Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, When I picked up the mail today, in the box was a piece of mail with the return label Leawood, Kansas. Since I don’t know anyone who lives in Leawood, or at least I don’t remember, I was in a hurry to open the envelope to see what was inside. Much to my surprise, it was a note from a member of the Church of the Resurrection. The member wrote to tell me that she is lifting all of us up in prayer that we may be encouraged and renewed to keep moving forward as we seek to be hands and feet of Christ in this world. It felt really good to hear from someone who is lifting all of us up in prayer, even though she does not know us personally. It is heartwarming when one discovers that people actually do care, especially people whom you have never met. It renews your faith in God and in humanity. Very recently our church was awarded a mission award, the 2014 Rainbow Covenant Award, Third Mile. We were given this award because of our mission work in our community, in our state, in our nation, and around the world. Since 2014 has been a little while ago, you may have forgotten the specific missions you gave to in 2014 that made it possible for us to receive the Rainbow Covenant Award, Third Mile. So I will refresh your memory. Listed below are the missions you gave to in 2014:
Through your giving you have shown countless people that you do care.
Through your giving you have renewed people’s faith in God and humanity. And through your giving you have followed the greatest commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Thank you for giving! Blessings, Pastor Karen
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I had intended to write my article for this newsletter when Jerry and I were on vacation. I knew we would be traveling in the car for a lot of miles, and I thought one of the things I could accomplish as a passenger on our 3000 mile trip was to write my article, but I didn't. I did read a good book, enjoyed the scenery, ate junk food, and told Jerry where to go. Now, I am glad that I didn’t get my article written because after listening to Maddie, the Southwest Regional Camp Ambassador, share with the congregation about camping, I knew what I wanted to write about – the joy of attending an Iowa United Methodist Camp. There are three United Methodist Camps and Retreat Centers across the state of Iowa: Okoboji in Spirit Lake, Pictured Rocks in Monticello, and Wesley Woods in Indianola. As I read through the 2015 Iowa United Methodist Camps Events Catalogue, I was amazed at the variety of activities offered at the camps – something for everyone! For those who love horses there is Horse Camp, Atomic Adventures Camp for those interested in science, Down on the Farm Camp for animal lovers. Mud Poles & Fishing Camp is for those who love getting muddy and fishy. Stars Spectacular Camp is for star gazers. At Bike Force Camp you will participate in a bike rodeo, and you can attend Roughin’ It and Toughin’ It if you love to canoe. You can find even more camps in the catalogue. There are full-week camps, half-week camps, overnight camps, and day camps. The day camps are for the young camper, ages four through six. And if you think you are too old for camp, think again! Grandparents, there is a camp for you, too. There is an overnight Grandparent/Child Camp where you can spend quality time with your grandchild fishing, swimming, horse riding, and hiking. And A Friend & Me Camp is a great camp for a parent and child to attend to enjoy the camping experience together. And as great as all of that sounds, the best part of attending a United Methodist Camp is the opportunity to experience the love of Jesus and to grow in faith together. Worship and Bible study are a part of the camping experience. Deke Rider, Wesley Woods Site Director, writes: “We believe in sharing with young people the presence of God’s love all around them. We share the stories from the Bible and our personal faith journeys as we encourage young people to ask themselves what they think and discover more about who God has created them to be.” The church has funds to help with the cost of attending camp thanks to your generous donations on Camping Sunday. There are three ways to register for camp: Complete registration form in the camp catalogue, call 1-800-765-1651 to register by phone, or register online at www.IAUMC.org/camps. Remember- Iowa United Methodist Camps transform, grow, renew, and they have an adventure for you! Blessings,
Pastor Karen |
AuthorPastor Kim Dewey Archives
March 2024
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