A PUBLICATION OF THE GOOD NEWS PRESS

VOLUME XXVII NO. 7 __________ July 2015

Struggling with the Dark

I get angry a lot. Not mad...angry. My emotional make up does not allow me to let anger slip

away easily. It is hard to keep from dwelling on anger. Anger is what doomed Anakin

Skywalker and turned him into Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga. Anger led Anakin to the

Dark Side, the easy path to power and influence. As the Jedi Master Yoda would go on to

teach Luke, the son of Darth Vader, turning to the Dark Side is a constant temptation that

must be avoided at all costs. Once someone gives into anger, it gets easier and easier to

return to that horrible power when the need arises.

You don't have to be a science fiction fan to know that anger is not merely a problem for

Jedi in the Star Wars universe. We all struggle with our anger. We realize that often anger

leads to getting our way. When people who are angry lash out, they are most likely using

the power of their anger to force their way upon others. Anger does hold power: power to

intimidate, power to manipulate and power to tear down. Unfortunately, in our world of

anger, it is those who possess the loudest voices that are most often heard. And trust me;

there are some very loud voices in the world today! While I might understand where many

of these voices are coming from, it is hard for me to listen to words that are said with anger.

The anger puts me off and I tend to forget the words. It is only the anger I remember. It is to

my benefit that I remember this when I am tempted to speak out in anger.

As much as I struggle with anger, I am glad that God helps me to restrain it. The “Dark

Side” of all of us threatens to undo us and everything we preach: love, patience, kindness,

gentleness, self-control, etc. You get the picture. Down in my heart I know I would make a

terrible Darth Vader. Still, that does not stop me from having those moments where I am

tempted to use my anger so that my thoughts and words have more power. (Thank God I

don't have a Force Grip to go with my anger!) Today I pray that the Holy Spirit will diffuse

my anger so that I can enjoy the presence of Christ in my life. It is not my job to overturn

the tables in the Temple. Jesus is the only one I know who can pull off righteous

indignation.

Pastor Nathan

The Community United Presbyterian Church

is dedicated to serving God

through Jesus Christ

and our community through

worship, fellowship, education and outreach. =============================================

PUBLISHED BY

Community United Presbyterian Church

315 N. Vine St., P. O. Box 903, Hartford, IA 50118

(515-989-3426)

Email: hartfordupc@gmail.com Web: www.hartfordupc.org

CUPC Wi-Fi Password: cupcguest

Prayer Email: cupcprayers@gmail.com

Pastor: Rev. Nathan Lamb______________________250-5814

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Michele Clarkson 989-4276

Scott Johnson 205-4397

MISSION COMMITTEE

Roger Beaver 360-4031

Deb Griffin 360-9901

PROPERTY & FINANCE COMMITTEE

David Walker, Jr. 210-7191

Cinda Polito 971-2657

CLERK of SESSION Ann Polito - 681-9519

Attendance

May 31 69

June 7 39

June 14 67

June 21 65

Ministries of Service July

Ushers

5 Cinda Polito

12 Michele Clarkson

19 Kay Eaton

26 Chuck & Gloria Eckert

Greeters

5 Scott & Stacy Johnson

12 Betty Johnston

19 Shane & Erika Laird

26 Jan & Kathy McCaughey

Fellowship

5 Michelle Oakley & Marge Spence

12 Tiffany Ramirez & Debbie Walker

19 Sharon Allen & Betty Johnston

26 Ellie Bullington & Kathy Rodman

Special Music

5 Michele Clarkson

12 Seth Hammond

19 Pastor Nathan Lamb

26 Annika Johnson

If you need to make changes, please find someone

to trade with. Changes may be shared for the bulletin by calling the church at 989-3426.

Thank you!

Happy Anniversary!

On July 1, 2015, Pastor Nathan

and CUPC will celebrate their

eighth year in ministry

together!

Congratulations to ALL!

Happy Independence Day! July 4, 2015

You are welcome and invited……

Sunday, June 12, 2015

Noisy Collection

Sunday, July 12, 2015

June Collection: $115.41

2015 Collections: $663.71

2014 Seed Money: $152.65

Goal: $1500.00

Let’s have some fun, make some noise, and

support the mission of the church!

The Noisy Collection is received on the 2nd

Sunday of

each month—to benefit our General Mission Pledge

for 2015.

August Newsletter Deadline: July 15, 2015

Your help in observing this deadline will be greatly appreciated!!

DORCAS CIRCLE

will meet on

Tuesday, July 21, at 1:30 p.m.

Food Pantry Sunday

July 26, 2015

Food Pantry Sunday is observed on the last Sunday

of each month. Our contributions will be dedicated during the worship service before they are delivered

to the CCA Food Pantry in Carlisle!

Please be sure to bring food pantry donations by the

last Sunday of each month!

Pastor Nathan…

We wish you a wonderful birthday

on Friday, July 31!

May God bless you richly

in the year ahead!

Your CUPC Family

CCA Food Pantry Challenge 2015

2015 is well underway and we are well on our way to reaching our goal for this year’s Food Pantry Challenge!

Join the fun and help collect 550 items this year for those served through the CCA Food Pantry operated at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Iowa.

Please consider joining in the fun in 2015 by providing at least one item per month!!

July 5 Ketchup July 12 Macaroni July 19 Marshmallows July 26 Muffin Mix

MAKING A DIFFERENCE… ONE ITEM AT A TIME!

Worship at

Carlisle Care Center

CUPC will provide worship at the Carlisle Care

Center on:

August 2, 2015

Services are at 3:30 p.m.

All members and friends are invited and encouraged to be a part of this special ministry.

Saluting those who are

Serving with Pride

Thomas Blackmon

Bradley Burrell

Hunter Carter

Brian Casson

Jake Dingman

Mitchel Dingeman

Cody DeMoss

Bobby DuBois

Seth Durham

Joseph Ermler

José Carlos Garcia, Sr.

Mark Eddy

Darcy “Doc” Hommer

Chris Johnson

Janna Johnson

Nick Johnson

Tanner Jors

Neil Langgaard

Adam Lawrence

Rich Lawrence, Jr.

John Malone

Jeromy McGee

Mike McGough

Taylor McVay

Scarlett Merrifield

Trenton Merrifield

Turner Merrifield

Eric Morrow

Jared Newman

Charles “Chase” Oakley

Anthony Perdue

Raymond Reed

Mark Roach

Kent Ryan

Allyson Scott

Tyler Simmons

Jesse Smith

Adam Snook

Jacob Sperr

James Sperr

Tommy Thompson

Nick Vanderpool

Justin Vriezelaar

Rush Wyckoff

Chris Wysong

Please lift these military men and women and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Let there be Peace on Earth

And let it begin with me.

Please remember those currently deployed or stationed overseas:

Joseph Ermler Mike McGough

Eric Morrow Justin Vriezelaar

Please also remember to pray for their families for the sacrifice they

make while their loved one is serving our country.

“The Next Watch” has been founded by Zac Durham and his wife, Kaylee, to assist our nation's combat and wounded veterans through outdoor activities and camaraderie.

Be sure to “Like” this new organization on Facebook and check out the website: http://www.thenextwatch.org/ Both are still in development stages.

We are all encouraged to be a part of “The Next Watch” by supporting the important work this organization will be doing for our country's heroes! Financial contributions may be sent to:

The Next Watch % Zac Durham 7319 Sandhurst Drive, NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

Book Study Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.

CUPC Christian Education Wing If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Pastor Nathan.

When: 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Where: CUPC Fellowship Hall Visit with friends…

Bring a snack to share… Enjoy a game of cribbage…

If you are 55 years or over,

you are invited to join the fun!

If you have any questions, call Bill or Caroline McNamar 989-0149.

Centering Prayer Fridays at 6:30 a.m.

CUPC Christian Education Wing

Come learn about Centering Prayer and its practice on Fridays at 6:30 a.m. in the Christian Education Wing.

ADOPT the BULLETIN BOARD

Thank you to the following people who have signed up to decorate the bulletin board in the front entryway of the church!

July Daphne Hayes August Cinda Polito September Heather Peacock

Operation Backpack School Supply Drive

As school quickly approaches, supplies are needed to assist in making sure all children have the items needed to begin the year! This year it is anticipated that there will be approximately 400 students needing assistance. (This is about double of what has been needed in the past!) Please consider purchasing some school supplies or making a financial contribution (Checks made payable to CUPC noting CCA). Supplies are needed by Wednesday, July 15 and donations are needed by Sunday, July 26 and may be returned to CUPC or delivered to Ann Polito.

Suggested Supplies

Binders—3 ring--1 inch wide—blue/white

Calculator (pocket)

Clipboard

Compass

“Crayola” crayons—24 count

“Crayola” markers—8 count/basic colors

Dry erase markers

“Elmer’s” glue – 4 oz.

Erasers-large (not gummy type)

“Fiskars” children’s scissors—pointed &

rounded blades

Glue sticks—large & small

Highlighters

Index dividers – 5 tabs

Ink pens—Blue, Black, Red

Paper

o Composition notebooks (not spiral)

o Notebook paper—wide lined

o Spiral notebooks—wide lined

Pencil boxes (plastic)

Pencils--#2

Pocket folders (plain colors, please)

“Post It” notes—plain yellow 3 X 3

Rulers – 12 inch with cm & inches

Tissues

Toiletry items—travel size

Toothbrushes

Sponsored by Carlisle Community Elementary Schools

Christian Community in Action Kid’s Hope Program

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please prayerfully consider a gift to assist with the Medical Delegation going to El Salvador this fall.

Your gift of only $4.00 will assure medical care for at least one man, woman, or child!

Even a small gift will provide a big impact for those who need it in Our Sister Parish!

Thank you!

Nursery care is available for children 0-4 years of age. (Older children are encouraged to attend Children’s Church during worship and enjoy the Kid’s Korner during fellowship.) At least two volunteers who have gone through the SafeChurch Training will be available to be in the nursery during worship each Sunday. Parents may bring their children to the nursery 5 – 10 minutes before worship begins. (8:50 a.m. or after) and pick them up immediately following worship. Please provide for your child’s needs while they are being cared for in the nursery. A bag with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes will be greatly appreciated. Please also bring whatever snacks and drinks you will allow your children to have! If you have any questions or wish to register your children for nursery care, please contact Bonnie Nesler at 971-6151.

Summer is here

and the grass is growing…

we could use your help keeping the church grounds mowed. If you are willing and able to mow the church property, with your own equipment, please choose a date(s) on the sign-up sheet located on the wall in the church basement just before you go upstairs to the sanctuary. If you are not able to mow, but would like to donate to the cause, a gift of $45.00 will sponsor a week of mowing. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Walker (515) 210-7191. Whatever way you are able to help, your support will be GREATLY appreciated!

The Presbytery of Des Moines is into change! A new logo has been introduced and is shown above. Be sure to take a look at the new website, too! http://dmpresbytery.org/ The presbytery office will also be changing locations to the Cottage Grove Presbyterian Mission Center when renovations are complete! Stay tuned for more news of change!

The Presbytery of Des Moines Changing Lives: Partnering with congregations and clergy in South Central Iowa to minister in a changing world.

Each month our prayer list will reflect the prayer requests shared during the previous 4 weeks. If there are those who

need to remain on the list for multiple months, please contact Ann Polito at 681-9519.

In our prayers…

Please remember the following in your thoughts and

prayers:

AIB Students, Faculty & Staff as they prepare for

closure.

Blythe & Kyle Anderson as they begin their

marriage.

Diane Bascom as she is treated for colon cancer.

Steve Beckley as he recovers from a motorcycle

accident.

Jim Burnett as difficult decisions are needed.

Carla as she receives Hospice care.

Kerry Campbell as he is treated for liver & colon

cancer.

Victims and community of Charleston, SC.

Joel Clark as he receives cancer treatment.

Bud Craker as he recovers from infection.

Chris & Tami Curry as they recover from a

motorcycle accident.

Kim Dingeman as she deals with lung condition.

Easter Lake Administrative Commission

Gloria Eckert as she is treated for infection.

George Erickson as he deals with personal issues.

Lucille Erickson as she recovers from cataract

surgery.

Jeff Ferguson as he is treated for vasculitis.

Colleen Flaws as she receives radiation treatments.

Terri Foulke as she deals with health issues.

Christina Freeman as she recovers from carpal

tunnel surgery.

Jonathan Freeman as he recovers from hernia

surgery.

Karol Funke as she receives treatment of multiple

myeloma.

Ashley George as she is treated for colon cancer

while pregnant.

Jim Goodhue as he recovers from shoulder

surgery.

Nadine Goodhue as she recovers from a stroke.

Don Hall as he deals with health concerns.

Mary Ann Hall as she deals with health concerns.

Nick Hartmann as he receives cancer treatment.

Lori Hicks as she battles cancer.

Kathy Holton as she recovers from eye surgery.

Ron Hunerdosse as he recovers from a tractor

accident.

Harold Isley as he deals with health challenges.

Nicole Jones as she receives cancer treatment.

Caitlyn King as she receives cancer treatment.

Sandy Kinter as she is treated for kidney cancer.

Del Lane as he is treated for blood cancer.

Nicky Malone as she receives cancer treatment.

Bill Martin as he is treated for pancreatic cancer.

Rev. George Mason as he deals with health

concerns.

Jarrod McCaughey for continued good health.

Terria McNamar as she continues cancer

treatment.

Bill McNeeley as he receives cancer treatment.

Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee as

they deal with loss of pastor.

Karen Meyer as she celebrates being cancer free!

Michelle Meyers as she receives breast cancer

treatment.

Robbin Middleton as she is treated for breast

cancer.

Jan Miller as she celebrates being cancer free.

Michealla Moore as she receives treatment for

breast cancer.

Lorrie Munsinger as she is treated for lung

cancer.

Ruth Murphy as she receives chemotherapy and

radiation treatments.

Matt Nesler as he seeks employment.

Betty Norman as she is treated for bladder cancer.

Denise Peles as she deals with arthritis in hips.

Doug Pendry as treatment is determined due to

decrease in size of tumor.

Linda Polito as she recovers from back surgery.

Jean Pollard as she is treated for ductile

carcinoma.

Cheyanne & Tyler Prall as they begin their

marriage.

Claren Rawson as he deals with circulation

problems in his legs.

Rich as he recovers from hit and run accident.

Martha Richards as she deals with health

concerns.

David Ross as he recovers from cataract surgery.

Angie Sanders as she receives cancer treatment.

Session as they provide leadership for CUPC.

Allie Sandin (11 years old) as she has

chemotherapy for tumor on optical nerve.

Amanda Smith as she is treated for carcinoma.

Diane Smith as she receives pain management

treatment.

Frances Smith as she deals with health concerns.

Keith Stewart as he experiences back problems.

Birdie Stocker as she adjusts to a move.

Carolyn Stradley as she is treated for skin cancer.

Sara Sutter as she continues in seminary.

Jody Sylvester as she is treated for pancreatic

cancer.

Max Uhlman as he recovers from a fall and

broken leg.

Dave Walker, Jr. as he receives a clear report and

prepares to begin working.

Florence Warren as she deals with health

concerns.

Keegan White as he is treated for Hodgkin’s

disease.

Ty Williams as he is treated for a brain tumor.

Cathi Windus as she is treated for breast cancer.

Pray without ceasing!

Splinters from the Board

Splinters from the Board – June 16, 2015

A summary of the meeting follows:

Announced Elder Commissioner and planning

volunteers needed for August 15 presbytery

meeting at Easter Lake property

Announced Fifth Sunday on August 30 will be

Blessing of the Children

Approved calendar date:

o August 30 Fifth Sunday: Blessing

of the Children

Approved church usage requests

o July 18, 2015 Jenn Lamb

o July 19, 2015 Gloria Eckert

o September 19, 2015 Gina Stone

Approved modification of modesty panel in

sanctuary

Approved pastoral vacation request for Aug 2

Approved payment of VBS shirt order

Approved Theresa Link as back up custodian

Approved update of instrument connections in

sanctuary

Approved updated VBS staff

Approved VBS to assemble an Ebenezer

Stones in church yard

Discussed CD coming due in July

Discussed procedure for counting offering

Received repurposing project update

Reported average attendance for May was 66

Reported Care Package offering received was

$165 and 4 military care packages sent

Reported CCA Food Pantry for May: 79 items

Reported Communion served to 75 of 76

present on May 10

Reported donations at blood drive will save 51

lives

Reported door plaques installed on utility doors

Reported grocery cart secured and

commissioned for food pantry ministry

Reported Noisy Collection for June $115.41

Reported occupancy sensors installed in 2

fellowship hall restrooms

Reported old piano in fellowship hall will be

repurposed—suggestions welcomed

Reported Outreach for May: 42 cards, 3 meals,

9 calls, 4 visits

Reported pastor leading book study, prayer

group and assisting with VBS

Reported pastoral counseling, visitation, and

attendance at graduation celebration

Reported pastoral participation in PrairieFire

program and upcoming 3-day retreat for that

program—date to be determined

Reported Pentecost Offering received was

$205.48 with $82.19 to stay at CUPC

Reported progress of ROCK ON VBS

Reported pulpit supply on June 7 was Rev. Kip

Harris

Reported recap of Fifth Sunday: Honoring

Those Who Have Served, Graduation Sunday,

Mother’s Day and South Central Regional

Partnership Dinner

Reported reimbursement form is on the website

Reported removal of 2 tree stumps on church

property

Reported treating for flying ants in sanctuary

Reported voting membership of 89 and affiliate

membership of 210

May, 2015

Income 10,360.17$

Expenses 9,760.48$

Account Balances

JAM Session 1,046.72$

General Fund 7,035.94$

Savings 9,371.38$

Bracy H Hammond Youth Fund 2,479.71$

Balance Due on Elevator Debt 23,090.04$

The next meeting was scheduled for Sunday, July 12,

2015, at 11:00 a.m.

A Prayer of Sympathy and Faith

for the family and friends of:

Randi Bishop

Barbara Byas

Darell Bowlin

Shirley Carter

Clara Dixon

Matt Edwards

Marilyn Ferguson

Violet Fox

Ruth Gustafson

Matt McCulley

Marge Olson

Layla & Beckett Rudisill

Ernie Sudbrock

In the love of God,

may you find strength and peace.

In the prayers of friends,

may you find comfort and love.

On Saturday, August 15, 2015, the next meeting of the Presbytery of Des Moines will be held at the Easter Lake property (formerly Clifton Heights Presbyterian Church). Because there is currently no congregation at this facility, volunteers from other congregations are needed to assist with preparations for the meeting. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor Nathan. P.S. This is the same day that CUPC will be providing entertainment at Pioneer Hall at the Iowa State Fair. Arrangements will be made so that any volunteers will still be able to attend/participate in the CUPC Variety Show at the fair.

Highlights from

“Rock On”

Bike Night

July 2015

◄ Jun 2015 ~ July 2015 ~ Aug 2015 ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

6:30a Centering Prayer 1:30p Senior Citizens

4

5

6

7

1:30p Book Study

8

9 6:30p WAC Meeting

10 6:30a Centering Prayer

11

12 COMMUNION NOISY COLLECTION

13

14

1:30p Book Study

15

Newsletter Deadline

16

17 6:30a Centering Prayer 1:30p Senior Citizens

18 9a–12p Reserved – Jenn Lamb

19 11:00a Session Meeting 1p-5p Reserved – Gloria Eckert

20

21

1:30p Book Study 1:30p Dorcas Circle

22

23

24 6:30a Centering Prayer

25

26 FOOD PANTRY

SUNDAY 11a-5p Reserved – Kathy McCaughey

27

28 1:30p Book Study

29

30

31 6:30a Centering Prayer

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE: Worship at 9:00a ~~ Children’s Church at 9:20a (Pre-K – 5th grade) ~~ Fellowship at 10:00a

Elder of the Month:

Stacy Johnson

COMMUNITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 903 Hartford, IA 50118

JANUARY JULY

1 Megan Sheets; Chuck & Marilyn Casson, Anniversary

2 Travis Goldsberry; Taylor Johnston

Justin & Crystal Barton, Anniversary

3 Marilyn Casson

4 Pam Knight; Lucy Maxwell

Karen Robinson; Bill Schooler, Sr.

5 Laila Pedicini; Claren Rawson

6 Tim Thompson

7 Neriah Goldsberry

8 Gerald Hammond

10 Ryan Bailey; Rebecca Campbell; Steve Robinson

Jeff & Theresa Link, Anniversary

11 Bracy Hammond; Steve & Lucy Maxwell, Anniversary

12 Dakota Buchanan; Matthew Nesler

13 Tyler Millard; Liz Overstake

14 Nathan Goldsberry; Ruth Rawson; Don Russell

Ryan & Heather Peacock, Anniversary

15 Michael VanHamme

17 Allen Brown; Jeramie & April Kane, Anniversary

18 Scott & Heather Worthington, Anniversary

19 Stephanie Maxwell

20 Danson Drake; Fred Eaton; Alexis Oakley

Tom & Jennifer Blackmon, Anniversary

21 Gloria Eckert; Shirley Gooch; Stephen Nesler

22 Brittney Burrell

23 Kim Marble; Shiloh Rawson

Zachary & Anita VanSickle, Anniversary

24 Taylor Drake; Serena McCuen; David Ramirez

25 Glen Gooch

26 Todd Isley; Troy Johnston

Ryan & Stacey Edwards, Anniversary

Scott & Barbara Mentzer, Anniversary

27 Don Hall; Denise Peles; David Walker, Jr.

28 Hayden Edwards; Lynn Isley; Tiffany Noble

Brad & Robyn Witte, Anniversary

30 Karol Funke; Larry Jack

31 Rev. Nathan Lamb; Jeff & Paula Menke, Anniversary

Please contact Ann Polito at 681-9519 with birthdays or anniversaries to add or correct.

Thank you.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES