HIGHLANDS CHURCH A United Methodist Congregation

Transcription

1 A United Methodist Congregation Reverend Doctor Bryan Fink, Pastor Church Pastor s bryan@humcbv.com Volume 16, Issue 8 A Caring Community of Faith and Fellowship August 2013 Highlands Church welcomes all of our visitors. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. OUR MISSION Make Disciples of Jesus Christ by building the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16) And reaching the world for Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) CHURCH STAFF Pastor, Bryan Fink Pastor of Congregational Care, Michael Callahan Administrative Secretary, Jacque Nelson Secretary, Teresa Ruiz Director of Music, Leland Flickinger Organist, Jeannine Wagar Pianist, Pam Meyer Chimes/Bells Director, Joyce Sheldon Bookkeeper, Rosalie Flickinger Youth Director, Patti Crittenden Custodian, Jerry Leonard MINISTRY TEAM Caring Ministries, Mike Thompson Faith Ministries, Jean Olsen Fellowship Ministries, Karen Gier ADMINISTRATIVE Admin Council Chair, Dale Richardson Office Hours: Monday Friday 8:30 4:00 Saturday Celebration 5:30 pm Sunday Worship 10:00 am Member Care if you know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized, please notify the Pastor or Pastor of Congregational Care. Prayer Chain when you have concerns for family, friends or someone in need of prayer, please call the church office. FIVE NEW FALL/WINTER BIBLE STUDIES TITLE: WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? (formerly The Purpose Driven Life ) Author: Rick Warren Presenter: Congregation-wide study in small groups Date: Starting September 28 through November 3 Time: Time and date to be determined by each study group The Education Committee is offering a spiritual growth experience for the entire congregation. This would ensure the entire church family will focus on the same spiritual themes for the same period of time. The Small Group Coordinator will provide several small groups and trained leaders for you to choose from. Groups will be comprised of people. You are encouraged to invite your friends and neighbors to participate as well. If you would like to be in the same group as some of your friends, please note that, or make sure each of you sign up for the same group. If you would like to be a Small Group Leader or be willing to host a group in your home for six weeks, please let Jean Olsen, the Small Group Coordinator, know. The material for the spiritual growth experience is a workbook for each participant and a DVD for each group. The cost for a paperback book would approximately $ The hard cover book would be $ Both books were on a special sale at the time we checked the price. They may be higher by the time we purchase material for the study. NOTE: The Purpose Driven Life book is essentially the same book as What on Earth am I here for? and can be used for this study. TITLE: JESUS IN THE GOSPELS Author: Leander E. Keck, Retired Dean of Yale University Divinity School Presenter: Michael Callahan Date: Tuesdays, beginning August 27 (32 weeks) Time: 9:30 11:30 This study looks at the way each gospel writer presents events and teachings and the picture of Jesus who emerges in each of the gospels. TITLE: A CHRISTIAN MANIFESTO Author: Francis A. Schaeffer Presenters: Bob Marsh with Ham Bentz assisting Date: November Time: TBD Showing how morality and freedom have crumbled in our society. He calls for a movement in government, law and all of life to re-establish our Christian foundation. Continued on Page 2

2 PAGE 2 From the Heart of the Pastor. What on earth am I here for? That s a question people all around the world have asked themselves at one time or another. And one reason that author and Pastor Rick Warren s book The Purpose Driven Life is second only to the bible when it comes to the number of books published and sold. Buried deep inside the soul is the quest to discover what a person s purpose in life is. We want to live a life of significance. We want to know it counted for something. We want to know we made a difference and fulfilled some sort of divine destiny. And from conversations I ve had the older a person becomes the more the question lingers. What on earth are you and I on this earth for? What does God want from us and of us? I am pleased that the Education Committee is going to provide the congregation an opportunity learn and discern the answer to that question for themself through a special six week emphasis titled What on Earth Am I Here For? The following six topics will be addressed: 1. You Matter to God. 2. You Were Planned for God s Pleasure (Worship). 3. You Were Formed for God s Family (Fellowship). 4. You Were Created to Become Like Christ (Discipleship). 5. You Were Shaped to Serve God (Ministry). 6. You Were Made for a Mission (Evangelism). The Education Committee, the youth and children s division, and the Worship Ministry will work together to reinforce each week s topic through the worship experience and six week home groups for those who are interested in growing deeper through biblical community. Imagine the impact on our church and community as a result of people experiencing community through small groups where they talk about life lessons associated with the topic and pray for each other to be faithful. Imagine the impact of everyone reading the same devotional thought each day and living out of that devotional. Imagine the impact of everyone trying to memorize a verse of scripture to guide their day. And then imagine everyone coming together for the weekend services where the themes are reinforced through the music, visuals and the sermon. And finally imagine how God might use all of us with all of this to move his church forward together. What On Earth Am I Here For? will take place September 21 November 3. More information will be coming soon. In the meantime, I invite you to join me and others in praying for God to bear fruit in and through our church as a result of this effort. Upcoming Sermons in August: August 3-4 Unforgettable Camping Experiences: Part 3 Camp Sinai. Exodus August Jeremiah 29:11 Project Update. Representatives from the Jeremiah 29:11 Project will share how the ministry planning process began, where we are in the ministry planning process, and what s next. August 17-18, 24-25, and September 7-8 John Wesley compared God s grace and salvation to the porch of a house, the front door and all the rooms inside. What did he mean? Come and find out during the three part series, The Wesley s Home Tour. August 31-September 1, Church member and retired pastor Joe Betz guest preaching. FYI- Bryan and Luckie Fink s son, B.J., will be getting married in Indianapolis Labor Day Week. FIVE NEW FALL/WINTER BIBLE STUDIES Continued from Page 1 Eight-Week Study Based on Two Books 1. THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON Author: Henri J. M. Nouwen 2. ABSOLUTE SURRENDER Author: Andrew Murray Presenter: Dick Vroman (For both studies) Date: January 2014 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) TITLE: BOOK OF DANIEL Written by: Beth Moore Presenter: Jackie Warren Author: Daniel Date: January 2014 Time: Day and Evening Groups The prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats. Today, believers in Jesus Christ face many of the same trials.

3 Meals on Wheels The time is now to sign up to deliver Meals On Wheels. Ask someone from your care group to buddy with you for delivery. Drivers report to the 1 st United Methodist Church at 10:30 am to pick up the meals for delivery. Complete information sheets are on the Information Desk in the Gathering Area. You will receive route instructions when you pick up the meals. (Haven t you always wanted to know the streets/lanes/circles/drives of Bella Vista a little better?) This mission of Highlands Church is important not only because of a hot meal but the interaction with seniors who may have no other contact during the day except for a MOW volunteer. We have a huge task to do. We hope you can help! Contact the church office today you won t be sorry! PAGE 3 VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION (VIM) The numbers are staggering and it makes us proud to be United Methodists who help financially and prayerfully to support these efforts. Following are the number of volunteers from the Highlands VIM in Volunteers from Highlands - 68 men and women Trips to Joplin and Galena, MO from Jan to May - 15 Volunteers who traveled to Louisiana to work at Sager Brown Distribution Center - 10 Volunteers who traveled to Colombia to help at a mission for street children - 2 Volunteers traveling to CO to help rebuild a UMC camp burned in 2012 wildfires - 12 Thanks to those who volunteered their time and money to participate in these projects. There are more projects planned for the future. Consider joining in and being a part of one of these projects. Did You Know Pastor Michael and Rita are starting their 10th year of ministry at the Highlands Health and Rehabilitation Center. Each Wednesday at 3:15 they gather residents to sing the old Christian songs and worship together. Maxine Bushee also takes an active role in the service. We hope you mark Wednesdays at 3:15 on your calendar to drop in, support the group, and sing the old gospel songs played in Rita's upbeat style. Treasurer's Report Year to June Date Offerings and Tithes $37,966 $265,505 Over or (Under) Budget ($3,875) ($15,840) Opera ng Fund Payroll, Ministries and Expenses $42,884 $263,338 Over or (Under) Budget ($1,818) ($8,827) Opera ng Fund Balance ($4,918) $2,167 Call or Jan Stubbs if you have any questions or comments. July Financial Fact: Largest 2013 Utility Bill to date: January, $2,850. ARKANSAS STATEWIDE VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION COMMITTEE The Arkansas Conference has formed a Volunteers In Mission Committee which will include representatives from around the state and headed by Byron Mann of Hope, AR. Dan and Kathy Dunn are members of this committee. The goal of the committee is to set up statewide mission projects and make them available to small and medium sized churches in Arkansas. The first training session for VIM leaders was held July 13 in Little Rock. Dan and Kathy spoke at this meeting and shared how to set up and plan for long distance mission trips. The Dunn's will be leading Highlands Church on a mission trip to Colorado in late August. A group of 6 from Little Rock will join the Highlands group of 12. Dan and Kathy are also planning a return trip to Colombia in Feb and will be taking people interested in developing partnerships with global missions. VS. FIRST UMC It s that time dust off your clubs and hit the driving range. The Methodist Golf Challenge and Picnic is scheduled for September 15 at Kingswood Golf Course. Last year we lost for the first time in five years. We need to redeem ourselves and bring the trophy back to Highlands. Detailed information will be in the September newsletter. Save the date and practice, practice, practice.

4 August Meals On Wheels month. Sign up to help deliver meals August 2013 PAGE 4 1 Thursday 8 am Zipper Club 10:30 Bridge Club 4 pm Membership 6: pm Crazy Love Class 2 Friday 9 am Texas Canasta 3 Saturday 4 Sunday 8:30 JAM Class 8:30 Soul Café 10 am Children Sun Sch 10 am Worship 7 pm AA meeting 5 Monday 9:30 Education Comm. 9:30 Sewing for Charity 5 pm Men s Emmaus 6 Tuesday 7:45 Hummers Breakfast 5 pm Mexican Train 6 pm Finance Comm 6:15 C & Y 7 Wednesday 9 am Women s Emmaus 9 am MahJongg 6 pm S.O.S. Youth 8 Thursday 9 am Kitchen Cleaning 6 pm Crazy Love Class 9 Friday 10 am Marathon Bridge 10 Saturday 11 Sunday 8:30 JAM Class 8:30 Soul Café 10 am Children Sun Sch 10 am Worship 11:15 Marriage Encounter 7 pm AA meeting 12 Monday 5 pm Men s Emmaus 6 pm Finance Committee 13 Tuesday 6 pm Volunteers In Mission 14 Wednesday 9 am Women s Emmaus 9 am MahJongg 4 pm Bells 6 pm S.O.S. Youth 15 Thursday 1:30 Library Committee 4 pm Care Group Leaders 6 pm Crazy Love Class 6 pm Admin Council 16 Friday 6 am Texas Canasta 17 Saturday Homes Tour 6:30 Homes Tour Dinner 18 Sunday 8:30 JAM Class 8:30 Soul Café 10 am Children Sun Sch 10 am Worship 7 pm AA meeting 19 Monday 5 pm Men s Emmaus 20 Tuesday 1 pm Planning Ahead 2 pm Outreach 21 Wednesday 9 am Women s Emmaus 9 am MahJongg 4 pm Bells 6 pm S.O.S. Youth 22 Thursday Newsletter Deadline 9 am Kitchen Cleaning 6 pm Crazy Love Class 6 pm Emmaus Gathering 23 Friday 24 Saturday 25 Sunday 8:30 JAM Class 8:30 Soul Café 10 am Children Sun Sch 10 am Worship 7 pm AA meeting 26 Monday 12:30 One-Table Bridge 5 pm Men s Emmaus 27 Tuesday 28 Wednesday 9 am Women s Emmaus 9 am MahJongg 4 pm Bells 6 pm S.O.S. Youth 29 Thursday 6 pm Crazy Love Class 30 Friday 31 Saturday If you would like your meeting or event on this calendar, you must first enter it on the church office calendar. Hummers Blood Drives - July and Sept The Hummers Blood Drive for July 10 th was very successful with 29 donors attending. Our next Drive will be on Sept, 25 th from 9-2 in the Fellowship Hall. Many thanks to all July contributors and if you gave in July you may give the gift of life again on Sept 25 th.

5 PAGE 5 SERVING US IN AUGUST Sunday Greeters: 4 Bob & Roberta Hoover / Dick & Susan Vroman 11 Dan & Peg LaPointe / Bob & Barb Zillmann 18 Frank & Carolyn Lindsey / Keith & Caroline Blomeyer 25 Eric & Jean Olsen / Bob & Judy McClure Saturday Host & Hostesses: 3 Pat Jones 10 Pat Heald 17 Jane Krumm 24 Jerry & Vi Leonard 31 Jerry & Vi Leonard Coffee Servers: On Saturday: 4 Connie & Merlyn Kiefer 3 11 Lynn & Lynn Manske D&D Hagaman, C. Alessi, 17 A. Bearrood, J. Anderson Lynn & Lynn Manske 31 Visitor s Table: On Saturday: 4 Gwen Kerr / Pat Jones 3 Doris Schatz 11 Gwen Kerr / Pat Jones 10 Elaine Hoggett 18 Gwen Kerr / Susan Vroman 17 Betty Exline 25 Gwen Kerr / Nancy Johnson 24 Doris Schatz 31 Beth Williams Nursery: 4 Charlene Marsh 11 Barb Zillmann 18 Carolyn Lindsey 25 Gail Cowdin Liturgists: Information Table: 4 Terri Fontenot 4 Sherry Picht 11 Dale Richardson 11 Judy McClure 18 Rex Stewart 18 Pat Struthers 25 Van VanderSchaaf 25 Anna Harris CPR/AED: 4 Pat Lehman 11 Dale Richardson 18 Sue LaHood 25 Sue LaHood Newsletter Folding: Marguerite Van Meter, June White and Elaine Hoggett Head Ushers: Jerry and Sandy August Trustee for the Month: Bill Haskins Safety and Security: Dennis Redenius Highlands United Methodist Women UMW is not meeting in August Next meeting is September 9 Highlands United Methodist Men Breakfast meeting Tuesday, Aug 6 The Hummers will meet for breakfast on Tuesday, August 6.. All men of the church are invited to come for coffee and fellowship at 7:45 am, with breakfast at 8 am. The guest speaker will be Susan Young from the Shiloh Museum. A short business meeting will follow. As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another. Proverbs 27:17 Dick Angel, President Walking where Jesus walked makes a difference in walking like Jesus walked. 1 John 2:6 Join Dr. Bryan Fink for the spiritual journey of a lifetime Holy Land Classic - 10 Breathtaking Days of Biblical Understanding March 25 April 3, 2014 All Inclusive Price starting at $2,998* from New York. For more information contact Bryan Fink at: bryan@humcbv.com or LAST CALL TO ORDER A RED SHIRT FOR THE HOMES TOUR! Deadline to order a shirt is Thursday, August 8th. The red Highlands shirt order form/envelope is in the Gathering Area. Please fill it out completely and enclose cash or check. Give the order form/envelope to Marilou Edwards or take to the church office. Do not leave envelope in the Gathering Area. If you would prefer a collarless T-shirt, contact Marilou Edwards, Don t be too hard on yourself. There are plenty of people willing to do that for you. Love yourself and be proud of everything that you do. Even mistakes mean you re trying.

6 PAGE 6 Dates To Remember Aug 17 Homes Tour Sept 15 Methodist Challenge Golf Tournament Sept 25 Hummers Blood Drive Nov 10 Veteran s Day Event Dec 11 Hummers Blood Drive Dec 12 Church Christmas Party CARE GROUP ACTIVITIES in JULY John and Linda Clark, coordinators Balzer Sheldon Pot Luck and Band Concert Vincent Nothing planned O'Neil Indoor Picnic at VanderSchaafs Macy Pot Luck at Pat Struthers Richardson VBS Renaissance Fair Ahlman Cheddar's in Joplin R&M Stewart Nothing planned Snyder/B. Burns B&J Johnson/Harris Pizza at Gusano s Standridge/Frank Rowland/Brumley Curren/Bearrood Nothing planned McClure/Marsh Nothing planned Wood/Willeford Band Concert at Blowing Springs Edwards Summer Salads and Ice Cream Sundaes Zillmann Brunch at Turners Lehman/Manske Band Concert at Blowing Springs Gold Gier Nothing planned Kelly/Brumbaugh Lunch at Wooden Spoon Hagaman/ Hoover Brunch at Highlands ADDRESS, PHONE & CHANGES Bill Miller 2200 Riverfront Drive, Apt Little Rock, AR bukubill@gmail.com Rhoda Platt 700 Quinlan Dr #341 Pewaukee WI Howard Eggert: heggert47@yahoo.com Jeanne Redway: jean.redway@cox.net Moeller s New phone numbers: Jim's number Gerri's number Will and Darlene Whitman %Rob Whitman 853 Scott Park Drive, Iowa City IA Kathy Dunn: kathycdunn@gmail.com Family Profiles In the 4 years since we updated our Church Family Profiles, new members have join the church and we would like to get to know them better. Profile forms will be available beginning Aug 3 rd and 4 th at the Information Desk. Please fill out a Profile form and return it by Aug 25 th to the designated basket in the Narthex, the church office, or fill one out online (form will be sent to you in an ). If your profile hasn t changed since 2009, let us know and we will publish the same information. Questions? Contact Connie Hayford or Joyce O Neil. JAM and SOUL CAFÉ This fall/winter, the JAM and Soul Café Sunday morning Bible study classes will combine to participate jointly in the study entitled, "What On Earth Am I Here For?". This class will begin on Sunday, September 29, and conclude on Sunday, November 3. The class is six (6) weeks long and meeting times will be 8:00-9:30. The curriculum is based on the ultra popular book, "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. You will be hearing more about this study in the near future, as the Education Committee is offering a spiritual growth opportunity for the entire congregation based on this curriculum. Several venues for this study will become available. If the Sunday morning class is something that you might be interested in, stay tuned... More information to come. TABLE OF BOUNTY The Emmaus Seekers Reunion Group is sponsoring a seasonal table in Fellowship Hall where you can share extra garden produce with those without gardens, while at the same time supporting a worthy cause. Here's how it works: Each weekend any produce to be donated is brought to the church. Anyone who would like to take items is asked to leave a love offering in the wooden box. The donations will be given entirely to Saving Grace and everyone benefits! If you have any questions about the Table of Bounty, please contact Shirley Harder. (Saving Grace, located in Rogers, is a local mission all about helping young women (ages 17-24) in transition, specifically those aging out of foster care/group homes. Saving Grace also serves the needs of young women who find themselves homeless and/or dealing with life without a sus-

7 PAGE 7 Our Condolences to Bill Abrams on the death of his wife, Marilyn Jeanne Redway on the death of her sister Gene Maaske on the death of his father JoAnne Frank on the death of her brother Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gifts Given in Memory of Marilyn Peak-Abrams Jeanne Redway s sister Gene Maaske s father Library News New books for August: Michael Brandman: Robert Parker s Fool Me Twice; James Patterson: Private #1 Suspect (Large Print); Catherine Coulter: Double Take; C.J. Box: Force of Nature; Daniel Silva: Portrait of a Spy. FYI When checking out books, etc., print your name on green card and add the date (mo/day/ year). Some signatures are illegible. We are trying to identify someone named Elena M... (illegible) who checked out 9 children s DVDs during March, If you know the parents or grandparents of this person, please let us know so we can get the DVDs back. If you checkout reference materials for a bible class, please remember others in the class might want to use the same materials. If necessary, please use the copy machines for materials you want to keep for the duration of the class. OUTING FOR SINGLES The Highland Singles will have an outing on Wednesday, August 21 for dinner at Ghingis Grill. Car Pool locations will be set up so we will arrive by 6 pm. Call or Marilyn Bullock with your reservation by Monday, August 19th, 6 pm. Check the church website for information on coming events. When traveling, read the newsletter and listen to the Sunday service through the website. humcbv.com NOTES OF THANKS From The Morales: Thank you so much for your wonderful reception and support. It was good to meet all of you. Thank you for opening your heart to us and for being a part of the ministry that God has called us to. Together we are working to glorify Jesus. God bless all of you! Martin and Rossy (Note from the Dunn s...some members indicated they would like to make individual donations to the Morales. A check can be made out to Highlands Church with Colombian Mission in the memo line. It will be processed through the church and sent to their U.S. account.) From Gene Maaske: Cheryl and I would like to thank Pastor Fink and everyone for all the calls, cards and prayers on the death of my father. What a blessing to be surrounded by such caring people. Thank you! A few weeks ago, Van VanderShaaf made an announcement to the congregation introducing a program that existed at his former church. This program, "The Power of One", is simply to place a single dollar bill into the offering plate at each service. He went on to explain: 1) This is voluntary and not something people should feel obligated or pressured into. 2) It s a way for those who give annually, monthly, etc. to participate each time the offering plate is passed. 3) By folding the dollar bill lengthwise (long-ways), the offering counters will know it is designated for the Outreach ministries. The Power of One has been well received with donations to-date being $216. At this rate donations should reach over $2,000 by years end, thus increasing our ability to have a positive impact on the community through Outreach programs. Keep up the good work. COUPLES BRIDGE Highlands Couples Bridge needs regular members and more subs. They play the first or second Friday each month at 6:30 pm in homes. Great fun! Come join us! To play or have questions, call Anna Harris Deadline for the Sept 2013 Newsletter is Monday, Aug 22 at 12 noon. Send to Marilou Edwards at edwardsbva@cox.net or place in Newsletter box in former church office.

8 2013 HOMES TOUR the time is now. Here s what you need to know- and do. Sign up to work one of the shifts or work both shifts. Assistance is needed in homes or with parking cars. Pick up your ticket packet and sell or purchase the tickets. Encourage friends and neighbors to attend the Homes Tour. Donate an antique or collectible item for the Antique/Collectible Sale. Bring items to the church office during office hours between August 3 and 14.. Items are eligible for a tax deduction. No item too large or small. Purchase your ticket for the After-tour Celebration Dinner on Saturday evening at 6:30. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased in advance. The success of the Tour depends on you all of us. Remember, all proceeds go towards supporting Highlands Church outreach missions and ministries. It takes everyone, the whole church, to pull off a project of the magnitude. Don t be left out of the fun and having the personal satisfaction of knowing you contributed to the success of the 2013 Homes Tour. Because John Wesley is known for his quote In essentials, unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things, charity, I thought it would be of interest to look at some of his thoughts concerning the essentials. As to the essentials of Christian doctrine, Wesley was quite specific and quite adamant, believing that Evil was no more the necessary result of matter than it was the necessary result of spirit. The material world is part of a good creation. But when the human spirit exercised its freedom in opposition to its Maker, a whole army of evils, totally new broke in and overspread the earth, and the tragedy of the human situation is that human beings have misused this freedom. They have revolted against their Creator, distorting the relationship for which they were created. A distinction to which Wesley provides a very agreeable solution when he is convinced we can arrive at an understanding of the divine purpose in the original creation for in a degree we can experience both God s purpose for us and the first evidences of the age to come as God sets up his throne in our hearts. ESSENTIALS of CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Michael Callahan, Pastor of Congregational Care This concept of relationship seems to be gaining in popularity within the religious thought of today as our society becomes more aware and educated as to the importance healthy relationships play in our overall well being. Looking deeper into this concept, Wesley sees the image more relationally as human beings receiving the love of God and then reflecting that love toward all other creatures not so much as something humans possess but as an agent who must constantly receive from God what it transmits further a living relationship called forth by divine grace. As we provide a permanent home for this partnership within our hearts, we join hands with Wesley as he resolved to dedicate all my life to God, all my thoughts and words and actions, being thoroughly convinced there was no medium, but that every part of my life (not some only) must either be a sacrifice to God, or to myself even giving all my life to God would profit me nothing unless I gave my heart, yea, all my heart to him convinced of the absolute impossibility of being half a Christian.