spanish speaking Bible study each Tuesday night. However, the children have corrected us: it’s “Tuesday School” because you can’t have Sunday School on Tuesdays! Prior to this fall, members of Ruben’s congregation were providing Sunday School activities for the children, but this meant they were not able to be part of his study group. And, as with Ruben’s congregation, the number of children continues to grow each week. Currently we have 15-17 children attending. In addition, a nursery is provided for children ages two and under. The children use “One Room Sunday School” materials which provides for a variety of activities to accommodate children from ages 2 through 6th Grade.
I am constantly amazed at how knowledgeable these Tuesday School children are of Bible stories. Obviously, parents have read and shared the stories with their children. Ann Carpenter has begun choir time with the children, singing in both English and Spanish. Wow! Do they sing! The energy from those little voices literally bounces around the walls! The door to the Lounge upstairs has to be shut to allow the adult group to continue their discussion. And, the smiles are huge.
Currently Saedy and Renae Hartley, Carey Garafalo-Moore and I rotate teaching duties. We all receive the rewards of being a Sunday School teacher on any day at Broadway - hugs and smiles. We would welcome additional helpers/teachers on Tuesdays. With the number of children attending, an extra pair of hands would allow us to focus on relationships as well as handing out papers and scissors! If you would be interested in an hour of laughter and noise, call us! Thanks to each parent who allows us to be a part of their child’s life for an hour each week.
I feel so enriched with the addition of our Hispanic worshipers. I am learning more about their culture and the struggles they face. And, I am amazed at the ease with which the children switch from English to Spanish, depending on whether they are talking to me or their parents - or interpreting for one of us! Another part of the equation that makes Broadway so special!
Update on Teen Moms program: Last week we watched as the young mom who previously indicated she was unable to connect with her child gently caressed the little child’s cheek and placed a kiss on the child’s face. When the mother shared her concerns with a speaker from the community, that evening’s speaker suggested a few simple techniques to bond more fully with the child. These suggestions opened a new world for both mother and child. Betty Milford and I noticed the child cuddled in our arms last week and was content just to sit on Betty’s lap. A small difference – but for us it is huge! This scene reminds us why we are here on Monday nights. Thanks for supporting this Broadway ministry!
Regarding Christmas Eve services: We will have four services on December 24 as follows: 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. All four services will be Candlelight services. The 7:00 p.m. service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The 9:00 p.m. service will be conducted in Spanish.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
UMW catered lunch at noon Wednesday, December 16. Call Fran Hansen, 323-3794, for reservations. The Board will meet at 10:30 a.m.
Youth sponsors and children’s leaders will meet Wednesday, December 16, 6:00-7:30 p.m., to plan for upcoming events.
Friday, December 18,
Daytime Diners meet at Tish’s at 11:30 a.m. Call Vi Grote, 322-8402.
Single Diners meet at Panera’s at 5:30 p.m. Call Carol Ratashak, 322-7360.
Make Christmas gifts or memorials to the pastor’s discretionary fund through December 18 and your name will be included in Sunday’s bulletin. Call or stop in the Church Office.
Because of the weather we postponed delivering Christmas Eve door hanger invitations to our neighbors. You are invited to meet at the church, 8:30 am, Saturday, December 19 to help deliver them to our neighborhood.
Children’s activities with Santa stopping by will occur in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 20, 7:00 p.m. In partnership with “In Jesus Name” Ministries, all children are invited to attend. Please call the office for reservations so enough supplies are available for the activities!
Persons desiring to be baptized and/or received as members of Broadway on December 20 and 24 are asked to make arrangements with Rev. Arnpriester. Call him at 322-7741.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: December 13, 2009:
Worship: 8:00 am - 100; 9:30 am - 129;
11:00 am - 107; 6:00 pm - 67 = 403
Sunday School: 9:30 am - 104; 11:00 am - 37 = 141
With our Gifts 2009: Received
Current Expenses needed weekly $11,386.71
Received December 13 $7,725.72
Received for 2010 $4,100.00
Total current received to date $526,096.65
Budgeted to date $569,335.50
Growing through Grace received $49,844.40
With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized, Jennie: Kris Lippke. Others: Patti Bruner, Barbara Condecon, David Coffey, Roger Coffey, Richard Devereaux, Roxine Devereaux, Bob Dodder, Dorothy Johnson, Randy Larson (service), Ron Larsen, Denise LeBaugh, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Virginia Moore, Bob Nielson, Kerri Randolph, Gary Richardson, Steve Roberson, George Smith, Brady Yeoman, 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 20 Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:47-55
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45
Remember . . .
Broadway is a five talent church, known, loved and blessed by God!
Reminder . . .
When school is called off or dismissed early for inclement weather, all activities at the church are canceled as well.
Purchase your January-February issue of The Upper Room and/or Alive Now Devotional Guides available from the table outside the office.
Help the Worship Team in preparing for our 160th Anniversary Celebration by turning in the name of your favorite hymn. We plan to sing at least one each Sunday during 2010.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .
· Thank Verla Keim for the visit and the Care Team for the bag of goodies.
- Doris Roth.
· Thank everyone for their prayers and generosity. We truly appreciate the kindness. - Richard Devereaux and family
· The children, teachers and parents for presenting the Christmas programs this year.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
December 17 - Matthew Dickerson, Brian Loomis, Patty McElderry, Yolanda Mendoza, Kathy Walter
December 18 - Kenneth Hedlund, Mike Hewett, Whitney Kurcz, Andrew Olson, Seamus St.Clair, Suzanne Stone
December 19 - Bob Kissel
December 20 - Susan Bolduc, Karen Hamilton, Alex Sollazzo
December 21 - Bailee Dunn, Sydney Harden
December 22 - Piper Broderick, Christine Haugh, Susan Law, Ethan Long, Dakota Olsen
December 23 - Carmen Barrett, Laura Hartley, Erika Rodriguez, Miguel Rodriguez, Brittni Walker, Cameron Witt
December 24 - Gary Davie, Kathryn Witt
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
December 17 - Harold & Midge Austin - 62
December 18 - Bryan & Becky Dickerson - 16, David & Carrie Johnson - 16, Dan & Jann Strutzenberg - 17
December 19 - Rick & Susan Durlin - 22
December 22 - Bernard & Virginia Moore - 24
December 22 - Corey & Stephanie Ogren - 9
December 23 - Larry & Phyllis VanFossan - 42
December 24 - Robert & Reva Towers - 49
NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED . . .
By Baptism as a Preparatory Member:
Cole James, son of Lisa & Kevin Alff
Lily Bryann, daughter of Cameron Caldwell
By Transfer of Membership:
Cameron Caldwell, Aurora, NE Evangelical Covenant
LoRayne VanWyk, Omaha, Dundee Presbyterian
There are currently 356 Preparatory Members
There are currently 1,078 Professing Members
PROVIDE SPECIAL MUSIC . . .
Persons willing 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.
PURCHASE FROM THE OFFICE . . .
The 2010 Disciplines, a book of Daily Devotions with the same author writing one week of devotionals based on the lectionary scriptures for the week for $12.
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.
WEDNESDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES . . .
Activities for all ages will resume Wednesday, January 6. Children ages 2 through 2nd Grade may sign up in the Centrex for activities for the first half of 2010.
YOUTH SUMMER MISSION TRIP . . .
Youth are currently earning points for their July 12-16 mission work trip to St. Louis in 2010. All youth 7th Grade and above are eligible to participate. Deposit information will be available after Christmas.
COOL CONGREGATION TIP . . .
38,000 miles of ribbon is thrown out each year. Enough to tie a bow around the earth. Forgo the ribbon or use reusable ribbon.
GRADUATING SENIORS & 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.
Sign up in the Centrex or call Ken Milford, 323-6056, to help view past issues of the Daily Nonpareil at the Library. The purpose is to discover historical tidbits and information regarding Broadway’s church history for our 160th Anniversary Celebration. Training will be provided.
ADDRESSES . . .
As you prepare Christmas greetings this year, you are invited to remember our former pastors and spouses:
Mrs. Susan Arthur (Don) 1968-72
1400 W. Norton, Muskegon, MI 40442
Rev. Bill & Sue Ballard - 1964-66 (associate)
Box 54, Lacona, IA 50139-0054
Rev. Gene & Doris Miller - 1972-79
2218 Spring Street, Davenport, IA 52803
Rev. Dale & LaJeune Williams - 1979-83
707 Robin Glen # 216, Indianola, IA 50125-1073
Mrs. Judith Poulsen (Jim) - 1983-92
2323 E. Porter Avenue, #82, Des Moines, IA 50320-2739
Rev. Cliff & Jane Haider - 1992-95
5150 Jordan Blvd., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327-1902
Rev. Dana & Bob Scopatz - 2005-08 (associate)
1570 Eustis Street #233, Lauderdale, MN 55108-1279
FOR THOSE INTERESTED . . .
Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. It begins with a weekend including prayer, meditation, worship, food and fun beginning on Thursday night and ending on Sunday night. Participants are then invited to meet regularly with a small group that supports each member in living faithfully. The next set of Walks begins in our area on February 25-28 (for men) and March 4-7 (for women at Corning UMC). A later set will be held in August. You need a sponsor to attend. Contact Rev. Chris St. Clair or the District Office to learn more, (712)243-8573.
Persons interested in being nominated from Broadway as a District At-Large Member for the 2010 Annual Conference needs to contact Rev. Arnpriester or email Shirley Lewis (District Administrative Secretary) at shirley.lewis@iaumc.org. Deadline for submitting nominations is January 1, 2010.
Educational Opportunities Tours (EOT) is offering “Alpine Wonders” and the Oberammergau Passion Play 2010, a nine-day European Adventure with Bishop and Mrs. Trimble. The tour departs August 3, 2010, from Cedar Rapids or Des Moines. For details, itinerary and registration visit www.eo.travewithus.com.
Family Advent calendars are available in the Centrex with a variety of season-enriching activity suggestions.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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 Sponsor Planning Meeting - 6:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 17 Pastor’s Metro Strategy Lunch - 10:00 am
Investment Committee - 4:00 pm
Men’s Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Dementia Support Group - 6:00 pm
Disciple 2 - 6:30 pm
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus at Crescent - 6:30 pm
Congregational Development Meeting - 7:00 pm
Friday, December 18 Daytime Diners - 11:30 am
Single Diners - 5:30 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
AA Group - 8:30 pm
Saturday, December 19 Door Hanger Walk - 8:30 am
Sunday, December 20 Third Sunday of Advent
Worship - 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am
Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School - 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
Children’s Activities and Santa Event - 7:00 pm
NA Group - 7:00 pm
Monday, December 21 Single Mom’s Group - 6:00 pm
Divorce Care - 6:30 pm
Cub Scouts - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 22 Celebrate the Newborn Jesus at Panera’s - 6:30 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, December 23 Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Tai Chi - 11:00 am
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus - 1:30 pm
Celebrate the Newborn Jesus - 6:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
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