Author Archives: revbdean

About revbdean

Rev. Bob Dean became Senior Pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church in July 2011. His key responsibilities have included preaching and worship leadership, pastoral care, administration and staff leadership. The church’s ministries include a variety of worship service styles (including a Spanish language service), children and youth ministries, and an emphasis on serving the community. His previous experience includes serving as an associate pastor (at Boone and later Iowa City First United Methodist Churches), sole pastor of two churches (Evansdale and Raymond UMCs), and senior pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa. Pastor Dean graduated from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, in 1981. Rev. Dean is also an Iowa State graduate (1977) who, while serving in Iowa City, developed a gift of cheering for the Hawkeyes when they were not competing with the Cyclones. Pastor Dean enjoys golf and fishing, reading about the Civil War, and is one of the few lacrosse fans in Iowa. Bob and his wife have enjoyed over 30 years of marriage and enjoy spending time with their family, which includes two adult children and two grandchildren. His favorite Biblical passage is from Matthew 24, the words of Jesus: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

“Let There Be Peace On Earth”

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“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 1st, 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!

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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.