January 19, 2010
The Broadway Spire
Volume 68-Number 16 January 19, 2010
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. 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 . . .
Watching the continuing news reports from Haiti is almost too much to absorb and handle, isn’t it? I want to read, watch and hear, while at the same time I don’t want to know. It hurts and I feel helpless. One report suggests the death toll may rise to as many as 200,000 or more. That’s over three times the number of people who live in Council Bluffs. It is hard to comprehend that many people gone in such a short time.
How true, I thought as I read the following words in an article in Time magazine, “Tragedy has a way of visiting those who can bear it least.” How true of many situations and especially in Haiti.
I could not take my eyes away from watching the report of CNN of Dr. Sanjay Gupta examine a fifteen-day-old infant. He moved her little arms and legs, then cradled her in his arms. He held her close to his chest, caressing her head with his strong neurosurgeon fingers. She had lacerations but did not have a concussion. The look in his eyes as he asked, “Are there any antibiotics,” was one of compassion and fear at the same time. He bandaged her little head, laid her down, and then picked her up again and held her close. I got teary eyed.
I share with you the words of Luke 1:78-79 that have been put to music In the Upper Room Hymn Book. We sang them at the Academy for Spiritual Formation when I was a participant. They seem appropriate right now when there seems to be no way to fully express the agony of the soul in light of the tragic earthquake:
“In the tender compassion of our God, the morning sun from heaven will rise upon us,
To shine on those who live in darkness under the cloud of death,
And to guide our feet, to guide our feet, into the way of peace.”
It is astonishing how the whole world is coming together to address the human misery of the people in Haiti. The outpouring of compassion by people from all over the world is nothing short of miraculous. People are reaching into their pockets and giving of themselves to guide their feet into the way of peace for those who are certainly living under the cloud of death.
Tears, prayers and gifts. These are the expressions of our tender compassion. Each week, we will continue to send in the monies we have received to the United Methodist Committee On Relief that is in Haiti on our behalf in the name of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your continuing response to this tremendous need.
From Judy Smits. . .
Not surprisingly, we have the very best children and youth Sunday School teachers ever at Broadway! Two weeks ago, again I saw living proof. A new family came to church and wanted their child to attend Sunday School. The mother shared that this preschooler was a little apprehensive because she had a bad experience at a previous church. So, we all went together to visit her room and meet the teachers. This was a cold, cold Sunday, and there were only two other children in the class. The teacher immediately started to visit with this child and include the others in conversation. Two teens were helping the teacher. After reassurance that we would be able to find mom if the child became uncomfortable, the parents went to the Sanctuary for worship.
The teens didn’t search for me, so at the end of Sunday School, I stopped in to see how class had gone for this child. She was smiling and playing with another little girl her age. When parents walked in, she said “I’m coming to this class EVERY WEEK”!
Changes can create discomfort. While the addition of a 9:30 a.m. service has been a very positive decision, it did create and continues to create some concern in our Sunday School program. Children and parents have to make a decision whether or not to attend worship or Sunday School. We have children who never are able to attend worship; we have some children who are not able to attend Sunday School because they choose to attend worship and are not able to stay for another hour of Sunday School. The Children’s Ministry Team continues to wrestle with this dilemma.
But, with teachers and children and youth leaders so warm and welcoming Broadway’s children and youth programs continue to thrive. This unconditional love and caring cannot be taught in a teacher’s workshop or meeting. It can’t be handed out as a policy or guideline. However, when the right people step forward and share their gifts, graces and love of Christ, amazing moments happen. I am so happy I get to witness these experiences. And, thank you to all Sunday School teachers who are here every week with a lesson prepared, snacks in hand, and time to welcome a stranger!
Honor roll students - Last week when the Kirn Middle School honor roll was released, there were 17 names of youth affiliated with Broadway among the students achieving a 3.0 or better GPA. Consistently, Broadway students at all schools are achievers in academics, sports, and the arts. Congratulations to each youth who strives to reach their potential in their area of interest.
Single Moms, who have been meeting on Monday nights, will be meeting on Wednesday nights beginning February 3. If you know a single mom who would like to meet other single moms, invite them to join. Topics for upcoming programs include:
January 18 - quick, nutritious meals
January 25 - what to look for when buying a car
February 3 - Sheltered Reality
February 11 - interviewing a child care provider.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
Our 160th Anniversary Celebration begins with a Chicken Noodle Dinner on Thursday, January 21. Chicken Noodles with mashed potatoes, green beans, with cake, pie or a brownie for dessert. Tickets are: $5 for adults, $3 for children 5-12, children 4 and under eat free.
Daytime Diners meet Friday, January 22, 11:30 a.m. at Tish’s. Contact Vi Grote for reservations, 322-8402.
Have You Seen Jesus My Lord?
Lay Ministry Summit, Sunday, January 24, Griswold UM Church, 2:30 -- 5:00 p.m.
with a Fellowship Meal to Follow.
Ten Workshops Highlighting Southwest District Outreach Ministries will be featured.
(Broadway featured in one workshop)
Take part in inspiring worship, meaningful conversations with friends old and new, and join in workshops that will help us prepare to “become FIT’ as Churches in the Southwest District!
(Child-care Provided)
There will be no Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting January 27.
New Members Received . . .
By Baptism as a Preparatory Member:
Delaney Rae & Avery Jean, daughters of Annie & Colby Esterling.
By Transfer of Membership:
Annie Esterling, Catholic Church
Colby Esterling, McCool Jct, NE UMC
Robert & Marcella Wiebesiek, First Christian Church, Council Bluffs
There are 361 Preparatory Members.
There are 1,086 Professing Members.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: January 17, 2010:
Worship: 8:00 am - 65; 9:30 am - 130; 11:00 am - 111; 6:00 pm - 110 = 416
Sunday School: 9:30 am - 92; 11:00 am - 39 = 131
With our Gifts 2009: Received
Current Expenses needed weekly $12,928.86
Received January 17 $6,471.90
Total current received to date $34,201.55
Budgeted to date $28,786.58
Growing through Grace received $1,634.00
Haiti Relief $3,753.00
Human Relations Day $181.00
With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized, Jennie: Kris Lippke, Minnie Montang, Vaneda Yochum. Mercy: Dorothy Johnson. Bergan Mercy: Sarah Bauman. Others: Patti Bruner, Roger Coffey, Barbara Condecon, Richard Devereaux, Roxine Devereaux, Bob Dodder, Doug Dungan, Jeanne Hall, Denise LeBaugh, Claudia McEvoy, Justin MeEvoy (service), Peggy McKee, Bob Nielson, Sue Phillips, Phyllis Rajcevich, Kerri Randolph, Steve Roberson, Maddy St. Clair, Eugenia Tabalisma, Jean Talbert, VIM Participants, persons needing jobs, missionaries, victims of war and natural disasters, Bishop Trimble, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Field Staff Ed Kail, pastors and staff. Call the office, 322-7741 ext. 15, for additional prayer requests.
Our Sympathy to . . .
• Patti & Don Bruner in the January 15, death of her sister, Karen Burroughs.
Lectionary Bible Readings . . .
January 24 Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 12:12-13a
Luke 4:14-21
Reminder: When school is called off or dismissed early for inclement weather, all activities at the church are canceled as well.
The call-in prayer line with the latest requests is 322-7741 extension 15 or call the office for a printed prayer request list.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .
1. Thanks to everyone who presented special music or drama during Advent and Christmas.
2. Thank Wenday Sorenson for sharing In Jesus Name Services with Senior High youth.
3. Thank Bill Phillips and his crew to doing such a good job in keeping the parking lot clear.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
January 21 - Nick Rhodes, Kim Sellmeyer, Jeri Stolley, Amber Strohbehn, Allen Wright
January 22 - Jodi Arthur, Brianna Craven, Bill Samuelson IV, Zachary Updegraff
January 23 - Eric Bach, Grace Broderick, Sharon Ellerbeck
January 24 - Katie Bicket, Tim Speight
January 25 - Scott Charleson, Delaney Esterling, Mick Freeman, Amanda Hamilton, Vallory Hatcher, Marvin Kieckhafer, Michael Kisby, Tom Whitson
January 26 - Jacob Bell, Jeff Borden, Leticia Bravo, Tara Johnston, Robert LeBaugh, Jessica Monahan, Joan Roberson
January 27 - Mary Atilano, Sarah Duncan, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Brianne Moore, Corey Ogren, Nicholas Updegraff, Christopher Winchester
January 28 - Treianna Hudson, Kaylee Loparco, Nanette Rhodes, Ron Tekippe
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
January 24 - Larry & Darla Fent - 40
FOR YOUR INFORMATION. . .
Help the Worship Team in preparing for our 160th Anniversary Celebration by turning in the name(s) of your favorite hymn(s). We plan to sing at least one each Sunday during 2010.
LENTEN STUDIES . . .
Beginning Ash Wednesday, February 17, Broadway’s Lenten offerings are expanding to three studies: The Way of Discernment exploring the process of change and seeking God’s will in our lives - a very faithful process to go through during Lent, Celebrate the Risen Christ - a study based on the weekly lectionary passages, and finally a study called First Persons where each lesson evolves out of eye-witness accounts of events in Jesus’ life. Sign up in the Centrex for any or all classes. We will have information on class times available for you before February 17.
YOUTH NEWS. . .
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 and parent information will be released shortly.
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. Call Judy with questions. This does not include Broadway Scholarship applications.
Puffins are back! Youth will be taking orders February 14 and 21 in the Sanctuary. Start thinking now about how many you will need to keep you supplied for the year. A new flavor this year is mozzarella. Free samples will be available February 14!
OTHER NEWS . . .
Persons desiring to be baptized and/or received as members of Broadway are asked to make arrangements with Rev. Arnpriester. Dates include February 21.
Purchase your January-February issue of The Upper Room and/or Alive Now Devotional Guides available from the table outside the office.
Pick up a box of weekly offering envelopes for 2010 from the counter in the Centrex.
Shelter Reality will be at Broadway again Wednesday, February 3, 6:30-7:45 p.m. They are a local and state-wide precision drumming group of young people who support shelters through their gifts and graces on the drums. Admission is $1.00. Ear plugs are provided!
Items Needed! In Jesus’ Name Services has a single mother who has transitioned from being homeless to a home. She needs two single beds, one large or two small dressers and a couch. If anyone has these items they do not need, call Judy. Also another single bed is needed for a family within the church.
IT’S COMING . . .
Dan Meyers with Master Plan Ministries comes to lead us as we begin the process for a Capital Campaign on January 31. You are invited to an all-church meeting to learn more and share your input. We need to:
1) tuck point and seal coat the sanctuary exterior,
2) pay the $300,000 parking lot note at the bank,
3) build our Endowment Fund,
4) miscellaneous items (i.e.) sanctuary updating, carpet and various floor
coverings and our 10% account.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Our last Spire left the story of Henry DeLong in the winter of 1845. That winter his father, mother, brother and sister died and the family was separated as Henry became an orphan.
Henry was living with Mormon Bishop Isaac Clarke. The western trek began February, 1846. Henry’s job was to drive the sheep and cows. He slept under the wagon. By April, his shoes were worn out, so he walked barefoot the rest of the way. The group reached Kanesville on July 3, 1846. They proceeded across the river and built cabins, making a settlement they called Winter Quarter.
Henry’s job was to cut and haul timber and see that the fire didn’t go out. His bed was the covered wagon bed outside the Clarke’s log cabin. He was very mistreated, and got nourishment from a goat he milked. He lived with the Mormons for four years, until they resumed their trek to the “Great Salt Lake”.
Henry came back to Kanesville and got a job at the Ocean Wave Saloon. His ambition was to become the best gambler in Kanesville. In 1850 at sixteen, Henry attended school for three months. He learned to read and write, though did both poorly.
In August 1854 Henry married Amanda Lodorska Miller. March 13, 1858 Henry and his friends went to disrupt a revival meeting. While waiting to give the signal to his friends, Henry listened to the minister. He became so impressed with what he heard that he was converted.
(More next week.)
JANUARY - A TIME OF NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS!!
What resolutions are you keeping this year? Usually we make resolutions to improve our health. A program at Broadway might help you. 5-4-3-2-1 Healthy Kids is a nationwide program good for both kids and adults. The plan encourages:
· 5 - Fruits and vegetables daily
· 4 - Glasses of water daily
· 3 - Servings of low fat dairy products daily
· 2 - No more than 2 hours of screen time daily
· 1 - One hour of exercise daily.
We have bracelets for you and your children to wear. When you have eaten 5 fruits and veggies every day, move your bracelet to the other arm. When you have your 3 servings of dairy products, move your bracelet to other arm, etc. Children and youth will receive their bracelets Wednesday night at Seekers in Sneakers. Adults, support your children! Do it yourself and be a good role model for your kids!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wednesday, January 20 Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Twilighters - 2:30 pm
Confirmation - 5:00 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
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
Thursday, January 21 Chicken Dinner - 5:00 pm
Men’s Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Disciple - 6:30 pm
Girl Scouts - 6:30 pm
Friday, January 22 Daytime Diners - 11:30 am
AA Group - 8:30 pm
Sunday, January 24 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
VBS Ministry Team Meeting - 10:30 am
Drama - 11:00 am
Band Practice - 12:30 pm
District Laity Summit at Griswold UMC - 2:30 pm
Worship in Spanish - 6:00 pm
NA Group - 7:00 pm
Monday, January 25 Single Moms Group - 6:30 pm
Worship Committee - 6:30 pm
Cub Scouts - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, Jan 26 Discipleship Development - 6:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, January 27 Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
Senior High Youth Synago - 5:30 pm
Seekers Meal for donation - 6:00 pm
Bell Choir Practice - 6:25 pm
Midweek Moms - 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
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