March 2011 Newsletter

OAKLAND UNITED METHODIST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
CHURCH U.S. POSTAGE PAID
200 North Main
PO Box 606 OAKLAND,
Oakland, IA 51560 IOWA
Phone: 712-482-5530
Parsonage ph. 712-482-5539 PERMIT NO. 5
E-mail: oaklandumc@frontiernet.net
www.oaklandiaumc.org

Address Service Requested «Mailing label»
«Address1» Vol. 19, No. 3 March 2011 A Newsletter to Inspire and Celebrate Oakland United Methodists
«Address2»
«City State» «Zip code»
March 9th Carson United
Methodist church 7:30 p.m.
March 13th
"We invite all persons to be a part of our Community of Faith by participating in worship, education, fellowship and Christian service."

Disciple Express
THE BEGINNING OF
March Calendar of Events LENT
Wed. Mar. 2 6:30 8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups
Sun, Feb 6 9:00 a.m. Sunday school & Choir practice
March 17th
10:00 a.m. Worship w/Communion
March 4th
11:00 a.m. Koinonia
11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school
Wed. Mar 9 Ash Wednesday NO Jr. & Sr. High youth groups
Sun, Mar 13 9:00 a.m. Sunday school
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:00 a.m. Koinonia
Wed. Mar 16 6:30 8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups
Thu. Mar17 7:00 p.m. Administrative Council
Sun, Mar 20 9:00 a.m. choir practice & Sunday school
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:00 a.m. Koinonia
Sun, Mar 27 9:00 a.m. Choir practice & Sunday school
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:00 a.m. Koinonia March 20th

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Disciple Express
my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the
blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in SHOEBOX ANGELS
front of her.' The local
THE PASTOR'S CAT charity, Shoebox
Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique Angels, was a
of humor? sense of humor. big success again
Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; but only this year!
Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the God can count the apples in a seed. Shoeboxes filled
pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a with hats,
tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. gloves, socks,
The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc. snacks, balls,
GIVE ME A SENSE OF HUMOR, LORD dolls and other
The kitty would not come down. The tree was not GIVE ME THE GRACE TO SEE A JOKE treasures were
sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he TO GET SOME HUMOR OUT OF LIFE delivered to 145 children and people in need.
tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent AND PASS IT ON TO OTHER FOLKS Packages were delivered to the Heartland Family
down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. AMEN ! Service School, Children s Square Pre-school and
Emergency Shelter, and the Phoenix House. Shoebox
That's what he did, all the while checking his progress Angel gifts were given within the Riverside
"Each Day is God's Gift to you, make it
in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit Community School district, as well.
blossom and grow into a Day of Beauty"
further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to And while the main mission of Shoebox Angels is
reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further concentrated on Christmas, the preparation for it is
forward, the rope broke. year-round. Mischa Martens, who coordinates the
project, along with help from her sister, Erica Carley,
The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed shop for Shoebox Angel gifts starting the day after
through the air - out of sight. Christmas whereas the Oakland United Methodist
Church is the biggest financial supporter of Shoebox
The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the Angels. Other clubs and groups also contribute:
neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little Westside Feeder s 4-H club, Oakland Lion s club,
kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he Oakland UMYF, Sigma Gamma club (Carson) to
prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' The kids went to the Manor to sing to the residents
name a few as well as a number of individuals.
and went on about his business. Thanks to many special Angel helpers homemade
items get included, too. We have a scarf angel, a
A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met baby-and-bear-blanket angel, and a fleece hat angel
one of his church members. He happened to look into maker along with box-stuffing angels and wrapping-
her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This gift angels.
woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he
asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate The Shoebox Angel mission truly shows the heart of
cats so much?' Christmas in rural Iowa. Thanks to the many angels
She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him in our communities, love and hope has been spread to
how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but over 900 children and women in the last eight years,
she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child among givers and receivers both.
had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little Your angel donations, homemade items, and extras
girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.' are welcomed throughout the year to make a
She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the difference here at home every Christmas season.
yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And
really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with

Disciple Express Disciple Express
George Carlin's Views on Aging you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
BISHOP J.C. TRIMBLE AND THE SW
(The clean version) May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we
like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 HOW TO STAY YOUNG A Season of Prayer and A Season of Action.
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes (If you have any news you would like to have
years old, you're so excited about aging that you think The Southwest District Revitalization Task Force
age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about announced in the church newsletter, please have the
in fractions. would like to invite you to join us in a Season of
them. That is why you pay 'them.' information to the church office by the 20th of the
month.) Prayer and a Season of Action.
'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never
thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going The goal is to help our churches turn their focus
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you THANK YOU beyond their walls to their neighbors and
on five! That's the key. down.
Thank you for all the cards, letters, and phone community.
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you calls I have received since I have been in When you participate you will be led to:
back. You jump to the next number, or even a few 3. Keep learning. ! Learn more about the computer, Virginia. Great to hear from home. Also, I know you
ahead. crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let have been remembering me in your prayers. Thank · Attend one of the regional Faith Fest
the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' you!!! gatherings as a congregation.
'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be And the devil's family name is Alzheimer's. · Include prayer focus in weekly worship
I will be taking my third chemo treatment on Feb. 21
13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the and 22. Hopefully that will be halfway through the services through a designated prayer time
greatest day of your life! You become 21. Even the 4. Enjoy the simple things. treatments. throughout the season of prayers.
words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21.
It is great when the grandkids say, "Grandma you · Possibly study Unbinding the Gospel by
YESSSS!!!
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for have mail!". Martha Grace Reese as a congregational
breath. study.
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? God Bless each of you and thank you for
Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had remembering me.
to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The I always pray (for you) with joy because of your
Ilene Parkhill
-dumpling.. What's wrong? What's changed? only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. partnership in the gospel Philippians 1:45
Be ALIVE while you are alive.
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're Cleaning for a Reason Season of Prayer, SW District Faith Fest!
PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's If you know any woman currently undergoing Regional Renewal Gatherings (3-5pm followed
away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies,
chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is by meal)
dreams are gone. a cleaning service that provides FREE
whatever. Your home is your refuge. March 13 Manning UMC
housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she
But! Wait!! ! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is
is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her March 27 Hancock UMC
you would! doctor fax a note confirming the
unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can
treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a Action Project will depend on what God led you
improve, get help. to during prayer. Churches partner with
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, and participating maid service in her zip code area arrange
neighboring UM congregations for shared
REACH 50 and make it to 60. 9. Don't take guilt trips.. Take a trip to the mall, even to
for the service. This organization serves the entire USA
and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's projects depending on what the Holy Spirit leads
the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where them to do. Develop and live out a new outreach
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After the guilt is.
our job to pass the word and let them know that there
are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone ministry, together.
that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
and pass this information along.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at
You get into! your 80's and every day is a complete
cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH
every opportunity.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org/ <http://
www.cleaningforareason.org/> SAVE MAY 14 FOR AN
bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start
going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.' AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: (There is a service out of Red Oak that participates in ALL CHURCH
this. Follow the web address for more information.)
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
PROJECT
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, but by the moments that take our breath away.

February 2011 School Teachers for Nigeria weather). Thanks to the collection of kits at the BOARD MINUTES team helped Mischa s Shoebox Angel ministry to create
Ingathering, Iowa churches and individuals who have approximately 160 boxes for distribution during the
The Africa University students registered for the second donated a variety of items we will be able to fill both January 20, 2011, 7 p.m., Church lounge
Christmas season. December missions offering was given to
semester this week with classes to begin on Jan. 24. For containers. We DO have room for more books Members present- Pastor Shirley Textor, Barb Schorsch, assist with the school milk program.
Francis Adamu, Doris David and her brother, Cletus (theological, primary and secondary age level), school Cathey Grosvenor, Dick Merkle, Merlin Jones, Skip
Pastor Shirley reported for the nominations team that all
David, this will be their final semester Applegate, Marty & Kristy Rieken, Bernie & Norma Bolton,
supplies, medical equipment/supplies, white boards, positions have been filled with the exception of replacements
Bev Zuch
at this United Methodist university in Mutare, classroom posters, pictures and teaching materials, robes on the nominating committee.
Zimbabwe. Jacob Tahiru returned to Nigeria before and paraments, Bibles, knitting and sewing supplies/ Board Chair Barb Schorsch called the meeting to order and
Kristy Rieken reported that the education team had met last
Christmas and has begun his internship with the Taraba materials to fill up the containers. Please let me know asked Pastor Shirley to open the meeting with prayer. Those
Sunday. Attendance has been good. They are considering
named in need of prayer were: Ilene Parkhill, Edith Haines,
State Accounting office until December. immediately if you have any items that could be boxed, splitting the 2-6 yr old class into smaller groups for
Shari Brandes, Gordon Frizzell, Jim Johnson, Gene Gleaves
labeled and brought to Des Moines by the end of manageability. Plans are in the works for a group of youth to
Doris writes, Our results were published today and I and Lonnie Smith.
go to the nursing home on January 30th to sing. Kristy
February.
thank God for seeing me through last semester Norma Bolton moved that the secretary s report be approved. reported plans to work with the Christian Church again this
successfully with a straight B GPA. Continue to pray We welcome educators who work with children/young Seconded by Skip Applegate. Motion carried. year for VBS possibly using a program called Shake it Up .
for our kids at AU as they pursue their studies. people of all ages to join our work team to Nigeria from Classes/ meetings for small interest groups are in the
Dick Merkle presented the treasurer s report for November
June 12 to July 2. Assisting church teachers, mentoring planning stage.
and December since no meeting was held in December.
Revs. Arleon Kelley and Donna Meinhard of Elgin, IA and playing with children, organizing two school Bernie Bolton moved to approve the report. Seconded by Bev Zuch reported for the memorials team that they will be
returned home after spending three months teaching libraries, offering teacher in-service training are on the Dick Merkle. Motion carried. meeting to discuss ways of using newly received memorial
religion classes at Banyam Theological Seminary in docket. Volunteer computer technicians, programmers, money. Possible replacement of the carillon system so that it
Marty Rieken and Barb Schorsch presented a report for the
Bambur, Nigeria. While there they worked with the BTS software engineers or anyone willing to assist computer finance team. All of the board was very happy that our can be used again has been discussed.
Provost Yahuda Zailani and staff to perfect a 5 Year classes and conference staff general keyboarding,
church had met the budget in a timely manner with all Old business- The movie night scheduled for December had
Plan for the school. Well thought out, the plan includes reading/writing e-mails, use of the internet, instruction in apportionments paid. to be cancelled because of bad weather. Another movie
having running water on campus, electricity to all Excel, Coral Draw and Facebook are desperately needed night may be held in the future. The chili supper with the
on this team. Bernie reported that the Staff-Parish Relations team had met
buildings, continued education for seminary staff, nativity displays was enjoyed and well attended.
with the district superintendent to begin the process of
scholarship for students, the building of latrines in the For further information and application form contact finding a new pastor for our church as Pastor Shirley has New business- The January program planning date is next
student living area as well as new housing blocks/ me at 515 266 4186 or bnmedical@aol.com. Is God announced her plans for retirement in June of 2011. The Sunday, January 23rd from noon to 3 p.m. Goals for
building for both staff and students. The Bishop Job calling you to utilize your educational skills in board expressed their thanks for the service she has given programs and plans for a community workday/ service
Library is to be updated with current theological books Nigeria? our church in the 4 1/2 years that she has been with us. project on May 14th in conjunction with Make a Difference
by African authors. Day will be topics of discussion. A catered meal will be
Discussion was held regarding the need for a temporary
served with free will offering. Team leaders and members
To tell the story of BTS and share their experiences, custodian while Gordon Frizzell is incapacitated with his
broken leg. Jynell Miller has agreed to fill in as janitor until are encouraged to attend.
Arleon and Donna have prepared a power point
presentation they are willing to present in your church or Annual Conferences Thanked for Giving to he is able to resume his duties. Dick Merkle reported that Robin Jefferson would like to
with your group. To schedule them call: 563 426 5989 Apportioned Funds in 2010 Pastor Shirley asked that our secretary s hours and salary be have audio/ video recordings made of our church services so
or e-mail: arleon35@alpinenet.com or reviewed since it has not changed in the time that she has that they can be made available especially to our service men
donna37@alpine.net.com. been with us. Dick Merkle moved that Sheryl Sindt s hours and women and others who are unable to attend a church
The General Council on Finance and Administration
be increased from 12 to 14 hours per week since she will be service. She told Dick that there was a lack of chaplains and
Our educational priority project is to renovate the (GCFA) reports that 15 annual conferences paid 100% doing additional computer work for the church treasurer. clergy persons in the service particularly in the Middle East.
Nursery/Primary building at Banyam Theological of their apportioned funds in 2010. The conferences are Robin is willing to pay for software and training necessary
Motion was seconded by Cathey Grosvenor and approved.
Seminary. Over 70 children are in session daily with Alaska, Baltimore-Washington, Dakotas, East Ohio, for this to happen. She has made a contact with RD services
only three staff. Crowded is the best word to describe Greater New Jersey, Illinois Great Rivers, Iowa, New Pastor Shirley reported that work with the confirmation class in regard to this matter.
York, North Carolina, Northern Illinois, Oklahoma is going well. The Jr Hi youth group attended the visitation
the situation. To brighten up the interior, we plan to
for Roma Smith to show support for a classmate. This week Date for the next administrative board meeting will be
paint the walls, then decorate them with appropriate Indian Missionary, Peninsula-Delaware, Red Bird the Sr Hi youth group went to the nursing home to visit with February 17, 2011.
learning signs and symbols. There is a cost to do this so Missionary, West Michigan, and Wisconsin. In 2009, 14 residents and also viewed a movie with them. They have There being no further business, Bev Zuch moved for
contributions are welcome. conferences gave 100% to all seven apportioned funds. voiced an interest in going to Council Bluffs to the Mohm s adjournment. Motion was seconded by Bernie and
Preparations are in place to send TWO containers (40 x shelter to help serve a meal. approved.
8 x 8 ) to Nigeria on March 2 (dependent on the Merlin Jones reported as lay leader that he is now down to Barb closed the meeting with prayer.
one class to complete before he is certified.
Norma Bolton, secretary pro tem.
Cathey Grosvenor reported that our church and missions

NURSERY KOINONIA MARCH BIRTHDAYS
VOLUNTEERS
6th Marsha Beedle REMEMBER OUR SERVICE
13th Holly Hinkhouse MEN AND
1 Molly Henry
March 20th Marty & Kristy Rieken
27th Suzanne & Jerry Pierce
1
3
Collin Forrester
Sheila Applegate
WOMEN
6 Suzanne Johnk 3 Kim Farrell
Dane Nelsen, step-
grandson of Daryl &
13 Joyce Henry SUNDAY SCHOOL 3 Zach Putnam
Rita Henningsen; Matt
3 Drake Bane
20 Barb Schorsch TEACHERS 7 Jamie Calhoon
Hackett, great nephew
of Jessie Shiffer; Kristie
8 Lucia Kinnison
27 Lindsey Henderson Copenhaver, John &
9 Beth Fulton
6th Kristy Rieken 14 Wayne Colvin
Mary Lou Copenhaver s
daughter; Alan Walker; Kelly Holdaway; Josh
14 Robert Copenhaver
Harker; Jeremy Harker; Brad Jefferson, son of Dan
14 R.J. Harris
Sheila Applegate & Robin Jefferson; Jared Myers, son of Robert
15 Bob McJunkin
Myers and Sid & Tami Skank; Tyler Williamson,
Pam Ehmke 16 Teresa Keiser
son of Michelle Swope; Jon Reed, son of Phil &
17 Zachary Thompson
USHERS, 13th Leigh Belle 18 Dana Gleaves
Denise Reed; Sonja Husz; Lucas Smith, Addie
Mae s grandson; Brian Thornton from Avoca;
18 Eric Bane
GREETERS, Kristy Rieken 19 Jim Johnson
Craig Bintz, grandson of Larry & Judie Danker
serving in Japan; Tyler Clark, Marvin & Carolyn
Lynelle Jeppesen 20 Jean Blackburn
CANDLELIGHT ERS 20 Abby Ward
Clark s grandson serving in Alaska, Brad
Grosvenor, Cathey Grosvenor s son stateside, and
Pam Ehmke 20 Eric Beedle
6th Merle & Veva Larson 21 Adam Evans
other area service men and women.
20th Kristy Rieken
Hannah Hummel & Andrew Jones 21 Grant Henry If you have a loved one in the service
Candle lighters Lisa Pierson 22 Chris Hildebrand and wish to have them listed on our
Kyra & Kristian Martens 24 Dick Merkle prayer list, please contact the church
Barb Schorsch 24 Matt Schuster
NURSING HOMES - Remember those in the
13th Larry & Judie Danker Pam Ehmke 24 Noah Kinnison
nursing homes with cards and visits.
25 Clark Jeppesen
Hayley Haines & Sarah Jones 27th Lindsey Henderson 25 Cherise Sparks Oakland Manor: Mary Applegate, Margaret Alff,
Candle lighters Leigh Belle 26 Diane Brown Dorothy Forristall,
Emma Ehmke & Haley Hummel 27 Merle Davis Oakland Heights: Eileen Haines, Lucille Bentley,
Lisa Pierson 27 Roy Bane Pauline Hogzett
20th Gerald & Carol Wilson 27 Tiffany Obrecht Griswold Nursing Home: Merle Davis
Pam Ehmke 27 Jake Petersen Primrose: Lois Allen
Kyra Martens & Hannah Hummel 29 Alyssa Palmer Harlan: Dorothy Liddell
Candle lighters SR. HIGH YOUTH COUNSELORS
Andrew Jones & Grace Gleaves March 2nd Veva Larson & Cathey Grosvenor
March 9th NO MEETING
27th Leigh Bell & Lisa Rollins March 16-30th VOLUNTEER NEEDED
Grace Gleaves & Hayley Haines
Candle lighters is March 20
Camryn Pierson & Sarah Jones 9:00 A.M.

Come Do the Chicken Dance with Us The Spiritual Challenge of Health new and right spirit within me,...Restore to me the joy of
your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
The Missions Committee is sponsoring our second annual Chicken Delight Pot Luck Dinner after church What does our spiritual life have to do the rest of life? (Psalm 51)
March 20th. Bring a main dish that has chicken or eggs in it. We ll provide the drinks and table settings. Sinfulness, confession, and forgiveness do impact our
physical and mental health. I invite you to intentionally replace an unhealthy
habit with a healthier one as your Lenten discipline. My
We will be taking an offering that Sunday for the Heifer Project. The mission of Heifer International is to Psalm 32:3-5 AWhile I kept silence, my body hope is that the healthy habit sticks with you long after
work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. The money we raise that Sunday wasted away through my groaning all day long. Lent is done.
will go toward purchasing flocks of chickens. A good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a year, plenty to eat, share or For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of the Kae Tritle, RN
sell. Heifer recipients pass on the offspring and training, adding chickens to communities in poverty. A flock
of chicks can help families from Cameroon to the Caribbean add nourishing life sustaining eggs to their summer. Then, I acknowledged my sin to you, and Wellness Coordinator March 2011
inadequate diets. The protein in just one egg is a nutritious gift for a child. I did not hide my iniquity; I said, AI will confess my
transgressions to the Lord@ and you forgave the

Flock to church March 20th and then join us afterward for fun, food, and fellowship.
quilt of my sin.@
We have begun the season of Lent. The traditional view
A Desert Love Story
Let our donations be something to crow about!! of Lent is on confession, sacrifice, and repentance; a Once upon a time there was a very handsome
turning from sin and a resolve to reform one=s life.
This sounds like a change process to me! A perfect male camel with two huge camel humps.
opportunity to turn from unhealthy habits towards He fell in love and married a beautiful female
healthier ones.
camel who had one perfect camel hump.
Many of us give up chocolate, caffine, or
something we enjoy for Lent. This is a form of fasting. As time progressed, they became the proud
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fasting and abstinence brings us face to face with how parents of a wonderful baby camel who had
we put the material world ahead of its Spiritual Source. no humps.
Save the Date Instead of going through the motions of giving
something up for Lent, I challenge you to ask yourself
the following questions:
What do I do to excess that comes between me
Second Annual and God? How can a particular activity bring me
closer to God? What does God want me to

Chicken Delight accomplish through this activity or practice?
You may be surprised at the answers. Instead of
just giving something up for Lent, you may need to
replace an unhealthy habit with healthier one: spending
(Fundraiser for Heifer Project) time with family and friends instead of surfing the
internet, reaching for fruit instead of chocolate, going
March 20th for a walk instead of watching TV, being intentional
about your devotional or study time.
(after church) Rather than viewing Lent as time of self-
They contemplated long and hard on what to
sacrifice and self-control; look at Lent as a time to
intentionally connect with God. This will allow God to call their beautiful little boy.
Potluck redirect your lifestyle and to open yourself to the
They finally decided
process of healing your body, mind, and spirit.
(Bring food containing eggs or chicken.) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a
on......'Humphrey'!!!!!!!!!!.

March 2011 Newsletter

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