NONPROFIT ORG. First United Methodist Church 202 West Main Street Marshalltown, IA 50158-5893 a monthly newsletter from U.S. POSTAGE PAID MARSHALLTOWN, IA Phone (641) 752-3668 “Loving God -- Loving People” PERMIT #30 Pastor Dale Scritchfield Return Service Requested February 2015 Pastor Craig Luttrell Whose Church? I am quite certain that I have used “my” language in relation to church throughout my life and continue to use such language to this day. Perhaps you employ such language as well. “We are hosting (such and such) an event at my church this weekend.” “My church is doing a lot of service minded things in the community.” “I am leading a Bible study at my church over the next few months.” “I love being a part of my church!” I do not believe there is anything inherently wrong with using “my” language in relation to the church we are a part of. After all, often times we use such language to indicate a sense of love and appreciation for the body of people we belong to. Besides, we use such language when we talk about any number of things: My family, my workplace, my school, and so on. And besides, we tend to be a highly individualistic culture and so our language is more often than not oriented around “my”, “me”, and “I”. There is a danger, however, in describing the church as my church (or even our church). In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, verse 18, Jesus says, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Did you catch that? Jesus says, “…on this rock I will build my church.” Jesus makes it clear that The Church, including First United Methodist Church, belongs to him. It doesn’t belong to you, it doesn’t belong to me; rather, it belongs to Christ and Christ alone. Now, you might think I am splitting hairs here. Just because I use “my” language doesn’t mean I really believe the church “belongs” to me. And after all, we who are a part of this church are charged with taking care of one another and the facilities and so on. I completely agree we are indeed responsible for these things! I would like to suggest, however, that there is a danger in using too much “my” language in relation to church. Because we are fallen beings, we are subject to selfishness and possessiveness. When we become selfish and possessive about the church, we become more interested in keeping things the way we like them than making things the way Christ wants them (repeat that sentence a couple of times). When we become possessive and selfish about the church, we become more focused on protecting service styles and times and programs than on reaching new people for the Kingdom of God. Many churches have dwindled and even died because keeping things the same (the way we like them!) became more important than making room for new people and adapting accordingly. Worship Schedule 8:45 am—Sunday School* 9:30 am— Fellowship Time 10:00 am—Worship* 2:00 pm — Zomi Christian Fellowship *Nursery available. www.fumc-mtown.org [email protected] Church Office Hours Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - Noon 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm FUMC Staff Senior Pastor: Dale Scritchfield x1002 Associate Pastor: Craig Luttrell x1003 Worship Leader: Janet Collison x1016 Organist/Bell Director: Jan Randall Youth & Children: Receptionist: Jo Ruff x1000 Admin Assistant: Barb Matya x1008 Finance Secretary: Dawn Muller x1007 Custodians: Steve Cherveny x1001 Ruth Jacobson Please turn in articles for the March newsletter to Barb Matya by February 16th at [email protected] I believe the primary role of the Church of Jesus Christ is to bring glory to God by making disciples, who make more disciples, who make even more disciples. It is, after all, the role of the Church to fulfill the Great Commission. I would like us, as a church, to be thinking and praying about how we can focus more of our energy on making disciples in 2015. Are there some things Christ calls us to change in order to make room for more potential disciples? What do each of us need to do to become more dedicated disciples ourselves? What can your pastors do to foster discipleship more effectively? As we enter into the Lenten season this month, and move forward and make important decisions about the future of First United Methodist Church, I pray we all will remember and embrace the truth that this church ultimately and finally belongs to Jesus Christ. Pastor Craig SPRC by Karen Duden, Chairperson Aaron & Grant Fitz, Todd Eipperle, Scott Vial Derek Johnson, Dalton VanZwol, Elizbeth Coble Greetings from SPRC! Our committee has formed an ad hoc committee to review staff job descriptions. Several job descriptions are outdated and we feel it is important to have current ones. This process includes getting input from the staff about their work. We respect the work they do and want to have an accurate description to reflect their work and the expectations of the church. We continue to pray about the position of youth minister. As of this writing, we have received interest from 4 individuals. Our committee will move forward with reviewing the information we've received and will plan the interview process. We will keep the congregation posted. In the meantime, we continue to appreciate your prayers and support as we move forward. Thank you! Rides to Church by Paige Legg We have a list of volunteers willing to drive people to church on Sundays. Now we are ready to gather a list of names of people seeking rides. If you need a ride or know of someone who would come if they had a ride, please call David Santana (753-1318) or myself (485-2598). You can also sign up at church on Sunday. "Singspiration” Hymm Sing First Baptist Church on Sunday, February 8 at 4:30 - 5:30 pm Our own Combo of Bill, Bruce & Jan will provide the music. New Sunday School Class on the “Parables” Starts February 8 at 8:45 am In the Lower Tower Room Led by Steve Cherveny Everyone is invited to join, just bring your Bible. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 Local & Global Missions by Barb Matya     Thank you to Janet and the choir for taking the December soup kitchen. If you or your group would like to help with this ministry, please contact me. Please see dates below. Our next dates are February 11 and March 11. Thanks to everyone who brought items for the Supply Closet in January. We are collecting dish soap for the February Supply Closet. We donated to the following:  Our 4 missionaries (Carroll, Kies, Fogleman, Haenze) - $500 each  Salvation Army - $1,000  Iowa River Hospice - $500  The Caring Center - $500  CIRSI - $500  FUMC Family Fund - $500 . This Month’s Usher / Greeter Teams Dennis & Heidi Drager Marilyn Crosser Jane Markey Thank you Thank you for the kind notes and prayers received by so many in the loss of my brother-in-law. We shared them with our family in Texas and we all appreciate you words of sympathy and encouragement. Gina & Tom Ruddock Lenten Breakfast Schedule Julia IntVeldt Elva Weaver Please contact Lawrence Mann if you would like to greet after worship to help the pastors. 753-6160 [email protected] 6:30 - 7:15 am “Lessons of the Cross”. February 18 February 25 March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25 April 1 First Presbyterian Church, 101 South Center Street Central Christian Church, 300 West Main Street First United Methodist Church, 202 West Main Street St. Henry’s Catholic Church, 211 West Olive Street Our Savior Lutheran Church, 3001 South 6th Street Trinity Lutheran Church, 1011 South 3rd Avenue St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 11 West Linn Street Tuesday Bible Studies by Reva Roland We are studying "Gideon" by Priscilla Shirer. This seven week study will go through February 24th. Our next bible study, "Hebrews" by Lisa Harper, will begin on Marsh 10th. This study is also a seven week session. Classes are held at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 5:30 pm in the Oasis Room. If you are interested in participating in the studies please contact Reva Roland at [email protected] or her cell 641-691-1335. Women and men of the community are welcome to attend. If you’d like to receive the newsletter online, please call the church office or e-mail [email protected]. February Change for Change Women at the Well At Mitchellville You Can Now Hear Our Weekly Sermons at http://http://fumcmarshalltown.sermoncampus.info/ main/ Communion February 1 & 18 UMW by Edie Hodges Monthly Meetings: Trustees: Thursday, February 5 at 5:00 pm Finance: Tuesday, February 10 at 5:00 pm SPRC: Tuesday, TBD at 5:45 pm The family of Jean Ottilie. Paul & Carrie Barr in the death of Carrie’s father, Leonard Grimes. Barbara Graves in the death of her husband, Bob. Lindsey Grandstaff in the death of her father, Rick. February 5 - UMW Board Meeting at 9:30 am in the Lower Tower Room March 6 - CWU UMW is still selling the religious greeting cards. Stop by the church office and Jo will help you. They sell for $6.00 a box of 12. Thursday, April 23 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in Fellowship Hall for the Spring Salad Luncheon. Mark your calendars. We always appreciate the salads and sweet treat donations for this event. We would welcome new people to the Salad Luncheon Committee. Let UMW know if you are interested. We love volunteer workers for the kitchen and dining room. More information will be coming. Missions: Tuesday, TBD at 4:00 pm Ad Council: Tuesday, February 17 at 5:00 pm Weather Policy If Marshalltown schools close because of bad weather, the church office will be closed. Weather Cancellations To find out if church activities are cancelled, check KIX-101 FM KFJB 1230 AM KDAO 99.5 FM / 1190 AM KCCI TV Channel 8 http://www.fumc-mtown.org/ Please notify the church office of any address or e-mail changes or if you desire to be removed from the mailing list. If you would like to receive this newsletter via e-mail, please send your e-mail address to Barb Matya at [email protected] Monday Night Prayer Time 5:15 - 6:15 pm Sanctuary You are invited to join. Church Conference Sunday, February 1 After Church On Heating System February 18 7:00 pm Pick up your Lenten devotional February 8. HOC Supply Closet February Collection Dish Soap February Worship Styles February 1 February 8 February 15 February 18 February 22 Insurance Requirement Please do not sit in the front row of the balconies. Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets Thursdays at 10:00 am in the Oasis. Anyone is welcome to join in. United Methodist Women is an organization that centers its mission on the needs of women, youth and children all over the world. Thank you for the support the congregation of First United Methodist Church gives to the various fundraising events throughout the year. Thanks for your tasty donations, your service and your money gifts. Here is an accounting of projects we give to: $3,500 District Pledge (National and Global projects) Gift in Memory, Mission $115 World Thank Offering $193 State Projects (Shesler Hall, Hawthorne Hill, Bidwell-Riverside) $312 Bidwell-Riverside $2,000 Local Youth Wednesday night, Peanut Butter Jelly lunch $300 Packaging Event $300 Nursery Curtains $166 TLC $100 Good Samaritan Fund $400 Van Orman House $200 House of Compassion $250 Food Box $250 Salvation Army $250 Child Abuse $250 Caring Center $250 CIRSI $250 Iowa River Hospice $250 Blended with Sanctuary Singers, Communion Marketplace Traditional with Alleluia Ringers Ash Wednesday with Sanctuary Singers, Communion Blended with Sanctuary Singers, Kids Sing Exercise Class 8:15 - 9:00 am Fellowship Hall All you need is an exercise ball & mat. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 Finance Committee Report by Kevin Miller, Chairperson Music News by Janet Collison Wow, I am still amazed at your generosity. Christmas Eve service collected over $5,200. We gave the House of Compassion over $4,000 and $600 to two of the missionaries we support. I want to thank you for your generosity which you show time after time when called upon. February is now upon us. Later this month, we will celebrate Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Right now, we are in that calm time between Christmas and Lent. I think for some of us, we become a little complacent in our faith during this time. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?” It is time for us to examine ourselves and see if we pass the test and find Jesus in our heart. President John Kennedy is well known for his quote in his inaugural address “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” We need to change that to say: ask not what your God can do for you, ask what you can do for your God. If we do this, we will pass the faith test and we will help those in need, we will spread God’s word, and give gifts to God that will help our Church to do God’s work. Keep God and our Church in your prayers and again I want to thank you for all you have done and will continue to do. You are all such a blessing. December* Year Income Contributions Building Endowments Other Total $74,411 $0 $5,424 $79,835 $507,618 $16,000 $24,380 $547,998 Expenses Operating Payroll Program/Missions Apportionments Total $24,309 $21,744 $2,321 $26,500 $74,874 $165,189 $306,113 $18,744 $53,315 $543,361 $4,961 $4,637 Over / Under Apportionments Paid Mission Giving Carrolls Foglemans House of Compassion Food Box Salvation Army Student Day Blanket Ministry Wellspring Mission Kies Malaria $26,500 $600 $600 $4,091 $110 $150 $110 $25 $300 $500 $100 $53,315 This month, I’d like to mention the children of our fellowship. This picture was taken right after their Christmas program - what a hoot! If you were able to come and hear our children present their program, you had a real treat. And I’m so glad to announce that the children, lead by Niki Casey, will be gracing our Sunday worship 3 times this spring with more music. Jesus was very clear in telling us how He feels toward children. In Matthew 19:14, He comes right out and says to His disciples: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” As a church, let’s promote our children to come to Jesus, sing to Jesus and learn about Jesus. In fact, Jesus says that we as adults should approach the truth of Jesus like a child. In Mark 10:15, Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” This sounds uncomplicated, simple and straight-forward, cheerful and not full of worry. So all of us, aged new-born to 105, are to be children to some degree. Let’s worship Jesus, sing praises to Jesus, and learn about Jesus and promote that “joy, joy, joy, joy… down in our hearts” just like our little children! Amen and glory to God! *Please note these figures are from December which is one of our bigger giving months. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 Remaining $65,556 Hand in Hand Ministry by Gina Ruddock As I write this, our Hand in Hand group just finished helping out with a new initiative in the community that aims to ensure that no child goes hungry. The Marshalltown Community School District has started a new program that sends small packages of food home for the weekend with kids in the most need. Identified by school staff as needing a little extra help, this program tries to make sure that they return to class on Monday satisfied and ready to learn. Once a month, volunteers gather to bundle the packages that will be needed for the month and we decided to give it a try. 1200 packages were assembled in the Fisher gym, containing cereal, fruit cups, granola, pasta cups, milk, juice, raisins and other snacks. As we walked the line filling each bag, I could not help but think about and pray for the little one who would receive these simple items. Such small treats that will mean a great deal to a hungry child. I found myself saying a prayer for this anonymous child, that it would be enough and that they would feel the warmth that was certainly present in the room of volunteers last night. And guess what…it was fun! In a short time the work was done, the bags boxed up and ready to go for the month. And it was a great way to work Hand in Hand with others in the community.