Your Life Covered by Grace

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Terence Lucas
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1 April 2016 Manna Strength for the Day Editor Ellen When reading the Holy Bible, many people avoid the Old Testament like the plague and flip directly to the Gospels. The first time I read the Bible cover-to-cover (age 12*), I had no idea it includes many individual books, grouped into two categories: Old and New. What I did know is that God was the only One I could confide in. Given God was listening to everything my heart poured out to Him, I wanted to learn more about Him so I turned to His Word...King James Version, of course. The first book I read, Genesis, was a rough go, yet fascinating. As I adjusted to the archaic writing style, the reading took a bit less effort. By the time I was halfway through Exodus, I was starting to comprehend what I read, rather than simply trudging ahead. And Thank God for that, because chapter 16 of Exodus includes a story that s become the mainstay of my life. This chapter describes how the Israelites, whom Moses is leading away from slavery under Pharaoh, start complaining about being hungry, and blame Moses for their plight. Moses asks God what to do and the Lord assures him the Israelites will be fed. In brief, God tells Moses to let the people know He ll provide manna from heaven for them to eat each day. In exchange, they re expected to show their trust in Him by gathering only enough manna to sustain them through that day. One day. No stockpiling...no hoarding. Naturally, some people took more than they needed, which left others in a lurch. However, no one ran-out of manna by the end of the day. Those who had leftovers were told to discard them and, if they didn t, were probably shocked to find them inedible the next morning. As it says in Exodus 16:20 (KJV),...it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them. Only on the sixth day were they allowed to gather enough manna to last two days. This twofer day was necessary to ensure God didn t produce, and the people didn t gather, manna on the Sabbath. Can you imagine how must trust was required on the part of the Israelites? cont page 3 Your Life Covered by Grace Editor Ellen Our sins are covered by Jesus death on the cross. The Grace provided by His Death and Resurrection made us righteous in the Father s eyes. Justification** by Grace doesn t mean you won t continue to be tempted. After all, God isn t in-charge of Satan, and that bad guy s gonna do anything he can to get you to sin. As I see it, it s probably in the enemy s best interests to focus on getting us to sin because others, especially those yet-tobe-saved, notice how a Believer thinks, speaks, and acts. Okay; technically they notice how we speak and act. Only God and I are privy to my thoughts. However, what a Believer has on her mind does have a direct impact on how she presents herself to others. Right? For example, if your thoughts tempt you to worry, worry, worry, the joy you have in Christ will get dampened. You won t exactly look like you re shouting joy, joy, joy from the mountaintops, if you know what I mean. The period of time between when you became a Believer and the end of your earthly life is your chance to become as much like Christ as possible. The BBW** for this progress toward Christlike perfection is sanctification**. God s Grace plays a critical role in your sanctification because it gives you a fighting chance against every temptation you face. April WUMC Events...2 Camp Sunday...2 Raising a Teen or Tween...2 Small Groups Keep on Learning...2 WUMC 2016 Grads...2 Win-Win with SCRIP...3 Food Pantry Needs...3 Diapers On a Mission...3 Amazing April Days...4 Lunch Bunch...4 Calling All Spelunkers...5 Keep Reading cont page 4 Fruitful Vine Community Garden...5 Monday Nights at Trinity UMC...5 Book Talk...5 Serving God & Our Church Family...6 Celebration Times...7 Stay Connected...7 Online Sermons...7 Contact Info...7

2 Small Groups Keep on Learning... If you have yet to join a small group, please consider one of the follow: Sundays during 9:30 service contact Ann Ruble Sundays at 6:30 contact Bob and Martha Ward Wednesdays at 10:30 contact Michal Bylund Thursdays at 6:15 contact LuCinda Beltman. If you have young children, this group is for you. WUMC 2016 Grads Graduation day is rapidly approaching, and our 2016 Senior Sunday is set for May 1. Seniors will come forward to receive a gift from our church family and share their future plans. Each graduate will get to pick the celebration when they ll be honored, closer to then. For now, please simply review the following list and contact Kim Magee if a name is missing or misspelled. Our 2016 Seniors Noah Baumeister Madeline Chilton Kelsey Kunath Kaitlyn Menz Dillon Minshall Calvin Pieper Mitchell Rossmann Aaron Suhr Chandler Thayer Emma Tyrrell Katie Wempen Raising a Teen or Tween? Camp Sunday Join us April 3 at our 9:30 celebration, or in Sunday School, to hear more about camping at Iowa United Methodist Church Camps. A representative from Wesley Woods will share information on the camps they are offering and what a week at camp is like. We ll also be taking a special campership offering during our church services. Hope to see you there. If you re raising a teen or tween (pre-teen) this new small group opportunity may be a Godsend to you. This group is for those interested in working through issues of raising teens in the Christian faith. We ll begin with a book study of Raising Teens in an Almost Christian World: A Parent s Guide by Dietrich Kirk. Families with kid(s) this age are very busy, but we ll set a schedule that works for the majority of those interested, meeting as often as the group decides. If you re interested in learning more or signing up, please contact Shari Butler. 2

This step-by-step, day-by-day approach to life is so contrary to what the world touts.

3 from page 1 Having just enough food to provide strength for the current day? Believing more provisions would fall from the sky when needed? Based on my experience, God still interacts with us in much the same way. He provides what we need for today, asking only that we trust Him to do the same again tomorrow. This step-by-step, day-by-day approach to life is so contrary to what the world touts. Perhaps that s why the fear of running out of money has replaced the fear of death as the #1 fear of most Americans. Here s a snippet I found online. When a patient asked his doctor how long his painful treatment would last, the doctor said, It only lasts a day at a time. Ain t that the truth? What each of us has today (the good and the bad), is only guaranteed to be part of our life today. We could fret-and-stew about the weather, our loved ones, health challenges, the size of our retirement nest egg, and a bazillion other things. But why bother...really? God created us as mortals, which means none of us will get out of this world alive. What a blessing it is that He also created us with free will. That gift provides the opportunity for us to not only spend eternity with Him, but to follow the Holy Spirit s guidance through our earthly life. Hopefully I can (one day) look back on this life from my heavenly home, and feel good about the time, talents, and treasures I invested in glorifying God. That s really what the life of each believer is all about, isn t it? Living our earthly life joyfully so that those yet-to-be-saved realize that being a follower of Christ produces joy, peace, and fulfillment. Make the most of each day. Something very bad, which I seldom discuss, became apparent to me when I was 12. Win-Win with SCRIP Do you go to the store with the intent to purchase food for the Waukee Christian Food Pantry, but then forget? Here s a WIN-WIN solution Stop by the Connection Counter (C.C.) any Sunday morning and buy a gift card for Fareway or Hy-Vee. Then you can donate it to the food pantry or free clinic. These card(s) will be used to purchase needed items. As an added bonus, WUMC will receive 3% of each card you buy. Simply tell whoever s serving at the C.C. you want the card(s) donated to the food pantry or free clinic. They ll make sure your card(s) gets to them. Food Pantry Needs in April Special needs for the Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry in April are: Jelly/Jam Low sodium canned vegetables 100% fruit juices Whole grain rice/pasta Canned chicken Diapers On a Mission What: Turn T-Shirts Into Diapers When: Saturday April 2 10:00 Am - 2:00 Pm Where: St. Boniface Parish Hall Who: You - Sewing ability is NOT Required The Waukee Area Churches are uniting to turn t-shirts into diapers that are shipped to Nigeria, Uganda, El Salvador, and Haiti. You don t need to know how to sew to help out. Many of the steps (pinning, cutting, turning) don t require sewing. All sewing is very basic. Bring your sewing machine, scissors, old thread (color does not matter and it s a great way to get rid of old never to be used again thread), rotary cutter and mat if you have one, and an extension cord for your machine. Please bring a dish to share for lunch as well. If you have any questions, please ask Cyndi Craigmile, Pam Papenberg, or Maureen Briles. 3

Amazing April Days 1 ~ Bob Messinger 2 ~ Gina Graham 3 ~ Chuck Black 3 ~ Judy Corbett 6 ~ Dustin Stevens 6 ~ Michael LeVere 6 ~ Steve Hawbaker 7 ~ Beth Baumeister 7 ~ Emma Bailey 7 ~ Jane Clowser 7 ~

4 Amazing April Days 1 ~ Bob Messinger 2 ~ Gina Graham 3 ~ Chuck Black 3 ~ Judy Corbett 6 ~ Dustin Stevens 6 ~ Michael LeVere 6 ~ Steve Hawbaker 7 ~ Beth Baumeister 7 ~ Emma Bailey 7 ~ Jane Clowser 7 ~ Logan Pekarek 10 ~ Becky Hayden 10 ~ Suzi Dunn 13 ~ Molly Bramble 15 ~ Joe & Theresa Swaim 16 ~ Alissa Mills 16 ~ Mirranda Krohn 17 ~ Colleen Monahan 17 ~ Kennedy Dunn 17 ~ Pat Gutshall 18 ~ Alicia Evans 18 ~ Andy Cutler 18 ~ Calvin Pieper 19 ~ Jean Corrigan 19 ~ Jeff Menz 19 ~ Reese Connor 20 ~ Kelsey Kunath 21 ~ Ashleigh Baumeister 21 ~ Ayla Krohn 21 ~ Janice Hanks 25 ~ Pamela Garr 26 ~ Cameron Cutler 26 ~ Laura Allen 26 ~ Ron Plagmann 27 ~ Berta Swain 27 ~ Dawson Barnett 27 ~ Dawson Dunn 27 ~ Graham Johnson 27 ~ Nick Bender 28 ~ Sophia Beltman 28 ~ Stephanie Wanned 29 ~ Don Morrison 29 ~ Gabbie Magee 29 ~ Linden Beglinger 30 ~ Bob Rhinehart 30 ~ Dick Applegate 30 ~ John Shaffer 31 ~ Betty Howe 31 ~ Brett & Lisa Thayer 31 ~ Mark Craigmile Lunch Bunch We had 19 people of all ages at our March Lunch Bunch. Getting together over spring break is always extra special. By the way, we met the new Pizza Ranch owners in March and they said they were doing several things to make their restaurant the best it can be. One change already implemented is that they now play Christian music, so come listen while you enjoy a meal with members of your church family. Our next meal together will be 11:30 Thursday, April 21, at the Waukee Pizza Ranch. Hope to see you at the table. from page 1 This is true of habitual sins (pride, addiction, loving anything/one more than God, etc.) and occasional sins (losing your temper and saying/doing hurtful things). By fighting chance, I m saying the free will with which you were created may still lean toward doing what seems right in your eyes. God s grace will always lead you to do what s right in His eyes. Resisting temptation and following God s cues is often more difficult than going with the flow. For example, if a new person at work/school is being bullied, you could: 1. Join in the bullying 2. Not get involved 3. Stand-up for him. Option #2 would probably be most comfortable for many people. Others might enjoy getting in on the bullying (#1). It seems to me Option #3 is only Christlike way for a Believer to respond. Anyone who knows you re a Believer and sees you choose option #1 or #2, may (reasonably) question what makes a Believer different from someone still enslaved by sin. Those who see you implement Option #3 may immediately recognize what s different about you. Even better they may realize God s Grace as the source of your strength. It s unlikely anyone who sees you stand-up to the bully will spontaneously accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior but you will have planted a God seed in their heart and mind. Each of us make hundreds of decisions like this each day. As a Believer, always remember God s Grace provides the guts, spunk, and moxie you need to live as much like Jesus Christ did as possible. You won t get it right every time, but no worries. None of us will be perfect until glorified** with Christ in heaven. However, setting your sights on Christlike perfection and getting as close as possible sound pretty righteous to me. ** Big, Bible Word (justification = righteousness, sanctification = holy living, glorification = perfection). Covered by Grace 4

5 Calling All Spelunkers... CaveQuest VBS will be held at WUMC from 6:00 8:15 each evening, July (Su Th), and we re excited to announce our VBS Signup is LIVE. To register, please visit: This is a new website, so please let Kim know if it isn t working. After registering, you can either get your check to Kim at church, put it in the Discipleship mailbox at church, or mail to the church office. If you re interested in helping with VBS, we d love to have you join us as well; VBS takes lots of volunteers. We re looking for opening and closing leaders, music leaders, imagination station leaders, game leaders, Bible story leaders, and photographers/ videographers to create our nightly closing video. We also need some small group leaders for crews of about five kids. That s a lot of helpers we re looking for, so please prayerfully consider how you can serve. You can register as a volunteer at the website listed above or on the sign-up sheet at the C.C. Monday Nights at Trinity UMC If you ve yet to experience the fulfillment that comes from serving a meal to the Trinity UMC Supper Club, plan to help on one or more of the following Mondays: May 9 ~ July 11 ~ Sept. 12 ~ Nov. 14 A sign-up sheet will be available a few weeks before each dinner asking for donations of items needed to make maid-rites, chicken casserole, or potato soup/sandwiches. At 1:00 on the day of the dinner, our cooks begin their work in the kitchen. Then, at 3:45, other volunteers arrive to load the dinner supplies and transport the food. Our meals are then served to approximately 150 happy recipients, beginning at 4:45. After everyone gets a shot at seconds before leftovers are boxed into containers and given to those served. When the Trinity kitchen is clean, we return to WUMC -- usually by 6:30. Please consider lending a hand or providing some food items to continue this much appreciated ministry. Fruitful Vine Community Garden This ministry of Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS) is seeking individuals, families, and groups of all ages to join the 2016 garden season. All types of volunteers are needed to plant, pull weeds, water plants, and help with the harvest. The garden is funded entirely by donations and maintained by volunteers. The first work/planting day is Sunday, April 3, from 1-4. Go help WACS prepare the ground and plant potatoes. Ongoing maintenance and harvest volunteers are needed from April October. Available Garden volunteer opportunities are listed on WAC s SignUp Genius page ( -fruitful). If you have a group that would like to serve together, contact Melissa Stimple. She ll work with you to find a time to serve. Book Talk The recently published and New York Times bestseller, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, will be the topic of discussion at our spring book talk. A reviewer from Amazon.com describes the book as being a powerful look at a stage IV lung cancer diagnosis through the eyes of a neurosurgeon. When faced with his diagnosis, Kalanithi is forced to see this disease and the process of being sick as a patient rather than a doctor. The result is not just a look at what living is and how it works from a scientific perspective, but the ins and outs of what makes life matter. Read this memoir and join the discussion at 7:00 on Monday, May 16, at Ann and Greg Ruble s home. 5

6 Serving God & Our Church Family If you d like to serve our church family as a greeter, usher, or communion server, please contact Char Beichley. She says, Volunteering as a servant of the Lord is sure to be a blessing in your life. Celebration Times 8:15 - Blended 9:30 - Sunday School (for all ages) 9:30 - Traditional 10:45 - Contemporary (includes children s church) 6

Stay Connected Curious about upcoming events at WUMC? If so, check-out any of these information sources: Facebook be sure to like Waukee United Methodist Church while you re on Facebook.

7 Stay Connected Curious about upcoming events at WUMC? If so, check-out any of these information sources: Facebook be sure to like Waukee United Methodist Church while you re on Facebook. Weekly church bulletin The Vine Waukee Wire to subscribe send an to Twitter - search WUMC website - If you missed last Sunday or just want to hear Pastor Jamie's message again, visit our WUMC website ( and look under the Ministries tab. Contact Info Waukee United Methodist Church 650 Ashworth Drive, Box 26 Waukee IA Rev. Jamie Cutler: jamie@waukeechurch.org, ext. 202 Amanda Jacobson: amanda@waukeechurch.org, ext. 201 Deanne Caudle: deanne@waukeechurch.org, ext. 203 Kim Magee: kim@waukeechurch.org Ann Ruble: ann@therubleproject.com, Bob and Martha Ward: or Char Beichley: cbeichle@hickorytech.net, Cyndi Craigmile: mcraigmile@aol.com, Lissah Beglinger: lissylu83@gmail.com, LuCinda Beltman: Matt Beglinger: matt.beglinger@outlook.com, Melissa Stimple: info@waukeechristianservices.org, Michal Bylund ( ) Prayer Request: pray@waukeechurch.org SignUpGenius: Waukee United Methodist Church 650 Ashworth Dr., Box 26 Waukee, IA 50263

Strength for the Day. Keep Reading. God s Already Won the War. May 2016

Strength for the Day. Keep Reading. God s Already Won the War. May 2016 May 2016 Strength for the Day This is Easter, people! And we are Easter People! The Easter Season, also known as the Great Fifty Days, begins at Sunset on Easter Eve and continues through the Day of Pentecost.