Fri, 25 May 2012 11:23:44 -0800WeeblyFri, 04 May 2012 10:22:19 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2012/05/the-pastors-corner7.htmlAt one time in my life I was employed by an Area Education Agency as a Mentor Coordinator. My main responsibility was to recruit caring adults to mentor young people. It was while I was employed at the AEA that I first heard about the 40 Developmental Assets. Young people who have these assets are more likely to grow up to be healthy, caring, and responsible adults. One of the assets is, “Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.” Studies have revealed that young people who actively engage in a faith community on a regular basis are rewarded with reduced likelihood of life problems and risky behaviors and stand to improve their odds of a happier, healthier and longer life.

A Christian education does make a difference in the lives of young people. Studies show the sooner the Christian influence begins the greater the chances that it will make a positive difference in a child’s life. According to a Barna Group Study nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior do so before reaching the age of 13 (43%). A child’s faith is impacted by their parents, other relatives and friends, their peers, and youth ministries (such as Sunday School, Youth Group, Vacation Bible School).

We are very blessed in this congregation to have people who give of their time, talents, and resources to teach our young people about our Lord and Savior. What they do for our young people, in the name of Jesus, is priceless! We are thankful for these dedicated folks.

Soon it will be time for Vacation Bible School. This year it will be held at our church June 10-14 in the evenings. As always, a lot of hands are needed in order to provide this ministry to the children in this community and surrounding area. I encourage you to contact Pam Ehmke or Kristy Rieken (co-chairs of Education Committee) to see how you can be of help.

Thank you for all you do in the name of Jesus!

And All God’s Children said,

“Amen!” Pastor Karen]]>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:04:28 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2012/04/the-pastors-corner6.html
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Hallelujah! Winter is over and Spring has officially begun. Although when we look outside and see the green grass and budding trees we are reminded that Spring came early this year. Actually , Summer came early, too, at least for a few days. Records that had been in place at least 90 years were broken by our extended 80 degrees weather in March. Des Moines’ high temperature reached into the 80s for five consecutive days, and the National Weather Service said it’s the first time that has ever happened in March – in fact, it had never happened for four days in a row before this year.

And while it is true there have been a time or two in the past when the snow has reappeared in April, even if that happens, it usually does not stay around too long. Spring is definitely here! We can look forward to all that Spring brings.

In fact, as Christians, all of us can look forward to what is to come this month, the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter is on April 8. Like our unexpected spring/summer like weather in winter, Jesus’ resurrection was unexpected. Even though Jesus told his disciples he would rise again, they did not understand. They were lost and devastated at the time of Jesus’ death. They thought Jesus’ death was the end, the end of Jesus and the end of their hope in a Savior who would save the world. But they were wrong. In fact, the best was yet to come! Jesus triumphed over death and today we worship a Risen Savior! Thanks be to God!

Yes, we can all look forward to what is to come! The seasons change, but the promises of God do not. We have the promise of Jesus’ daily presence to comfort and to guide and the promise of eternal life. 1 Peter 1: 3-5 tells us, “What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven.” The Good News is:

“We serve a Risen Savior, and He is in the world today!”

Have a Blessed Easter!

Pastor Karen ]]>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:31:49 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2012/02/the-pastors-corner5.htmlDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Apostle Paul wrote the following words to the Philippians, Christians who lived in Philippi. “I thank God for you every time I think of you; and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy because of the way in which you have helped me in the work of the Gospel from the very first day until now!” (Philippians 1:3-5) Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written to the first church that Paul established on European soil, in the Roman province of Macedonia.

Because I am not able to write a personal thank you to each of you, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely say “Thank you!” As Paul thanked God for the people of Philippi, I thank God for you. You, too, have helped me in the work of the Gospel from the very first day. You have been supportive, encouraging, and willing to participate in the ministries of our church by your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. You have helped to further God’s work in the church and to reach out to those in need. “For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me.” (Philippians 1:7)

Together may we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and continue to reach out to others in God’s love.

And All God’s Children said,

“Amen.”

]]>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:27:10 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2012/02/the-pastors-corner4.htmlDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I was looking at the calendar I have hanging in my office, I was reminded of several special dates in February. The 2nd is Groundhog Day. Maybe the infamous groundhog won’t see his shadow and spring will come early this year. Yet, even if spring doesn’t come early aren’t we thankful for the mild winter we have had! February is the month we celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday, Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Washington’s Birthday, and this year Leap Day. And some of you will be celebrating family birthdays and anniversaries this month, also.

Our church calendar for February is busy, as well. In addition to our ongoing ministries, the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University classes begin on the 1st, the various church committees will be getting together to make plans for this new year, the church will be hosting the Date Night Challenge Event, and on the 22nd the Lenten season begins.

February 22 is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a season of 40 week days and six Sundays and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the word lencten, which means “spring”. The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time of confessing sins and seeking forgiveness by all Christians. Lent is a time to get closer to God. Lent is a journey from self-serving to self-giving. People may give up something they enjoy for Lent or fast for certain meals. Others give up a favorite activity, like watching television or internet browsing. Giving up things we enjoy become love gifts to God, given to God with love and thanksgiving. Making a sacrifice, even a small one, helps us to recall the great sacrifice God made for all of us. Lent is an invitation to “be with Jesus,” to seek His face and enjoy His presence. I encourage you to make the Lenten season a time to begin or renew or deepen your relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We invite you to join us for our Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30pm on February 22, at the Sharon Presbyterian Church and our Sunday morning worship services at 10am.

Let us join together to spiritually prepare for Easter. There is nothing more important than drawing closer to the One who loves you so much that He gave His only Son to die for you so that you may have life and have it abundantly!

And All God’s Children Said, “Amen.”

Pastor Karen ]]>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:02:36 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2012/01/the-pastors-corner3.html_Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It seems like only a few months ago we went from writing 2010 to writing 2011. Yet, here it is, 2012. Twelve months have passed! It certainly gives meaning to the Psalmist‟s words:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:1)

“Let me know how fleeting my life is.” (Psalm 39:4)

There is an important message in the above scriptures – Life passes quickly! Now is the time to do those things that will make a difference in this life and in the life to come. I recently read The Top 10 New Year‟s Resolutions for Christians:

• Practice what you preach.
• Read your Bible every morning.
• Read your Bible every night.
• Pray every morning.
• Pray every night.
• Forgive everyone.
• Do not judge anyone.
• Do not gossip ever.
• Give to the poor.
• Give unconditional love.

Personally, I am not a big fan of New Year‟s Resolutions. But as I reflected on the Top 10 List I just shared with you, I have to admit that if we want to make the most of 2012, giving some attention to these New Year‟s Resolutions would be a great way to get started!

Wishing you a very Blessed New Year and God‟s Good Gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love!

And All God‟s Children Said,

“Amen!”

Pastor Karen
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Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,

When you come to church on December 4, you will notice some changes in our church. That is because on November 27, the season of Advent began. While January is the beginning of the secular calendar year, Advent is the beginning of the "church year." Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve, December 24.

The word "Advent" means "coming" or "arrival." We await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and we look forward with anticipation to the return of Christ, the Second Advent. Now we live in the presence of our Lord and Savior who has come, is here, and will come again.

You will see in the front of the church the Advent wreath. It is a circular evergreen wreath with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God himself -our Heavenly Father’s eternity and endless love, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath signifies life, the eternal life we have through Jesus the Christ. The candles remind us of the light of God coming to us through the birth of Jesus. The four candles around the wreath represent the four Sundays of Advent and the center candle is called the Christ candle representing Christmas Day, the birthday of God’s Son, the Savior of the world!

As we join together for worship this Advent season, take some time to look around you. Look at the changes in the church. Look also at the person in front of you, the person in back of you, the person to your right and the person to your left. Shake their hands, smile at them ,welcome them in Christ’s love. Enjoy being in the presence of God and worshiping with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Through the Spirit of God, may the love of Christ and the love of one another change us, too, so that we can more and more reflect the light of Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Wishing you a "life changing" Advent Season and a very Blessed Merry Christmas!

And All God’s Children Said,

"―Amen."
]]>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:54:13 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2011/11/the-pastors-corner1.htmlDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In this constantly changing uncertain world that we live in, we need our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In uncertain times, it is good, in fact necessary to remember that the God we worship remains the same. God does not change. Our money says, “In God, We Trust.” This statement is a statement of faith, one we can profess in the good times and the bad. Regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, God is here with us –loving us, forgiving us, guiding us, caring for us. We serve a God who loves us more than we can even begin to imagine. Psalm 100 instructs us to:


“Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is He that made us, and we are His.

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him and bless His name.

For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever,

And his faithfulness to all generations.”


Coming before the Lord with thanksgiving is a good thing to do. Someone once told me that grateful people are happy people. And I believe that to be true. Remember the old hymn, “Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One.” Counting our blessings helps us to maintain a positive hopeful outlook on life. As we praise God for all he has done for us and through us, we naturally draw nearer to God, feel more of His presence, more of His peace and joy and grace in our lives.

This Thanksgiving Season may we all take the advice of the Psalmist . Let us gather together, as the children of God ,to worship our Lord and Savior and thank God for our many blessings. 

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

And All God’s Children Said,

“Amen!”

Pastor Karen

• Pastor Karen would like to make some home visits.
• If you would like her to visit you, please call the
• church office.

]]>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 06:02:27 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2011/10/the-pastors-corner.htmlTHE PASTOR’S CORNER


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I am writing this letter to all of you, I am looking at the September calendar and wondering where August went. And by the time you read this, many of us will be wondering where September went. Time does have a way of slipping away from us. Apostle Paul had wise words to share with regard to ―time slipping away.‖ In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote, "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the Word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:2-6)


Making the most of the time. How do we make the most of the time we have? Something to think about! John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, had some suggestions on how to live our lives in order to make the most of the time we have:

1) Do No Harm

2) Do Good

3) Stay in Love with God


Reuben P. Job, retired United Methodist Bishop, in his book Three Simple Rules, A Wesleyan Way of Living, shares his thoughts about Wesley‘s three rules for living. Job offers the following prayer to help us begin our day:


Inviting God’s Intervention in Our Lives

“Loving Teacher, come and make your home in our hearts this day. Dwell within us all day long and save us from error or foolish ways. Teach us today to do no harm, to do good, and assist us that we may stay in loving relationship with you and our neighbor. Help us today to be an answer to another’s prayer so that we may be one of your signs of hope in the world you love.”

At the end of the day, Job suggests a time of reflection wherein we:

Remember: A time of reflection on the day‘s experiences. Note the positive and the negative experiences and ask, ―How have I contributed to each. What is God saying to me through the events of this day?‖

Confess: A time of owning up to our own weakness, failure, and sin.

Forgive: A time of asking for and accepting God‘s forgiveness and a time of offering forgiveness to ourselves and to all who may have injured us or those we love.

Give thanks: Give thanks for each of the gifts of life that God has granted this day.

How are you making the most of your time?

Something to think about…….

And All God‘s Children Said,

"Amen"

Pastor Karen




]]>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:03:56 -0800http://www.oaklandiaumc.org/4/post/2011/09/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am continually amazed at how God continues to work in our lives. Christian author, Max Lucado, wrote the following words in one of his books, “God loves you the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way.” Praise God for that!

A while back, I attended a workshop on stewardship.  David S. Bell, Director of the Center for Christian Stewardship at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, was the presenter. He began the workshop by asking us what we learned as children about money. Some of the responses were as follows:

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

“Save for a rainy day.”

“You can’t take it with you.”

“Money is the root of all evil.”

My response was similar to “save for a rainy day.” As a child, my parents taught me it was better to save money than to spend it. It is true that childhood experiences with money, to some extent, influence the way we think about money as adults. However, as adult disciples of Jesus Christ, we need to know what he Bible has to say about money and let the Word of God influence our thinking about money. The scriptures teach us that everything we have comes as a gift from God. “The world and all that is in it belong o the Lord, the earth and all who live on it are His.” (Psalm 24:1)

God has chosen to share His world with all of us.  Often times we don’t know what is around the corner.  We have to walk by faith. And as we step out in faith, we learn that God is faithful and can be trusted. God is good at providing us opportunities to grow in our faith. One opportunity to grow in our faith has to do with our giving. Most people are not natural givers. I think our tendency more often is to hang on to what we have for fear we won’t have enough for the future, When God calls us to give, which God does throughout the Bible, answering God’s call often times requires a step of faith. Do we have faith in God’s promises with regard to giving? One of my most favorite scriptures about giving is found in Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. Paul writes,

“ Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not
with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the
one who gives gladly. And God is able to give you
more than you need, so that you will always have all
you need for yourselves and more than enough for
every good cause. As the scripture says, ‘He gives
generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever.’
And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread
to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need
and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from
your generosity.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-10)

In the days to come, may we all think about the opportunity we have been given to grow in our faith through giving. Thanks be to God!

And All God’s Children said,

“Amen”

Pastor Karen
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