The Externally Focused Life. ~ Keep Reading ~ August cont. page 2

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1 August 2014 Strength for the Day Pastor Jamie As summer begins to wane (school starts in two weeks), church staffs everywhere are focusing their energies and resources on programming for the upcoming year. With Rally Day Sunday approaching, Christians in every church will be asked to prayerfully consider and decide where they ll commit their time, energy, and resources for the kingdom of God. On the Sunday after the 4 th of July, a wonderful member of our church gave me a copy of a page from the Des Moines Register. It contains an historical blurb related to Independence Day, which reads: Of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were captured or imprisoned, in each case with brutal treatment. Several lost wives, sons, or entire families. One lost his 13 children. Two wives were brutally treated. All were at one time or another, the victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Yet not one defected or went back on his pledged word. The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence proved by their every deed that they made no idle boast when they composed the most magnificent curtain line in history. ~ Keep Reading ~ All-Church Picnic...2 Thanksgiving Ingathering...2 August Food Pantry Needs...2 3rd Thursday Lunch Bunch...2 August Events...3 Follow Us on Twitter...3 Rally Day is Coming...3 Sunday School Starts...3 Sunday Servers Needed...3 Book Talk...4 Get Your Scrip Cards...4 cont. page 2 Kids At-Ease...4 Amazing August Days Kindergarteners...4 Children s & Youth Ministry...5 Like Us on Facebook...5 Mission Dinners...5 Small Groups are Coming Your Way...5 Weekly Sermons...6 Celebration Times...6 Contact Info...6 The Externally Focused Life Ellen P. Ordinary people can live extraordinary lives when they have an external focus. That s the main point of The Externally Focused Life, by Pastor Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson. This Bible-based book describes how God designed you for a life of service. Each person in the world is wired to serve others. Christian service helps us grow and provides opportunities to put our faith in motion. Rusaw and Swanson will help you discover and embrace a lifestyle of service. By loving as Jesus loved, you'll experience the Christian life as it was intended and discover the joy that comes from living a life beyond yourself. If you ve ever felt like the service of one person can t really make a difference in the world, you aren t alone. This feeling of insignificance is leading to an ingrown, shrinking Church. That s Church with a capital C as in God s Church the Church comprised of all Christians worldwide. The authors challenge us to uncover the joy in a lifestyle of authentic Christian service. Their message focuses on the joy, freedom, and fulfillment of a meaningful life lived for God s glory: a life that s externally focused. We aren't here and blessed just to exist and enjoy, but to extend the love of God to our fellow humans and all creation. Rather than closing our arms around what s ours, we were created to open our arms as Christ did by loving, serving, and uplifting others. Books will be available for purchase ($10/book) between all services beginning Aug. 17. We ll use this book for small groups and to follow along with the sermon series, beginning Sept. 7.

2 from page 1 And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. Very moving, yes? It reminded me of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11: And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Friends, that something better that God provided, and which perfects every life, is the gift of a living relationship with God through His Son, Jesus, the Christ. As we go forward together in the upcoming church year, I pray that we would be so committed to bringing God s new community to others that we would each make a similar pledge as the signers of the Declaration of Independence. That we would mutually pledge to God, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. Or as Jesus puts it, That we would love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. If we can do that as a congregation, and have those two great commandments galvanize and lead us, then I have great faith that this year can be for many people in this community who ll be blessed by our ministry to them, a year of Independence as Martin Luther wrote, from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Thanks be to God! Peace, Pastor Jamie All-Church Picnic What : Church Picnic sponsored by CFM team Where: Greg and Laura Allen's th Place - just a couple miles south Waukee When: Sunday, Aug. 3, 12:30 -? What to bring: lawn chair, swim suit, and a side dish to share. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. What to do: There is something for everyone and all ages. Food, fellowship, whiffle ball, dunk tank, pool, water slide, horse shoes, bocce ball, soccer, volleyball, disc golf... Please RSVP at the connection counter or Laura (ljallen352@gmail.com). Thanksgiving Ingathering We ll be collecting school and health supplies for our Thanksgiving kits again this year. Please take a slip from Pastor Jamie s window and return the item you purchase to the church. If you make this purchase using a Scrip card, our church benefits twice. Food Pantry Needs ~ August Canned chicken, pancake mix, syrup, pasta/spaghetti & sauce 3 rd Our 3 rd Thursday Lunch Bunch will meet at 11:30 on Aug. 21 in one of the Pizza Ranch party rooms. The July group ranged in age from 1 year to.. well, let s just say considerably over 1, and a good time was had by all. Hope you re one of the bunch in August. rd Thursday Lunch Bunch 2

3 August Events 3 (Su) Communion *CFM Picnic at the Allen s 4 (M) Mission Quilters, 6:30 7 (Th) Joyful Noise Board, 6:00 10 (Su) Aubrey Swaim baptism, 8:15 D-Team, 4:30 Trustees, 4:30 *Mission Dinner, 6:00 11 (M) Prayer Shawl, 6:30 12 (Tu) Member Care, 6:30 Imagineering, 7:00 14 (Th) Finance, 7:00 18 (M) Joyful Noise fall starts Mission Quilters, 6:30 *Book Talk, 7:00 19 (Tu) SPRT, 6:30 21 (Th) *3 rd Thursday Lunch Bunch, 11:30 25 (M) Prayer Shawl, 6:30 30 (Sa) *Mission Dinner Follow Us on Twitter After signing up for Twitter ( you can follow WUMC by searching In the future, we may use Twitter to notify you of events and announcements. Rally Day is Coming Our new small group classes, youth ministries, and children s Sunday School will start on Sunday, Sept. 7. Pastor Jamie will also be starting a sermon series based on Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson The Externally Focused Life. Please be thinking and praying about where God is calling you to serve His Church during the upcoming year, and remember to get a copy of our Devotion in Motion sheet on Rally Day. Sunday School for the school year kicks-off on Sept. 7 from 9:30-10:30 am. Sunday Servers Needed At Waukee UMC, we rely on many volunteers to ensure all three services flow smoothly and comfortably for both church members and guests. Many people have commented on the warmth of our church when they are greeted at the door with a handshake or a welcoming smile, when entering the sanctuary. Therefore, your help is requested - please consider offering a small amount of your time to serve as a greeter, usher, or communion server; there are plenty of opportunities available. To see all open positions, log-on to or contact Jacqueline Conley for assistance getting involved. Thank you. 3

4 Book Talk Another interesting Book Talk session is coming up as the group discusses Bill Bryson s One Summer on Monday, Aug 18 at 7:00 in Ann and Greg Ruble s living room. This national bestseller documents the most extraordinary summer of 1927: the first trans-atlantic flights, America s fascination with baseball and movies, early cars, the beginnings of the Great Depression, just to name a few-- and promises to give us a lot to talk about. Get Your Scrip Cards Need to buy school supplies, clothes, or shoes? How about a haircut? Stop by the scrip table and order scrip cards for these. We will order them for you on any Sunday and you will receive them the following Sunday. We offer cards for the following stores: J.C. Penney, Kohl's, Kmart, Marshalls, Old Navy, Sears, Target, T.J. Maxx, Wal-Mart, Younkers, Payless Shoes, Shoe Carnival, Stables, Walgreens, Great Clips, Office Depot, and Office Max. The church receives between 3% and 13% back on these cards. You can use these cards on Aug. 1 and 2, which are tax-free shopping days. Kids At-Ease Our 11:00 celebration includes Children's Church each week If you bring a youngster(s) in pre-k through 3 rd grade to this celebration, they can head downstairs with their teachers after our congregational prayer. Watch the big screen for your cue... Amazing August Days 1 ~ Cutler Thayer 1 ~ Jim Sandmire 2 ~ Matthew Hayden 3 ~ Phil Nicholson 3 ~ Steve Baumeister 4 ~ David Dunn 5 ~ Lloyd Royer 5 ~ Michaela Craigmile 6 ~ Adam & Jessica Vaught 6 ~ Charlene Beichley 6 ~ Mike Blackford 7 ~ Natalie Runyan 7 ~ Tracy VanWyk 10 ~ Kelsey Littleton 11 ~ Renee Menz 11 ~ Wayne & Carol Guttenfelder 13 ~ Marilyn Taylor 14 ~ Matt Craigmile 15 ~ Barb Shoeman 15 ~ Susan Paglia 16 ~ Dan & Kim Hartley 17 ~ Brody Hovda 17 ~ John & Barb Shoeman 19 ~ Aaron Graham 19 ~ Bob Henderson 19 ~ Cameron Reed 19 ~ Marilyn Anfinson 20 ~ Noah VanWyk 20 ~ Rick & Sue Kyser 23 ~ Jesse & Gina Wiges 23 ~ Madison Swaim 23 ~ Mark & Janeal Lyons 23 ~ Sydnie Dunn 25 ~ Nolan Magee 26 ~ Diana Rossmann 27 ~ John Bridger 27 ~ Judy Applegate 28 ~ Kayden Reed 28 ~ Patty Myers 29 ~ Greg & Ann Ruble 31 ~ Eldred & Thelma Petersen 31 ~ John & Karen Pomeroy 31 ~ Todd Boothroyd Kindergarteners Our Prayer Shawl Team will present a special fleece blanket to each WUMCer who s entering kindergarten this year. If you know of any additions or changes to the following list, please contact Ann Ruble. We want to ensure each child attending WUMC gets a blanket to remind them the warmth and comfort of God s love always surrounds them. Reese Connor Paige Evans Avery Freeze Graham Johnson Fletcher Kemp Paige Krohn Latimer Timmerman Our prayers and congratulations go to these children and their families at this milestone in their lives. 4

5 Children s &Youth Ministry Thank-you to the many wonderful volunteers who helped with vacation Bible School, (July 13-17). Over 40 participants and 20+ helpers made our Workshop of Wonders a huge success. Thanks also to those who donated supplies. Our VBS celebration video is available on the WUMC Facebook page. As we gear-up for fall, we need several more leaders, assistants, and substitutes for our youth programs. We re looking for help in the following areas: Sunday School Youth Groups Nursery (assistants only) Children s Church Mission Dinners There s room at the inn for you. Just choose a night to dine and unwind with your church family. What: Sponsored by Mission Team When: You choose between different times, dates, and homes Who: Entire family - bring a side to go with hot dogs and hamburgers. Why: Collect freewill offering for solar refrigerators each evening. These will be sent to Nigeria to store medicines and vaccines. Dates available: Sunday, Aug. 10, 6:00 at the Cutler s Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Patterson s Sign-up at the Connection Counter. It would be a blessing to have lots of volunteers helping with our youth programming. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child. If you can commit to sharing your faith, time, and talent with a group even one Sunday a month, that d be great. Please Kim Magee to let her know how you can help. As always...our D-Team is looking for new members to help plan and provide great discipleship opportunities for our youth of all ages. Any WUMC adult is welcome to join our team. If you re interested, please Kim. Like Us on Facebook "Like" us on Facebook (Waukee United Methodist Church) to see upcoming events or to get the daily scripture reading. Small Groups are Coming Your Way Have you been missing something in your life lately? Have the long, hot days of summer been getting you down? If so, then we have good news for you - small groups are coming back to Waukee UMC, beginning the week of Sept. 7. What better way to refresh your spirit and energy than by gathering together for fellowship, connection, and enlightenment? Our church staff has selected a variety of exciting, inspiring curricula to guide us over the next several months and we hope you re as excited as them! Sign-up sheets for a variety of meeting days and times will be posted on the C.C. in August. So grab those calendars and get ready for an amazing journey. 5

6 Contact Info Weekly Sermons 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. Celebration Times 8:15-9:15 Blended 9:30 Sunday School for All Ages 9:30-10:30 Traditional 11:00-12:00 Contemporary & Children s Church 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 Jacqueline Conley, jacqueline@waukeechurch.org, ext. 204 Kim Magee, kim@waukeechurch.org Ann Ruble, ann@therubleproject.com, Waukee United Methodist Church 650 Ashworth Dr., Box 26 Waukee, IA