Eagle Grove United Methodist Church Newsletter

Eagle Grove United Methodist Church Love God, Love Others, Change the World Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World 421 West Broadway Street ~ P.O. Box 101 ~ Eagle Grove, IA 50533 Church Office: (515) 448-4701 Dial-a-Devotion (515)448-3355 Website: eaglegroveumc.org Office E-mail: egumc@goldfieldaccess.net September 2018 Eagle Grove United Methodist Church Newsletter Weekly Schedule Don t Miss It: Sunday (9/2) 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Fellowship (beginning 9/9/18) 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hour September 9, 2018 9:00 a.m. All Welcome!! Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:50 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. SLAM Youth Group (9/26/18) Friday 9:30 a.m. Covenant Prayer Group Pastor: Rev. Jim Roth Organist: Ann Shriver Financial Secretary: Denise Helmick Ministries: EVERYONE 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship *Beginning September 9th Administrative Assistant: Choir Director: Cheryl Ketchem Treasurer: Tracy Crail Custodian: Sara Ell

Pastor s Pen I can Only Imagine page 1 of 2 Doctor D That s what his two maintenance staff buddies at the power plant called him. Why? I asked. Oh don t get him started! was their reply. During the mid 1980 s, fresh out of engineering college, I worked in the technical staff and needed these three men to code and load the station s surveillance computer to ensure that equipment repairs and replacements would get accomplished during the power plant s 40 years of operation. Thousands upon thousands code needed to be written, and it was slow going. None of the three imagined that it would be possible by the deadline imposed by upper management. The power plant could not become operational until this vital task, and hundreds more, would be finished. Doctor D (uh, that s short for Doctor Doom as in doom and gloom as his buddies eventually told me). Well, to put it mildly, he was the least optimistic of the trio and their ability to meet the deadline. But his sour attitude for this task wasn t the real reason for his Doctor D nickname, it was that he was one of those end-times death n destruction Bible Thumpers. Proudly, yet ominous looking, was on the shelf above his desk, the biggest, baddest Bible I had ever seen! Don t ask! His workmates told me when I took notice of it one day when Doctor D was away on a break, Cuz he ll go off on a hopeless tirade with Bible-babble talk to prove his point, that well, this task is pointless. Oh, they did make me smile, after awhile, when I asked for a status report to send to upper management regarding the deadline date. In unison these three mimicked the Purina Cat Chow commercial Meow, meow, meow, meow in reference to what they were calling the Dead Lion Date. Looking back, I see now they were just yanking my chain as they had gotten much, much better at computer coding and were confident they would (and did) get it done, a few days ahead of schedule. Even Doctor D mellowed some and had a more positive outlook on the future after this teamwork accomplishment. While we didn t discuss matters of faith back then, I can only imagine that prayer was involved, believing that the seemingly impossible is, in fact, possible. For that is what our Bibles yours, mine and Doctor D s promise. To a distraught father whose son was convulsing and asked, If you can do anything, take pity upon us and help us!

Pastor s Pen I can Only Imagine page 2 of 2 Jesus replied, Everything is possible for him who believes. (Mark 9:22-23) To the disciples question, Who can be saved? Jesus replied, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:25-26) A new set of worries and fears was realized a decade later as 2000 AD approached: Computer coding had a short cut glitch in that last two digits were used instead of all four digits for the Year of our Lord. Would power plants cease functioning on January 1, Year 2000 abbreviated as Y2K(?) Would the banking industry crash? Would airplanes fall out of the sky? The Doctor D type people were smug, cocky, at having for years predicted such a disaster. Of course nothing of the doom n gloom sort happened. Industrious workers, like my three buddies from my maintenance staff, fixed computer code throughout the world as that Dead Lion Date of December 31, 1999 approached. Closing now with a hope sign from that same year (1999): Talented Christian artist Bart Millard (of praise band Mercy Me), grieving over the loss of his father, rather than succumb to worries and fears, found through faith and prayer Hope hope for us all. Instead of imagining the worst for the world, Bart Millard began to imagine being with his father and God our Father in heaven. And so was born the song of hope for salvation, of being reborn in Christ, I Can Only Imagine. I Can Only Imagine What it will be like when I walk, by your side I Can Only Imagine what my eyes will see When your face is before me I Can Only Imagine Surrounded by Your glory what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus? Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your Presence? Or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing, Hallelujah!? Will I be able to speak at all? I Can Only Imagine Blessings and Peace Pastor Jim Roth P.S. This powerful praise song of hope later became a testimonial witness book, and then movie, one which was shown here at EG UMC on July 29, 2018 for our monthly family movie night. Highly Recommended! (in case you missed it). P.P.S. In relation to August 2018 Pastor s Pen I now hold the REAL ID Iowa Driver s License. (They gave me The Gold Star)!

Sunday Worship July 22 68 August 05 77 12 69 19 65 26 85 Total 364 HELP WANTED Administrative Assistant Eagle Grove United Methodist Church is seeking an individual for immediate part time employment. Donations may be placed in the cupboard at the front entrance of the church. The items in this cupboard are meant to go to the Eagle Grove Service Center Food Pantry. If you should need assistance, please contact the service center M/W/F from 1:00-3:00 p.m., 510 S Jackson, 448-3743. For further assistance please contact Pastor Rich Taylor with the Eagle Grove Area Ministerial Association at the Samuel Lutheran Church, 201 N Lincoln, 448-4450 Thank you! Please contact SPRC Chair Kerry Ketchem or Pastor Jim Roth for more information.

Treasurer's Report GENERAL FUND YTD July 7/31/2018 Beginning Balance 1,216 6,874 Receipts General Fund 11,719 81,398 Missions 17 1,253 Transfers In 2,960 6,285 Facilities Usage 0 1,025 Miscellaneous 32,146 32,477 Other Turkey Supper 0 5,741 Total Receipts 46,842 128,179 Expenses Programs 48 1,598 Office 381 2,958 Personnel 7,743 52,565 Building 1,735 18,649 Miscellaneous 200 319 Iowa Annual Conference 0 0 Fundraisers 0 1,950 Reimbursed Expenses 19,095 38,158 Total Expenses 29,202 116,197 Checkbook Balance 18,856 18,856 Despite having 5 Sundays in July, we continue to be short $1,006 for covering all expenses through July 31; the amount remains similar to our shortage the prior month. Miscellaneous income of $32,146 is an insurance claim for roof repairs. We have paid $16,000 thus far in order to get the materials ordered, which is included in the Reimbursed Expenses figure above; the remaining funds are in Designated Funds until final payment is due. Designated Funds 19,862 Excess / (Shortage) (1,006) Thank you again for your generous giving. If you are unable to attend church, you are still able to give by dropping off your offering in the church office or by mailing to EG UMC, PO Box 101, Eagle Grove, IA 50533.

Sunday, September 30th 6:00 p.m. Eagle Grove UMC Sanctuary We are looking for adults and youth to help out with the Audio Video Sound Booth. There is a need for individuals to learn the systems and help out on a regular basis or in a pinch. For more information please contact the church office or Paul Wilde to get trained. Thank you. Mission Team NEEDS YOU. Are you looking to get involved with an area of the church but aren t comfortable with public speaking yet or want something that is more behind the scenes? Perhaps you are a middle/high school student looking to get involved in a volunteer church service group? The Mission Team is perfect, we are looking for individuals who are organized, willing to learn how to help others, who can help compile UMCOR Ingathering kits, and otherwise help with outreach. The Mission Team is willing to meet in the afternoon or evening to accommodate your work or school schedule. Please contact Sara for more information. Thank you.

Thank you for serving your church and congregation by giving your gift of time. A/V Technicians Sound Visual 02 Brittney Osborn Cael Wesselink 09 Lionel Johnston Emma Johnston 16 McKenzie Crail Brandon Crail Dial A Devotion (515)448-3355 04 Paul Wilde 11 Kurt Knudsen 18 Marilyn Sill 25 Val Mohr 23 Peyton W. McKenna W. 30 Brittney Osborn Cael Wesselink Need an adult to help out. Please volunteer. Greeters /Ushers 02 Don & Donna Chambers 09 NEED 16 Jim & Sharon Seibert 23 Melody Amonson Evelyn Grandgeorge 30 Donna Hossman Gloria Snyder Worship Acolytes 02 Brooklyn Osborn / Tarissa Middleton 09 Braeden & Adelie Pamperin 16 Piper & Salem Willard 23 Tucker Woodbeck Azlyn Amonson 30 Myah & Tatum Edwards Nursery Attendants Carol Porter Deann Morgan Worship Leader 02 NEED 09 NEED 16 Tracy Crail 23 Melody Amonson 30 Joel Stein Please let the office know if you are able to help out with all areas needed.

Prayer Concerns Dear God, thank you for Your promise made true in Christ Jesus to give strength to the weary and to give freedom from the pains of this life. We ask that you be with our Brothers & Sisters to give them the strength they need and relieve them of their pains. Amen. Jeanette Thurmond is working to gain back her speech. She loves letters and cards. Denny Thurmond has been hospitalized for some health issues. Sheryl Ahrens Shawn Ahrens mother is fighting cancer. Kaelyn Ell has been diagnosed with a form of bone growth disorder and we are waiting for some genetic testing results to determine the prognosis; could take up to 6 months. UPDATE: Kaelyn has been taking bottles orally and we have not needed to use the feeding tube. Kaelyn had a check up with the pediatrician August 20th and he is pleased with her weight gain but advised us to NOT remove the feeding tube as we are going into the cold/flu season and by leaving it we have the security of knowing that if she becomes ill that we will be able to keep her hydrated and hopefully out of the hospital. We are still waiting for the genetic testing and thank everyone for the continued prayers. Connie Jorgensen is currently at Rotary Senior Living South Home. Elaine Carlson Elaine has recently came home. Family of Marge McCollough Sympathy and Condolences for the family and friends of Marge. Prayer List Policy To add someone to the prayer list, you may call or visit the church office during office hours, or you may announce it during worship. Always get permission from the individual first, otherwise they will not be added to the prayer list. Please be sure to update the church office on the status of the person, so we can be sure to have a current prayer list. If the church has not been updated on the prayer request for 2 consecutive months the request will be removed. If you should have any questions please contact the church office, thank you. Cross Wall Consecration & Dedication Service Sunday, September 23rd, the Cross Wall Consecration & Dedication will be held during the worship service. All crosses that have been donated by September 16th will be hung prior to the Dedication Service and donations will continued to be accepted thereafter.

September Words from the Worship Team - WWT The Worship Team has been busy at work since being reorganized in April of this year. Our goal as a team is to support our church s mission of Love God, Love Others, Change the World! We want to offer a worship service that will so impact people s lives that they leave worship as disciples of love and change for Christ! Many responsibilities fall under the care of the worship team including planning and preparing: greeters, ushers, worship leaders, acolytes, AV booth workers, music, paraments, communion, banners, seasonal preparations and decorations, worship time, visitor welcome, social media, promotions, communicate with the pastor, and so much more. Completed work of the Worship Team include: Arrange for special Music for the Summer Help with greeters, ushers, worship leaders Prepare the church with paraments Prepare for communion Purchase 2 telescoping poles for banner placement Movie night the last Sunday monthly Purchase update of Servant Keeper - our church database software and backup on the Cloud Purchase of United Methodist Hymnal and Faith We Sing visual software Upgrade of internet service in sanctuary Works in progress include: Prepare for new worship welcome/greeting station at base of steps Prepare a location for clipboard signup at the back of the sanctuary Prepare for Rally Sunday Cross Wall Consecration scheduled for September 23rd Visitor information card Prayer request card Welcome Brochure Visitor and new member gifts Update church website and Facebook page Praise Band/Contemporary Music options Social Media Team - need volunteers New Database forms Church history updates Please feel welcome to contact the worship team members with your ideas or suggestions. We are always looking for new or old ideas to share our love for others and for Christ! Worship Team members: Betty Wilde, Cheryl Ketchum, Dirk Helmick, Emma Johnston, Gloria Becker, Kellie Poncin, Sheryl Stearns, Pastor Jim, Paul Wilde, Melody Amonson

2018 THANKSGIVING ingathering Celebrating 39 years of Giving 2018 is the 39th year of Giving for the Missions program called Thanksgiving Ingathering. We (The EG UMC) participate in many elements of this ministry: The Quarter Tube for Heifer Project International (HPI) Ongoing Basis (top of stairs outside of church office) Blanket Sunday for Church World Services (CWS) Last Sunday of October (Special Offering) Mobility Worldwide (formerly P.E.T. Project ) See separate page of this newsletter for details UMCOR Kits (United Methodist Committee on Relief) See discussion below: UMCOR KIT UMCOR is now collecting hygiene and school kits for distribution within the United States. These kits help sustain everyday life for people who lack ready access to essential supplies when a disaster strikes. International distribution of relief supplies were discontinued by December 31, 2017. Relief grants will be offered to international partners to allow for local purchase and assembly of kits which are more culturally appropriate. Note: Patriotic symbols, such as flags, do NOT need to be removed from relief kits. In the past UMCOR requested that these be removed to ensure relief kits could move easily through international customs. (but this is no longer a concern) Use ONLY the list items for the kits. Send money for toothpaste separately, NOT in the kit. All School kits are to be in plastic bags UMCOR HYGIENE KIT (Value: $12.00 +$2.00 Shipping+ $1.00 for tooth paste) Reminders for all kits Use ONLY NEW/UNWASHED items. Empty School bags are no longer accepted. SCHOOL KIT (Value: $11.00 +$2.00 Shipping) Hygiene Kits help disaster victims reclaim their dignity & self respect. When people can maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves. Items: 1 New Hand Towel (15 x25 up to 17 x27 ) 1 New Washcloth 1 Bath size bar of soap in wrapper (3 oz or larger; NO Ivory or Jergens) 1 Lg. Sturdy Comb (longer than 6 ) 1 New Toothbrush in original Sealed Wrapper (NOT Child Size) 6 Band aids (3/4-1 ) 1 Metal nail File or fingernail clipper (NO Emery Boards or Toenail Clippers) Lay out hand towel and lay washcloth flat in center. Place rest of items on top of washcloth. Fold sides of towel to cover items. Fold one end of towel so it covers all items. Grasp bundle of items and roll over rest of towel tightly. Place rolled bundle in one gallon zip lock bag. School Kits provide tools for education, which changes lives. Items: 3 Notebooks, approx. 8 1/2x11 (Total of 210-250 Sheets of Paper) 1-30 cm Metric Ruler 1 Box of 24 Crayons (ONLY 24) 1 Eraser, 2 inch or longer 1 Blunt-end Scissors (Metal Blades) 1 Pencil Sharpener (1 minimum) 6 Pencils (UNSHARPENED) with erasers 1 pkg. Loose-leaf Paper (College or Wide Rule) All Items are places in a re-sealable TWO Gallon size zip-lock bag. Cloth bags are no longer being used.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS Ex. Board * 09/062018 8:45 a.m. Fireside Room Unit Meeting 09/06/2018 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall** Martha Circle 09/12/2018 2:00 p.m. Fireside Room *** Rebecca Circle 09/13/2018 9:30 a.m. Fireside Room *** Esther Circle 09/13/2018 2:00 p.m. Fireside Room * All Executive Board Members include: Officers Mission Coordinators Circle Chairman. Circle of the Month : **Martha is in charge of refreshments and Lesson The Sacred Space of Call Page 57 *** Bring Ingathering Items September: Martha October: Rebecca November: Wesleyan December: Esther Important Dates to Remember September 15 NC District Annual Meeting @ Garner UMC October 7 IA Conf. UMW Annual Meeting @ Knoxville October 19-21 Fall Mission U @ Marshalltown Bible Verse for Month : Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over the new wine. S.L.A.M Youth Group News preading the ord s wesome essage S.L.A.M Youth Group is coming. Be sure to watch the bulletin for official start date (tentatively 9/26). Wednesday Evening 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. All Youth Welcomed (grades 7th - 12th Grade) New this Year. Youth Service projects/volunteer activities!! The 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month the youth group will be completing different service volunteer projects, please contact Hilari Sanders for more information & if you have a project or know of a volunteer opportunity for the group to help out with.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MOBILITY, DIGNITY, & OPPORTUNITY The first Mobility Cart (formerly P.E.T.) was designed in 1994. Since that time over 67,000 carts have been assembled and shipped to over 104 countries throughout the world. We, the Eagle Grove United Methodist Church joined in this endeavor in 2010. In the next 2 years we donated 35 carts, thus helping in changing 1,820 lives. This program and others were sidelined while we were in the reconstruction, and redecorating of our sanctuary. But we are going to resume this endeavor and in so doing again support the 2018 In-Gathering of the Iowa Conference. Mobility is an ecumenical mission project designed to help "the least of these" Matthew 25: 40-45. The carts cost $300.00 each, last time we collected donations carts where purchased individually or divided between many and yet others gave what they felt they could with all donations we were able to purchase 35 carts. Mobility Carts will be promoted in late September and October as we need to have our report ready for the In-Gathering which will be held on November 3rd in Webster City. Just make your check to the EGUMC and mark for Mobility Cart. Please contact, Jim Seibert 293-2598 for any additional information or questions.

Like last year, We stated that to put on Vacation Bible School it took a village. Again it is so true and we would like to express our many thanks to the village that put on this summer s Vacation Bible School. Thanks to: Kitchen Workers-Pat Manues, Peg Hill, Sue Wesselink, Bev Walters, Sheryl Stearns, Carol Wood & Donna Chambers Registration Amanda Johnston Slide Presentation-Janet Kramersmeier & Sara Ell Opening & Closing-Alana Alt with help from Brooklyn Osborn Storyteller-Melody Amonson Music-Alana Alt, Brandi Osborn, Tracy Crail and Colton Poncin on the sound system Crafts-Brandi Osborn, Stacy Osborn, Mackenze Ell, Piper Willard Games-Amanda Poncin, Amanda Willard, Colton Poncin & Johnny Pamperin Pre School-Heather Brown & Helpers Brooklyn Osborn, McKenzie Crail, Piper Willard, Mackenze Ell, Maya Edwards, McKenna Woodbeck & Braeden Pamperin Pre-K-1 st Grades-Emma Johnston, Cali Steil & Tarissa Middleton 2 nd -3 rd Grades-Chloe Steil, Cadence Stephens & Renee Withers 4 th -5 th Grades-Kellie Poncin, Madison Axtell & Braxton Steil The mission for VBS this year was to raise money to be donated to the Eagle Grove Community Schools to help cover the cost of Activity Tickets for all students. We are proud to announce we raised $650. Thanks again to each and every person who helped or donated in any way to 2018 Vacation Bible School. Jan Rowen, Alana Alt & Barb Johnston

UMC Vacation Bible School, On behalf of the students of the Eagle Grove community Schools, I would like to Thank you for your continued support of providing free activity tickets to all students. This program remains strong thanks to the support of groups like yours. Jess Toliver Superintendent Eagle Grove Community School District To my Church Family, Thank you for the cards of sympathy after the loss of my sister, Kathryn Niswander. Her Family and I would like to also thank you for the prayers and cards during her surgery and thereafter. Thank you to Pat Manues, Sharon Seibert and Janet Kramersmeier for covering the office during my vacation. God Bless, Sara Donna Hossman & Family Thank you for the prayer shawl & for thinking of me, I use it a LOT!! Richard Hauswirth In Advance, the church staff (Pastor Jim and Secretary Sara) thank everyone for the work in which will be done for preparing and approving our annual church charge conference reports and thank you for hosting the multi-church conference event on Sunday, October 7th (2 to 4:30 p.m.) that will be convened by Rev. Carol Kress, Conference Superintendent for the North Central Distract. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making me feel like family during my time here at the EG UMC. I have been truly blessed to have been a part of this church community. I will miss you all, as I have decided to accept a full time position at the Eagle Grove Elementary School, beginning 9/10. This decision was a hard one to make but it allows me to have the same schedule as Mackenze. Best regards to you and your family. With Love, Sara Ell

Sun. 02 Mon. 03 Communion Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Fellowship Office Closed Labor Day Tues. 04 6-8 p.m. Charge Conference Training @ Humboldt Faith UMC Wed. 05 10:00 a.m. Member Care Team Meeting 5:50 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Sun. 16 Tues. 18 Wed. 19 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 2:00 p.m. Cross Wall Painting 2:30 p.m. Installation Service for District Superintendent, Carol Kress, 1st UMC Iowa Falls 7:00 p.m. Board of Trustees 5:00 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:50 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thurs. 06 8:45 a.m. UMW Ex. Board Meeting 9:30 a.m. UMW Unit Meeting Fri. 07 9:30 a.m. Covenant Prayer Sun. 09 Mon. 10 Wed. 12 Thurs. 13 Rally Sunday ~ Communion Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 6:00 p.m. SPRC Meeting w/district Superintendent, Carol Kress 6:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting 2:00 p.m. Martha Circle 5:00 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:50 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Wesleyan Circle 9:30 a.m. Rebecca Circle 2:00 p.m. Martha Circle Fri. 14 9:30 a.m. Covenant Prayer 9:00 p.m. 5th Quarter Sat. 15 7:00 a.m. Men Meet @ Family Table Fri. 21 9:30 a.m. Covenant Prayer Sun. 23 Mon. 24 Wed. 26 Thurs. 27 Cross Wall Consecration & Dedication Service Children Choir & Noisy Offering 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE! 2:30 p.m. Rotary South Chapel 3:15 p.m. Rotary North Chapel 5:00 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal 5:50 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. SLAM Youth Group 9:15 a.m. Newsletter Folding Team Fri. 28 9:30 a.m. Covenant Prayer Sun. 30 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 6:00 p.m. Family Movie Night