A Newsletter to Inspire and Celebrate Oakland United Methodists Vol. 19, No. 4 April 2011

April Calendar of Events

Sun, Apr 3 9:00 a.m. Sunday school & Choir practice 10:00 a.m. Worship w/Communion 11:00 a.m. Koinonia/Education Committee meeting Wed. Apr 6 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Apr 10 9:00 a.m. Sunday school/Choir practice 10:00 a.m. Worship / Camp Sunday 11:00 a.m. Koinonia Wed. Apr 13 6:30—8:00 p.m. Jr. & Sr. High youth groups Sun, Apr17 9:00 a.m. Sunday school & Choir practice 10:00 a.m. Worship / Palm Sunday / Confirmation recognition 11:00 a.m. Koinonia Wed. Apr 20 6:30—8:00 p.m. Last Jr. & Sr. High youth groups for the summer Thu. Apr 21 7:00 p.m. Administrative Council Sat Apr 23 7:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil Sun, Apr 24 6:30 a.m. RCA Easter Sunrise Service at Carson cemetery 9:00 a.m. Sunday school &Choir practice 10:00 a.m. Worship / Easter April 26—May 10 Rev. Textor on vacation

"We invite all persons to be a part of our Community of Faith by participating in worship, education, fellowship and Christian service."

OAKLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 200 North Main PO Box 606 Oakland, IA 51560 Phone: 712-482-5530 Parsonage ph. 712-482-5539 E-mail: oaklandumc@frontiernet.net www.oaklandiaumc.org

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Administrative Board Meeting, February 17, 2011 Present: Pastor Shirley Textor, Peggy Bentley, Mark Martens, Dick Merkle, Barb Schorsch, Skip Applegate, Robin Jefferson, Merlin Jones, Cathey Grosvenor, Bernie Bolton, Norma Bolton, Mischa Martens. Chairperson, Barb Schorsch opened the meeting with requests for those in need of prayer. Several names were brought to our attention as needing prayers for healing and grief. Pastor Shirley led us in prayer. Secretary’s Report: The Secretary’s report for January, as submitted by pro-tem Norma Bolton, was read. Pastor Shirley made one change to paragraph 10, changing Jr. High to Sr. High. Skip moved to accept the report as corrected. Mischa seconded the motion and the report was approved. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was reviewed with Dick and Robin answering any questions. Bernie motioned to approve the Treasurer’s report. Norma seconded the motion and the Treasurer’s Report for January was approved. Robin Jefferson then brought to the Board a request to purchase a digital recording system that could be attached to our sound system. The purchase of this recorder would allow recordings to be made of any services held in our church and transferred to disk or available on our website allowing those who are not able to attend services to listen. It comes from Robin’s heart to serve the service men and women overseas who do not get regular church services, although it could also be used to record weddings or funerals. Robin has done all of the leg work to get this project up and running. Robin and Dan Jefferson have also offered to donate the entire cost of the recording system. After discussion was held, Norma moved to accept this gift. Skip seconded the motion and the motion was approved with applause. This will make a great addition to our sound system. Board of Trustees: There was no member from the Board of Trustees present. It was noted that the carpet in the front of the church is rippling and needs to be addressed as it could be a tripping danger. Dave Applegate will be contacted and made aware of the problem

Staff/Pastor/Parish Relations Committee: Mark Martens reported that they are still looking for Youth Counselors for 3 weeks in March and 3 weeks in April. Staff and Pastor evaluations are being completed. Lay Leader’s Report: Merlin read to the board a letter from Marty Miller introducing his mission. He will be traveling through our area April 9-16 and would like to share his music with us. He asks only for a love offering to be taken after his concert or a church donation of $350.00. Merlin motioned to request Mr. Miller to share his music with us on April 10th, either during church or a scheduled evening service. Cathey seconded the motion and the request was approved. Sheryl Sindt will contact Mr. Miller to see if we can coordinate schedules. Merlin complimented Veva Larson and Cathey Grosvenor on the work that they are doing with the Sr. High UMYF. He also reported that he has removed the bat that had taken up residence in the fellowship hall. Pastor’s Report: Pastor Shirley led us through some of the basics of our church foundation, using the booklet Church, Body and Structure of United Methodist Church. We reviewed the 3 branches made up of General Conference, Council of Bishops and the 9 member Judicial Council.

Dates to keep in mind: March 9th Ash Wednesday at Carson UMC 7:30 p.m. March 17th Administrative Council March 27th Faith Fest at Hancock UMC 3:00-5:00 with meal to follow April 17th Palm Sunday & Confirmation April 20th Last MYF for the year May 14th Save the Date for a whole church community day! Pastor brought it to the Board’s attention that we need a committee to work on Scholarship applications. Our selections will be presented at Class Night. More discussion will be held at our next meeting. Con’t

CONFIRMATION BELIEF STATEMENTS I believe god as our creator, as our Lord, Father of us. I believe Jesus as the messiah, the son of God and Man, the Christ child, and our savior. I believe Holy Spirit as the spirit of love, hope, and salvation. I believe our church as the people, servants of the Lord, and as prophets that have God’s word in their hearts and spread the good news.

* God—He is real and the creator of everything. Jesus—He is real. Died on the cross for us.

Holy Spirit—everywhere, always watching over me. Church—is not a building, is the people. Where you go to worship/pray, etc.

* I believe that God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church is a family. We love each other no matter what, in good times or bad.

* What I believe about God is that he sent Jesus to save us. What I believe about Jesus is that he came to save us from our sins when he died on the cross. What I believe about the Holy Spirit is that it is God and he is with us where ever we go. What I believe about the church is that it is a family that works like a team and goes to a shelter to praise their father.

* What I believe about: God—He always loves us Jesus—Helps us love God

Holy Spirit—Lives in us

Church—Helps us be closer to God. * When I go to church every Sunday, there are two things I look forward in is-1, seeing smiles on peoples faces-happy, and 2, learning new things about God every week! Believe it or not, I love going to church! :) I believe in God. Although I can’t see him, I know for a fact that he is watching over me every

minute of the day. He is always there when ever I need him. God loves us no matter what. He is the creator of this wonderful world. There have been a variety of different instances where all I can say is- “That’s a God moment!” I believe God, sent his Son Jesus Christ as a baby to come in this world and live with other people, and then die for our sins on the cross. The Holy Spirit or (Holy Ghost) to me, I see this as a ghost that comes into me and makes me want to learn about God and Jesus, and encourages me to be a good Christian. If you ask me, I think that God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit is a three-in-one deal. “I am the Church! You are the Church, we are the Church together!” The Church! One of my favorite things is singing church praise songs and hymns, especially this one! The Church to me, is a place where we learn more about God and Jesus. I feel God wants us to go to church to not only learn about Him, but to also spread words and joy to other people who don’t. I also think God loves seeing everyone come together and smile and have a good time.

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RECALL NOTICE: The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include: 1. Loss of direction 2. Foul vocal emissions 3. Amnesia of origin 4. Lack of peace and joy 5. Selfish or violent behavior 6. Depression or confusion in the mental component 7. Fearfulness 8. Idolatry 9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes. WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus. DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention! - GOD P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!

Because He Lives BEING THANKFUL A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?" The little boy replied, "Thank God he's in bed!"

LIFE-CHANGING MINISTRY—A RESPONSE TO GOD'S LOVE

Join United Methodists everywhere by participating in this special offering that supports UMCOR’s vital work. Your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing lay the foundation for UMCOR to seek justice and mercy for suffering people everywhere. You can be assured that when catastrophes cause suffering, your church, impelled by Jesus' love and compassion, will be in the lead to ease the pain. THE 2011 OFFERING—ESSENTIAL TO UMCOR Gifts to this offering underwrite UMCOR's "costs of doing business." That helps us keep our promise that 100 percent of every other gift you make to a specific UMCOR project can be spent on that project-not on home office costs. UMCOR is a good steward of God's gifts. UMCOR’s top ratings by both Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy attest to UMCOR’s financial accountability. Offering gifts over and above those used to cover administrative costs are channeled where they're most needed. UMCOR's specialized ministries responding in disaster, fighting hunger, alleviating poverty, providing relief supplies around the world, and offering hospitality to immigrants and refugees all assist the most vulnerable people whose need is greatest. CELEBRATE ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING APRIL 3

NO WORLD SERVICE FUNDS COME TO UMCOR UMCOR receives no World Service funds or any other apportionments. Your gifts mean we're right there with hardworking families, people who are affected by storms or war, disaster or disease. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering provides essential support to UMCOR. Without this offering so much of what UMCOR does to bring hope and healing to the world could not happen. HOW YOUR GIFTS HELP Keep the Lights On

Most gifts coming to UMCOR have been designated for specific programs-and those programs receive 100 percent of those gifts. So part of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering plus a small percentage of other general donations support UMCOR's cost of doing business.

AD BOARD MINUTES CON’T Missions Committee: Mischa reported that the committee has met to discuss future plans. The month of February’s 3rd Sunday Offering will go to Imagine No Malaria (previously Nothing But Nets). The Month of March is still undecided but they are planning on doing something with the Heifer Project. March 20th the committee will host the 2nd annual Chicken Delight. A summer event “barefooting Sunday” is being planned where we will be asked to bring new or gently used shoes. Nominations Committee: Still seeking 2 more committee members. If you can serve on this committee, please contact the church office. Education Committee: Mischa reported that it is in the planning stages to host a Women’s Lunch with a DVD for Christian Inspiration. There has been some interest in a women’s group or a Bible study group. There will be a VBS meeting the first week in March at the Christian Church. Old Business: Pastor presented her plans for May 14th, calling it a Community Appreciation Day. Some high points include community project for all ages to help with; inviting a specific group to show our appreciation for their community dedication; sponsoring a lunch after work is done; checking with City Council to see what jobs would be appreciated. Pastor asked that each board member come to the next meeting with a project idea. New Business: Weapons policy. Do we need a policy for weapons that may be brought into our church? Discussion was held and the item was tabled until the next meeting. Bernie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Merlin seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Chairperson, Barb Schorsch. Respectfully Submitted,

Peggy Bentley, Recording Secretary

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(If you have any news you would like to have announced in the church newsletter, please have the information to the church office by the 20th of the month.)

THANK YOU SILENT HELPERS!! Every month we receive a newsletter from our church. This involves our church secretary, Sheryl, and several other volunteers that help fold and prepare for mailing. Being one of the persons who call on these volunteers, I want to THANK the following persons for giving a couple of hours each month in this service. Ilene Applegate, Skip Applegate, Carol Wilson, Lee Knudson, Ilene Parkhill, Gloria Gleaves, Louise Merkle, Jean Blackburn, Jesse Shiffer, Leslie Cleaveland, Cathey Grosvenor, and Eileen Grobe. We usually need about 4-5 persons to accomplish this task around the end of every month. If you would like to place your name on this list of persons, please call the church office at 482-5530 or my phone number at 482-3034.

Dick Merkle

To Carol Wilson and the United Methodist Women Perhaps you sent a lovely card, Or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray. If so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, As any friend could say; Perhaps you were not there at all, Just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you so much whatever the part.

The family of Bradley Klindt

Dear United Methodist Church, Thank you for the scholarship. It helped me pay for school at Iowa State University. God has blessed me in many ways. Thanks, Wesley Henry

2011 CHILDREN’S IMMUNIZATION CLINICS Oakland City Hall, 101 N Main St. April 9th, Saturday 9—11 a.m. May 14th, Saturday 9—11 a.m. June 11th, Saturday 9—11 a.m. Clinics are open to all children of Pottawattamie County ages birth through 18 yrs, who meet the following criteria: Enrolled in Medicaid Do not have health insurance Insurance does not cover immunizations And/or is Alaskan native/American Indian. A $5.00 donation per visit is suggested to offset cost of supplies. EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING

3/6/11-Minutes - present: Pastor Earlin Shanno, Pam Ehmke, Sharon Jones, Leigh Bell, Kristy Rieken VBS 2011 Shake it UP Dates: June 20-24th (3rd wk)-at Christian Church; 6-8 pm - dinner served at 6 Sat, June 18th (5-7 pm) kick off/registration in park: hot dog roast, games. Reviewed space in church for groups. Pam will put together schedule for each night based on space. Discussed leaders for VBS. Director - Earlin Shanno Co-Directors - Kristy Rieken, Pam Ehmke Crafts - Amy, Leigh Bell Storyteller - Pastor Shirley, ?Loree Hamilton Kitchen - ? (Christian Church women) Decorating - Sharon Jones Music -? Recreation -? Discovery Time-? Group leaders -? Pam, Earlin and Leigh will work on publicity/flyers/etc. Will start sending volunteer sign up in church within next month. Will meet with Earlin @ Christian Church first wk of May (date to be set) for next group meeting. Kristy, Pam and Sharon will look through materials needed to get orders placed within next month.

Scholarships Available The Macedonia United Methodist Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to encourage Christian youth to further their education. The Fund has available $500 scholarships to graduating seniors. The applicants must be an active member of a United Methodist Church within the Riverside School District. The applicants must be active in church activities, the community, and home. Applications may be obtained from Gary Forristall, Chairman, by e-mailing gary@forristall.us or calling 486-2511. This scholarship is renewable up to 4 years. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2011.

MISSIONS COMMITTEE The Missions Committee has decided to honor the men and women serving in the military. Our third Sunday offering on April 17th will be used to buy some type of a gift card to be sent to those serving our country. The committee will also have cards in the narthex area on April 10th and 17th so friends and relatives can write a note of appreciation to these people. Please take a moment to sign one or more of these cards. If you have someone in the service, please make sure our church office has their correct address.

These are the addresses reported to the church office.

Tyler Clark, 3717 Neely Rd. #162, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703

Brad Grosvenor, 104 Park Brook Ct., Stafford, VA 22554

SPC Harker, Joshua, DCO 1-168, Inf. COP Zornat, APO, AE 09364

PFC Harker, Jeremy, TF 1-168, Inf. HHC Mortars, FOB Gardez, APO, AE 09364

Jared Myers ET Comm.USS Oklahoma City SSN 723 FPO AE 09581-2403

Jefferson, Bradley TF 168 IN HHC FOB GARDEX APO AE 09364

STEWARDSHIP from Salem News Quincy, IL We often think of stewardship as our annual and special offering gifts, but it is much more than that. Two definitions of stewardship are: Webster’s Dictionary: The individual’s responsibility to manage his life and property with proper regard to the rights of others. Holman Bible Dictionary: Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of his creation. Note each definition extends stewardship to all of the resources God has given us to use, including our lives. Since we are still early in 2011, now is a good time for us to consider how we are performing as stewards. Before considering your stewardship, do a quick inventory of the abundance God has given to you. Try not to think about the things you do not have or need, but instead think of all you have been given. Now consider, are you being a good steward of: Your body. Are you taking good care of it? Do you exercise? Have you had a check up lately? Your mind. Do you challenge it with problems? Do you exercise it by reading? Do you think positive thoughts? Your spiritual life. How frequently do you offer praise to God? Do you regularly seek God with devotions or bible study? Do you fellowship with other believers? Do you have a spiritual life outside of church? Your time. Are you involved in any missions? Are you spending time with God in prayer? Are you active in church activities? Would God approve of how you spend His time? Your relationships. Are they built on respect? Are you forgiving? Do friends, family and colleagues know how important they are to you? Who do you love? Your material resources. Do you have a giving plan? What percent of your income do you give? Would God approve of how you spend His money? Does God get what is left? Remember the promise in Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

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NURSERY

VOLUNTEERS

April

USHERS,

GREETERS,

CANDLELIGHT ERS 3rd Bud & Marsha Beedle Tim & Dianne White Candle lighters Kyra & Kristian Martens

10th Marvin & Carolyn Clark Larry & Lucia Kinnison Candle lighters Emma Ehmke & Haley Hummel

17th Lyle & Peggy Bentley Todd & Lindsay Bentley Candle lighters Andrew Jones & Grace Gleaves

24th Craig & Lisa Hummel Dave & Sheila Applegate Candle lighters Camryn Pierson & Sarah Jones

KOINONIA 3rd Marvin & Carolyn Clark 10th Gloria G. & Jean B. 17 Larry & Judie Danker 24 Easter

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

3th Kristy Rieken Sheila Applegate Pam Ehmke 10th Leigh Belle Kristy Rieken Lynelle Jeppesen Pam Ehmke 17th Kristy Rieken Lisa Pierson Barb Schorsch Pam Ehmke 24th Lindsey Henderson Leigh Belle Lisa Pierson Pam Ehmke

SR. HIGH YOUTH COUNSELORS Volunteers needed!

3 Kristy Rieken

10 Lisa Pierson

17 Cyndy Haines

24 Norma Bolton

APRIL BIRTHDAYS 1 Luke Applegate

3 Joni Gordon

3 A.C. Roller

4 Morgan Weirich

4 Christopher Buckhahn

5 Derek Pierce

6 Josh Mills

8 Stacy Roller

10 Erin Schuster

12 Heath Haines

12 Trevor Jefferson

13 Ryan Hildebrand

14 Danielle Turner

15 Aiden Bell

18 Audrey Hartje

18 Robert Samson

18 Derrick Fulton

18 Chelsie Grobe

19 Dave Wahl

19 Christina Foutch

22 Mary Waggoner

26 Connie Gardner

26 Nick Bates

29 Megan Nelson

29 Chad Obrecht

30 Sydney Turner

DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?" "No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms."

REMEMBER OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN Dane Nelsen, step-grandson of Daryl & Rita Henningsen; Matt Hackett, great nephew of Jessie Shiffer; Kristie Copenhaver, John & Mary Lou Copenhaver’s daughter; Alan Walker; Kelly Holdaway; Josh Harker; Jeremy Harker; Brad Jefferson, son of Dan & Robin Jefferson; Jared Myers, son of Robert Myers and Sid & Tami Skank; Tyler Williamson, son of Michelle Swope; Jon Reed, son of Phil & Denise Reed; Sonja Husz; Lucas Smith, Addie Mae’s grandson; Brian Thornton from Avoca; Tyler Clark, Marvin & Carolyn Clark’s grandson serving in Alaska, Brad Grosvenor, Cathey Grosvenor’s son stateside, and other area service men and women. If you have a loved one in the service and wish to have them listed on our prayer list, please contact the church office.

NURSING HOMES - Remember those in the nursing homes with cards and visits. Oakland Manor: Mary Applegate, Margaret Alff, Oakland Heights: Eileen Haines, Lucille Bentley, Pauline Hogzett Primrose: Lois Allen Harlan: Dorothy Liddell

is May 20

9:00 A.M.

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Rules from God for 2011

1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen.. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3 4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!... To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

RCA SPONSORED SERVICE The Riverside Church Association is sponsoring the annual Easter Sunrise Service at sunrise (time to be announced) at the Carson Cemetery with a community breakfast served at the Carson Community Building following the service.