ONE MATTERS…Keep Reaching One More Person

The Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church meets every year to conduct business and worship God together. That means that every United Methodist pastor in Iowa is present along with many who have retired. Plus, there must be an equal number of lay and clergy people present for voting purposes. It is important that all voices are heard and represented.

Donnie Hendricks, Keith McClain, Maddie, and I spent 3 days at Annual Conference from June 4-6. On the final day we were listening and minding our own business, sort of ready to head home, when Terra Amundson, our District Superintendent and Melissa Drake, our Field Outreach Minister, asked us to follow them. They led us to the front and told us we were about to receive an award in front of the entire conference. I was underdressed, Maddie suddenly had to “go to the bathroom” to avoid going on stage, and Keith and Donnie just smiled. All of us were overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit and humbled to receive the award on behalf of Carson UMC.

The award was called One Matters, which recognizes churches who have grown by focusing on making disciples of Jesus Christ. Five congregations were celebrated, and a brief description of each church’s outreach was read. To be honest, none of us could remember all that they read about Carson UMC because we were a little distracted by where we were supposed to stand. We do know that they mentioned the number of new members we have welcomed over the past couple of years and our small group and health ministries.

Folks, this award was not due to any one person or one ministry. It was the result of individuals beginning to trust God more, love others, forgive and accept forgiveness, heal past wounds, and reach out to others with the love they have received from God. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit has been working in our lives and all we had to do was get out of the way and let the Lord transform us. How could we do anything but respond by sharing that transforming love with others?!

This wasn’t an award that we are going to put on the mantle and gawk at! This was a brief recognition meant to encourage us to continue to grow God’s kingdom. It came with money meant to be used to continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We have been faithful with the resources we have, and now we are being entrusted to be faithful with a bit more.

One Matters is the perfect name for what this award means to Carson UMC. As we have grown as a congregation, we have tried to never lose sight of the fact that every one person matters. Small groups are our way of ensuring that everyone finds a place to build personal relationships beyond a “hello” on Sunday morning. It matters that everyone feels loved, that they know the forgiveness and love of Jesus Christ, and that they share that with others. Each person in our community and in Southwest Iowa matters, and if they don’t have a church home then we still have work to do!

Mt. Hope UMC, I believe that we are not far from making the kind of impact that will be recognized by this award. The recent growth and continued excitement about reaching more people for Christ will bear fruit if we remain faithful and stop at nothing to share the Gospel. Let’s be unafraid to share what the Lord has done for us! -Pastor Brody

CHANGE A CHILD’S STORYImagine what life would be like if you could not read. You wouldn’t be reading this newsletter, couldn’t read a

card from a friend, couldn’t write a card to a friend, and would struggle to get basic information needed for daily life. Most importantly, you could not read about our loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ in the Bible.

So let’s be sure we help our youth with their reading skills. We can show them they are loved and can help them with a lifelong skill. Each Wednesday volunteers can meet at the Elementary School in Oakland at 11:00am and read

Carson/Mt. Hope NewsJuly 2016

with students who show up to eat lunch. There might not be classes in the summer but it’s a great time to help kids get ahead or keep their reading skills sharp.

JACKIE, REST UP BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU!Jackie Akers has been singing in the praise band at Carson UMC since 2005. We’ve had the blessing of singing

along with her as we praise the Lord, and there have been moments when many of us have felt the power of the Holy Spirit during those songs. Jackie, we are all thankful for how you share your gift.

Yet, I regret to inform you that Jackie is going to have to take a break from singing for an undisclosed length of time. She has been fighting through some very intense throat pain and for now the doctors are stumped. It is hard for Jackie not to sing, as she dearly loves serving God with her voice.

As people who love and care for the Akers family, it’s a pretty easy decision for us. As much as we love to hear her sing, we want her to be healthy and strong for the years to come. Her microphone will be waiting when she is healed up and ready.

I had a good talk with Jackie and she showed amazing spiritual maturity. She is sure that God is going to show her other ways she can serve the Lord, and she is excited to see what is in store. What a lesson that is for all of us! Trust that God is working all things for good for those who follow Him. -Pastor Brody

Mt. Hope UMC Mt. Hope is a special place, and it’s time the secret is let out! There aren’t many open country churches left that

are willing to open their doors and GROW. That growth has been slow but steady for the last few years, but with a few activities and curious visitors the sanctuary could be full.

The people at Mt. Hope UMC realize that many people prefer the big churches, but some people still like the feeling of a church surrounded by a corn field. You might have a friend who was raised in a church with a white steeple and where people parked on the grass. It’s only a few miles from Council Bluffs, so spread the word. We are planning a fall soup supper and a fun get together for families on the church grounds. Get ready for a fun time and be ready to

invite a friend. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016

The pictures tell the story. We had a great time at Vacation Bible School 2016! The volunteers were as generous with their time as ever and we needed every one of them. We averaged around 50 kids each night for four nights. The theme was Cave Quest; Following Jesus, the Light of the World. There were songs, crafts, games, food, and all kinds of time to laugh. Thanks to all the parents, kids, and volunteers for this wonderful event.

You know it’s a good place to be when the kids come running in and can’t wait for VBS to start. Maybe we should have an adult VBS and maybe we could catch some of that excitement found in learning about Jesus!

We are happy to announce that we have three scholarship winners from the graduating class of 2016; Brock Bentley, Lindsey White, and Ryan Price. Pictures and a bit about the young people will be in next month’s newsletter.

Carson & Mt. Hope United Methodist ChurchesPO Box 87Carson, IA 51525

A special thank you from Roger Rankin and his family for the generous donations given at his benefit to help him in his battle against cancer. Carson UMC also provided around 20 cakes for the meal at the benefit!

Thank You!