April 1, 2008
The Broadway
Spire
Volume 66 - Number 27 Phone 322-7741 April 1, 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 . . .
I discovered an article in my Easter file in which a World War II veteran told a reporter of his strangest experience.
The Army started building two-story houses for families of American military personnel in Manila, Philippines. The construction began and just as the first floor was completed, orders came from Washington to make all the houses one-story. So roofs were built over the cut-off houses and the military families moved in. Since the stairways were already in place and no orders came to remove them, each house had stairways off the front room going to the ceiling and stopping. The reporter inquired about how strange that must have been for the families. The veteran replied. It was at first, but after a while, you get used to it.” His family used the space to store things.
What a parable of the incompleteness of our lives without Easter faith! If Easter is not true then there is nothing to encourage our hope of life beyond this life and the death we must all encounter. The Apostle Paul was sure about this matter as he wrote to the Corinthians in the 15th chapter: “...if Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe...your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins.”
But Jesus was raised from the dead! The existence of the Christian church for some 2000 plus years is witness to conviction of Christ’s resurrection. Jesus appeared to many individuals and groups and a tremendous change took place in his disciples. Men without hope became men of hope, purpose and character. Fearful deserters became men not threatened by anything. They died a martyr’s death.
Until the resurrection became a reality for them, their faith was an incomplete staircase in their lives. Once they experienced the risen Christ, the staircase of their faith burst through the roof of doubt and fear. Their hope vibrated in affirmation and power, touching every relationship they were a part of.
I trust your faith is a vibrant, alive experience of hope day in and day out because you too have experienced the risen Lord in your life.
May 4 will be confirmation Sunday at Broadway when the 2007-08 class will be received as members. It is always a good thing to have infant baptisms help make the connection for everyone regarding baptism and confirmation. Parents of infants are invited to call the office to arrange for baptism on this important day in our congregation.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
Jr. High Parents are invited to view the video, “Sex, Love and Relationships” with Melba Bentley and Kim Perkins, Room 205, Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-7:45 p.m. (p. 3) Youth will be visiting Goodwill that evening.
Single Diners will meet Friday, April 4, at Ruby Tuesday's, 5:30 p.m. Contact Dorothy Higbee for reservations, 545-3069.
Sunday, April 6, is Pantry Sunday.
Items needed include chicken noodle soup, Tuna or Chicken Helper, ramen noodles and cereal. Thank you for your continued support of the food pantry.
Youth Drama for those grade 4 through high school interested in participating in short dramas for worship meets in Room 210, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Sunday mornings.
Sign up in the Centrex to deliver Meals on Wheels Thursdays in April. Contact Ken Milford or Gene Thomson for information.
A limited number of Puffins sold by youth are still available. If you haven’t picked yours up yet or if you would like more, see youth sponsors on Sunday!
The Church Consultation Report from Doug Anderson is available. Ask for a copy in the office or give us your email address and we will email it to you.
Horizons of Faith will be held at First United Methodist Church in Omaha, April 11-13, 2008. This yearly event brings in speakers of note to address matters of faith and society. Rita Nakashima Brock, author of “Losing Your Innocence But Not Your Hope” will invite participants to go deeper in their faith journey.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: March 30, 2008
Worship: 8:00 a.m. - 92; 9:30 a.m. - 121; 11:00 a.m. - 104; 6:30 p.m. - 91 = 408
Sunday School: 8:00 a.m -7; 9:30 a.m.-97; 11:00 a.m.-25 = 129
With our Gifts 2008: Received
Current Expenses, Need Weekly $11,209.13
Received March 30 $7,631.65
Total received to date $119,923.54
Growing through Grace 2008 $17,000.00
Guatemala Children’s Orphanage $342.87
Nothing But Nets $2,951.03
With Our Prayers: Hospitalized at Jennie: Kris Lippke, Dalys Johnson. Mercy: Maxine Tait. Others: Marge Bean, Lesley Blom, Roger Coffey, Shirley DeHoogh, Carey Garafalo-Moore, Max Hall, Shirley Heinrich, Sharon Jasnowski, London McSorley, Sharon Priebe, Steve Roberson, Elizabeth Rollings, Conrad Schlemmer, Al Voss, Kathy Whitson, homebound & nursing home members, missionaries, military personnel, victims of war & natural disasters, District Superintendent Brian Milford, Field Staff Ed Kail, Bishop Palmer, pastors and staff. Call 322-7705 to hear additional prayer requests.
With Our Sympathy:
• Rob & Tricia Holmes and family in the death of his grandfather, Paul Delanty.
• Former District Superintendent Karen & Doug Nichols-Dungan in the March 30 death of her father, Alfred Nichols.
• Dick Dallinger in the March 28 death of his 102-year-old aunt, Winifred Read, in Mesa, AZ.
LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS . . .
April 6 Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
Cool Congregations carbon saving tips . . . This week: When appliances need replacing, install Energy Star-qualified appliances that use less energy and save money.FROM JUDY SMITS . . .
Why is youth group important to our youth? Don’t they just play games, eat snacks and goof off? And sell Puffins and gift wrap and candy and....? They create noise and drop fast food wrappers and talk during worship. And, sometimes our dedicated sponsors and teachers even question the meaning of preparing each week, wondering if the youth really got anything out of it.
In conversation this week, one of the youth mentioned her relationships with other youth members. She said that often she doesn’t have anything in common with classmates at school. This is a girl who has been extremely active in high school, participating in numerous events. She shared she isn’t invited to parties because she doesn’t approve of some of the party activities. Others know her reputation and just don’t include her. She knows who she is and has chosen her course. I again heard from her that church friends from different schools are so important because these are the people you can hang out with, feel secure and know their values are the same as yours. They are safe people.
Youth groups do provide organized chaos and confusion, especially to the untrained eye. But, these kids are here every week because it is a safe place, where they know they can be who they are and be accepted. No one has to dress a certain way, wear a name brand jean or try to impress others by being “cool”.
Our mission trips are fun. We spend a week together, working, eating and playing. But more than the “fun”, these special relationships among the youth are deepened. The strength of these relationships returns home with us. Throughout the year, these kids are here for each other. They give each other strength, unconditional love and acceptance.
Thanks for your investment in our youth!
STRIVE FOR PEACE . . .
It’s hard to deal with peace for the world,
There are too many barricades in countries unfurled.
The Courts of Justice, Politics and Religion
To each his own, for others are forbidden.
Unity calls for ideals, well chosen
Listen with compassion, understanding and love.
All these free contributions come from above.
Loving your neighbor without self gain
This must be the law all should maintain.
Learning and serving and speaking in truth
Will renew any country and prosper its youth.
This is the reason to strive for peace.
Until this is met there will be no release.
ALL people must know the Prince of Peace.
Florence Shanks wrote this for the International Society of Poets convention held in Washington, D.C. August 3-5, 1995. She shared it with Rev. Arnpriester as she left church Easter Sunday. She and her son were visiting from western Nebraska.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO. . .
• Dan Strutzenberg for teaching some football fundamentals and drills with Jesus’ Allstars and Jr. High, Wednesday, March 26.
• Thank everyone who served as greeters, welcoming our visitors and members Easter Sunday.
- Congregational Development Team
• Bill Phillips, Randy Larson, Larry White, Roger Olsen, Kent Eckhardt, Chuck Devereaux, Dick Reeves, and Ron Holland for work done in finishing the windows last week.
• Mary Ann Pedersen, recognized as a Lifetime Hero for her volunteer community service with Red Cross and Jennie Edmundson Hospital.
• Julie and Mason Flora on the premiere of the movie, The Bike, Saturday, April 5.
• Mohm's Place volunteers in March: Laura Hartley, Hugh Prickett, Roger Pentico.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
April 3 - Emily Newby
April 4 - Veda Clark
April 5 - Jay Arrick, Spencer Bell, Darwin Keast, Stacey Moore, Randy Paap, Brian Scoles, Tyler Sell
April 6 - Chad Hensdale, Monica Hester, Susan Larsen, Mel Scheffel
April 7 - Virginia Bechtold, Juan Garrido, Matthew Updegraff
April 8 - Carolyn Ashman, Kim Richter, Megann Schultz, Debbie Tritsch
April 10 - Krystina Hinman, Sara Innes, Scott Kvammen, Robert Sharp, Paul Shomshor, Jr.
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
April 4 - Ray & Kathie Davis - 4, Carlen & Roxine Devereaux - 44
April 5 - Max & Marylea Hall - 5
April 6 - James & Kathy Walter - 12
April 8 - Jerry & Gloria Gardner - 36, Mark & Lisa Thomsen - 2
April 9 - Ray & Peg Miller - 32
April 10 - Bill & Sharon Phillips - 44
SPECIAL INVITATION . . .
Join us in celebrating the completion of our new facility,
Sunday, April 6, 2008, Open House, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Praise and Recognition service - 2:30 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting and Reception following
New Horizon Presbyterian Church
30 Valley View Drive, Council Bluffs, IA
ANNOUNCING . . .
The United Methodist Women will meet Thursday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. The program, Israel/Palestine, will be presented by Pastor Dana Scopatz. Please make reservations to Pricilla Gearhart, 328-0007. The Board will meet at 12:45 p.m.
Pizza/Bingo Night - Family Activities Council presents an opportunity to join in fellowship for those ages 1-100 on Saturday, April 12, 5-7:00 p.m. Pizza will be made by Margarite for a freewill donation. Pack up the van and bring friends! We’ll play Bingo. Sign up in the Centrex so we will know how many pizzas are needed!
Jr. High Parents are invited to preview a video, “Sex, Love and Relationships” with Melba Bently and Kim Perkins on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. This video talks openly with teens about issues in relationships that will confront them either directly or indirectly during the coming years. This video shares Biblical information and Christian values in a direct discussion. Youth will see the video with Melba and Kim on April 9. If after viewing this video you choose not to have your youth involved, please call Judy.
Beach Party Christian Day Camp at Broadway begins June 4-July 2. At 7:30 a.m., doors open for breakfast. Vacation Bible School is held 9:00-11:45 a.m. for all ages from 2 through current 6th graders. At 11:30 a.m., children ages 2-4 who will not be in Kindergarten this fall will go home. Remaining children will board Laidlaw busses for lunch. Afternoon trips this year include Harrison County Historical Village and Religious Museum (6-4), Wabash Trace/Dream Playground (6-11), Carstens Farm (6-18), Ft. Atkinson (6/25) and Henry Doorly Zoo (7-2). Two snacks are served each day. Following afternoon trips, children play games in Fellowship Hall until parents pick them up, with doors closing at 5:30 p.m. Registration forms are available in the Centrex. Please register your child as soon as possible so we can be sure we have adequate craft, curriculum and snacks. This is a great opportunity to include friends!
Saturday, April 26, has been designated by The Care Team as A Day of Caring. Care team members will volunteer to help members of the congregation with jobs they need help doing. We have volunteers who will: make phone calls, bring in a meal, run errands, provide transportation, do yard work, send cards, go grocery shopping, plant flowers, go shopping, or “do whatever needs to be done”. Any member of the congregation who would like to volunteer with the care team in a day of caring, sign up in the Centrex or call Betty Milford, Lea Kuper, Sue Jungman or Susan Durlin. Anyone needing help with something is asked to sign up in the Centrex or call the church office.
FROM YOUR PARISH NURSES . . .
As parish nurses, we enjoy our work through our faith-based programs. Many times in other environments, the paperwork gets in the way of really meeting with people where they are in their lives. During 2007, we made over 160 individual contacts with 75% of those contacts being made with people 50 and older. A 2008 goal is to expand on those contacts and touch some of the younger people in our church. Touch, hug, prayer, presence, and active listening are all a major part of our visitations.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry, meals taken out, the “Aged to Perfection Luncheon,” Care Team, and Vacation Bible School have been some of the ways we touch other lives.
Our workshops and screenings are a major focus. Blood pressures are taken every month. Grief workshops and support groups continue through the year. Vascular screening, Tai Chi classes, colon cancer kits and a flu shot clinic all add to the wellness focus we want to stress.
Through our work this past year, we have documented $26,100 of cost savings to individuals. This has been accomplished through help with medication set-ups, saved Emergency Room visits, screenings, providing dietary supplement, flu shot savings, colon screenings and a saved ambulance fee along with other services provided.
As your Parish Nurses, we thank you for being open to our programs and supportive of our work. We pray God will use us to better serve you in 2008. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. YOU are our mission!
Sue Jungman Lea Kuper
Denise LeBaugh Pat Fuller
Dianne Richardson
HOME MAINTENANCE NEEDED?
If you need minor home repairs, Broadway has a group available to assist! Call the office and Duane Duncan will see that one of the handy men will be in touch to determine what supplies are needed and a convenient time for both of you. The only cost to you is for supplies purchased. A variety of skills are available, ranging from minor plumbing to drywall and carpentry are available. Take care of any needs your house might need today!
Needed: Cardboard toilet tissue rolls and ice cream buckets for Vacation Bible School.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .
Wednesday, April 2 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Care Team Leaders - 8:00 am
Staff Meeting - 9:00 am
Aged to Perfection Luncheon - 12:15 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
Inquirer's Class with Rev. Arnpriester - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm
Thursday, April 3 Men's Discussion - 9:30 am
Men's Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Parish Nurses meeting - 7:30 pm
Friday, April 4 Single Diners - 5:30 pm
Wedding Rehearsal - 6:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 5 Wedding - 3:00 pm
Sunday, April 6 Choir Rehearsal - 7:19 am
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, April 7 ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Cub Scouts Den Meeting - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, April 8 Book Review - 9:30 am
Craft Circle - 1:00 pm
Girl Scouts - 6:30 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 9 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
Final Chime Choir Practice - 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
Inquirer's Class with Rev. Arnpriester - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm
The Prevent Child Abuse Council of Pottawattamie County and Boys & Girls Town are holding a Family Health and Safety Fun Fair at Broadway, Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. The fair includes: clowns, face painting, fire trucks, health screenings, family activities along with information on keeping your family healthy and safe. All are welcome to attend.