september 2011 anchor newsletter
DESCRIPTION
St. Paul's United Methodist ChurchTRANSCRIPT
A publication of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church ● Williamsburg, IA
No. 9 ● September 2011
Vision Statement: ...to be a church where you can SEE Christ
Not too long ago I was fully confident when picking out new clothes. I knew my sizes
and they were consistent. However, more recently I have noticed that I do not always fit into the
clothes that I think should fit. My mind apparently needs to catch up with my body.
So now I do not buy clothes without trying them on first. I can blame it on the clothes
and say that sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, but the truth is probably that I am the one
who varies. So I try it on to be sure it fits the way I want it to.
On September 11th, we will begin a 6 week series focusing on the scripture passage of Luke 15:11-32, most
often called the parable of the prodigal son. We will focus on this passage during our Sunday morning services, but also
offer small groups and a book that correspond to the messages. I think this one passage that may be familiar to us holds
some truths that will be important for us to remember.
What I am going to invite you to do is to be sure to try on a small group if you are not already in one. Some
people are hesitant to get into a small group because it may not fit. That is why this small group will only be six
sessions. After the six sessions, if it does not fit, feel free to try something else. But at least give it a try because I
believe it is through small groups that God teaches us the meaning of love, grace and community. If it does fit, then feel
free to keep meeting together and Pastor Helen can help you find other material to study.
I am also offering a large group on Wednesday nights for those who need a little more cushion in their groups.
We will meet in the sanctuary during 611 and go over the same material as the small groups.
I highly encourage everyone to try on a small group during our study of the “Prodigal God, Finding Your Place
at the Table” because there is a powerful message in this study and God does amazing things in community. Just try it
on for 6 weeks and see what you think.
As for me, I am also thinking about joining a gym to work on my waist, but I really hope they offer a trial
membership so I can try it first and be sure it is right for me.
By
Rev.
James
Parks
“Find Your Place at the Table” Family Style Lunch
Sunday, September 11th at 11:45am Have your family make a reservation for this wonderful
lunch of Fried Chicken, Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes &
Gravy, Green Beans, a variety of salads and bread pudding
for dessert, all prepared by Chef Jeff in celebration of our
kick-off of “The Prodigal God”. The cost is only $3 each
(age 2 and under free). You must have a reservation by
Wednesday, September 7th to enjoy this delicious meal.
Prodigal God Groups Our hope is that every adult will commit to a
Prodigal God group for 6 weeks. Sign up at
the table in the Fellowship Hall.
Sundays
9:30am in Pastor James’ office
6:00pm at the Rebelsky’s
6:00pm in Classroom C
Wednesdays
10:00am in Classroom C
6:30pm in the Sanctuary
6:30pm women’s study
in the church office
Thursdays
6:00pm at the Fleming’s
Pick up your book in the
Fellowship Hall for $5 each.
611 Fall Kick-off and Parent Meeting, Wednesday, September 7th! We hope to see all families as we start 611 for this school year. The evening will begin with a potluck meal at 5:45pm with the
children and youth activities starting at 6:21pm. There will be a parent meeting for nursery through high school parents at 6:30pm in
the Sanctuary. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend this. All other adults can visit in the Fellowship Hall and kitchen. Adult
Choir will have their choir practice at 7:30pm if anyone new would like to participate in our Traditional Service Choir.
611 Weekly Schedule starts Wednesday, September 14th 5:45pm Meal (Potluck the first Wednesday of each month)
$3 for 2 slices of pizza, salad, drink, dessert (2nd and 4th Wednesdays)
$3 catered meal by Chef Jeff (3rd Wednesday)
6:11pm Gathering of Children, Youth and Adults in the Sanctuary
Infant-2 yrs. in the Nursery
3-5 yrs. in the Preschool room
6:21pm Kids’ Club (K-4th Grade) in new Children’s Corner
I-POGS (5th & 6th Grade) in Lobby
Confirmation (7th & 8th Grade) in Pastor James’ Office
Senior High (9th-12th Grade) in Classroom C
“Prodigal God” Large Group in Sanctuary
Women’s Group in Church Office
7:21pm Families head safely home!
7:30pm Chancel Choir Practice in the Sanctuary
Bibles for our 3rd Graders Sunday, September 18th, our 3rd graders will
receive Bibles during worship. We are proud of these
youth as they continue to grow in their faith. We hope
to see all the family and friends of these 3rd graders as
we worship with them on Sunday, September 18th.
Please let these 3rd graders know how proud we are
of them: Raif Axmear, Lily Fairchild, Sam Lane, Ellie Phillips,
Matti Rebelsky, Mackenzie Reif, Eli Slaymaker, Felipe Stevenson,
Kyler Thurm, Paige Wieck, and Brody Zimmerman. Please let
Pastor Helen know if there are any other 3rd graders to congratulate.
SAVE THE DATE!! CROP Walk Sunday, September 18th at 12:00noon
CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) is a
community-wide response of Church World Service (www.churchworldservice.org).
Church World Service is a cooperative ministry of many denominations, providing
sustainable self-help and development, disaster relief, and refugee assistance in 80
countries. The reason we walk is because many people around the world need to walk
many miles for food and clean drinking water.
This year's walk will be on Sunday, September 18th starting at 12:00noon.
25% of all money collected will remain in Iowa County, funding the Iowa County Food
Bank to assist with hunger in our own community. Food bank usage has increased more
than 30% in the last three years. We invite all members to join us, and invite your
friends, family, and neighbors to make this a successful community-wide event.
We will be joining with First Lutheran Church of Conroy at First Presbyterian
Church (across from the Casey’s) for a light lunch at noon and then start the walk.
Fundraising packets are available, so please start collecting donations and recruiting
participants. Contact Melanie Ahrens at (319) 930-2397 with questions.
Estate Planning Seminar
Sunday, September 11th 12:45-2:00pm We are excited to have Kevin Gowdy, Executive
Director of the Iowa United Methodist Foundation here
for a program on Wills & Estates. Included in the
program will be discussions on:
Planning estates with both a Stewardship and
Taxation “angel”
How a Christian’s Will can be the instrument
through which families are protected, peace of mind
is achieved and important gifts are made.
Tools used for taking inventory of your estate
Living Wills and Medical Power of Attorney
Ethical Wills
The use of Wills
We believe this program is another
step in helping each of us to be good
stewards of the many blessings God
has given us. Childcare is available
during the program.
Sunday Morning Club starts September 11th at 9:30am
We are excited about Sunday mornings at St. Paul’s UMC. Along with our
3 worship services, there are discipleship opportunities at 9:30am:
Infant-2yrs old: “New Beginnings” in the Nursery
3-5 yrs. Old: “Main Street Parables” in the Preschool Room
K-4th Grade: “Main Street Parables” in Children’s Corner
I-POGs (5th & 6th Grade): Tween Bible Fun in Classroom A
SPUMY (St. Paul’s United Methodist Youth) 7th-12th Grade in
Classroom C
Adult Small Group: “The Prodigal God” in Pastor James’ Office
Discipleship Supplies Needed! Here’s your chance to Get in the Game in a
different way! Bring in your donation by
Wednesday, Sept. 7th:
Duct tape
Old cd’s
Quart size freezer bags
White cardstock
Quarters/Dimes
Grape juice
bags (not boxes)
Baking soda
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
803 Clearview Drive, PO Box 559,
Williamsburg, IA 52361
Phone: 319-668-2288
Website: www.stpaulsumcwilliamsburg.com
Lead Pastor: Rev. James Parks
● Email: [email protected]
Associate Pastor of Discipleship:
Rev. Helen Parks
● Email: [email protected]
Director of Congregational Care: Teresa Fleming
● Email: [email protected]
Administrative Assistant: Sonja Parsons
● Email: [email protected]
Facility Manager: Jason Kersten
● Email: [email protected]
Discipleship Assistant: Jennifer Schwenke
● Email: [email protected]
Coordinator of Children’s Discipleship: Tina Schafbuch
● Email: [email protected]
Preschool Coordinator: Jodi Geels
● Email: [email protected]
Choir Director: Steve Manning
Organist: Sue Heitmann
St. Paul’s UMC office hours:
9:00am to 3:00pm Mon. - Fri.
Editor: Sonja Parsons
Deadline for news for the October
ANCHOR is September 23rd. Email info to
Sonja or drop it off at the Church.
Vital Statistics Worship Attendance
July 31 239
August 7 268
August 14 181
August 21 254
August 28 203 As of 7/31/11
Total Tithes/General Offering - $143,857
Total Other Income - $10,432
Total Expenses - $165,241
Joys
Congratulations!
Baptism: Tenley Heitman, daughter
of Andy & Brittni Heitman on
August 7th.
Births: Kara Anne, daughter of
Brandon & Ashley Dietrich born on
August 16th.
Weddings: Kaytee Kleinmeyer to
Geoff Knoop on August 27th.
World Prayer Focus
“World Suicide Prevention” World Suicide Prevention Day on September
10th promotes worldwide commitment and action
to prevent suicides. On average, almost 3000
people commit suicide daily. For every person
who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt
to end their lives. With the sponsoring
International Association for Suicide Prevention,
WHO (World Health Organization) and other
partners advocate for the prevention of suicidal
behavior, provision of adequate treatment and
follow-up care for people who attempted suicide,
as well as responsible reporting of suicides in the
media. At the global level, awareness needs to be
raised that suicide is a major preventable cause of
premature death. Governments need to develop
policy frameworks for national suicide prevention
strategies. At the local level, policy statements
and research outcomes need to be translated into
prevention programs and activities in
communities.
Through knowledge and prayer
we can change the world.
Informational Lunch for
2012 Puerto Rico Mission Trip
Sunday, October 9th
11:30am-1:00pm If you are at least 16 years old, love
the Lord and want to experience
cross-cultural mission work then St.
Paul’s UMC has the opportunity for
you. The cost is an estimated $700
per person before fundraisers,
depending on flight cost. This
meeting will be to discuss trip plans,
brainstorm about fundraising ideas
and Puerto Rico service projects. If
you would like to attend this lunch,
contact Pastor Helen at 668-2288 or
Please continue to lift up family and friends of
Marv Doschadis with his death on August 7th. We
have also had numerous deaths in our community
and surgeries in our congregation, so continue to
pray for healing there as well.
Concerns
Getting to Know: Jodi Geels, Preschool Coordinator A HUGE Red Sox and Patriots fan...you may not recognize her if she’s not wearing her Red Sox hat!
Jodi grew up in Boone, IA, spent 2 years at DMACC, moved to NYC, Boston, then to Denver where she met and
married Joel Geels in January 2001. After having their son, Jack (now in 2nd grade), they moved to Atlanta
where their daughter, Jaiden was born prematurely at 1 lb., 6 oz. (now in preschool). Jodi and Joel moved back to
Iowa in August 2008, knowing that’s where they wanted to raise their family and LOVE being a part of the
Williamsburg community.
Joel works as a Project Mgr. for Garling Construction and is completing the new library here in town as
well as the new addition to our High School. Jodi, a stay at home mom, has just began a new daycare out of their
home this year. “My new position as Preschool Coordinator should be an adventure for sure-I love the kids and
helping them learn how to live out their own love of Christ! It’s also a way for me to keep my own faith fresh...I learn every day from
questions they ask and questions they don’t even THINK to ask because their faith is so strong!”
Knowing that God wants her to serve, Jodi tries many things and then keeps serving where He wants her to be. “You will
never know if you don’t try! Every team needs YOU-whether that be your family team, your soccer team or your church team...plug in
and GET IN THE GAME! It is healing and joyous to serve others and fill in where there is a need.”
Extra! Extra! Extra! Life’s Motto: BE the change you wish to SEE in the world!
Favorite quotes: “We’re all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” - Chuck Swindoll
“History, despite it’s wrenching pain, cannot be UNlived. However, if faced with courage, need NOT be lived again” - Maya Angelou.
Favorite scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge
Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“There is so much we don’t understand...to have faith is the only way to live!”-Jodi Geels
Kara Anne Dietrich
Choir Practice Starting!
We’d like to invite anyone who
likes to sing to join our choir.
The choir sings at the 8:30am
worship service most Sundays
throughout the school year.
Practices will be Wednesday
nights at 7:30pm starting
Wednesday, September 7th.
SPUMY
NEWS
The ANCHOR (USPS 100-090) is published monthly by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 803 Clearview Drive, Williamsburg IA 52361
Periodical Postage Paid at Williamsburg, IA
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The ANCHOR, PO Box 559, Williamsburg IA 52361
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Williamsburg, IA After an awesome summer together, we are ready for a great fall full
of church activities for all ages. We hope to see your family at the
return of Wednesday night 611 and Sunday Morning Club in
September! See you there!
Wednesday, September 7th 5:45pm—Potluck & 611 Activities
6:11pm Infant-2yrs old: “New Beginnings” in the Nursery and
3-5 yr olds in the Preschool Room
6:21pm Kids’ Club (K-4th grade) in new Children’s Corner
Sunday, September 11th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
Infant-2yrs old: “New Beginnings” in the Nursery
3-5 yr olds: “Main Street Parables” in the Preschool Room
K-4th grade: “Main Street Parables” in the new
Children’s Corner
I-POG’s (5th & 6th grade): Tween Bible Fun in Classroom A
Wednesday, September 14th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal &
Activities
Sunday, Sept. 18th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
12:00 noon—Crop Walk for all ages
Wednesday, September 21st 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal &
Activities
Sunday, Sept. 25th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
Wednesday, September 28th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal &
Activities
Wednesday, September 7th 5:45pm—Potluck & 611 Jr. High
for our 7th and 8th graders will meet in Pastor James’ Office and
will be led by Pastor Helen and Jeremy Loria. Senior High for our
9th-12th graders will meet in Classroom C and will be led by
Christy Axmear and Jason Kersten.
Sunday, September 11th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
7th-12th graders will be meeting in Classroom C and will be led
by Melanie & Chris Ahrens.
Wednesday, September 14th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal and Jr.
High/Sr. High
Sunday, September 18th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
11:30am—SPUMY to Crop Walk & Hanging Out We will head
to the Presbyterian Church for lunch and the Williamsburg
Community Crop Walk. Melanie Ahrens is coordinating this
community event to raise money for and awareness of world
hunger. After walking with our brothers and sisters in Christ,
we will take time to hang out. For more information, contact
Melanie Ahrens at (319) 930-2397.
Wednesday, September 21st 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal and Jr.
High/Sr. High
Sunday, September 25th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
Looking ahead: Friday, October 14th 5:30-11:00pm Road Trip to
CCA Game/5th Quarter at Ashley & Brenna’s house
Friday, November 4th SPUMY Overnight-more info to come, but
save the date!
“You are young, but do not let anyone treat you as if you are not important. Be an example
to show the believers how they should live. Show them with your words, with the way
you live, with your love, with your faith, and with your pure life.” 1 Timothy 4:12