February 16, 2010
The Broadway Spire
Volume 68-Number 20 February 16, 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 . . .
What a winter! It has us all reeling with one major winter blow after another. Where was that expected January thaw? The continuing cold and overcast days, with little sun, doesn’t do much to help our attitude. I thank you for your continued faithfulness in attendance, participation in activities and financial support of the church.
This week we begin our journey from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday, through a garden to a hill with a cross and then to Easter. I encourage you to join me as we intentionally consecrate this Lenten time so we might experience a renewed Easter of the soul as never before in our lives. Will you make a Lenten Covenant with me in which we each say to God, to ourselves and to each other, I will:
Covenant to pray daily during Lent for my church, its mission, pastors, membership and
for the people of the world.
Offer my services for participation in the ministries of my church and share my talents in
its life and witness.
N ot neglect my prayerful reflection on the needs of the world and be involved in helping
ministries of justice and peace to occur.
S erve Christ and his church by consistently applying the principles of Christ’s teaching
to my daily attitude and living.
E ndeavor by the grace of God to make a wholesome and contagious witness in sharing
the good news of God’s love with others.
C onsecrate a special portion of my earnings for the purpose of sustaining the mission
outreach of our church.
R eserve Sundays for worship and study, remembering each week we have an
opportunity to grow in our faith in study opportunities.
A ttend special services, especially the At the Foot of the Cross drama during Holy
Week.
T ithe my income and share it regularly as an acknowledgment of the Lordship of Jesus
Christ in my life.
E arnestly attempt, through invitation or by accompanying them, to have at least one
person with me in worship attendance and/or a growth opportunity each week during Lent.
FROM JUDY SMITS . . .
(1) A few weeks ago, two older youth from the Hispanic Bible study walked up to me smiling. They asked what color I thought God was. I explained I did not see God as any particular color. “Well, then what color is Jesus”. I launched off into a more involved explanation pointing out the part of the world where Jesus was born, the Middle East, and his lineage, blah, blah, blah. They patiently waited for me to finish, still smiling. When I stopped talking, they turned and pointed at a picture of Jesus hanging on the wall and asked, “Why do all the pictures here at Broadway show a white Jesus?” Oh-oh! They almost had me! Until I remembered we have ONE picture of a Middle Eastern-looking Jesus by the water fountain in the Centrex, which I quickly pointed out to them!
But, what a point they made! I had never stopped to think about it. So many of the pictures depicting Jesus are the pictures I know from childhood, a white Jesus. I’m comfortable with those pictures. These simple questions caused me to begin looking at the pictures hanging at Broadway of Jesus – with flowing blond hair and blue eyes. We have one picture named “What happened To Your Hand?” with two little girls, a little boy and Jesus – all white – in clothes children wore when I grew up years ago! What message do these pictures convey to our children in 2010?
Hopefully, you will soon see some new images of Jesus interspersed among existing artwork. The Fine Arts team has taken responsibility for searching out a variety of depictions of Jesus which will expand our understanding of who Jesus was and is. Broadway continues to strive to be inclusive of all, not exclusive of any group or person.
(2) On a cold January night, 10 new youth appeared. A couple came with parents; others came with friends. I found each youth included, involved and laughing with other youth. Youth sponsors mingled among the youth, meeting and greeting each.
One of Broadway’s program strengths is all persons agreeing to be sponsors genuinely care about youth and are strong role models. Each group is like a family. Little Kinnick Driscoll started attending when he was a month old, sleeping throughout the confusion and chaos as his parents interact with youth. Cael Ruiz and Landon Leaders toddle throughout youth sprawled on couches and floors during youth activities. Like a family, there are inside jokes, conflicts, and adults doling out love and discipline. There is always room for 1 – or 10 – or more.
Youth groups are reflective of the bigger family, Broadway United Methodist Church. Just as a family reflects their values, youth reflect the values of Broadway UMC. Without the church loving, accepting the youth and role modeling unconditional love and acceptance – and supporting them through summer work trips and a multitude of fundraisers – the youth groups would be stunted in their ability to grow and accept new persons in their midst. As we celebrate 160 years of BUMC, we are grateful for all the youth groups and sponsors who have paved the way and encouraged youth to take the reins. We know the youth here in 2010 are following in giant footsteps, but are up to the task!
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
All Seekers will attend Ash Wednesday services on February 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Regular activities will resume February 24.
Single Moms, meet Wednesday nights. Invite other single moms to join and meet for support and fellowship. Upcoming topics:
February 24 - Positive Parenting
March 3 - What will happen to my children if something happens to me?
Final week to order Puffins will be February 21. Youth will be taking orders in the Centrex. Order enough to keep you supplied for the year. Flavors are cinnamon, cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese, apple, caramel and a new flavor, mozzarella. Each package contains 12 Puffins; one package $11, three packages $30. Thank you for your support of youth ministry in this way.
Daytime Diners will meet at Tish’s Friday, February 26, 11:30 a.m. Contact Vi Grote for reservations, 322-8402.
Single Diners will meet at Sam’s Italian Villa Friday, February 26, at 5:30 p.m. Contact Yvonne Stucker, 328-0994.
The University of South Dakota Chamber Singers will present a concert at Broadway UMC on Saturday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. Housing is needed that night for 32 students. If you have space available, call Judy, 322-7741. Students will be picked up following the concert and returned on Sunday morning by 7:30 a.m. following a light breakfast (granola bars, cereal or donuts) as they will sing in the 8:00 a.m. worship service before continuing the rest of their concert tour.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: February 14, 2010:
Worship: 8:00 am - 74; 9:30 am - 180; 11:00 am - 128; 6:00 pm - 104 = 486
Sunday School: 9:30 am - 97; 11:00 am - 35 = 132
With our Gifts 2009: Received
Current Expenses needed weekly $12,928.86
Received February 14 $9,108.75
Current Expenses received to date $88,068.04
Budgeted to date $90,502.02
Haiti Relief to date $6,267.89
160th Anniversary to date $1,220.00
PET Project to date $312.00
With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized: Jennie: Kris Lippke. UNMC: Missy Wittland. Others: John Barber, Sarah Bauman, Ralph Bean (Bethany), Patti Bruner, Roger Coffey, Barbara Condecon, Richard Devereaux, Roxine Devereaux, Dorothy Johnson, Randy Larson (service), Pat Mahlberg, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Bob Nielson, Phyllis Rajcevich, Kerri Randolph, Steve Roberson, Jean Talbert, Tangee Towers, Vaneda Yochum, 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.
Lectionary Bible Readings . . .
February 21 Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
Reminder: When school is called off or dismissed early for inclement weather, all activities at the church are canceled as well.
Persons desiring to be baptized and/or received as members of Broadway on February 21 or 28 are asked to make arrangements with Rev. Arnpriester.
The next Red Cross Blood Drive will be at Broadway on February 27, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sign up in the Centrex.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .
∙ Jamie Sullivan graduating from Kaplan University with a degree as a Medical
Assistant.
∙ Shannon Holmes, Ann Carpenter Phyllis VanFossan, Mark & Conner Wichman,
Scott Hillen, Tim Johnson and Gary Richardson for the Dixieland music at all three services Sunday. It was wonderful!
∙ Brendan Johnson placing 8th and team placing 3rd in SW IA Math Counts
Competition, qualifying for State, and to team coach, Nancy File.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
February 18 - Shaelen Arrick, Marcia Leighty, Tasha Mahrt
February 19 - Jackie Jenkins, Todd Killion, Johnny Lynn Williams
February 20 - James Beck Jr., Steven Cano, Kelle Cline, Kenna Sellmeyer
February 21 - Dan Barnett, Jennifer Kvammen, Brooke Stander, Rhonda Ulmer
February 22 - Amy Block, Zachary Dickerson, Ted Harris, Lori Scott
February 23 - Dick Dallinger, Dianne Glass, Barry Jacobsen, Audrey Linarez, Marcus Linarez, Katelyn Taylor, Kelsey White, Seth Wichman
February 24 - Rylee Cvilikas, Avery Esterling, Maxine Frieze, Dillon Gibson, James Wheeler
February 25 - Kristen Block, Halie Landolt, Aaron Smits
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
February 18 - Milo & Sharon Borden - 56, Jon & Sandra Cutler - 15
February 19 - Gary & Maryanna Davie - 25, Wayne & Wanda Leaders - 64
February 21 - Michael & Sherrie Rollings - 23
February 23 - Al & Mary Voss - 63
February 25 - Christopher & Stacey Holeton - 15
NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED . . .
By Baptism as a Preparatory Member:
-Rylan Becky, daughter of Michaela Kapels & Jon Schnider
-Emily Kay & Mallory Anne, daughters of Sarah & Dustin Townsend
By Transfer as a Preparatory Member:
-Braxton & Jayden, children of Michaela Kapels.
By Profession of Faith:
-Michaela Kapels, Jon Schnider
There are 368 Preparatory Members.
There are 1,088 Professing Members.
CHURCH HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS . . .
Broadway United Methodist Church has supported missions and missionaries both local and worldwide since the church was organized in 1850. Very little was recorded of specific missionaries but the yearly budgets always had missions as the top priority.
Today, our mission projects are carried out through the leadership of the Global Outreach and the Local Missions and Advocacy teams.
The focus of our various mission projects is to make sure we make a difference long term in people’s lives and are a Rainbow Covenant Church. This is the Iowa Annual Conference United Methodist Church mission emphasis. Just as God made the covenant to Noah from the flood waters with a rainbow, so we in return, supply funds to God’s church to rescue and work with people dealing with overwhelming life circumstances.
The first mile Rainbow Covenant Church pays the Iowa Annual Conference apportionments in full. This supports the state and world-wide ministry of the church. It includes support for various boards and agencies, the work of our District Superintendents and Bishops of the Church, along with providing a camping program, a clergy pension and health program and a variety of administrative services. This amounted to $90,154.
The second mile Rainbow Covenant Mission Church contributes $12 per member over and above paying apportionments. In 2009 Broadway contributed $32,677 for a variety of causes: Philippine Relief, food pantry, Philip’s Cupboard, Micah House, Centro Latino, One Great Hour of Sharing, Bishop Arthur Kulah, Humble House in Uganda, etc.
A third mile Rainbow Covenant church gives an additional $2 per member for missionary support and at least $1 per member for local giving. In 2009, Broadway gave $20,123 in third mile giving. We supported Rev. Herb Zigbo in Liberia and John & Lila Disburg in Alaska. Money was given to the Pastor’s Fund, Camp and VBS scholarships, Washington School and many others.
Broadway’s 2009 Rainbow Covenant giving totaled $142,954, an average of $137.85 per member. Thank you for helping continue the legacy of being a strong mission-minded, giving church. Next week we will share the various rainbow colors and how they are defined for us to be a Rainbow Covenant Church again in 2010.
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5-4-3-2-1 Make sure to include in your daily diet: 5-fruits & veggies; 4 glasses of water; 3 non-fat dairy products; 2 hours only on the screen; and 1 hour of exercise. You can do it. - Broadway’s Parish Nurse
LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES . . .
Broadway’s Lenten offerings for 2010 include these opportunities listed below for our spiritual growth:
· Imposition of Ashes during worship at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary on February 17.
· 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 used in worship, 6:30 pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
· First Persons where each lesson evolves out of eye-witness accounts of events in Jesus’ life, 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
· Bread for the Wilderness, Wine for the Journey, an in-depth study of prayer, 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
· The Last Seven Days, a good look at the last 7 days of Jesus’ earthly life, 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
· Food and Faith the annual UMW Lenten Bible Study begins Tuesday, February 23, 1:30 p.m., and will continue through March 23 with Pastor Chris St. Clair.
Sign up in the Centrex for any or all of these classes.
OTHER NEWS . . .
It’s time to sew! We have sent the 622 school bags sewn in 2009 with kits or to Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, LA.. Help us top that in 2010 by picking up bag kits ready to sew from the Centrex.
Frozen juice cans (about 24) are needed for a special project children at Wednesday night crafts are making. Please bring to Judy’s office.
Vacation Bible School will begin June 9 this year and continue through July 7. Because of school snow days this year, the program dates had to be altered so children and youth will be out of class! Registration forms will be available soon.
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, mailto:rcfolkers@cox.net, Financial Secretary - Virginia Paap, Music Coordinators - Ann Carpenter & Gary Richardson, Nursery Attendants - Mary Atilano, Whitney Kurcz, Kay McDonald, Sarah Opal, Kourtney Krause; 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, February 17 Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Twilighters - 2:30 pm
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
Promotion Planning Committee - 5:30 pm
Senior High Youth Synago - 5:30 pm
Seekers Meal for donation - 6:00 pm
Bell Choir Practice - 6:25 pm
Ash Wednesday Worship - 6:30 pm
Master Leadership Committee Training 7:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
Thursday, Feb 18 Centro Latino Class - 9:00 am
Men’s Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Disciple - 6:30 pm
Daisies & Girl Scouts - 6:00 pm
Friday, February 19 Outside Group - 6:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
AA Group - 8:30 pm
Saturday, February 20 VBS Curriculum - 9:00 am
Outside Group - 6:00 pm
Sunday, February 21 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
Drama Group - 11:00 am
“At the Foot of the Cross” Auditions - 2:00 pm
Worship in Spanish - 6:00 pm
NA Group - 7:00 pm
Monday, February 22 Centro Latino Class - 9:00 am
Cub Scouts - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, February 23 UMW Food & Faith - 1:30 pm
Discipleship Development- 6:30 pm
Congregational Development - 7:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 24 Metro Pastors - 8:30 am
Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Prayer Shawl Ministry -1:30 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
Single Moms, 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 Groups - 6:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
Care Team - 7:45 pm
If you, your parents, your grandparents were married at Broadway, we are looking for pictures from weddings performed at Broadway UMC in the last 160 years. We will be honoring “Brides at Broadway” in June as we continue to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the church. Bring the picture to the church and it will be displayed in the showcase in the Narthex during the month. Label the picture with date, name and current phone number so we can return it to you. We plan to have a tea and style show with wedding dresses, past and present. Watch for more details later.