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The Pastor's Corner

8/2/2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate our
birthdays together! The All Church Birthday Party will be held on Sunday, August 19.

This year we will do things a little differently. We invite you to join us for a light meal at 6pm (food and drink will be provided). Larry and Jane Kies, missionaries serving Africa University in Zimbabwe, will be our special guests. Jane is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries teaching intensive English to students from non-English-speaking countries at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, southern Africa. Jane was born in Ndola, Zambia and grew up in Africa and England. Jane’s husband, Larry, Is also a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global ministries serving as technical advisor to the Africa University Farm. Larry grew up near Jessup, Iowa, where his parents gave him his love of farming and sense of global mission. Larry and Jane have four children.

The Kies will share about their missionary experiences following the 6 pm meal. Around 7pm we will gather around our respective birthday tables and enjoy celebrating our birthdays together.

We hope you can join us for this special time in the life of the church!

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THE PASTOR’S CORNER

6/29/2012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

July 1 marks the one year anniversary of our time in ministry together. I thought for this month’s newsletter it might be fun to do an “Oakland UMC Year in Review.” Following are some of the highlights of the last 12 months:

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

Ecumenical Service in the Park
Potluck Noon Meal to Welcome Pastor
Fill-A-Pew Sunday
Ongoing Women’s Bible Study

Blessing of the Backpacks
Ice Cream Social for Soles-4-Souls
All Church Birthday Party

First Hispanic Worship Service at Oakland UMC
Bible Presentation/Teacher Recognition Sunday
Sunday School Begins
Jr. & Sr. High Youth Groups Begin
Picture Taking for Church Pictorial Directory

World Communion Sunday
Offering Taken to Purchase Items for Layettes
Cluster Charge Conference
Harmony Circle Meets

Thanksgiving Ingathering
All Saints Sunday
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Dinner
Hanging of the Greens & Soup Luncheon

Movie Night
Sunday School Christmas Program
Candlelight Service

Sunday School Youth Sing at Oakland Manor/Heights
Jr. High & Sr. High Youth Groups Visit MOHM’S Place
Invite a Friend/ Potluck/ Movie Sunday

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Classes Begin
Date Night Challenge Event
Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service

New Places for New People Event at Oakland UMC
Youth Service/ Chicken Dinner
Missionary Speaker/Salad Luncheon
Easter Cantata

Palm Sunday Processional
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
Prayer Vigil
Easter Services
Camping Sunday/ Camping Meal

Library Grounds Community Service Project
Senior Breakfast/Senior Recognition/Choir Sings
Sunday School Attendance Recognition Sunday

VBS Begins
VBS Program
Offering for Storm Relief

Thank you for participating in the many ministries of our church by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. It has been a joy and a blessing to serve as your pastor this past year. It is hard to put into words how thankful I am for all of you. You have shared the love of Christ with me in so many ways. I thank God for all of you and for the good we have been able to do in Jesus’ name. May God continue to bless our time together as we seek to love God with all of our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

And All God’s Children Said,

“Amen.”

Pastor Karen

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THE PASTOR’S CORNER

4/2/2012

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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

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THE PASTOR’S CORNER

2/29/2012

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Dear 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.”

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The Pastor's Corner

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