January 5, 2010
The Broadway Spire
Volume 68-Number 14 January 5, 2010
The Broadway Spire (USPS 875-600) published weekly except every other week during June, July and August, by Broadway United Methodist Church, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315. Phone 712-322-7741. Fax 712-322-2162. Periodical rate paid at Council Bluffs, IA 51503. Postmaster: Address change to The Broadway Spire, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315.
Web: www.broadwayunitedmethodist.com
Our mission: Ever seeking, serving and growing as the family of God with unconditional love and acceptance!
FROM MARVIN D. ARNPRIESTER . . .
“I sometime think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year.” - David Grayson, American author and journalist (1870-1946)
We have just returned from morning worship with our grandchildren. I knew nothing about the church we attended, except our granddaughter sings with the praise band for one service. I had no expectations, except I would hear her sing and we would have communion the first Sunday of the new year. I was not disappointed with anything in the service even though the attendance was 38 and I had a hard time following the sermon by a minister I had never met.
Different expectation than Christmas Eve when expectations were blown away by the weather. The attendance at the 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. services was fewer people than we hoped and expected. The music was outstanding. The services were meaningful. No one complained. We simply rolled with the reality the weather created and made the best of it. When someone commented on the small crowd, I observed there was a very small crowd that first Christmas. Only the shepherds came to join Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the animals that night. It reminded me that while numbers are important, of more importance is what happens in the lives of the people present. That is what really matters.
As we allow 2009 to fade, I invite you to join me in savoring meaningful experiences which continue to shape and mold us into more of whom we were created to become. Let go of all those expectations we lay on ourselves and others. That way we will not be disappointed and we will be able “...to take Christmas a little at a time, all through the year.”
I invite you to join me in remembering these phrases from a Christmas hymn...
“ Good Christian friends, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice;
...give ye heed to what we say; News, news! Jesus Christ was born today, Ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.
...now we hear of endless bliss. News, news! Jesus Christ was born for this, He hath opened heaven’s door, and ye are blest for evermore. Christ was born for this.
...now ye need not fear the grave; News, News! Jesus Christ was born to save, Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save.”
FROM RUBEN MENDOZA. . . A NEW OPPORTUNITY
Each New Year begins with new opportunities, including 2010. Last year has left us with memories – some good and some bad – but all of these remain in the past and a new opportunity arrives allowing us to begin all that we did not complete last year.
I share this Bible verse with you from Ecclesiastics 3:1-15.
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace.
What advantage has the worker from his toil? I have considered the task which God has appointed for men to be busied about. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.
I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and to do well during life. For every man, moreover, to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of all his labor is a gift of God.
I recognized that whatever God does will endure forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. Thus has God done that he may be revered. What now is has already been; what is to be, already is; and God restores what would otherwise be displaced.
Opportunities are in front of us, not in our past. We learn from the past to live better in the present and future.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
Wednesday evening Seeker activities resume with a catered meal at 6:00 p.m. and activities 6:30-7:45 p.m. Remember all activities are canceled if school is canceled for inclement weather. If in doubt, call the office.
Help the Worship Team in preparing for our 160th Anniversary Celebration by turning in the name(s) of your favorite hymn. We plan to sing at least one each Sunday during 2010.
Persons desiring to be baptized and/or received as members of Broadway are asked to make arrangements with Rev. Arnpriester, 322-7741. Dates include January 17 and February 21.
Purchase your January-February issue of The Upper Room and/or Alive Now Devotional Guides available from the table outside the office.
Persons desiring boxed sets of offering envelopes for 2010 may pick them up from the counter in the Centrex.
New Members Received . . .
By Baptism as a Preparatory Member:
Kinnick Adam, son of Dana & Adam Driscoll
Gia Louise, daughter of Alison and Dave
Moser
By Transfer of Membership:
Adam Driscoll, Broadway Christian Church, Council Bluffs
There are 359 Preparatory Members.
There are 1,084 Professing Members.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: December 24, 2009:
3:00 pm - 148; 5:00 pm - 153 = 301
December 27, 2009:
Worship: 8:00 am - 21; 9:30 am - 97;
11:00 am - 30; 6:00 pm - 55 = 256
January 3, 2010 :
Worship: 8:00 am - 29; 9:30 am - 92;
11:00 am - 68; 6:00 pm - 114 = 203
Sunday School: 9:30 am - 62; 11:00 am - 13 = 75
With our Gifts 2009: Received
Current Expenses needed weekly $11,386.71
Received December 24 & 27 $32,567.90
Total current received to date $570,288.55
Budgeted to date $603,495.63
Growing through Grace received $67,839.40
Christmas Offering $1,415.00
With our Gifts 2010: Received
Received January 3 $16,931.15
With Our Prayers . . .
Hospitalized, Jennie: Kris Lippke. Lutheran Hsp in Des Moines: Doug Dungan. Others: Patti Bruner, Brian Brunow (service), Barbara Condecon, David Coffey, Roger Coffey, Richard Devereaux, Roxine Devereaux, Bob Dodder, Dorothy Johnson, Ron Larsen, Denise LeBaugh, Claudia McEvoy, Peggy McKee, Virginia Moore, Bob Nielson, Les & Jean Pearson (homebound), Kerri Randolph, Steve Roberson, George Smith, persons needing jobs, missionaries, victims of war and natural disasters, Bishop Trimble, District Superintendent Brian Milford & Field Staff Ed Kail, pastors and staff. Call the office, 322-7741, for additional prayer requests.
Our Sympathy to . . .
• Nyma Shema in the December 19 death of her brother George Bursick.
• Friends & family of Veda Clark in her death December 30.
• Friends and family of Ailene Seabury in her death December 31.
Lectionary Bible Readings . . .
January 10 Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17,21-22
FOR THOSE INTERESTED . . .
Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. It begins with a weekend including prayer, meditation, worship, food and fun beginning on Thursday night and ending on Sunday night. Participants are then invited to meet regularly with a small group that supports each member in living faithfully. The next set of Walks begins in our area on February 25-28 (for men) and March 4-7 (for women) at Corning UMC. A later set will be held in August. You need a sponsor to attend. Contact Rev. Chris St. Clair or the District Office to learn more, (712)243-8573.
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO . . .
• Sincerely thank you on behalf of the students and staff of Washington Elementary for your very generous monetary donation of $495 to help support the ‘backpack’ program. This will help our students with extra food for the duration of their Winter Break. Thank you so much for supporting our students. - Jason Plourde & Kim Thayer
• Thanks to all who dropped off a card or gift, made a donation to the pastors fund, or kept us in your prayers this holiday season. We greatly appreciate it. - The Staff
BIRTHDAYS . . .
January 4 - Laura Holcomb, Michelle May
January 5 - Douglas Leinen
January 6 - Robert Achenbach, Lisa Hauser, Mary Hoden, Ryan Norman, Laura Peters, Tyler Ruiz, William Samuelson III, Melinda Smits, Haley Widfeldt
January 7 - Ruby Greiner, Heidi Sanchez, Wright Smith
January 8 - Kirsten Davis, Rani Mackey, Eugenia Tabelisma
January 9 - Julie Flora, Richard Meredith, Kathryn Samuelson
January 10 - Sara Fox
January 11 - Sofia Sandoval, Tom Walker
January 12 - Julie Abel, Alexander Dighton
Januray 13 - Delman Campbell, Stephen Harrison, Jared Holcomb, Victoria Holcomb, Mark Johnson, Betty Milford, Robin Stander
January 14 - Ethan Anderson, Dave Dales, Dwylan Gearhart, Dorothy Johnson, Hector Lopez, Maria Sanchez, Lisa Schnackel
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
January 4 - Dave & Karen Dales - 12
January 6 - Dwight & Ellen Meyer - 42
January 7 - Wright & Roxanne Smith - 21
January 8 - Ken & Amy Block - 5
January 10 - Chad & Jesley Hanke - 6
January 11 - Jack & Marcia Mahrt - 35
January 12 - Joshua & Andrea Kraushaar - 8
January 13 - Terry & Linda Muilenburg - 37
January 14 - Curt & Ann Betts - 7
SPECIAL MEALS . . .
The Aged to Perfection luncheon has been cancelled for the month of January due to weather concerns. It will resume again Wednesday, February 3.
160th anniversary Chicken Dinner is January 21. More information next week. Volunteers needed.
YOUTH NEWS. . .
Youth are currently earning points for their July 12-16 mission work trip to St. Louis in 2010. All youth 7th Grade and above are eligible to participate. Deposit information will be available after Christmas.
Graduating Seniors & College Students -
Iowa United Methodist Foundation scholarship information is now available at www.iumf.org for you to download. All applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2010. If you have questions, call Judy. This does not include Broadway Scholarship
applications.
Confirmation Class for youth in Grades 7 and older will begin Wednesday, January 13 at 5:00 p.m., and will be held each Wednesday at that time. Confirmation includes memory work, Bible study, work projects and fun activities as the youth grow in their faith and witness. Judy Smits, Laura Hartley and Marvin Arnpriester serve as leaders. Confirmation Sunday is scheduled for May 2. More information will be mailed shortly after the first of the year.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION. . .
Sign up in the Centrex or call Ken Milford, 323-6056, to help view past issues of the Daily Nonpareil at the Library. The purpose is to discover historical tidbits and information regarding Broadway’s church history for our 160th Anniversary Celebration. Training will be provided.
UMW Unit Meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14. Contact Fran Hansen for reservations, 323-3794. Board meets at 12:45 p.m.
Single Diners meet Friday, January 15, 5:30 p.m. at Cracker Barrell. Contact Sandy Johnson for reservations, 3235493.
Available in the office:
• The 2010 Disciplines, a book of Daily Devotions with the same author writing one week of devotionals based on the lectionary scriptures for the week for $12.
• The New Wesley Study Bible compiled by a group of
Wesleyan Scholars featuring comprehensive study notes, inspirational life applications and explanations of core terms used in the Bible for $30.
Reminder: When school is called off or dismissed early for inclement weather, all activities at the church are canceled as well.
The call-in prayer line, 322-7705, is now the AARP tax office number. To hear prayer requests during office hours dial 322-7741 and your call will be directed to extension 15.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
160 Years of History at Broadway UMC
(The following statement is a quotation from an old Church calendar - copied from Broadway UMC Directory, Centennial Edition, 1850-1950)
“The first sermon by a Methodist minister in Council Bluffs was preached in 1850 by William Simpson. The city was then known as Kanesville, named for Colonel Kane, Arctic Explorer. Two years later the first Methodist church was built on the hill back of the present Ogden Hotel (present - Pierce St. East of Park Ave)., during the pastorate of Moses F. Shinn. Services were held in this property until 1866.
In 1961 (Wednesday, Sept. 9), occurred the fire which destroyed the notorious Ocean Wave Saloon, located at the corner of Broadway and South First Street, ‘Famous in its days for broils, tumult and murder.’ Five years before occurred the conversion of ‘Uncle Henry’ Delong, who had been an ardent patron of the Ocean Wave. Since that time he had been active in Christian work among the men with whom he had ‘served the devil’ in former days. He now had as true a vision as any of the prophets of old! In his dreams he saw Methodism established on this corner, the place converted into an honor for the city, the center of an influence that would uplift rather than tear down. To this end he bought with his own money this ground, and held it for the Methodist Church. Accepting the gift, three years later the first Methodist Church on this location was dedicated, during the pastorate of C.C. Mabee. The former site had been sold in 1864 while J. Knotts was minister, and the proceeds were used in the new structure. The erection of the present building commenced under the leadership of Rev. D.C. Franklin and completed during the pastorate of Rev. T. McK. Stuart, D.D., being dedicated in May, 1892, by Bishop Isaac W. Joyce during the session of the General Conference in Omaha.”
CHURCH STAFF . . .Ministers - All Baptized Christians, Administrative Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator - Linda Muilenburg, muilenburg-bumc@qwest.net, Band Coordinator - April Wichman, alwichman@yahoo.com, Building & Grounds - Dora Olivo & Greg Foster, Children & Youth Ministries Coordinator - Judy Smits, smits-bumc@qwest.net, Congregational Development Coordinator - Bob Folkers, rcfolkers@cox.net, Financial Secretary - Virginia Paap, Music Coordinators - Ann Carpenter & Gary Richardson, Nursery Attendants - Patty Garcia, Whitney Kurcz, Kay McDonald, Sarah Opal, Stephanie Rodriguez; Organists - Ann Carpenter & Clarence Smelser, Parish Nurse Coordinator - Sue Jungman, Associate Pastor for Discipleship - Chris St. Clair, cstclair-bumc@qwest.net, Associate Pastor for Hispanic Ministries - Ruben Mendoza,Rubyoli@hotmail.com, Senior Pastor - Marvin Arnpriester, arnpriester-bumc@qwest.net, Treasurer - Terry Muilenburg
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wednesday, January 6 Tai Chi - 11:00 am
Senior High Youth Synago - 5:30 pm
Seekers Meal for donation - 6:00 pm
Bell Choir Practice - 6:25 pm
Midweek Moms, Alpha - 6:30 pm
Wednesday’s Children, Children’s Activities - 6:30 pm
Jesus’ Allstars, Christian Cadets - 6:30 pm
Jr. & Sr. High Youth - 6:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
Thursday, January 7 Men’s Discussion Group - 9:30 am
Girl Scouts - 6:03 pm
Local Missions & Advocacy - 7:00 pm
Friday, January 8 AA Group - 8:30 pm
Saturday, January 9 CPE Lite - 10:00 am
Sunday, January 10 Worship - 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am
Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School - 9:00 am
Sunday School for all ages - 9:30 & 11:00 am
Drama - 11:00 am
Worship in Spanish - 6:00 pm
NA Group - 7:00 pm
Monday, January 11 Grace Study - 1:30 pm
Worship Committee, Single Moms Group - 6:00 pm
Divorce Care - 6:30 pm
Scouts - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, January 12 Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, January 13 Tai Chi - 11:00 am
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
Senior High Youth Synago - 5:30 pm
Seekers Meal for donation - 6:00 pm
Bell Choir Practice - 6:25 pm
Midweek Moms, Alpha - 6:30 pm
Wednesday’s Children, Children’s Activities - 6:30 pm
Jesus’ Allstars, Christian Cadets - 6:30 pm
Jr. & Sr. High Youth - 6:30 pm
Choir Practice - 7:30 pm
JANUARY - A TIME OF NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS!!
What Resolutions have you made this year? Usually we make resolutions to improve our health. We are starting a program at BUMC which might help you. “5-4-3-2-1 Healthy Kids” is a nationwide program good for both kids and adults. The plan encoura
We have bracelets for you and your children to wear. When you have eaten your 5 fruits and veggies every day, move your bracelet to the other arm. When you have your 3 servings of dairy products, move your bracelet to your other arm, etc. Children and youth will receive their bracelets Wednesday night at Seekers in Sneakers. Adults, support your children!! Do it
yourself; be a good role model for your kids!!