Forecaster. Blairs Ferry Road Land Sold

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1 October 2014 Volume 26, Number 10 In This Issue: Property Sold Blairs Ferry Road Land Sold The Timeline of a Decade of Decision Making 2004 On August 31 Salem became the owner of 9.6 acres of land on Blairs Ferry Road in Linn County as about 35 members of the former CrossWinds UMC joined Salem. Salem paid the remaining costs of the land that had been purchased by CrossWinds. The majority of the land has been rented to a farmer who has used it for crops the last 10 years On December 20th, 17 members of the Salem congrega on a ended an open Church Conference and voted to deed.25 acre to the City of Cedar Rapids. This quarter acre would be used as an emergency vehicle access cul-de-sac while land developer Dus n Kern built on adjacent property. In exchange the developer extended sewer and water lines onto Salem s property On May 16, 29 members of the Salem congrega on gathered in an open Church Conference and voted to sell 1.8 acres of the northern part of the Blairs Ferry Road land to a developer for $30,000 per acre, or $54,000. This allows an access road for a new housing development. Those in a endance also agreed that we would the $5,000 of the money received to Imagine No Malaria On April 1, 75 members of the congrega on a ended an open Forecaster Church Conference to discuss and vote approval on our current building addi on project. Following the close of this Church Conference many people spoke in favor of selling the land on Blairs Ferry Road On August 6, 48 members of the congrega on gathered in an open Church Conference and voted to accept an offer from Calvary Chapel of Cedar Rapids to purchase the remainder of the Blairs Ferry Road land for $200,000. Their wri en offer included a promise to build a Church on the property. This fulfilled an agreement the CrossWinds congrega on had made when they purchased the land from its original owner, that a church would occupy the land one day Week of September 15th. Closings on both sales were completed, papers signed and checks received. As pledged, $5,000 is being given to Imagine No Malaria. The remainder of the proceeds from the sales is now part of the building fund for Salem s new addi on. For the past decade Salem was keeper and caretaker for the nearly 10 acres of land on Blairs Ferry Road. Now, we are blessed to have a new addi on to our building rising, and to know that in the near future another congrega on of followers of Christ will be worshipping on the Blairs Ferry Road land. The Examined LifeExamined Life Worship Calendar Finance report Building Update Missions Leadership Board Report

2 Page 2 Rev. John Louk Pastor of the Salem UMC Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. The Examined Life Two teachers were once applying for the same posi on at a local school. One had been teaching for eight years and the other for twenty. Everyone expected the teacher with the greater experience to get the job, but when a decision was made, the person with eight years of experience was chosen. The other teacher complained. I ve been teaching for twenty years compared to her eight, he said. I m vastly more qualified. The School Board said, It s true, you do have twenty years of teaching compared to her eight. But where she has eight years of experience you have one year of experience repeated twenty mes. It s a hard truth: the progress of me doesn t automa cally mean growth or learning from our experience. What about you? Have you examined your life? Have you taken an honest look at your growth over me, or are you the same person doing the same thing each year? Or as Jesus says, are you bearing fruit? The Apostle Paul encourages this examined life. He tells the church at Corinth to, Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5) Autumn, when crops and fruits are gathered, is a good me to examine your life and see whether you are bearing fruit. I offer the following ques ons for your own examina on. They reflect the prac ces of the body of Christ that lead us into the presence of God and help us to follow Jesus, bearing fruit in our lives and in the world. Do I profess Jesus as Lord and Savior? Have I been bap zed and ini ated into the church? Do I give me and a en on to my rela onship with God each day? Do I read the Bible and pray? Do I fast? Do I par cipate with a small group of Chris ans for conversa on and support. Do I make healthy choices for my body, a temple of the Holy Spirit? Am I present each week when we gather together for worship? Do I receive Holy Communion as much as possible? Do I give, as an offering to God, a percentage of the income the Lord has provided me? Am I thing, giving 10% of that income? If not, what percentage of the income that God has entrusted to me am I giving? Am I increasing that amount regularly as I work towards thing and beyond? Have I considered automa c giving through our website? How am I using my gi s and abili es to serve? Am I serving both within the church as well as in the world? Is the way I live a posi ve witness for Jesus? Have I shared with anyone my story of what God has done in my life? What would I say if someone asked me about my hope in Jesus? When you answer these ques ons honestly, do you find that your life is everything you thought it would be? Or do you wish it was more than work/eat/ sleep? Jesus says he came for us to have abundant life. Does that describe your life? If you re not growing and bearing fruit, what do you need to do? What do you need to change? To what do you need to commit? Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD. (Lamenta ons 3:40) Grace and peace to you, John Louk

3 Page 3 Worship: Philippians, Laity Sunday, and The Greatest Commandment Worship: In October we con nue in Ordinary Time. We will conclude our month long focus on Paul s le er to the church at Philippi on the 12th. We will celebrate Laity Sunday on the 19th and then examine the greatest commandment from Jesus. We will receive Holy Communion on October 5, World Communion Sunday. Chris ans from all over the world will receive Holy Communion that day. The liturgical color for this season is green, symbolizing growth in Christ. Come and worship! Oct 5 World Communion Sunday Exodus 20:1 21 Psalm 19 (UMH 750) Philippians 3:4b-14 Ma hew 21:33 46 Holy Communion The Ten Commandments God s Glory in Crea on and the Law Pressing toward the Goal The Parable of the Wicked Tenants Come and Worship! Sundays 9:00am Contemporary Oct 12 Ordinary Time/18th Sunday A er Pentecost Exodus 32:1 14 The Golden Calf Psalm 106:1 6, A Confession of Israel s Sins Philippians 4:1 9 Exhorta ons for Life Ma hew 22:1 14 The Parable of the Wedding Banquet 11:00am Tradi onal Oct 19 Laity Sunday Exodus 33:12 23 Moses Pleads for God s Presence Psalm 99 (UMH 819) Praise to God for His Holiness 1 Thessalonians 1:1 10 The Thessalonians Faith and Example Ma hew 22:15 22 The Ques on about Paying Taxes Holy Communion Oct 26 Ordinary Time/20th Sunday A er Pentecost Deuteronomy 34:1 12 Moses Dies and Is Buried Psalm 90:1 6, A Prayer of Moses 1 Thessalonians 2:1 8 Paul s Ministry in Thessalonica Ma hew 22:34 46 The Greatest Commandment

4 Page 4 October 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 10:00 am Small Group 2:00 pm Pastor s Class 6:30 pm Lighthouse 2.0 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Pastor s Class :00 am UMM Breakfast/Mee ng 5 9:00 Contemporary Worship 9:00 Lec onary Class 10:10 Sunday School 10:10 Fellowship Time 6 7 9:30 am Prayer Room 8 10:00 am Small Group 2:00 pm Pastor s Class 6:30 pm Lighthouse 2.0 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 9 Sarah Circle 9:30 am Rachel Circle 5:15 pm :00 Tradi onal Worship 7:00 pm Pastor s Class World Communion Sunday Special Offering 12 9:00 Contemporary Worship 9:00 Lec onary Class 10:10 Sunday School 10:10 Fellowship Time 11:00 Tradi onal Worship 13 11:30 Golden Pizza Ranch 14 4:15 pm Staff Mee ng 7:00 pm Building Commi ee Mee ng 15 10:00 am Small Group 2:00 pm Pastor s Class 6:30 pm Lighthouse 2.0 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Pastor s Class 16 5:00 UMM Swiss Steak Supper Church Office Closed :00 Outdoor Clean-up Day Food Bank Sunday 19 9:00 Contemporary Worship 9:00 Lec onary Class 10:10 Sunday School November Forecaster ar cles due 9:30 am Prayer room 22 10:00 am Small Group 2:00 pm Pastor s Class 6:30 pm Lighthouse :10 Fellowship Time 11:00 Tradi onal Worship 5:15 pm Leadership Board mee ng 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Pastor s Class Laity Sunday :00 Contemporary Worship 9:00 Lec onary Class 10:10 Sunday School 10:10 Fellowship Time 11:00 Tradi onal Worship 7:00 pm Church Conference 12:30 pm Cards & Fellowship 10:00 am Small Group 2:00 pm Pastor s Class 6:30 pm Lighthouse 2.0 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Pastor s Class Missions Offering Food Banks & Green Square Meals

5 Page 5 October Birthdays and Anniversaries 2 Ed Nellans 2 Carter Schooley 2 Catelyn Schooley 3 Raul Salazar 4 Taylor Lauderdale 5 Bert Carver 5 Dave Higdon 8 Joyce Claude 8 Kristen Jacobus 9 Larry Schooley 11 Vernon Livermore 13 Dave Fritz 16 Harold Wischmeyer 18 Ronda Drahozal 19 Chris ne Rand 20 Dolores Cross 20 Joni Salazar 21 Bob Jayne 21 Margaret Mills 26 Evie Shultz 26 Gary Sweet 27 Carolyn Jarvis 28 Donna Newhard 29 Shannon Booth Biberdorf 29 Nora Dunnwald 31 Teresa Janda 4 Deb & Rick Black 6 Dolly & Sco Akers 7 Deborah Curson Vieira & Paul Vieira 9 Sharon & Louis Busch 9 Jody & Max Link 16 Melissa & Joe Jacobus 17 Laura & Jerry Munier Salem s Record of Generosity In Support of Our Ministry Goals as of August 31, 2014 BUDGET GIVING Actual Budget Offerings given toward Opera ng Budget $ 151, $ 155, Other Opera ng Budget Income $ 8, $ 9, Total budget income $ 159, $ 164, BUDGET EXPENSES YTD budget expenses paid $ 171, $ 164, TOTAL BUDGET INCOME OVER/(UNDER) EXPENSES $ (11,331.26) $ SALEM RISING - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GIVING Received Pledged to date $ 82,068 $ 90,000 Thank you for your financial support of the ministries of Salem UMC. Your generosity helps Salem fulfill the vision of "connec ng people, building community, transforming lives, through Jesus".

6 Page 6 United Methodist Women Sarah Circle will meet October 9, at 9:30 am. Our hostess will be Kathy Wickham. The lesson is chapter 3 & 4 in "Strong Was Her Faith," Martha "Disciplined" John 11:1-27, Mary "Extravagant" John 12:1-8. October 26 is the deadline for any Health kits or School Bags. All items will be delivered to the In- Gathering in Cedar Falls on Nov. 1. Sharon Busch, President Rachel Circle will meet October 9 to finish our Bible study One Thousand Gi s, Empty to Fill. Please read lesson 5 beginning on page 77. We will meet in the Fellowship Room at 5:55 pm for a light meal provided by Dolly Akers, for fun, fellowship and something chocolate. All are welcome. United Methodist Men Plan to a end the October breakfast mee ng on the 4th at 8:00 am to help with plans for the Swiss Steak Supper on October 16, and to learn how and where you can best assist with the fellowship and fun of prepara on and serving the meal. Golden Links Golden Links is a group of Salem folks who are re red and enjoy a lunch together the 2nd Monday each month. Those who are interested in this meal and fellowship me are invited to join the group. On October 13, at 11:30 AM Golden Links will be mee ng at Pizza Ranch on Williams Blvd. SW (near the Ladd Library). Dorothy Higdon Pizza Ranch offers Pizza plus chicken and salad bar; drinks and dessert are included in the cost of $8.91 for the senior buffet. There is a private room reserved for our Salem group. Plan to join Golden Links, Monday, October 13 at 11:30 AM at the Pizza Ranch, 2450 Westdale Dr. SW No ce for All People on Medicare October 15 to December 7,2014 is the me to make your Medicare prescrip on drug plans for You can enroll if you do not have a plan, or choose a different plan. You may apply for extra help in paying for the plan if your income as a single person is $ per month, or as a married couple it is $ You can be on either Medicare at re rement or disability Judy Cowan Medicare. If you would like, you can bring a list of your drugs, your Social Security number and effec ve date to me on a Sunday and I will enter it in the computer and bring a list of the best plans for you the next Sunday. You may also me this informa on at gramee44@imonmail.com, or you can call me at and we can do it over the phone

7 Page 7 Building Project Update We've had good weather, and much has been accomplished. A er the installa on of the precast deck (dozens of 10,000 pound slabs), it was grouted. The builder then installed pour stops, bulkheads, and safety railing and HVAC blockouts in precast for the topping slab (2.5 inches of concrete poured on top to finish the main floor). Lane Construc on then started wall layout/squared up and wall framing began a er that. Founda on waterproofing and backfilling occurred throughout the week by Mt Vernon Construc on. The next steps include framing the main level walls, L & S plumbing will complete underslab plumbing in basement, and Shrader Excava ng will bring sewer/ water into new addi on. Outdoor Clean Up With our new building addi on going up and lots of folks watching, its extra important to keep our yard and neighborhood dy. On October 18th at 10:00 am we will have an outdoor clean up day. In addi on to picking up trash on our property and along Coyote and 33rd Avenue, I would like Kathy Wickham to try to clean up the reeds and grass that has accumulated at the front of the church property. Please bring rakes, loppers, trimmers, etc., and wear boots and gloves. Please call Kathy Wickham, , to sign up, or if you have any ques ons. Everyone is welcome.

8 Page 8 October is Pastor Apprecia on Month And I will give you shepherds a er my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 In her blog, Leading From the Heart, United Methodist pastor, Rev. Laurie Haller includes (very possibly with tongue in cheek) the following quote from the Sept./Oct issue of the Saturday Evening Post. In 1992, layperson Jerry Frear, Jr., was brainstorming with church colleagues about how they might be of help to their minister when he glanced at a calendar and no ced that it was almost Groundhog Day. I thought, if they have a day for groundhogs, there ought to be a day for the 375,000 clergy people in America. Indeed, yes! While some might say there is a bit of correla on between groundhogs and pastors with groundhogs being harbingers of the new life of spring, and pastors preaching new life in Jesus, we know where both our faith and our apprecia on truly stand. Our pastor, John Louk, is not one to cast shadows, but does an amazing number of things to show us God s light and love. His sermons, his classes, his caring for each member of Salem, his leadership in worship and his encouragement to us all to reach out into the community are gi s and blessings to Salem. We appreciate our pastor as he leads us in God s Word and ways. We also appreciate the Louk family. The support given him by Joy and their daughters help make it possible for John to do all that he does for Salem. Long before groundhogs had any recogni on the apostle Paul was already encouraging the first Chris an churches to appreciate their leaders. In 1 Timothy, he wrote, The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17). And, in 1 Thessalonians, he said, Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). With October now being Pastor/ Clergy Apprecia on Month, it s a great me for sharing an expression of your apprecia on with Pastor John, and with re red pastors, Joan Erbe and Dave Higdon who are part of our Salem family. Swiss Steak Supper Mark your calendars and invite your friends. The Salem United Methodist Men are making plans for their Swiss Steak Supper! Salem United Methodist Men The date is Thursday, October 16th. Serving me will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Menu and cket informa on will be coming soon.

9 Page 9 Missions Linn Community Food bank A new term that means more than its words is food insecure. In the Cedar Rapids School system 13,000 children qualify for free and reduced price lunches because their families are food insecure. In Linn County there is the Linn Community Food Bank that tries to address this problem by allowing people in need to get emergency food boxes two mes a year that provide a three day supply of food. In the month of August 504 clients represen ng 1,112 people were served by the Linn Community Food Bank. So far this year, 3600 clients represen ng 7,550 people have been served. Salem supports this program by collec ng non-perishable food and cash on the second Sunday of each month. In the month of October our special mission offering will be for the Linn Community Food Bank and Green Square Meals. We will again be par cipa ng in the CROP Walk on October 12. CROP Hunger Walks are interfaith hunger educa on and fundraising events sponsored by Church World Service. One fourth of the money contributed to the Crop Walk stays here to help Churches of Marion Pantry, Linn Community Food Bank, and Greene Square Meals. Thank you for your con nued support of these programs. Greene Square Meals What: Need 4 6 Volunteers each date Where: Ecumenical Center 605 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids When: October 2, 23, and 30, November 6, December 4, :30 un l about 6:00 pm. Kathy Wickham Why: Salem has helped prepare and serve Green Square Meals to low income clients on the 1st, 4th, and if there is one, 5th Thursday for 25+ years. This year our faithful volunteers from Salem have had to resign due to health issues. If we do not find people to commit to replace them, we will need to bow out of this very worthwhile program. Contact: Please call Kathy Wickham, In Gra tude Dear Friends, I want to thank everyone for all your prayers, cards and visits while I was in the hospital. They were all very much appreciated. Thanks, again. Carol Thompson Thank you to all of Salem for your prayers, cards, visits to us in the hospital while we were at St. Luke s and at home. In Christ Don and Kay Feldmann

10 Page 10 Report of the Leadership Board Mee ng Notes Following the subcommi ee mee ngs at 5:15 the full board met at 5:45. Pastor John shared informa on from the book Deep and Wide and led prayer. Building Commi ee Update - Pastor John shared that the precast deck slabs have been placed on top of the concrete basement walls, effec vely crea ng the flooring base for the upper level of the new addi on. The joints in the precast deck slabs have been filled with concrete and a 2.5 layer of concrete is to be poured over the slabs hopefully yet this week. Construc on of a safety fence to protect workers has begun on the upper level of the construc on site. Framing is expected to begin yet this week or next. A mee ng is scheduled with the organ installa on people next Monday (9-22). The Building Commi ee and Pastor John have met with Mark Hixson to discuss plans for audio/video (AV), security, and networking for the new addi on. Treasurer s Report At the end of August our expenses were $11, greater than our budgeted amount for the same period. Payment of the bill for the new parsonage roof, the facts that August had three pay dates rather than the usual two, we are no longer receiving the monthly rent on the parsonage, and costs for congrega onal nurturing have been greater than an cipated contribute to the deficit. (The parsonage roof was done in May, but the bill of approximately $6,000 was delayed and was paid in August.) We are now entering a me of the year when a endance and giving are tradi onally higher so hope to see the deficit decrease in the coming months. Blairs Ferry Road Land Sales Update Pastor John reported that the closing mee ng on the sale to Calvary Chapel will be tomorrow (9-18), and the sale to Dus n Kern for the northern parcel will have that closing mee ng on Friday (9-19). Leadership Board Members for 2015 With four Leadership Board members rota ng off at the end of 2014 Pastor John is gathering sugges ons for persons to fill the posi ons. He will bring a list of recommenda ons to the October LB mee ng for approval. Annual Fall Church Conference Our Annual Church Conference needs to be scheduled between our October LB mee ng on the 21 st and October 31 st. Pastor John is working with Rev. Arne e Pint, who will be our Presiding Elder to set a date. LB Chair Paul Meyer has submi ed online the Pastoral Appointment Advisory Consulta on for 2015 form that the LB members discussed and concurred on at the August LB mee ng. Work was done on the 2015 Mission and Ministry Plan form with response sugges ons made, discussed and recorded. Admin Assistant, Sharon Vavra will enter the informa on onto the form for the Church Conference. The remainder of the conference forms require only numbers and facts regarding the building, property and ac vi es so will be completed in the office. Discipleship Pathways Presenta on at October LB Mee ng - The Leadership Pathways Commi ee will present informa on they have been working on, as well as share a meal with LB members at the October mee ng. The mee ng agenda will be ed in advance to members, and sub commi ees will not meet prior to the full board mee ng in order to allow me for the Discipleship Pathways presenta on. Annual Audit Review Dave Jandik is working on the annual audit review for Salem. Dave expects this to be completed by the end of the year. SPRC Vaca on dates in October and December were approved for Sharon Vavra. In closed session LB members present discussed salaries for pastor and staff for They reported that they will recommend to the Church Conference that an across the board 2% increase in salaries and wages be made. A 2% increase will also be made to the housing, food and bus pass assistance provided by Salem to Kevin Naholi. Anna Dunnwald shared prayer at the end of the mee ng. Next Mee ngs: October 21, 5:15 pm Leadership Board Mee ng October date between the 23 rd Church Conference November 18, 5:15 pm Leadership Board Mtg. December 16, 5:15 pm Leadership Board Mtg.

11 Page 11 Basic and Advanced Lay Servant Training Have you felt a calling to learn more about ways to be a servant and spiritual leader, communicate more effec vely as a leader, and share your faith with others? Two training workshops will be offered in October at the First United Methodist Church in Tipton. Registra on to a end needs to be in on or before October 2nd. Complete informa on with registra on form is in the literature rack on the wall between the church office and the finance office. What : When: Where: Lay Servant Training Friday, Oct. 24 (6:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M.) and Sat., Oct. 25 (9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.) Tipton First United Methodist Church 607 Lynn Street, Tipton IA If interested, please join one of the classes by ordering the book your class will use, preparing the requested material in advance, and sending the registra on form. A dona on will be collected for the noon meal at the church on Saturday. Lodging and other meals are on your own. Basic Course Informa on The Basic Course is the founda onal course for other leadership training courses. It is designed to equip new leaders and renew current leaders. The course covers the following topics: servant and spiritual leadership, caring ministries, basic communica on skills, and sharing your faith. It offers guidelines for best prac ces as a church leader in mission and ministry. In the course, you are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gi s. The course is designed to help you be a church leader even if public speaking is not your gi. The course is not designed to prepare you to preach. Those who have gi s for preaching may take an advanced course on preaching a er this course. Advanced Course Informa on Topic: Conflict Transforma on Skills for Local Churches The mere men on of the word conflict makes most people uncomfortable. However, conflict is a natural, normal part of everyday life, and we all need to develop skills so that conflict is crea ve rather than destruc ve to our rela onships and our life together in the church. The workshop Conflict Transforma on Skills for Local Churches offers opportuni es to develop the skills needed to transform conflict from a destruc ve force to an opportunity for personal and congrega onal renewal. During this workshop, we will focus on: The Nature and Role of Conflict, Conflict in the New Testament: Finding Renewal In Conflict Understanding and Improving Your Own Style of Response to Conflict How to Be Effec ve When People are Angry Understanding Conflict in Groups and How to Manage It Past par cipants claim that this workshop has improved their rela onships at home, at work and at church. Don t let the topic frighten you! We ll have fun together as we learn about ourselves and develop skills to make a difference in our own lives, our life together and in the larger world. Advanced Course Facilitator: The Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders, member of the Conference Staff and Field Outreach Minister for the East Central District. Basic Course Facilitators: Steve Kahler and Colleen Petaros, Co-Chairs of the District Lay Servant Commi ee.

12 The Forecaster 10/ rd Avenue SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Salem s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transforma on of the world. Salem s Sunday Morning Schedule 9:00 am Contemporary Worship Sanctuary 9:00 am Lec onary Class (Adult Sunday School) Outback-Rm 3 9:00 am Nursery Available -infants thru 4 years old Outback-Nursery 10:10 am Adult Sunday School Class Outback-Nursery 10:10 am Children and Youth Sunday School Outback Room 1, 2 & 3 10:10 am High School (8th thru 12th) Sunday School CoffeeSmiths 10:10 am Fellowship Time Fellowship Room 11:00 am Tradi onal Worship Sanctuary 11:00 am Nursery Available infants thru 4 years old Outback-Nursery Salem Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (except standard holidays)