March 11, 2008
The Broadway
Spire
Volume 66 - Number 24 Phone 322-7741 March 11, 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 . . .
What does forgiveness look and act like to you?
Since last Wednesday, four men have been in to see me for help with gas, rent or food. I try to visit with each person who comes in to see me for help. Their stories were basically the same. Each one of them has served time in prison for a felony (drugs) they committed as a young man. They each served their time and are now looking for a job. The problem is that when they are honest about their past, the door is suddenly closed, even at temporary job services. They are each trying so hard to get their life together, but the past continues to affect their present life situation. When they find a job, they live with the reality of “last hired, first fired” when the economy goes sour.
There are also employers who take advantage of these kinds of situations to pay in cash, thereby keeping the worker off the books at a less than living wage. This means they work long hours and keep their mouth shut, for fear of losing their jobs. This is not only degrading but it does not help them get their lives back in order.
I struggle with what this says about our society and how we see others. I know we must have penalties for crime. But I struggle with the fact that we continue to extract more than a pound of flesh after the penalty has been paid. From time to time, I hear persons share with me how difficult it was to grow up in a home where your nose was forever rubbed in your past. The effect on a person lasts a lifetime and most never overcome it. Most people I know want the punishment to fit the crime, but when completed, move one and let the past be the past.
Many of us are still caught in retribution. We want to give back at least as much as we were given, or more if we can get by with it. As people of faith, we dare to claim that we are a forgiven and forgiving people. By the grace of God, we audaciously claim that when we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive us of all our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9). So, do we really believe that a person can be forgiven and move on in life, or do we continue to rub their nose in it, constantly reminding them of what we have supposedly forgiven them? Forgiveness is not any easy process. Our view is very often shaped by whether we are asked to be the forgiver or the forgiven.
Lent invites us to ponder the fact the God’s forgiveness is already there for us no matter what sin we’ve committed. In the death of Jesus on the cross, God declares that nothing can stop God’s forgiving love for everyone. What an amazing reality!
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
Israel/Palestine UMW Lenten Bible Study continues Tuesdays, through March 18, at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Dana Scopatz.
Persons interested in learning more about the United Methodist Church, its beliefs and what it means to be a member of Broadway are invited to join an Inquirers Class, Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., March 12 and 19, in the Senior Pastor’s Office.
UMW Unit Meets Thursday, March 13, 2:00 p.m. The program is Lent/Easter Peace: Journeying to Claim It. A Lenten Mission offering will be taken during the program. Call Pricilla Gearhart, 328-0007, for reservations. Board meets at 12:45 p.m.
4, 5 & 6 Grade students will sing Sunday, March 16, at the 9:30 a.m. service. Meet with Sandy at 9:15 a.m. for practice.
Holy Week Services begin with Palm Sunday Worship at the regular times. Our children will bring palms into all services, March 16. Then Monday - Friday Ecumenical Services will be held at Downtown churches at 12:05 each day. Monday’s service will be held at Broadway with lunch following and served for a free-will donation in Fellowship Hall.
A Maundy Thursday Communion Service will be held at Broadway at 6:30 p.m. on March 20. The UMW will hold a Good Friday Sacrificial Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall on March 21.
It’s not to late to help deliver door hangers! If you can help walk a route sometime this week, call the church office and let us know when you’re available.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: March 9, 2008
Worship: 8:00 a.m. - 91; 9:30 a.m. - 108 11:00 a.m. - 130; 6:30 p.m. - 86 = 415
Sunday School: 8:00 a.m -3; 9:30 a.m.-100; 11:00 a.m.-22 = 125
With our Gifts 2008: Received
Current Expenses, Need Weekly $11,209.13
Received March 9 $14,760.65
Total received to date $95,755.04
Growing through Grace 2008 $10,203.00
Guatemala Children’s Orphanage $342.87
Nothing But Nets $354.86
One Great Hour of Sharing $4,062.00
With Our Prayers: Hospitalized at Jennie: Kris Lippke. Amelia House: Clarence Smelser, Others: Jack Bauman, Marge Bean, Lesley Blom, Anne Brunko, Veda Clark, Roger Coffey, Shirley DeHoogh, Connie Folkers, Carey Garafalo-Moore, Virgil Graves, Vi Grote, Max Hall, Shirley Heinrich, Sharon Jasnowski, Denise LeBaugh, Janet McKern, Irma Miller, Steve Roberson, Elizabeth Rollings, Conrad Schlemmer, Jean Talbert, Suzy VanBibber, Al Voss, Kathy Whitson, homebound & nursing home members, missionaries, military personnel, victims of war and natural disasters, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Ed Kail, Bishop Palmer, pastors and staff. Call 322-7705 to hear additional prayer requests.
LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS . . .
March 16 Palm Sunday
Liturgy of the Palms
Matthew 21:1-11 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Liturgy of the Passion
Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66
In the event of inclement weather church activities are canceled if school is released early or closed. Call the office if in doubt.
Cool Congregations carbon saving tips . . . This week: Seal all air leaks in the basements, attic, around doors, windows, hatches, chimney and electrical outlets.
FROM PASTOR DANA . . .
During the week before Easter, I invite you to experience prayer with your whole self. Too often our prayer is focused in our heads and consists of words piled on words piled on words. But prayer is also listening, prayer is also waiting, prayer is also moving. For those of us who’ve been praying our whole lives it can be hard to break out of our accustomed habits and try something new. For those new to prayer it can be even harder to realize that prayer doesn’t have to be exactly like the first way we learned to pray.
From noon on Monday March 17 until noon on Good Friday, March 21, there will be prayer stations set up in the Centrex, Lounge, and Chapel at Broadway. These stations will invite you to pray for yourself, for others, for the world, and for the ministries of Broadway using your mind, your mouth, your hands, and your feet. You will have the opportunity to form a prayer token out of clay (“Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.”-- Jeremiah 18:6); to attach the names of people you pray for to a chain of prayer (“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16); to draw a crayon picture prayer remembering that we are all God’s children (“Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3); to walk the prayer path of a labyrinth and other activities. Drop in any time the building is open to pray at the prayer stations or just to pray in your own way.
NOTHING BUT NETS
Nothing but nets was started when a Sports Illustrated columnist commented how easy and simple things can make a profound difference in people’s lives. Malaria is not something that we hear much about in this country, and certainly not something we have to worry about, unless we travel overseas. My only exposure to it is from reading the Little House on the Prairie books as a child. (Pa, Ma, Mary, and Laura all get malaria while living in Indian Territory. Jack the bulldog, who hates strangers, goes out to the road to bring home help.) In some parts of the world malaria is not something children learn about from historical fiction, but a real and deadly killer. And something so simple as sleeping under a mosquito net can prevent it.
$10 buys an insecticide treated net and delivers it to a family in Africa. Bishop Palmer has set a goal for United Methodists in Iowa of 10,000 nets. Pastor Marvin has challenged Broadway to purchase 500 nets. Let’s exceed that goal! You can send a check to the church office marked “nets” or put your donation in the mosquito net hanging by the door of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings. On March 30, the Global Outreach committee will be holding a “Nets” basketball free-throw shoot in the parking lot between services. Participants will be looking for sponsors who will donate to the Nothing but Nets fund for each basket they make. Consider participating, either by shooting baskets or by sponsoring a basket shooter.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO. . .
• Cindy Long-Birdsall for co-teaching 3rd Grade Sunday School two weeks.
• Thank the Broadway congregation for all their thoughts, prayers, cards & calls. They are much appreciated. I am “hanging in there.” - Max Hall
• Thank Gail & Rob Brow for donating a microwave for the Fellowship Hall kitchen.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
March 13 - Kirsten Alter, Carrie Evans, Margaret
Freeman, Jack Mahrt, Bill Sollazzo
March 14 - David Coffey, Hannah Ford, Sarah Johnson, Paul Whitson
March 15 - Lindsey Ashcraft, Richard Philpot
March 16 - Jean Bohnker, Shannon Meister, Nyma Schema
March 17 - Sarah Bauman, Robin Helm, Caleb Mitchell, Shala Richardson, William Will
March 18 - Sarah Byers, Jenevieve Davie, Nancy File, Jane Herrington, Jill Killion, Angie Tracy
March 19 - Tamara Bernard, Jenny Speight, Jessica Tekippe
March 20 - Janet Bell, Jim Heuer, Bradley Millage, Claudia Page, Derek Simmons, Taylor Underwood
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
March 18 - Larry & Deborah Snyder - 36,
Randy & Johnny Lynn Williams - 19
March 19 - Gary & Kirsten Davis - 45
March 20 - Ralph & Betty Mains - 59
A PRAYER FOR LENT . . .
Lord, I want to be more holy in heart.
Here is the citadel of all my desiring, where my hopes are born and all deep resolutions of my spirit take wings. In this center, my fears are nourished, and all my hates are nurtured.
Here my loves are cherished and all the deep hungers of my spirit are honored without quivering and without shock.
In my heart, above all else, let love and integrity envelop me, until my love is perfected and the last vestige of my desiring is no longer in conflict with thy Spirit.
Lord, I want to be more holy in my heart. Amen.
--Howard Thurman
ANNOUNCING . . .
Officer Alba will meet with 5th and 6th Grade youth Wednesday, March 26, 6:30-7:45 p.m. to discuss Internet Safety. Parents and interested adults are invited to join the group.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness month and we have an opportunity to screen for this disease. If you are over 50 years of age or older, you can do the fecal occult blood test. Pick up a free kit from a parish nurse in the Centrex March 16. Take it home and send it in. You will be notified by mail of your results.
UMW Good Friday Sacrificial Breakfast will be March 21 at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Contact Pricilla Gearhart, 328-0007, for reservations.
Single Diners will meet at Valentino's Friday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m. Contact Yvonne Stucker, 328-0994, for reservations.
Sign up in the Centrex to deliver Meals on Wheels on Thursdays in April. Contact Ken Milford or Gene Thomson for information.
Needed: Cardboard toilet tissue rolls and ice cream buckets for Vacation Bible School.
Important NEW Information about Broadway’s Rosetta Stone Language Software Purchase
The home disk product version we were quoted has been discontinued. The new version is an internet-based subscription. Each user will be able to access the program from any computer with internet access, with no disk necessary. The cost is less – only $75 instead of $155 per level, but you only have one year from the time you first sign on to complete the language level and you will not have the disk for review after the year is over. The cost is per user, which means families will have to register each person and we will not be able to have disks available to use at church or check out at no cost. The Administrative Council voted to purchase 6 disks for use by persons who were not able/interested in purchasing their own. If you wish to contribute to a fund to provide free or reduced cost registration for another (anonymous) member of the congregation, contact Pastor Dana.
The minimum number of user levels to purchase is 50, so we must recruit more users for this program to succeed. All 30 of the languages Rosetta Stone offers count toward the total, so if you’ve always wanted to learn Mandarin or French or Arabic, now is your chance. Contact Pastor Dana if you are interested in participating in this new format, whether you had signed up previously or not. And if you have any questions please ask!
HOME MAINTENANCE NEEDED?
A group is forming to provide assistance to those needing minor home repairs. Duane Duncan is looking for persons with skills in home repairs and willing to assist those who need some type of minor repair. If you have talents in this area, sign up in the Centrex or call the office with your name, phone number and abilities! Those needing assistance may also call the office. Duane will see that someone is in touch with you to complete the necessary items. There will be no cost to the consumer except repairs items purchased.
Christian Cadets will offer Super Saver coupon books following all services Sunday. Each book costs $5 and is filled with money saving coupons for a variety of frequently used items. Plus, on the back of each book is a coupon worth $5.00 off any $50 grocery purchase. If you are a Super Saver shopper, you can’t lose with these books!
Child/Adult Prayer Partner Assignments will be coming shortly. Children are still needed. Please sign your child up in the Centrex.
The Bible From Scratch meets Sunday mornings, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to work through an overview of the New Testament. No question too big or small. Everybody is welcome to participate.
Jr. High Parents are invited to preview the video, “Sex, Love and Relationships” with Melba Bently and Kim Perkins on April 2. This video talks openly with teens about issues in relationships that will be confronting them either directly or indirectly during the coming years. This video shares Biblical information and Christian values in a direct discussion. Melba and Kim invite parents to view this video the week before youth will see it with Melba and Kim on April 9. If after viewing this video you choose not to have your youth involved, please call Judy.
Next week’s Spire will have information regarding our new Associate Pastor, Chris St. Clair, wife April, and children, Jesse, Seamus and Maddy Jo coming in July.
EASTER MEMORIALS . . .
There is still time to donate to the pastor’s discretionary fund in honor or memory of someone. Please complete the form below and return it to the office.
IN MEMORY OF__________________________
IN HONOR OF___________________________
GIVEN BY
Pastor's Fund = $ __________________
CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .
Wednesday, March 12 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Staff Meeting - 9:00 am
PACT - 5:00 pm
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Meal for Donation - 6:00 pm
Chime Choir - 5:55 pm
Bell Choir - 6:15 pm
Wednesday Children, Children's Activities - 6:30 pm
Allstars, Christian Cadets, Jr. & Sr. UMYF - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II, Bible from Scratch - 6:30 pm
Inquirers Class with Marvin Arnpriester - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm
Thursday, March 13 UMW Board Meeting - 12:45 pm
UMW Unit Meeting - 2:00 pm
Trustees - 6:30 pm
Local Missions & Advocacy - 7:00 pm
Friday, March 14 Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 16 Choir Rehearsal - 7:19 am
Palm Sunday Worship - 8:00 - 9:30 - 11:00 am
Children’s Sunday School - 8:00 am
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, March 17
Community Lenten Service - 12:05 pm
Community Lenten Lunch - 12:30 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Finance Committee - 6:30 pm
Cub Scouts Den Meeting - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 18 Israel Palestine Study - 1:30 pm
Girl Scouts - 6:30 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Administrative Council Meeting - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, March 19 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Staff Meeting - 9:00 am
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Meal for Donation - 6:00 pm
Chime Choir - 5:55 pm
Bell Choir - 6:15 pm
Wednesday Children, Children's Activities - 6:30 pm
Allstars, Christian Cadets, Jr. & Sr. UMYF - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II, Bible from Scratch - 6:30 pm
Inquirers Class with Marvin Arnpriester - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm
Pages Are Needed for Annual Conference, June 5-8, 2008, in Ames. Pages are on duty from 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and stay in a dorm at Iowa State. Pages must have completed 9th Grade. Applications are due April 15. Call Judy if you are interested in applying!