“PREVENIJUSTIFISANCTIFIPERFECTING” GRACE

Posted on May 12, 2012 by revbdean

“What in the world is that? I’ve heard of ‘Amazing Grace’, but not this!”

You wouldn’t be alone if you’ve never heard of “prevenijustisanctifiperfecting” grace, because I just made up the term. It’s a combination of terms Methodist founder John Wesley used to describe the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

- Prevenient grace: God’s grace that intervenes by “going before” us in life, leading us to recognize our need for God.

- Justifying grace: what God has done FOR us in Jesus Christ; our sins are forgiven, and we are justified before God.

- Sanctifying grace: what God begins to do IN us when we are born again; the Spirit works to sanctify us (literally “make holy”) as we grow in Christ, making us able to “walk the walk”.

The goal of God’s grace, Wesley emphasized, was to make us perfect. Grace does not make us perfect in all knowledge or decisions, but rather fills us with God’s perfect love.

Sanctifying grace and the goal of perfect love gave the Methodist movement a strong emphasis on letting the love of God be reflected in our relationships with, and treatment of, others. John Wesley opposed the slave trade, smuggling, and prison conditions, based on his faith. This emphasis led early Methodists to found schools, hospitals, and prison ministries.

In 1908, it led to the creation of a “Social Creed” by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Created by the General Conference meeting that year, it was unusually forthright statement in that time.

Among other things, it called for an end to child labor and the “sweating system” (what we would now call “sweat shops”), and called for “the release (from) employment one day in seven”, and for “the recognition of the Golden Rule and the mind of Christ as the supreme law of society and the sure remedy for all social ills.”

Revised in 1972 by the United Methodist Church, our Social Creed (and related Social Principles) are always discussed at the United Methodist General Conference meetings. Meeting every four years, the General Conference is made up of representatives from every Annual Conference (like Iowa) in the world.

This is the only body that can speak for the whole denomination. While we may or may not agree with the decisions reached, our faith and our Methodist heritage call us to let God’s Spirit be at work in us. Through grace, may the “same mind… be in (us) that was in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5), and the Golden Rule guide our actions.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Bob Dean

Take Hope!

Posted on April 7, 2012 by revbdean

What a great week! Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was welcomed by throngs of cheering fans, and the next week was proclaimed king over sin and death. What’s not to like?

Oh, there is always someone who wants to dig up the past, or to delve into areas of hurt. But as the old saying goes, “Let bygones be bygones”. Why should we let a couple of tiny blips that happened during that week in Jerusalem nearly 2000 years ruin an otherwise happy story?

Surely we don’t need to concern ourselves with those unpleasant thoughts… unless we want the story of Jesus to have any relevance and real meaning in our lives.

If we only think about the “pleasant” parts of the Easter story – if we skip from Palm Sunday’s triumphant entry straight to the risen Jesus saying “howdy” to his followers – we miss a key part of the resurrection story.

Easter is certainly about triumph, but it is not about an insulated life. Jesus’ first followers were in shock and fear that first Easter morning. The women went to the tomb to anoint his body. The male disciples didn’t even want to go to the tomb.

Yet it was in the midst of their despair that the word of Life came to them: the Risen Lord appeared and brought comfort and courage to them.

Only in hindsight would Jesus’ followers begin to understand all that had happened in those hours of crucifixion. The atonement for sin was made, as God in Christ was reconciling the world back to himself. But also, God in Christ was fully identifying with humanity in our despair, our loneliness, and our grief. The words Jesus cried out from the cross – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – have been cried by countless persons. We still hear – and cry – those words today.

One part of the message of Easter is that Christ has triumphed over sin and death –and through faith in him, we will share in that blessing. But another crucial part of the message – the one we don’t always like to think about – is that God is with us in the painful times of life as well. We worship a Savior who himself cried out, “Why have you forsaken me?” He will always be with us – offering us strength and hope to get us through life’s tough times.

If you are able, join us this week as we remember his life, death, and resurrection. And may you always know the Hope which is Jesus, the Christ, our Living Savior.

Yours in the Risen Christ,

Pastor Bob Dean

Lent – Guilt or Grace?

Posted on March 3, 2012 by revbdean

“Lent: a period of 40 days, excluding Sundays, preceding Easter; set aside by Christians for repentance and introspection.”

That’s a dictionary definition of Lent. But what are your feelings about the church season of Lent, which began this year on February 22^nd? Is Lent a time of guilt or grace for you?

In the past, Lent was a time of guilt for me: a season of “I should’, when I imagined all the spiritual disciplines I should be doing – but wasn’t.

There is a form of “good guilt” – remorse over sin, which leads to repentance (a change of ways). But I sometimes found Lent becoming a time of “deceptive guilt” – a sense that no matter what I did, God wanted me to do more. This was a denial of God’s love.

I was missing the true purpose of Lent. Lent began in the early church as a time of final preparation for converts, who would be baptized on Easter morning: symbolizing a raising up to new life in Christ. Later, Lent became a time of self-denial for all Christians ( the practice of “giving something up for Lent”).

However, in the early church, the season of Easter was much more important than Lent. St. Augustine wrote, “These days after the Lord’s Resurrection are a period, not of labor, but of peace and joy. That is why there is no fasting and we pray standing, which is a sign of the resurrection.”

Lent can be a time of grace, rather than false guilt. Giving up something for Lent is not a form of self-punishment, but a means of grace: growth in faith, hope, and love.

The “Three Simple Rules” or guidelines John Wesley gave for the early Methodists, which we are lifting up during Lent this year (do no harm, do good, stay in love with God), also were not meant to be a form of self-punishment, but a means to that same end: growth in faith, hope, and love.

In these days of change and uncertainty, Lent can be a time when we focus on the unchanging grace of God, who is “our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.”

May Lent be a time when our activities (small group study, worship, giving up something) help us grow in faith, hope, and love of God, neighbor, and yes, self.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Bob Dean

“Let There Be Peace On Earth”

Posted on January 15, 2012 by revbdean

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)

On a foggy morning late in 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee stood on a hilltop. Around him, Lee’s troops were entrenched in their positions.

Then, rather quickly, the sun burned off the fog. Down below, Union troops were lining up for battle.

Rows of uniformed men marched to the music of military bands, flags and banners waving in the breeze. Looking on the impressive pageantry, Lee told his staff, “It is good that war is so terrible – else we should grow too fond of it.”

I quoted Gen. Lee in my article for my previous church’s newsletter when the war in Iraq began. As that conflict began, I (and our whole nation) witnessed some similar sights: men and women in uniform, bands playing, convoys of military vehicles rumbling through our streets and on our highways.

Such scenes brought a strange mixture of emotion. I noted then “Many of us feel inspired or proud. But many also feel sadness or fear as well, for we know as General Lee did, that war is indeed terrible.”

Christians, along with our entire nation, have been debating about the best course to take. Now that our nation is now at war, and with different thoughts about our involvement, we may wonder, “How should we pray?” I would share the thoughts of two leaders.

Shortly before the war began, President Bush, a United Methodist, stated during a press conference “…My faith sustains me because I pray daily. I pray for guidance and wisdom and strength. If we were to commit our troops, I would pray for their safety, and I would pray for the safety of innocent Iraqi lives, as well. One thing that’s really great about our country is there are thousands of people who pray for me that I’ll never see and be able to thank. But it’s a humbling experience to think that people I will never have met have lifted me and my family up in prayer.” The President ended by saying, “I pray for peace. ” (Source: www.presidentialprayerteam.org).

The morning following the first air attacks in Iraq, then-Iowa Conference Bishop Gregory Palmer released this statement:

“It is truly heart wrenching that this conflict has escalated to this level. It has always been my prayer that an alternative to violence could have been achieved. At this juncture, it is my deep hope and prayer that this war will end quickly with a minimum of casualty and bloodshed for all involved.

“My heart goes out to families and our military troops. I pray for safety for them and peaceful hearts for our leaders. May the Prince of Peace be with us all during this trying time and may we all find solace in God’s love and everlasting care.”

After ten years of struggle and remendous cost in human life and in resources, that war has ended. As we sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth” in worship on January 1^st, I am sure many of us felt another mixture of emotions: joy for those headed home, sorrow for lives lost, and perhaps hope and apprehension for the future of the nation of Iraq.

We will continue to pray: for those who serve our nation anywhere in the world, but especially those in Afghanistan, and their families; civilian contractors in areas of conflict; the families who have lost loved ones; the people of Afghanistan and Iraq; for our leaders in government and military. May “Let There Be Peace on Earth” continue to be the song of our hearts. We will pray-sing it every first Sunday in worship, when we share communion, until troops are home from Afghanistan as well.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Bob Dean

FEAR NOT!

Posted on November 29, 2011 by revbdean

FROM PASTOR BOB DEAN - THE JOURNEY BEGINS: “FEAR NOT!”

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Many of you will recognize (and some remember hearing) those words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The full quote (from his first inaugural address in 1933) was, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

He was referring to the dark economic conditions – the Great Depression – and the need to act to create change. Today our word faces some similar challenges. And “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror” seeks to get us in it’s grip, causing us to turn against one another in our nation and world.

Change is still needed in our world today, and was needed in our world long before. Two millennia ago, messengers of God came to a number of people with a similar message: “Fear not”.

This past Sunday was the beginning of the church season of Advent. That term comes from a Latin word meaning “coming”, and is the time when we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Jesus – in his birth, and his coming again in final victory.

Our worship and several study opportunities at BUMC will follow “The Journey”, a book by United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton. Pastor Chris’ message on Sunday, like the first chapter of the book, focused on Mary, the young woman who would be Jesus’ mother.

The angel (messenger) came to Mary to inform her of her crucial role in God’s plan. His presence overwhelmed her, and he told her “Fear not!” His words were a comfort, a command, an invitation:

Comfort: “Fear not – God is acting to bring good news of change to this broken and sinful world!”

Command: “Fear not – God has a role for you to play in this salvation story, and do not be afraid to fulfill it!”

Invitation: “Fear not – God wants you to find hope and peace as you fulfill that role in God’s plan of action.”

Through the centuries since, right up to the present moment, people have heard those words, “Fear not!”, in the Christmas story, and found comfort, energy, hope and peace.

Yes, there are challenges and difficulties ahead. But we are not – and never will be – alone. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, may your fears be banished by the presence of Emmanuel – God with us – in your hearts and minds.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Bob Dean

P.S. There are opportunities for study groups throughout the weeks of Advent, including Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.. We have a few copies of “The Journey” available for donation at the church, or persons can download an electronic copy at Amazon. However you choose to participate, please join “The Journey” as we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .

Seekers In Sneakers activities resume this Wednesday (November 30). We will also meet December 7, and then be on “break”. No Wednesday meal will be served, or children or youth activities held, until January 14th. Wednesday evening ddult classes may be meeting during that time – please check with your leaders.

November is “Undee Sunday” month. Contributions of children’s underwear, sweat pants and sweat shirts, caps and mittens can be placed in the marked container in the Centrex for delivery to Care and Share House.

FROM REV. RUBEN MENDOZA . . . A community that gets stronger day by day.

The III Latino Conference took place on October 15th, in Des Moines, with all the Hispanic Ministries of Iowa attending. All the Hispanic Ministries met at Pleasant Hill, Oakwood UMC, who very friendly in welcoming us. We all felt very content having our United Service in their church.

We were accompanied by Superintendent, Brian Milford, of the Southwest District, who enjoyed the celebration.

I want to give recognition to those who were involved in the planning of this event, so very important to the Hispanic Community of this Conference.

The Hispanic Ministries really enjoyed the companionship, talks, activities, food and of course the great spiritual celebration with which we ended our III Latino encounter IAUMC.

One of our greatest blessings is that as time goes by this group gets stronger, not only in number but in Spirit and unity. With the presence of approximately 150 kids, young adults and adults, this was a larger attendance than the past 2 events.

We thank God because the Hispanic Ministries of this Conference of Iowa is no longer a dream, plan or talk. Now it’s a reality that gets stronger and stronger.

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15 (RVR60)

FROM OUR PARISH NURSES…

Have you ever gotten a prescription refill only to have your doctor start you on a different medication? What do you do with your old medication that is perfectly good? The pharmacy will not take them back and you hate to throw them away. We have a possibility for you. W e have found out about a free clinic in Omaha. They have pharmacists on staff who will check medications. The physicians seeing patients are then able to distribute these medications. If you are interested, please call the church office or one of the parish nurses. W e will be able to work with you to help those less fortunate.

WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .

With our Presence November 13: Worship: 8:00 am -83; 9:30 am -146 ; 11:00am 102;1:30pm-71 =402

Wednesday 7:45 p.m. = 75 Sunday School: 9:30 am – 87

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNTIES

Go on “The Journey” this Advent. Deepen your appreciation of the holidays with “The Journey”, Pastor Adam Hamilton’s new book. The chapters of the book will be the focus of worship the Sundays of Advent (which begins November 27th) as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Sunday worship. There will also be opportunities for study groups throughout the weeks of Advent. Persons can also purchase a copy of the book (in the BUMC Centrex this Sunday for $12) and read it on their own.

Hamilton notes, “The purpose of this book is to explore the story of the birth of Jesus with fresh eyes and ears. We will walk through the Holy Land and retrace the steps of those involved. W e’ll draw upon insights gained from historian, archaeologists, biblical scholars, theologians, and from walking in the places the story occurred, all in an effort to discover the real meaning of Christmas.” This could make a wonderful compliment to the spiritual and physical exercise program “Journey to Bethlehem” coordinated by our Parish Nurses. Information about that program will also be available in the Centrex on Sunday (see next article),

Our Bethlehem Journey Progress: We have documented 1133 miles in our journey to Bethlehem. leaving the New York City Port and starting our travel across the Atlantic. With the natural rotation of the earth and days with less sunlight, implementing and maintaining an exercise routine will help increase your energy levels and improve your mood. I admit that I didn’t meet my exercise goals for the month of October as I experienced an episode of bronchitis and took a small vacation. Now that the vacation has ended and all the Halloween candy is gone, I am ready to jump back into the exercise routine. Hope to see you walking on that ocean liner’s deck as we travel across the Atlantic. If you forget to bring those paper logs to church, you can email them to me, denise.lebaugh@gmail.com.

Christmas Weekend Worship - Have you started making your holiday plans yet? Make sure to take time to worship. Broadway will hold services Christmas Eve, December 24, at 3:00, 5:00 and 7:30 pm with a service at 9:00 pm in Spanish. Christmas Day, December 25, there will be only one service at 10:00 am, and no Sunday School. There will be no services in Spanish on December 25, Christmas Day, or January 1, New Years Day.

Christmas Caroling groups are forming. So far, Care Team and some of the staff are interested. If you would like to be a part of a caroling group, contact the church office, 322-7741. Wouldn’t it be great to have several groups and be able to treat many locations with Christmas carols this season? Let’s make it happen!

“The Promise” Event will be held at New Horizon Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 10, 2011. This ecumenical event will combine musicians from more several area churches to present a Christmas musical program to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Because of the overwhelming attendance at last year’s event, there will be two programs, one at 4:00 p.m. and the other at 7:00 p.m. There is no admission charge. Watch for signs and other information around the church regarding this event.

Children’s Christmas Boutique will again be jointly sponsored by Local Missions and Children/Youth Ministry Teams. For $1.00, children will receive tickets to purchase a gift for each member of their families. These treasures will then be gift wrapped. Needed: Gently used or new items (especially children’s and men’s) and wrapping paper, ribbons and bows.

BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .

• Thank our Spire volunteer mailing crew: Glen Mitchell, Chuck & Gloria Devereaux, Bonnie Anderson, Jo Hutson and Janice Schutt.

• Thank all those who help with Sunday worship by being greeters, liturgists, ushers, tezchers, singing in the choir, playing in the bell choir or band or helping with Sunday morning coffee fellowship. Your work is very much appreciated.

Welcome!

Posted on July 5, 2011 by admin

Welcome to Broadway’s updated and increasingly-functional website. Our staff has been learning more about the day-to-day upkeep of the site from our administrator.

While there is more to be done, this will allow us to update the page and keep it current.

Thank you for your patience during this time. We also thank Will and Matt for their service in helping reconfigure the pages.

June 7, 2011

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Newsletter

The Broadway
Spire

Volume 69 - Number 36 Phone 322-7741 June 7, 2011

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 changes to: The Broadway Spire, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315 Web Site: www.broadwayunitedmethodist.com
Mission Statement: Ever seeking, serving and growing as the family of God with unconditional love and acceptance.

FROM MARVIN ARNPRIESTER . . .

Monday afternoon, I was officially retired by the Iowa Annual Conference as traveling Elder, effective June 30. This is another way of saying that I will no longer be serving as a local church pastor. My last Sunday at Broadway will be this coming Sunday, June 12. I look forward to that day with a mixture of thoughts and feelings, anticipation and dread.

It was not all that long ago, just 47 years, that I was licensed to preach and appointed to my first church as a student pastor while in college. In June 1970, I was ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church in Northwest Texas and came to Iowa as pastor of Lime Springs and Chester Churches.

It was just 16 years ago that the Bishop appointed me to serve as pastor of Broadway. I unpacked my books and various other items and Carolyn and I moved into the parsonage at 255 Zenith Drive. The church purchased the house at 101 Sunny Ridge Drive for a parsonage where we have lived for 10 years.

This past week I have been sorting books and other items as to what to keep and what to pass on. Of course some things were recycled and others thrown away. But those 1,500 books were hard to sort, because each of them have been on those shelves because they contained something important to me. I took some 700 of them to Des Moines to be sent to Nigeria through our Iowa/Nigeria partnership for my dear friend Bishop Arthur Kulah for the Seminary there. Others have been given to two aspiring minsters and one already in ministry. The rest I will take with me to Arizona.

Carolyn and I have been sorting and packing at the parsonage. We plan to load the truck and move June 13. Rev. Bob and Diane Dean will move into the parsonage on the 21st of June. He will be your new senior pastor effective with his move. This means a new relationship between you and me. I will no longer be available to conduct worship, preach, conduct weddings or funerals for people in Council Bluffs because pastors are appointed to the community in which they live to provide pastoral services.

I don’t do well at saying good-bye. I have been in a bit of denial that this time would ever arrive in my life. After all, only older people retire. Either I am now older or people retire at a younger age. With your continued support, we will end this phase of ministry together in and through Broadway. All of us, senior pastor and congregation, will venture forth, trusting in God to lead, guide and protect us in the future as in the past.
I have every confidence you will find Bob and Diane people in whom you can have confidence and will grow to love and support as you have Carolyn and me. Thank you for 16 years of ministry together! I am grateful.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .

First Bible and BBQ begins June 8 with Sue Jungman, 14 Lainson in Council Bluffs. Our project will be an abandoned home that needs a lawn trimming. Bring weed-eaters, rakes, something to grill and your appetite to serve, celebrate and study! We will start working 5:30-6:00pm. Grill at 6:30pm.

United Methodist Women Unit Meeting will be Thursday, June 9, 2:00 pm. The Board will meet at 12:45 pm.

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee invites you join in a reception, Sunday, June 12, 2:30 - 4:30 pm, in Fellowship Hall, honoring Marvin & Carolyn Arnpriester as they retire and move to Arizona.

Summer Sunday School continues each week, for children in Kindergarten through 7th Grade this Fall. They meet at the Sanctuary side door following The Lord’s Prayer each Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. service. Parents are asked to pick children up in Fellowship Hall following the service.

New Adult Sunday School class starts 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Feasting on the Word is a lectionary-based study providing a guide through the scripture texts that challenge, enrich, teach and inspire the church to grow as Christ’s disciples. Lectionary study groups will begin June 26.

Fathers and Sons! Men at the Woods is a free day at Wesley Woods, Saturday, June 18. Festivities start at 8:30 am and could go to 6 pm with a "pig-in-the-ground" supper, trail rides, archery, fishing, canoeing, swimming, slip-n-slide, inflatable games and much more. The guest speaker will be former Wesley Woods director, Dave Schar. Free will offering for meals. Sign-up in Centrex or call the Church office.
WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .

With our Presence June 5 . . .
Worship: 8:00 am -73; 9:30 am - 149;
11:00 am - 115; 1:30 pm - 98 = 435
Sunday School: 9:30 am - 37

With Our Gifts 2011 . . . Received to date
Current Expenses needed weekly $12,825.90
Received June 5 $12,115.50
Current Expenses $252,981.76
Responding in Faith $70,634.00
Pastor’s Fund $3,709.14
Special Family Offering $4,91.00
Vacation Bible School $1,310.00
Philips Cupboard $705.00
Youth Mission Trip $725.00
Bishop Kulah $50.00
Midwest Tornado Relief $1,232.00
Broadway Garden Project $245.00

With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized: Jennie: Kris Lippke, Jim Wright; Mercy: Jim Talbert; Women’s: Addyson Dunn; Others: Louise Abbott, Shirley Ashcraft, Gordon Brockman, Patti Bruner, Nadine Dreager, Tony Hunt, John Innes, Cindy Larison, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Garry Milbourn, Glen Mitchell, Bob Nielson, Roger Pentico, Phyllis Rajcevich, Steve Roberson, Anyelo Sandoval, David Smith, Glenn Smith, Marge Teague, (Deployed: James Beck, Sr., Mike Broderick, Chris Cue, Joshua Johnson, Chad Jungman, Randy Larson, Justin McEvoy, Cody & Daniel Widman), persons needing jobs, missionaries, victims of war and natural disasters, those with seasonal colds & flu, Bishop Trimble, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Field Staff Ed Kail, pastors and staff. Call 322-7741 ext. 15, for additional requests.

Lectionary Bible Readings . . .
June 12 Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34.35b
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 7:37-39
June 19 Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20

The Spire will be printed and sent every other week this summer: June 21, July 5 & 19, August 2, 16 & 30. Keep this schedule in mind when requesting announcements for meetings and other activities. We return to weekly publication September 6.FROM JUDY SMITS . . .

Vacation Bible School teachers are prepared and ready for Summer Christian Day Camp begining June 8. These persons are fantastic. We have a diverse population of children attending. Teachers share not only their time, energy, talent and vacation time, but also extreme patience! Some days some of the children are literally bouncing off the walls.

Teachers discuss and choose the Vacation Bible School mission project. Each year they look at ministries that interest children and ways to make giving meaningful and visible. This year they chose Philip’s Cupboard for non-food items and a new ministry, laundry. Now, “laundry” sounds like a strange ministry. One thing we have discovered over the years is that if you can’t afford food and you can’t afford rent, you will not have money for a laundromat. We sometimes wonder why the homeless and near homeless have a distinct odor. In looking at ways we can meet needs that are not being met, we have stumbled upon this. Discussions with a local laundromat owner, who is very understanding of the plight of persons without income, have indicated he is looking into “gift cards”. This would allow the recipient to use a gift card to operate washers and/or dryers.

What family ever has laundry “caught up”? Children hear parents lament mounds of laundry. And, they wonder why that quiet, shy little person in their class at school always wears wrinkled clothing and occasionally smells funny. Hopefully, we will be able to present a whole new picture to them and give them a greater understanding, as well as allow them to make a change in a child’s life. Part of our summer program includes allowing children to not only grow in their faith but also their understanding of how each person is able to be part of a greater group to make a change in the lives of others.

Summer Vacation Bible School staff includes: Melanie Dilts, Denise Ruiz, Cindy Serpas, Laura Holcomb, Julie Newby, Renae Hartley, Diane Johnson, Laura and Dawn Hartley, Staci Yochum, Cindy Hutcheson, Mackenzie Jones, Brittney Yochum, Stacie Jensen, Missy Wittland, Shirley Smith, Lori Scott, Stephanie Price and Yolanda Mendoza. Thanks to all of you for donating five summer Wednesdays!

SUMMER MISSION WORK TRIP . . .

Youth and parents will meet with sponsors either Thursday, June 9, 6:30 p.m., or Sunday, June 12, 9:00, 10:30 am or 2:30 pm. Final information will be available and information regarding names and tee shirt sizes will be collected. If you are planning on going but cannot attend one of these times, please call Judy immediately.

YOUR HELP REQUESTED . . .

Teachers are needed for Summer Sunday School. Please consider helping one or two weeks. Sign-up sheet is in the Centrex. If you would like, lessons will be prepared and supplies waiting for you!

Check the table by the Water Cooler and coat racks for items you might be missing! Items left after June 15 will be taken to Care and Share House.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .

∙ Bill Phillips and Bob & Bill Jones for delivering a washer and dryer to a family and to Shannon Meister for the donation.

BIRTHDAYS . . .

June 9 - Merlin Hale, Callie Larsen, Judy Richardson, Christopher Speight
June 10 - Evan Garton, Tim Johnson, Tiffanie Mourn, Sandra Nelson, Brooklynn & Skyler Proplesch, Taylor Scott, Larry White
June 11 - Sharon Priebe, Clarence Smelser
June 12, Chris Pengra, Aubrey Robinson
June 13 - Seth Arthur, Austin Colter, Amanda Dunn, Bonnie Green, Renae Hartley
June 14 - Andrea Anderson, Alysa Arthur, Ken Block, Ashley Bourisaw, Wyatt Forsythe, Elody Kiser, Aaron & Jordan Marshall, Peggy McCoid
June 15 - Erika Durlin, Landon Richter, Jensen Shomshor, Angelo Trujillo
June 16 - Alex Bolduc, Jacqueline Holland, Dianne Jacobsen, Lindsay Kiser
June 17 - Patti Bruner, Bill Dobbs, John Herren, Jacob Olson, Jeanne Prickett
June 18 - Jillian Allen, Dillon Richter, Colton Tracy
June 19 - Barry Frum, Jese Ramos, Allison Shaw
June 20 - Mark Anderson, Milo Borden, Jason Holtorf, Landon Kammrad, Cooper Williams
June 21 - Debra Elrod, Karen Krabbe
June 22 - Tonia Birks, Jeff Hutcheson, Joyce Knudsen, Sally Madsen, Brandon Pigman
June 23 - Dakota Dohse, Bryan Estudillo, Jennie Gittins, Ken Milford, Eugen Montang, James Schlemmer

BIBLE AND BBQ . . .

Thank you to all who have signed up to host a Bible and BBQ! Our first one will be June
June 8 with Sue Jungman, 14 Lainson in Council Bluffs. June 15 we will be with John and Joanne Metz south of Crescent. RSVP via email so we can get a count for food. Bring something to grill and something to share... and your Bibles!

MEMBERS RECEIVED June 5 . . .

Preparatory by Baptism
- Tyler Allen and Maelee Jean, children of Crystal & Jason Rodenburg
By Transfer
-Jason & Crystal Rodenburg, Hazel Dell UMC
ANNIVERSARIES . . .

June 10 - John & Lori Mitchell - 22
June 11 - John & Jean Bohnker-29,
Andrew & Amy Gaut-14, Dick & Lisa Schnackel-28,
Gene & Kathy Thomsen-34
June 12 - Jim & Chris Heuer-40
June 13 - Dirk & Kristi Waller-2
June 14 - William & Susan Will-42
June 16 - Janell & Mark O’Connor-10,
Fred & Pat Vogt-55
June 17 - Don & Peggy McCoid-15,
Greg & Amy Olsen-11
June 18 - Phil & Dianne Lowman-45
June 19 - Eric & Shelli Boyle-1, Barb & Calvin Jackson-1, James & Gertrude Woodworth-62,
Mikel & Janet Wyatt-46
June 20 - Bob & Bonnie Green-57, Manuel & Debbie Hernandez-19, Cindy Long & Jerry Birdsall-19, Glen & June Mitchell-57, Robert & Kari Simmons-13
June 21 - Justin & Laurie Kammrad-8, Don & Cindy Peterson-36
June 22 - Derek & Susan Law-15, Anyelo & Sofia Sandoval-15. Chris & April St.Clair-21, Jason & Sandra Holtorf-4

GARDEN PROJECT . . .

Garden Project, sponsored jointly by the United Methodist Churches in Council Bluffs, has begun to help families learn how to develop and maintain a garden plot to provide food for their family’s needs. We need financial support, mentoring help, donated or loaned garden tools and transportation. Contact Margarite Goodenow, 323-3724, or the church office, to be involved in this initial venture.

SUMMER CHRISTIAN
DAYCAMP/VBS . . .

Shake It Up Café begins June 8 and continues June 15, 22, 29 and July 6, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. Children ages 2-4 (not attending Kindergarten this fall) register for mornings and must be picked up by 11:30 am. Children who will be in Kindergarten through 6th Grade attend VBS classes in the morning and afternoon trips to Wabash Trace/Dream Playground (June 8), Fort Atkinson, NE (June 15), Douglas County Museum (June 22), UP Rails West Museum/Bayliss Park (June 29, and Henry Doorly Zoo (July 6). Two snacks and lunch are served each day. Needed: Bottled water, cookies and pre-sweetened kool-aid for children at Summer Christian Day Camp! Bring to Judy’s office!

DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL GIFTS . . .

Sunday morning, June 5 memorial gifts were named and dedicated the to the glory of God:

Parking lot & building signs in loving remembrance of:
Aileen Seabury Kathy Whitson
Don Ratekin Orville Rasmussen
Mary Barber Dorothy Riggen
Donald Morse Buelah Stivers
Grace Williams Dalys Johnson
Vi Grote Dorothy Gordon
Roxine Devereaux Ruth Davis
Marvin DeHough Lavonne Olsen

Landscape gifts in loving remembrance of:
Leora Smith by Glenn Smith and their children
Herbert D & Marie C Kuper, Arno H and Leona Mae Schriefer by Dave and Lea Kuper
Hal Lippke by Carolyn Lippke
Nancy Sims Hutchinson by Larry Hutchinson and family
Duane and Tammy by Ruth Welbourn
Norma & Harry Burroughs, Reatus & Bessie Bruner
by Patti and Don Brunner
Gary Schultz by Dawn, Megann & Matt Schultz
Willard Brunko by Christine Schultz
Our parents by Ken and Betty Milford
Rex Ulmer by Rhonda Ulmer
Donald & Evelyn McMullen by Shirley McDonald
Nancy Hutchinson by Glenn & Joan Grove and family.

FIFTH AVENUE CARE AND SHARE HOUSE . . .

Donations of food and household items are given free of charge to whomever needs. Volunteers are needed to help sort and disseminate items, bag and deliver food. If you could help, please call the office and we will put you in touch. More volunteers will allow them to be open longer hours to meet community needs.

Purchase your July/August issue of The Upper Room and/or Alive Now devotion books from the table by the church office.

Summer Games youth have been given an opportunity to earn 10% of the profits and all tips on Monday, June 20, at Pizza Ranch. If you like Pizza Ranch, don’t miss this chance to help our youth AND enjoy dinner out!

Persons interested in baptism and/or becoming a member of Broadway are invited to contact Rev. Arnpriester by calling the church office to make arrangements.

Beds are needed for one of our church families. They still need 1 single and 1 double bed, frames only. Call Judy if you have one to give away!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .

Wednesday, June 8 VBS/Day Camp - 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:30 pm
Bell Choir Rehearsal - 6:25 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:30 pm
Thursday, June 9 Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
UMW Board - 12:45 pm
UMW Unit Meeting - 2:00 pm
Parents of Youth Mission Trip meet - 6:30 pm
Block Party Meeting - 7:00 pm
Friday, June 10 PEO - 9:00 am
Single Diners - 5:30 pm
Hispanic Bible Study - 7:00 pm
NA - 8:30 pm
Saturday, June 11 Devine/ Hughes Wedding - 7:00 pm
Sunday, June 12 Worship Services - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am
Jr. & Sr. High Sunday School - 9:00 am
Parents of Youth Mission Trip Participants meet
- 9:00, 10:30 am or 12:30 pm
Open Minds Adult Class - 9:30 am
Children’s Sunday School - 9:30 am
Reception for the Arnpriesters - 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Worship in Spanish - 1:30 pm
NA - 7:00 pm
Monday, June 13 Grace Study Group - 1:30 pm
Tuesday, June 14 Community Band - 6:30 pm
Hispanic Prayer Meeting & Tuesday School - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, June 15 VBS/Day Camp - 7:30 am
Friday, June 17 Hispanic Bible Study - 7:00 pm
NA - 8:30 pm
Sunday, June 19 Worship Services - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am
Jr. & Sr. High Sunday School - 9:00 am
Open Minds Adult Class - 9:30 am
Children’s Sunday School - 9:30 am
Worship in Spanish - 1:30 pm
NA - 7:00 pm
Monday, June 20 Youth serve at Pizza Ranch
Tuesday, June 21 Bob & Dianne Dean moving in day
MS Support Group - 7:00 pm
Hispanic Prayer Meeting - 7:00 pm

CHURCH STAFF . . . Ministers - All Baptized Christians, Administrative Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator - Linda Muilenburg muilenburgl@gmail.com, Band Coordinator - April Wichman alwichman@yahoo.com, Custodian - Dora Olivo, Children & Youth Ministries Coordinator - Judy Smits jsmits1973@gmail.com, Congregational Development Coordinator -Bob Folkers, Financial Secretary - Virginia Paap, Music Coordinators - Ann Carpenter & Gary Richardson, Nursery Attendants - Mary Atilano, Whitney Kurcz, Kourtney Krause, Kay McDonald, Sarah Opal, Doris Serpas, Organist - Ann Carpenter, Parish Nurse Coordinators - Sue Jungman & Lea Kuper, Associate Pastor for Discipleship -Chris St. Clair cstclair@q.com, Associate Pastor for Hispanic Ministries - Ruben Mendoza Rubyoli@hotmail.com, Senior Pastor- Marvin Arnpriester marnpriester@gmail.com, Treasurer -Terry Muilenburg & Whitney Kurcz

May 31, 2011

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Newsletter

The Broadway
Spire

Volume 69 - Number 35 Phone 322-7741 May 31, 2011

FROM MARVIN ARNPRIESTER . . .

Thursday, May 26, I presided over my last District Committee on Ministry meeting. The purpose was to certify two persons who have been Inquiring Candidates for Ministry. One was Alex Wright, a member of Broadway, and a student at Simpson College. You may remember she served as a Student Intern with us last summer.

Alex articulated her call to ministry and answered probing questions regarding her faith and her desire to serve God as an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. While the committee is supportive and caring it also understands it has a gate-keeping role which requires it to say “yes” or “no.” Most of the time there is a strong “yes.” On occasion we say “no” which is always tough for everyone. Alex was approved as a Certified Candidate for Ministry in a unanimous decision with strong affirmation of the gifts and graces she brings to ministry. She will be serving as a summer, student intern in the Papillon United Methodist Church to gain another perspective on ministry.

The steps into ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church take time and are very intentional. Persons discusses their call to ministry with their local church pastor. They request a candidacy mentor be assigned by the district superintendent to guide them through the process of inquiry. They meet with their church Staff Parish Relations Committee which is the first formal recommendation they must have. Then they meet with the District Committee for approval as a certified candidate for ministry. They may attend Licensing School in order to receive an appointment as a Local Church Pastor while in seminary or taking a five year course of study. Those attending seminary may apply for provisional membership in the Annual Conference on either the Elder or Deacon track. Elders are appointed and Deacons find their own position in ministry other than as a Local Church Pastor. After completion of Seminary and two years under appointment by a Bishop, they stand examination by the Board of Ordained Ministry for ordination as an Elder.

This meeting brought back memories of previous meetings when Andrea Kraushaar met with the committee. She is now an ordained Elder serving at Boone United Methodist Church. I also vividly remember my initial meetings with the Childress, TX District Committee, where I began the steps into ministry. Now, 47 years later, I am taking the steps with the Annual Conference to retire from serving as a pastor appointed to a church. The call to ministry is still there. I will still be an ordained Elder, retired, able to assist at the request of a local church pastor. I like to think of this change in my ministry as redirecting. I will still be involved in the life of the church but not as a local church pastor. Current plans are grand-fathering, traveling, mentoring young pastors and leading seminars.

THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .

VBS youth assistants meet Wednesday, June 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for instructions. All youth who have finished 7th Grade and above are invited to help! If you will not be able to attend but still wish to help, please contact Judy, 322-7741.

Memorial Gifts which have been give to the church will be dedicated Sunday, June 5, and we will participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

United Methodist Women Unit Meeting will be June 9, 2:00 pm. The board will meet at 12:45 pm.

Summer Sunday School continues each week, for children in Kindergarten through 7th Grade this Fall. They will meet at the Sanctuary side door following The Lord’s Prayer each Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. service. Parents are asked to pick children up in Fellowship Hall following the service.

Teachers are needed for Summer Sunday School. Please consider helping one or two weeks. Sign-up sheet is in the Centrex. If you would like, lessons will be prepared and supplies waiting for you!

Bottled water, kool-aid and cookies are needed for Summer Christian Day Camp.

WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .

With our Presence May 29 . . .
Worship: 8:00 am - 56; 9:30 am - 142;
11:00 am - 80; 1:30 pm - 129 = 407
Sunday School: 9:30 am - 31

With Our Gifts 2011 . . . Received to date
Current Expenses needed weekly $12,825.90
Received May 29 $10,966.14
Current Expenses $240,866.26
Responding in Faith $67,782.00
Pastor’s Fund $3,325.14
Special Family Offering $1,380.00
Vacation Bible School $960.00
Philips Cupboard $705.00
Youth Mission Trip $725.00
Scholarship Fund $450.00
Midwest Tornado Relief $1,082.00
Broadway Garden Project $245.00

With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized: Jennie: Kris Lippke, Jim Wright; Women’s: Addyson Dunn; Others: Louise Abbott, Shirley Ashcraft, Gordon Brockman, Patti Bruner, Nadine Dreager, Tony Hunt, John Innes, Cindy Larison, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Garry Milbourn, Glen Mitchell, Bob Nielson, Roger Pentico, Phyllis Rajcevich, Steve Roberson, Anyelo Sandoval, David Smith, Glenn Smith, Maxine Tait, Marge Teague, (Deployed: James Beck, Sr., Mike Broderick, Chris Cue, Joshua Johnson, Chad Jungman, Randy Larson, Justin McEvoy, Cody & Daniel Widman), persons needing jobs, missionaries, victims of war and natural disasters, those with seasonal colds & flu, Bishop Trimble, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Field Staff Ed Kail, pastors and staff. Call 322-7741 ext. 15, for additional requests.

Lectionary Bible Readings . . .
June 5 Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11

Persons interested in baptism and/or becoming a member of Broadway are invited to contact Rev. Arnpriester by calling the church office to make arrangements.

The Spire will be printed and sent every other week this summer: June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2, 16 & 30. Keep this schedule in mind when requesting announcements for meetings and other activities. We return to weekly publication September 6.FROM LEA KUPER . . .

I thought I would start our Parish Nurse article telling you about how one of your parish nurses started her career!

I had a great neighborhood in which to grow up! Avoca, Iowa was a town of about 1200 people and at that time, everyone knew everyone! We had around 10 – 12 kids in a 2-block area and the older ones did a good job of "putting up" with some of us that were younger. We would play outside and go home when the noon or the 6 o'clock whistle blew or the street lights would go on at night!

One of my friend's father was a pharmacist so my friend and I started making paste out of water and laundry detergent granules and putting it in the empty pill bottles. When our dolls would "go to the doctor" after falling down, the "nurses" would fix them up with "salve" and a band aide!!! My nursing career advanced from there to working in a nursing home during high school, going to Clarkson for nursing school and then working at another nursing home. I also worked in a doctor's clinic for 16 years in a variety of different jobs. One of those was in the Internal Medicine Department.

One reason I enjoyed my job at the clinic was the ability to build relationships. Some people would have their annual exam each year. Some would see us every six months or with some chronic diseases every two to three months. At times, there would be a need for lab work to be done every week.

In between visits, there would be phone calls. I would take messages, relay them to the doctor, and call the people back with answers or orders. Sometimes, we would talk 2 – 3 times per day. All of these contacts were done to keep our "temple of God" in the best physical health possible. I miss some of those times but the relationships we built were wonderful and some have carried over even after I left the clinic.

As I thought about this, I thought about how our spiritual health relates and began asking myself some questions. Do I have an annual or semi-annual check-up with God at Christmas or Easter...maybe quarterly, once a month, or weekly? How are my relationships? (We have been talking about starting more small groups at Broadway and how important they are for relationship building and communication.) How is my "God relationship"? Do I talk to Him once a day or throughout the day? And how are my listening skills? Am I "present" with others? Am I "present" with God? Romans 12:1 – So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. That includes our spiritual health! How are you doing?

CUTEST BABY CONTEST . . .

Our winner is LEA KUPER!!! Second place to MARVIN ARNPRIESTER! Thank you to all who participated. We had a great time!

LOST AND FOUND . . .

Check the table by the Water Cooler and coat racks for items you might be missing! Items left after June 15 will be taken to Care and Share House.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .

∙ Pastors Marvin and Chris, and to the caring friends of Broadway for your many blessings and, especially, your prayers. - Jeanne Tjaden
∙ Janeth Cano, accepted as a YouTheology participant at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO

BIRTHDAYS . . .

June 2 - Ann Carpenter, Merna Dobbs, Andrea Kraushaar, Sophia Mourn, Diane Phillips, Arturo Rodriguez
June 3 - Grace Alff, Thomas Beck, Jesse Borden, Sara Dunn, Mary Jean Frost, Carrie Griffin, Amanda Jungman, Virginia Northcott, Gregory Olson, Scott Persinger
June 4 - Troy Arthur, Joni Bohnker, Christopher Williams
June 5 - Kim Clark, Pat Custer, Michael Monahan, Juan Sanchez, John Scott, Lloyd Sherman, Harvey Taylor Jr., Monica Winchester
June 6 - Caitlyn Colter, Kathryn Jones, Joshua Moore, Ruth Thomas
June 7 - Brenden Barrett, Doug Primmer, Grant Ruiz, Robert Towers, Michael Wilkins
June 8 - Tessa Brow, Dorothy Fleming
June 9 - Merlin Hale, Callie Larsen, Judy Richardson, Christopher Speight

ANNIVERSARIES . . .

June 2 - Mona & Kenneth Lane - 41
June 3 - Marvin & Carolyn Arnpriester - 45
June 5 - Jeffrey & Kay Arthur - 25, Kevin & Jill Heller - 1, Gary & Dianne Richardson - 40
June 6 - Carl & Shirley Heinrich - 57
June 7 - John & Barbara Condecon - 8, James & Amy Shaw - 25
June 8 - Glenn & Joan Grove - 43, Ron & Marty
Heitman - 43, John & Shirley VanWyhe - 56

MEMBERS RECEIVED May 29 . . .

Preparatory by Baptism:
- Brandon Eugene, Grace Ann, Josephine LeAnn, Sophia Kathrine and Elizabeth Marie, children of Julie & Charles Lamb
Profession of Faith:
- Diane Brim & George Mariotti
By Transfer:
- Ed & Susan Daugherty, Omaha First Presbyterian
Baptized/Preparatory Membership: 390
Professing Members: 1135

BIBLE AND BBQ . . .

Thank you to all who have signed up to host a Bible and BBQ! Our first one will be June 15 at John and Joanne Metz’s ranch south of Crescent. RSVP via email so we can get a count for food. Bring something to grill and something to share... and your Bibles!

GARDEN PROJECT . . .

Garden Project, sponsored jointly by the United Methodist Churches in Council Bluffs, has begun to help families learn how to develop and maintain a garden plot to provide food for their family’s needs. We have 12 willing participants and now need financial support, mentoring help, donated or loaned garden tools and transportation. Contact Margarite Goodenow, 323-3724, or the church office, to be involved in this initial venture. Additional projects are being identified to allow UM churches in Council Bluffs to combine the lives and resources of our churches in community support to help serve unmet needs of area families with young children.

SUMMER CHRISTIAN
DAYCAMP/VBS . . .

Registration forms are available for Shake It Up Café, June 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. Children ages 2-4 (not attending Kindergarten this fall) register for mornings and must be picked up by 11:30 am. Children who will be in Kindergarten through 6th Grade attend VBS classes in the morning and afternoon trips to Pedestrian Bridge/Dream Playground (June 8), Fort Atkinson, NE (June 15), Douglas County Museum (June 22), UP Rails West Museum/Bayliss Park (June 29, and Henry Doorly Zoo (July 6). Two snacks and lunch are served each day. Sign up and bring a friend! Needed: Bottled water, cookies and pre-sweetened kool-aid for children at Summer Christian Day Camp! Bring to Judy’s office!

Purchase your May/June issue of The Upper Room and/or Alive Now devotion books from the table by the church office.

See what Wesley Woods has to offer Saturday, June 4, 1-8 p.m. in Indianola, IA: Blop, slip-n-slide, swimming, horse back rides, archery, inflatable games, face painting, climbing wall, zip line, canoeing, pontoon rides, fishing, wagon tours – and “pigs in the ground” supper, 4:30-7:00 p.m. for a freewill donation. Evening closes with worship service led by 2011 summer staff. Call Wesley Woods, 515-961-4523, ext. 101, for information. If you are looking for a summer camp, consider Wesley Woods! This camp has it all. Call Judy for camps available this summer!

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT OPPORTUNITY . . .

Individuals willing to serve beyond the local church are invited to volunteer to represent the Southwest district:
Iowa Annual Conference positions:
Volunteer In Mission Coordinator to serve on conference Board Of Global Ministries
Layman for the Board Of Global Ministries
Layman on Leadership Development
Layman for the Board of Higher Education
District Committee position
Building and Location
Contact pastorannette@yahoo.com (Annette Kruse), if interested in serving or have questions about number of meetings, location, and responsibilities!

FIFTH AVENUE CARE AND SHARE HOUSE . . .

Donations of food and household items are given free of charge to whomever needs. They deliver food pantries to several low income apartment complexes. Volunteers are needed to help sort and disseminate items, bag and deliver food. If you could help, please call the office and we will put you in touch. More volunteers will allow them to be open longer hours to meet community needs.

UMW NEWS . . .

We have a great gift for you to give for a bridal shower or wedding this summer. It is a United Methodist Women’s Cookbook. They are $8. Stop at the Centrex Desk on Sunday morning or ask Linda in the office.

Persons reading from the books in the chapel are reminded to make sure the card in the book is signed and left in the box. Please do not have more than one book out at a time and remember others may want to read it, too, so please keep only 2 weeks. These books are part of the United Methodist Women’s reading program.

Beds are needed for one of our church families. They need 3 single and 1 double bed, frames only. Call Judy if you have one to give away!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .

Wednesday, June 1 Staff Meeting - 9:30 am
Aged to Perfection Luncheon - 12:15 pm
Disciple 1 - 6:00 pm
Bell Choir Practice - 6:25 pm
VBS/Daycamp Assistant Training - 6:30 pm
Thursday, June 2 MNA Meet - 7:00 am
Men’s Discussion Group - 9:30 am
Flag Practice - 5:30 pm
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Event - 6:00 pm
Girl Scouts Awards - 6:30 pm
Congregational Development - 7:00 pm
Friday, June 3 Wedding Rehearsal/Dinner - 5:30 pm
Hispanic Bible Study - 7:00 pm
NA - 8:30 pm
Saturday, June 4 Iowa Annual Conference begins
Reiners-Allen Wedding - 4:00 pm
Sunday, June 5 Worship Services - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am
Local Missions & Advocacy Committee Meets - 9:00 am
Open Minds Adult Class - 9:30 am
Children’s Sunday School - 9:45 am
New Member Luncheon - 12:00 pm
Worship in Spanish - 1:30 pm
Monday, June 6 Office Closes at Noon
Tuesday, June 7 Craft Circle - 9:00 am
Book Review - 9:30 am
Community Band - 6:30 pm
Hispanic Prayer Meeting & Tuesday School - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, June 8 VBS/Day Camp - 7:30 am
Bell Choir Rehearsal - 6:25 pm
Disciple 1 - 6:00 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:30 pm

EMERGENCY PANTRY NOTE . . .

Remember those 730 pounds of food donated by Scouts to the pantry in April? We had 40 visitors to our pantry since then and the food is gone. That’s an average of less than 20 pounds per family. Remember the hungry on Pantry Sunday, June 5, or any day. We need any kind of non-perishable food except vegetables. (We have plenty of corn, green beans and peas.) Thank you.

May 24, 2011

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Newsletter

The Broadway
Spire

Volume 69 – Number 34 Phone 322-7741 May 24, 2011

FROM MARVIN ARNPRIESTER . . .

Sunday we recognized our graduating seniors from High School. It was a bit overwhelming for me to realize that I have baptized and confirmed most of these youth. They are fine young people, active in various ways in our church, their school and the community and include: Spencer Bell, Justin Birks, Keegan Brow, Aleisha Clayton, Mikala Dunn, Jakob Durlin, Mason Flora, Meghan Harris, Courtney Jones, Caen Krahn, Joie LeRette, Christian Lobendo, Ronda Long-Birdsall, Jordan Millage, Izbeth Ramos, Jesse St. Clair, Justin Sunderman, Kelsey Tekippe, Shannon Tillman.

Nancy File, chair of the Higher Education and Scholarship Committee, announced the awarding of $9,800 in Scholarships to deserving students. Scholarship Funds are supported by monies on interest and donations by Broadway members and groups. To continue receiving a scholarship while in college a student must be a member of Broadway, be actively involved in church and community activities where they attend college, and maintain a 2.75 GPA.. Scholarship recipients are listed below:

Doris Toland: Dana Bechtold, George Cano, Erica Durlin, Ashley Harris, Jesse St. Clair, Jessica Tekippe, Alex Wright
Donald & Evelyn McMullen: Mason Flora, Meghan Harris
Beth A. Petersen: Kelsey Tekippe
Emma & Maynard Ridlen: Ronda Long-Birdsall
Bill Samuelson: Courtney Jones
Douglas Vergamini: Jakob Durlin, Angela Vergamini
United Methodist Women: Joie LeRette
Dorothy Mae Boone Seminary : Dana Scopatz, a doctoral candidate at Lutheran Seminary in the Twin Cities; Eric Schubert a ministerial student at Duke School of Theology

Broadway was recently recognized, once again as a Third Mile, Rainbow Covenant Church for 2010. This means we paid our Iowa Conference apportionments in full and gave an additional minimum of $15 per member toward mission causes in specific areas of mission giving.
I am pleased with the continued financial support of Broadway’s ministry in many areas. At the last Administrative Council meeting the 2010 Audit report was accepted and affirmed. We began 2011 with a balance of $330,880, took in $1,044,606 for all causes, expended $998,279 leaving a balance of $391,420. In addition we began 2011 with a Scholarship Fund balance of $418,679, took in $14,072, disbursed $12,698 and leaving a balance of $446,817.

Our Current Expense budget at the end of April shows income of $191,106, expenses of $213,125 leaving a $21,221 deficit. Your help in erasing this deficit is much appreciated as we change senior pastors in June.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .

Single Diners meet Friday, May 27, 4:30 pm at Texas Roadhouse (note the earlier time). RSVP to Sharon Wood, 328-6828.

Summer Sunday School begins May 29, for children in Kindergarten through 7th Grade this Fall. They will meet at the Sanctuary side door following The Lord’s Prayer each Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. service. Parents are asked to pick children up in Fellowship Hall following the service.

Teachers are needed for Summer Sunday School. Please consider helping one or two weeks. Sign-up sheet is in the Centrex. If you would like, lessons will be prepared and supplies waiting for you!

Overflow, youth worship service, is May 29, 5:00 p.m. If you would like pizza following, contact Jesse St. Clair, 352-2201.

Purchase your May/June issue of The Upper Room and/or Alive Now devotion books from the table by the church office.

During the month of May, you are invited to join the Global Mission Task Team in supporting Bishop Arthur Kulah in Nigeria, Mary Zigbuo in Liberia, Leila and Jon Disburg in Alaska. Just indicate the amount on your check or envelope.

Bottled water, kool-aid and cookies are needed for Summer Christian Day Camp.

WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .

With our Presence May 22 . . .
Worship: 8:00 am – 73; 9:30 am – 212;
11:00 am – 84; 1:30 pm – 113 = 482
Sunday School: 9:30 am – 87

With Our Gifts 2011 . . . Received to date
Current Expenses needed weekly $12,825.90
Received May 22 $5,885.05
Current Expenses $229,900.12
Responding in Faith $64,832.00
Pastor’s Fund $3,284.14
Special Family Offering $1,350.00
Vacation Bible School $700.00
Philips Cupboard $690.00
Youth Mission Trip $725.00
Scholarship Fund $450.00
Northwest Iowa Tornado Relief $50.00
Broadway Garden Project $245.00

With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized: Jennie: Kris Lippke, Women’s: Addyson Dunn, Others: Louise Abbott, Shirley Ashcraft, Gordon Brockman, Patti Bruner, Nadine Dreager, Tony Hunt, John Innes, Cindy Larison, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Garry Milbourn, Ken Milford, Glen Mitchell, Bob Nielson, Roger Pentico, Phyllis Rajcevich, Steve Roberson, Anyelo Sandoval, David Smith, Glenn Smith, Maxine Tait, Marge Teague, Jeanne Tjaden, Barb Yearian, (Deployed: James Beck, Sr., Mike Broderick, Chris Cue, Joshua Johnson, Chad Jungman, Randy Larson, Justin McEvoy, Cody & Daniel Widman), persons needing jobs, missionaries, victims of war and natural disasters, those with seasonal colds & flu, Bishop Trimble, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Field Staff Ed Kail, pastors and staff. Call 322-7741 ext. 15, for additional requests.

Lectionary Bible Readings . . .
May 29 Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21

The Spire will be printed and mailed every other week this summer: June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2, 16 & 30. Keep this schedule in mind when requesting announcements for meetings and other activities. We return to weekly publication September 6.FROM CHRIS ST. CLAIR . . .

Sunday before last, during our 11 o’clock small group, we were discussing the power of answering the call to risk everything for the Gospel. What would it take for us to say a resounding “yes” to God and follow wherever the Spirit was leading us? My observation was the North American church was too comfortably cuddled up next to the popular culture to be the true force of transformation it is called to be. It’s hard to be the risk-taking, life-changing church when you spend more time trying to appear relevant than actually doing the things that we are called by God, encouraged by Christ, and empowered by the Spirit to do.

As the church, we’ve fallen into measuring our relevance through suspect means. It doesn’t matter arguing the merits of the colors of the boats if they are both taking on water and are at risk of capsizing. We aren’t doing all that well making disciples for the transformation of the world–we are more interested in playing church rather than being the church led by the head of the church, Jesus. We are called to be a community dedicated to making disciples, but we are far too often a toothless lion, all roar and no bite, following whatever new idea that pops up with fancy leadership language.

I don’t believe as the group predicting the “end of the world” believes, that the answer for an irrelevant church lies in creating fear and doubt, but rather in sharing the truth of the Gospel–we are called to be in mission to a wounded world. But like those hoping for a quick end to this dying and disillusioned planet (and to their irrelevance), we, too, are looking for one of two things: the easy way out, or the “sold-out” nature of the faith the early believers had. They realized they were present to something worth giving up everything for. And so should we!!!

Recently the staff was involved in attending a retreat held at Camp Wesley Woods. We have been exploring the importance of the mission of the church–to go and make disciples. Disciples were just that–those people who had found the One worth giving up everything for.

And lately we’ve been asking the tough question of how exactly we are doing at accomplishing that mission: “go and make disciples.” For the first time we heard the truth about being a disciple of Christ: this is dangerous stuff. The nature of the Gospel should require ushers, as Annie Dillard says, to “issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews.” The very real God, full of power and glory is present to us and ready for us to take His son’s role in our lives seriously.

There is risk when we take our faith seriously, when we step out, when we (to use the ocean metaphor of our retreat leaders, Dan Glover and Claudia Lavy, speak of) “swim out past the breakers and dive in deep.” When we do that, there’s no turning back. To turn back is to perish. But to believe in something worth swimming out past the breakers is to know the One worth risking it all for.

Ever seeking, serving and growing as the family of God… What would it look like to be the risk-taking church equipped by the Gospel, fearlessly and boldly led by the Holy Spirit? There are no easy paths, only the one we are on. I believe we are already on the right one. There is no easy way out–just the promise that we will never be forsaken by God. Let us come together and see, led by love–not fear… The family of God, seeking, serving, and growing together.

BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .

∙ Thank Pastor Marvin for the visits and the Care Team for the prayer shawl. Shirley Ashcraft
∙ Thank Sandy Byers and Alegent Health offices for their substantial donation to the Broadway Emergency Food Pantry and Philip’s Cupboard.

BIRTHDAYS . . .

May 26 – Dean Bentley, Staci Byers, Erica Estudillo, Ron Gangwish, Nicole Killion, Joshua May
May 27 – Katie Fent, Jo Hutson, Clifford Johnson, Robert Jones, Bill Jones, Ronald Thomas
May 28 – Robin Colter, Nathan Kleinmeyer, Ray Miller, Daniel Ogren
May 29 – Anne Alter, Marjorie Teague, Brittney Willis
May 30 – Makayla Burton, Willow Olsen, Mark Wichman
May 31 – Kent Eckhardt
June 1 – Emily Broderick, Margarite Goodenow, Julie Lamb, Shirley McDonald, Jordan Widman
June 2 – Ann Carpenter, Merna Dobbs, Andrea Kraushaar, Sophia Mourn, Diane Phillips, Arturo Rodriguez

ANNIVERSARIES . . .

May 27 – John & Phyllis Herren – 55, Randy & Rebecca Stubblefield – 16
May 28 – Gayle & Robert Strickland – 43
May 31 – Ronald & Jacqueline Holland – 15
June 1 – Alan & Lois Mensing – 42,
Andy & Deandra Smith – 9
June 2 – Mona & Kenneth Lane – 41

GARDEN PROJECT . . .

Garden Project, sponsored jointly by the United Methodist Churches in Council Bluffs, has begun to help families learn how to develop and maintain a garden plot to provide food for their family’s needs. We have identified 12 willing participants and now need financial support, mentoring help, donated or loaned garden tools and transportation. Contact Margarite Goodenow, 323-3724, or the church office, to be involved in this initial venture. Additional projects are being identified to allow UM churches in Council Bluffs to combine the lives and resources of our churches in community support to help serve unmet needs of area families with young children.

SUMMER CHRISTIAN
DAYCAMP/VBS . . .

Registration forms are available for Shake It Up Café, June 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. Children ages 2-4 (not attending Kindergarten this fall) register for mornings and must be picked up by 11:30 am. Children who will be in Kindergarten through 6th Grade attend VBS classes in the morning and afternoon trips to Pedestrian Bridge/Dream Playground (June 8), Fort Atkinson, NE (June 15), Douglas County Museum (June 22), UP Rails West Museum/Bayliss Park (June 29, and Henry Doorly Zoo (July 6). Two snacks and lunch are served each day. Sign up and bring a friend! Needed: Bottled water, cookies and pre-sweetened kool-aid for children at Summer Christian Day Camp! Bring to Judy’s office!

WESLEY WOODS SUMMER KICK-OFF . . .

See what Wesley Woods has to offer Saturday, June 4, 1-8 p.m. in Indianola, IA: Blop, slip-n-slide, swimming, horse back rides, archery, inflatable games, face painting, climbing wall, zip line, canoeing, pontoon rides, fishing, wagon tours – and “pigs in the ground” supper, 4:30-7:00 p.m. for a freewill donation. Evening closes with worship service led by 2011 summer staff. Call Wesley Woods Camp Office, 515-961-4523, ext. 101, for information. If you are looking for a summer camp, consider Wesley Woods! This camp has it all. Call Judy for camps available this summer!

SUMMER TUESDAY SCHOOL . . .

Teachers are needed Tuesdays evenings, 7-8:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for college students going into the teaching profession. Each week’s attendance runs approximately 12 elementary aged children. Call the office if you are interested even for one or two weeks!

MEMBERS RECEIVED May 22 . . .

Preparatory by Baptism:
- Roland Charles, IV son of Kristen Block & Roland Chapin III
- Harper Jeane, daughter of Denise & Jason Ruiz

Baptized/Preparatory Membership: 385

BECOME A MEMBER . . .

Contact Rev. Arnpriester to arrange for a
baptism and/or becoming a member of Broadway.

PIZZA RANCH OFFER . . .

EMERGENCY PANTRY NOTE . . .

Remember those 730 pounds of food donated by Scouts to the pantry in April? There was barely room for it in our cupboard. We had 40 visitors to our pantry since then and the food is gone. That’s an average of less than 20 pounds per family. Remember the hungry on Pantry Sunday, June 5, or any day. We need any kind of non-perishable food except vegetables. (We have plenty of corn, green beans and peas.) Thank you.

FIFTH AVENUE CARE AND SHARE HOUSE . . .

UMW NEWS . . .

We have a great gift for you to give for a graduation, bridal shower or wedding this summer. It is a United Methodist Women’s Cookbook. They are $8. Stop at the Centrex Desk on Sunday morning or ask Linda in the office.

Persons reading from the UMW books in the chapel are reminded to make sure the card in the book is signed and left in the box. Please do not have more than one book out at a time and remember others may want to read it, too, so please keep only 2 weeks. These books are part of the United Methodist Women’s reading program.

CHURCH STAFF . . . Ministers – All Baptized Christians, Administrative Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator – Linda Muilenburg muilenburgl@gmail.com, Band Coordinator – April Wichman alwichman@yahoo.com, Custodian – Dora Olivo, Children & Youth Ministries Coordinator – Judy Smits jsmits1973@gmail.com, Congregational Development Coordinator -Bob Folkers, Financial Secretary – Virginia Paap, Music Coordinators – Ann Carpenter & Gary Richardson, Nursery Attendants – Mary Atilano, Whitney Kurcz, Kourtney Krause, Kay McDonald, Sarah Opal, Doris Serpas, Organist – Ann Carpenter, Parish Nurse Coordinators – Sue Jungman & Lea Kuper, Associate Pastor for Discipleship -Chris St. Clair cstclair@q.com, Associate Pastor for Hispanic Ministries – Ruben MendozaRubyoli@hotmail.com, Senior Pastor- Marvin Arnpriester marnpriester@gmail.com, Treasurer -Terry Muilenburg & Whitney Kurcz
CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .

Wednesday, May 25 Staff Meeting – 9:30 am
Disciple I – 6:30 pm
Thursday, May 26 Flag Practice – 5:30 pm
Council Bluffs Urban Ministries – 6:30 pm
Friday, May 27 Single Diners – 4:30 pm
Overflow – 5:00 pm
Hispanic Bible Study – 7:00 pm
NA – 8:30 pm
Sunday, May 29 Worship Services – 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am
Open Minds Adult Class – 9:30 am
Children’s Sunday School – 9:45 am
Worship in Spanish – 1:30 pm
Monday, May 30 Office Closed for Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 31 Community Band – 6:30 pm
Hispanic Prayer Meeting & Tuesday School – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, June 1 Staff Meeting – 9:30 am
Aged to Perfection Luncheon – 12:15 pm
Disciple 1 – 6:00 pm
VBS/Daycamp Assistant Training – 6:30 pm

BIBLE AND BBQ . . .

Hosts are invited to sign up for Wednesday evenings Bible and BBQ in June, July, and August. Sign up to host and give us ideas about how we can make a difference in our community this summer! New members to Broadway are encouraged to come, participate and host. Hosts provide the grill, beverages and a place to gather. Patios, yards, parks–anything works. If there is some work needing done in your neighborhood, let us know. We have painted over graffiti, sorted and organized household goods donated to a local shelter–whatever is needed.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT OPPORTUNITY . . .

Individuals willing to serve beyond the local church are invited to volunteer to represent the Southwest district in one of the following ways:

Iowa Annual Conference positions:
Volunteer In Mission Coordinator to serve on conference Board Of Global Ministries
Layman for the Board Of Global Ministries
Layman on Leadership Development
Layman for the Board of Higher Education

District Committee position
Building and Location
Contact the district office or pastorannette@yahoo.com (Annette Kruse), if you’re interested in serving or have questions about what the position entails!

May 17, 2011

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Newsletter

The Broadway
Spire

Volume 69 – Number 33 Phone 322-7741 May 17, 2011

FROM MARVIN ARNPRIESTER . . .

As we move closer to retirement, Carolyn suggested we go through our stuff so we wouldn’t move things we no longer want, need or have use for. She has done a great deal of sorting. She read that if you have a hard time letting go of something with an emotional appeal to it, take a picture of the item, dispose of the item and put the picture in a scrapbook. Much less space is taken and the picture will evoke the warm feelings again.

Of course I agree with her in principle. When it comes down to actually sorting, making decisions and taking pictures, it is much harder to do than it is to think about. I was surprised to discover I still have all my report cards from grade school through seminary. Each year since 1964, I have kept a pocket calendar of that year’s meetings, activities, etc. One of the most fun things was going through all the birthday, anniversary, father’s day and get well cards filed away in boxes. There are term papers and class notebooks from High School through Seminary, to say nothing of materials from continuing education events I have attended through the years. Each evening this week, I am going through all the hardware and tools, not only mine, but those my Dad gave me he never got sorted, but was going to sort some day, when he had time. There’s a hand saw from my great grandpa and a shovel from my grandfather. I wonder if I can get my grandmother’s hoe we used as I grew up sharpened to take with me? Each of these items evokes a wealth of memories and feelings stretching back over the years of my life and ministry.

There are all those things in the Church office as well, files, books, pictures, plaques, mementoes, robes and stoles. While I haven’t completely read every book, there is something in each one which is the reason I have kept it. I plan to keep some, give some to a pastor just starting out and send the rest to Bishop Kulah in Nigeria for pastors there. Sorting and pitching, re-sorting and deciding if I should keep something is much harder than I ever thought it would be. I am well aware that if I don’t do the sorting, someone will have to sort “my stuff” some day. Several boxes of files, papers and cards have gone to the shredder, with more to sort and go.

I have been reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s statement, Forgetting those things which are behind, I press on to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. I am not sure the right translation for the original is forgetting as much as it is letting go, not trying to hold on to something from the past or allowing it to continue holding on to you. We can never go back to the way it was, try as we might. Pressing on must surely mean focusing fully on the present, learning from and leaving the regrets, guilt and shame from the past where they belong. The high calling, of course, has to do with faithful living with the eyes of our mind, heart and soul focused on Jesus Christ in whatever stage of life we find ourselves.

THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .

VBS teachers will meet Wednesday, May 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., to receive information regarding this year’s program. If childcare is needed or if you will not be able to attend, please contact Judy, 322-7741. VBS youth assistants will meet Wednesday, June 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for instructions. All youth who have finished 7th Grade and above are invited to help!

A CPR Class will be held Saturday, May 21 9:00 am -12:30 pm in the Lounge. The $25 fee includes a completion card. Sign up in the Centrex or call the church office.

Graduating seniors are reminded Senior Recognition Sunday is May 22. Those who would like may bring items and awards from school years to display in Fellowship Hall, 9:00-9:30 a.m. The congregation is invited to join them. Coffee hour will be in the Lounge.

Overflow, youth worship service, will be May 27, 5:00 p.m. If you are attending and would like pizza following, contact Jesse St. Clair, 352-2201.

Purchase your May/June issue of The Upper Room and/or Alive Now daily devotion books from the table by the church office.

Contact Rev. Arnpriester to arrange for a
baptism and/or becoming a member of Broadway.

WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .

With our Presence May 15 . . .
Worship: 8:00 am – 82; 9:30 am – 168;
11:00 am – 85; 1:30 pm – 133 = 473
Sunday School: 9:30 am – 69; 11:00 – 4 = 73

With Our Gifts 2011 . . . Received to date
Current Expenses needed weekly $12,825.90
Received May 15 $6,417.33
Current Expenses $224,015.07
Responding in Faith $62,937.00
Pastor’s Fund $3,272.14
Special Family Offering $1,299.00
Vacation Bible School $550.00
Philips Cupboard $690.00
Youth Mission Trip $725.00
Scholarship Fund $400.00
Native American Awareness $552.00
Broadway Garden Project $200.00
Afghan Fund/Prayer Shaw $100.00

With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized: Jennie: Kris Lippke, University: Shirley Ashcraft, Cindy Larison, Women’s: Addyson Dunn, Others: Louise Abbott, Gordon Brockman, Patti Bruner, Nadine Dreager, Tony Hunt, John Innes, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Garry Milbourn, Ken Milford, Glen Mitchell, Bob Nielson, Phyllis Rajcevich, Steve Roberson, Anyelo Sandoval, David Smith, Glenn Smith, Maxine Tait, Marge Teague, Jeanne Tjaden, Barb Yearian, (Deployed: James Beck, Sr., Mike Broderick, Chris Cue, Joshua Johnson, Chad Jungman, Randy Larson, Justin McEvoy, Cody & Daniel Widman), persons needing jobs, missionaries, victims of war and natural disasters, those with seasonal colds & flu, Bishop Trimble, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Field Staff Ed Kail, pastors and staff. Call 322-7741 ext. 15, for additional requests.

With our Sympathy to . . .
∙ Stacy & Angelo Trujillo and family in the May 13 death of Nicholas Gayton.

Lectionary Bible Readings . . .
May 22 Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5,15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14

The Stress Facing the Immigrant Community

In last month’s article, we saw how stress affects immigration judges, and, in turn, how this stress affects decisions they make for people who are going through the immigration process.

Stress is one of the most common causes of sicknesses in the 21st Century. The migrant community is not exempt from this reality. On the contrary, there are many reasons this community has high levels of stress. CNN Mexico mentions stress is minor in the Hispanic community. This does not mean that it does not exist, but only that it exists to a lesser extent than in groups of other immigrants.

These are some of the stress factors the Hispanic community faces in the United States:
• Lack of work, though not a problem that is exclusive to Hispanics.
• Immigration reforms against the Hispanic community (such as those in Arizona and other states).
• Political promises for the immigration community are never carried out.
• Young people waiting for immigration reforms that never happen.
• Families separated because of immigration. Statistics show for every two adults detained by immigration raids, one child is left alone.
Many others, even worse, could be mentioned, but I want to tell you about two stories related to this theme.

Three years ago, a woman who attended Broadway UMC with her three adolescent children had to return to her country of origin because of immigration problems. Her three children had to stay in the United States. From that time, those children have not been able to live with their mother. Imagine a mother who has to separate herself from her children exactly at the time when they most need her. Adolescence is a very difficult time for young people. These three had to pass this time without their mother. There is not a time the mother doesn’t think of them. This situation is extremely stressful for this family and other families who might have to experience the same situation.

On May 10, 2011, in the Pottawattamie County Jail in Council Bluffs during one of the sessions I teach, I met a young man, 23 years old. When I saw him, I noticed immediately how sad his face looked. He began to tell to me about his situation. His parents brought him to the United States when he was only five years old. In reality, he has lived most of his life in the U.S., rather than in his country of origin. He said he would be deported to his “country” where he does not know anyone, nor does he understand the culture, nor does he have family members to help him with the process. Why is he being deported? He was found working – only working – to maintain his two small children and wife who are now essentially abandoned because the only person able to support this family was just arrested by immigration. As he talked to me, he cried like a child who has just lost what he most loved. What will happen with his wife and children? We do not know. And, there are innumerable stories just like this one.

There are not only victims of stress but also depression I will write about another time. Church, there are many communities suffering. We have identified a community suffering in this city. What are you doing to stop this suffering? Remember our roots and why we have been created.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .

∙ Aunna Strutzenberg on receiving the Youth Appreciation Award from Optimists for upholding dignity of youth, showing sincere devotion to welfare of others and unselfish contribution to society.
∙ Emily McMullen on graduating summa cum laude from Creighton University, Saturday, May 14.

BIRTHDAYS . . .

May 19 – Jeff Arthur, Amanda Cvilikas, Emilio Ramirez
May 20 – Gary Davis, Susan Devereaux, Dustin Heffernan, Amanda McClure
May 21 – Nathan Connelly, Kevin Doby, Emmerson Freeman, Michael Hatcher, Merle Johnson, Daniel & Jonathan Yos
May 22 – Nicole Brink, Stephanie Ogren, Rachel Summy
May 23 – Aaron Williams
May 24 – Curtis Hinman, John Metz III, Dalton Moore, Phil Robertus
May 25 – Alex McKeighan, Esmeralda Orno-Gonzalez, Paige Wagner
May 26 – Dean Bentley, Staci Byers, Erica Estudillo, Ron Gangwish, Nicole Killion, Joshua May

ANNIVERSARIES . . .

May 19 – George & Phyllis Marshall – 65
Tom & Donna Walker – 55
May 20 – Darold & Shirley Ashcraft – 33
May 22 – Raymond & Norma Byers – 63, Scott & Sue Duhachek – 18, Jim & Jackie Jenkins Jr – 18
May 23 – Jaime & Vivian Serpas – 11
May 25 – Mitch & Pat Mortvedt – 9
Chris & Molly Pengra – 17

GARDEN PROJECT . . .

Garden Project, sponsored jointly by the United Methodist Churches in Council Bluffs, has begun to help families learn how to develop and maintain a garden plot to provide food for their family’s needs. We have identified 12 willing participants and now need financial support, mentoring help, donated or loaned garden tools and transportation. Contact Margarite Goodenow, 323-3724, or the church office, to be involved in this initial venture. Additional projects are being identified to allow UM churches in Council Bluffs to combine the lives and resources of our churches in community support to help serve unmet needs of area families with young children.

SUMMER CHRISTIAN
DAYCAMP/VBS . . .

WESLEY WOODS SUMMER KICK-OFF . . .

See what Wesley Woods has to offer Saturday, June 4, 1-8 p.m. in Indianola, IA: Blop, slip-n-slide, swimming, horse back rides, archery, inflatable games, face painting, climbing wall, zip line, canoeing, pontoon rides, fishing, wagon tours – and “pigs in the ground” supper, 4:30-7:00 p.m. for a freewill donation. Evening closes with worship service led by 2011 summer staff. Call Wesley Woods Camp Office, 515-961-4523, ext. 101, for information. If you are looking for a summer camp, consider Wesley Woods! This camp has it all. Call Judy for camps available this summer!

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL . . .

Beginning May 29, children Kindergarten through 7th Grade this Fall will meet at the side door of the Sanctuary following The Lord’s Prayer each Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. service. Parents are asked to pick children up in Fellowship Hall following the service.

Teachers are needed for Summer Sunday School. Please consider helping one or two weeks. Sign-up sheet is in the Centrex. If you would like, lessons will be prepared and supplies waiting for you!

SUMMER TUESDAY SCHOOL . . .

MEMBERS RECEIVED . . .

Preparatory by Baptism:
- Ayden Thomas, son of Jenny & Alex Dighton
- Parker Lawrence, son of Christina & Joel Leaders
Profession of faith:
- Robert Jones, Abril Juan-Chambers, Adriana and Andrea Fuentes, Cindy and Doris Serpas
Transfer:
- Bonnie Cruickshank – Omaha Trinity
- Edward Cruickshank – Catholic

Baptized/Preparatory Membership: 384
Professing Membership: 1131

FIFTH AVENUE CARE AND SHARE HOUSE . . .

Donations of food and household items are given free of charge to whomever needs. They also deliver food pantries to several low income apartment complexes. Volunteers are needed to help sort and disseminate items, bag and deliver food. If you could help, please call the office and we will put you in touch. More volunteers will allow them to be open longer hours to meet community needs.

UMW . . .

Do you have a graduation, bridal shower or wedding this summer? If so we have a great gift for you to give! A Broadway United Methodist Women’s Cookbook. The price can’t be beat at $8. Stop at the Centrex Desk on Sunday morning or ask Linda in the office.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .

Wednesday, May 18 Staff Meeting – 9:30 am
Twilighters – 2:30 pm
VBS Leaders Meet – 6:30 pm
Disciple I Class – 6:30 pm
Thursday, May 19 UMW Hispanic – 5:30 pm
Flag Practice – 5:30 pm
Staff Event – 6:00 pm
Girl Scouts – 6:00 pm
Friday, May 20 Hispanic Bible Study – 7:00 pm
NA – 8:30 pm
Saturday, May 21 CPR Class 9:00 am
Sunday, May 22 – Senior Recognition (9:30 am)
Worship Services – 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am
Jr. High Sunday School – 9:00 am
Open Minds Adult Class – 9:30 am
Children’s Sunday School – 9:30 am
Worship in Spanish – 1:30 pm
Annual Conference Choir Practice – 2:00 pm
Monday, May 23 Girl Scouts – 6:30 pm
Cub Scouts – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 24 Girl Scouts – 6:00 pm
Community Band – 6:30 pm
Hispanic Prayer Meeting & Tuesday School – 7:00 pm
MS Support Group – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 25 Staff Meeting – 9:30 am
Disciple I – 6:30 pm

BIBLE AND BBQ . . .

PIZZA RANCH OFFER . . .

IMPORTANT DATES TO CALENDAR . . .

June 4-7 – Iowa Annual Conference in Des Moines
June 8 – Summer Christian Day Camp and Vacation Bible School for children begins