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6/12/11 sermon reflections

6/10/2011

Hello once again…

Events are moving faster than my packing process. According to my last conversation with the moving company they will need to load my things onto a van on Friday the 17th rather than Monday the 20th. This is because I will be sharing the van with a UM pastor in Council Bluffs who wants to move out before the flood waters get in the way. That means that I will have to leave AFTER the farewell on Sunday the 19th in order to meet the truck in Washington on Monday.

What this means is that I now need help with packing. If you can help out during any of these times please show up at the parsonage—Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon or those same evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Don’t worry if you aren’t up to heavy lifting; some of what I need done is sorting and shredding paperwork.

The Administrative Council meeting is this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Vacation Bible School registration is in the city park on Saturday the 18th. VBS itself will be at the Christian Church Monday through Friday, June 20-24. A light evening meal will be served for students, helpers, and teachers.

Remember in prayer

•       Those who are battling cancer or are seriously ill
•       Persons recovering from surgery
•       Persons grieving the loss of loved ones
•       For the communities, businesses, and churches along the Missouri River
•       Our church family and Pastors Karen Hoff and Shirley Textor in this time of transition

For this Sunday (12th)

•       Scripture: Acts 2:1-20
•       Sermon Title: “When God’s People Gather”

Reflection

This is Pentecost Sunday; the birthday of the church. WEAR RED! If you need to know why red is the color of the day Kyler Rieken can explain it to you!
This particular biblical account takes place when the believers are gathered together in prayer; does this have something to say about the importance of God’s people gathering together in worship, fellowship, service, or even PACKING!
What difference does it make when individuals and the church receive the Holy Spirit.? What does it give them the power to do? Have you experienced this power? It’s part of what it means to be saved!

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Sermon Reflections for 5/29/11

5/25/2011

Hello again…

Remember that there is no Sunday School this week because of Memorial Day weekend. Summer Sunday School will begin the first week of June. It will be held during worship time with the children being dismissed following the children’s time.

Annual Conference is in Des Moines June 4-7. Cathey Grosvenor and Rev. Textor will be attending. Their daytime emergency phone number at HyVee Hall will be 515-707-6538. During that time our secretary Sheryl Sindt will be on vacation. Bev Zuch will substitute for her.

Looking ahead into June

Communion will be served on Pentecost Sunday the 12th.
Shirley’s farewell will be Sunday, June 19th.
VBS will be held at the Christian Church June 20-24.

Remember in prayer

June Smith, Ilene Parkhill and others with cancer
Rita Henningson and others who are seriously ill
Persons recovering from surgery
Persons grieving the loss of loved ones
Persons who died serving our country and the men and women presently serving in the military
Our church family and Pastors Karen Hoff and Shirley Textor in this time of transition

For this Sunday (29th)

Scripture: John 14:15-21
Sermon Title: “No Orphans Here”

Reflection

Think of the feelings involved when someone goes through a major transition—getting married, starting a family, graduating, becoming empty nesters, surviving a difficult loss, retiring, etc. That’s what Jesus’ disciples will soon be experiencing in this passage from John.
What is the blessing that the disciples will receive in light of Jesus’ leave taking?
Why is the Holy Spirit important to Jesus’ followers?
How can we tell that people love Jesus?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Sermon Reflections for 5/22/11

5/20/2011

Hello again…

Our church community appreciation day activities went well—lunch for guests, library grounds clean-up, preparing pots and planting flowers, litter clean-up, thank you notes. Thirty-five or so of our church folk took part including 2 youth and 4 children. This would be a good project to continue in future years, perhaps with other community churches included.

Our church related graduation activities are completed and the graduation ceremony and receptions are taking place this weekend. Congratulations to Quintin Forrester and Alex Gleaves

Mary Applegate passed away this week. Her viewing is at the funeral home Friday night, her funeral is at our church at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning, and the funeral lunch will be held at the Christian Church.

This Sunday we will present Sunday School certificates to our children during worship; next Sunday the Sunday School will not meet. Hats off to all who help provide Christian learning and fellowship activities for our children!

For this Sunday (22nd)

Scripture: I Peter 2:4-10
Sermon Title: “Solid Rock and Living Stones”

Reflection

In what ways is Jesus a living cornerstone?
Why is Jesus a stumbling block to some people?
What is our status as God’s people?
As God’s people what are we called to do?
Stephen (Acts 6 & 7) is one of many “living stones” that we read about in the bible. Do you know any present day “living stones”?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Sermon Reflections for 5/15/11

5/13/2011

Greetings everyone…

I know that I announced this vacation as a working one. However, I could have done without the sick part! While I achieved the crucial tasks of finding a place to live, of testing places to eat out, of acquiring a bank and a library card, and signing up for the Curves exercise program, I spent the rest of the time with the dentist and the doctor and feeling blah—my usual throat, voice and cough problems, plus putting my back out of place.

Finally, May 14 is upon us and we’ll be carrying out activities to show our appreciation to the Oakland community. If you won’t be available to help with your presence or physical participation, be sure to pray for the event itself.

This Sunday we are honoring our two Riverside graduates--Quintin Forrester and Alex Gleaves. Be sure to bring a food dish and join these two and their guests at an after church brunch/potluck. The RCA sponsored Baccalaureate service will be in the evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland Christian Church. I’d appreciate your prayers for my voice to hold out for the two events.

Our special missions offering this week is for tornado recovery assistance for the Mapleton community. I served as pastor in that community for 7 years and have a special place in my heart for them. Oh, if you haven’t done so, be sure to express your appreciation to our missions committee for two recent outstanding events—the Chicken Delight Heifer Project Fundraiser and notes and gift cards for area service men and women.

For this Sunday (15th)

• Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33
• Sermon Title: “Take My Hand”

Reflection

Why might this bible story be helpful to persons who are anxious or fearful or even facing life-threatening circumstances?
How many bible stories can you think of where Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid?
Peter actually walked on the water. What caused him to sink?
What difference does it make to know that Jesus is the Son of God?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Sermon Reflections for 4/24/11

4/20/2011

Holy Week greetings…

Worship on Palm Sunday captured both the essence of the Parade of Palms and the story of Jesus’ Passion. We celebrated with palm leaves and a song by our children along with baptism and confirmation. Then, through scripture and meditation we entered into the solemnity of Holy Week. And we left worship having been inspired once again by the DVD “Watch the Lamb”. After worship three families gathered together for a potluck in honor of our new members. The food was abundant and delicious!

You still have these Holy Week opportunities

Good Friday service at 7:30 p.m. at the Congo UCC Church; sponsored by the RCA
Saturday prayer vigil; we have lots of empty spaces on our signup sheet. If you are willing to fill a half-an-hour prayer period contact the church office. If you will be out of town you can still offer prayers at a time most convenient for you. Prayer guides are now available.
Easter sunrise service at the Carson cemetery followed by breakfast at the Carson community center begins at 6:30 a.m.; in case of rain the service will be at the community center
Sunday School and worship are at their usual times Easter Sunday; adult choir practice is at 9:30 a.m.

This week please pray for

Bev Zuch’s mother, Bea, who is now responding and making small improvements each day
Rev. Textor while on vacation April 26 through May 10 and for Merlin Jones who is in charge of worship May 1
The appointment of our new pastor
Peace in Libya and other “hot spots” around the world

For this Sunday (24th)

Scripture: John 20:1-18
Sermon Title: “Rising to the Occasion”

Reflection

What do the hymn “I Come to the Garden Alone” and our scripture message for today have in common?
What does it mean to rise to the situation or to rise above it?
In light of his betrayal and denial, his false arrest and crucifixion, how did Jesus rise to the occasion?
Consider how this statement relates to today’s scripture—“Resurrection picks us up when we are let down.

LOVE & JOY

TEXtor

sermon reflections for 4/17/11

4/15/2011

Greetings and salutations…

Holy Week is now upon us. This Sunday is Palm Sunday. We’ll have our usual procession of palm leaves by the children and adult helpers. We’ll also confirm six youth (Kyra Martens, Hannah Hummel, Hayley Haines, Grace Gleaves, Andrew Jones, and Sarah Jones) and baptize two of them (Hayley Haines and Hannah Hummel). It’s been a privilege to work with these seventh and eighth graders, and I hope that you’ve thanked them for their able assistance with worship these past months. Also, if you haven’t done so, be sure to thank Emma Ehmke for joining the adults who have been leading us in our praise songs. Also deserving thanks are Cyndy Haines and Sheila Applegate who cleaned up in front of the church.

If you haven’t already done so, this Sunday you’ll have a chance to write a note to one or more of our service men or women. Be ready with the message you’d like to send.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday service with confirmation at 10:00 a.m.
Good Friday service at 7:30 p.m. at the Congo church; sponsored by the RCA
Saturday prayer vigil; sign up Sunday or by contacting the church office
Easter sunrise service at the Carson cemetery followed by breakfast at the Carson community center begins at 6:30 a.m.
Sunday School and worship at their usual times Easter Sunday

This week please pray for

Our youth being confirmed
The people of Mapleton and other communities recovering from tornado damage
Bev Zuch’s mother, Bea, who is now in hospice care
Peace in Libya and other “hot spots” around the world

For this Sunday (17th)

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11; Matthew 27:15-25
Sermon Title: “The Peoples’ Choice”

Reflection

In Matthew 27 the people decide that Barabbas should be freed and that Jesus should be crucified.
Today what do we choose—to free the things Barabbas stands for or to choose the values Jesus stands for?
What does this scripture and the hymn “Were You There” have in common?
Note that Matthew 21 captures the joy and celebration of Palm Sunday and that Matthew 27 reflects the week that follows.

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Sermon Reflections for 4/10/11

4/7/2011

Would you believe—Holy Week is just around the corner!

Two coming church events you don’t want to miss out on—Confirmation on Palm Sunday April 17 and Saturday May 14 for activities to show our appreciation for the community of Oakland.

This week please pray for

The ongoing threat of radiation in Japan
Peace in Libya and other “hot spots” around the world
Edith Haines, Don Eylers and others who are recovering for surgery
The mothers of Chuck and Bev Zuch and others who are hospitalized
Our church staff: Sheryl is on her third round of bronchitis and Gordon’s leg is refusing to heal.
Nancy Allen, a retired pastor friend of mine, who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma

For this Sunday (10th)

Scripture: John 11:17-27, 32-44
Sermon Title: “Called Out of the Tomb”

Reflection

For further light on this scripture read John 11:1-53
Why was it dangerous for Jesus to go to Lazarus’ family?
What did Martha believe when she first visited with Jesus?
Whom did she finally recognize Jesus to be?
What did people say about Jesus when he wept?
What did Jesus do for Lazarus?
Do we have any tombs Jesus needs to command us to come out of?
How did the Pharisees react to Jesus for bring Lazarus back to life?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Sermon Reflections for April 3, 2011

3/31/2011

Hi folks. It’s me again!

If our district schedules another Faith Fest next year, I hope that you will plan to attend. The music, all kinds of music, was uplifting, and the witnessing was definitely inspiring.

Two coming church events to be mindful of—Confirmation on Palm Sunday April 17 and Saturday May 14 for activities to show our appreciation for the community of Oakland.

This week please pray for

the ongoing threat of radiation in Japan
persons serving in the armed services
peace in Libya and other “hot spots” around the world
the families of Merle Davis and Dorothy Forristall
Edith Haines, Don Eylers and others who are recovering for surgery
our church staff. Sheryl is on her third round of bronchitis and Gordon’s leg is refusing to heal.
I also invite you to pray for Nancy Allen, a retired pastor friend of mine who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma

For this Sunday (3rd)

Scripture: John 9:1-41
Sermon Title: “Always Something More”

Reflection

How long had the man in this scripture passage been blind?
Do we ever blame the victim or the victim’s family, such as the disciples did in this bible story?
What did Jesus have to say about that?
The blind man first encountered Jesus as a healer. What else did he learn about Jesus before the story ends?
Why do you think the Pharisees were so “bent out of shape” by this healing incident?
Why did the man’s parents try to remove themselves from the whole incident?
In verse 39 Jesus claimed to have come to the world so that the blind could see and that those who could see should become blind. Who was he talking about?
Where do we fit in this story?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Subject: sermon reflections for 3/27/11

3/25/2011

Spring has sprung—but it doesn’t feel like it!

This Sunday (27th), is the District Sponsored Faith Fest at the Hancock UMC from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. It’s so close by that it would be a shame to miss out on this occasion of inspirational singing and witnessing. Also, if you attend, you’ll be able to support Merlin Jones who will be one of those sharing his witness. I have room in my car for four adults or five kids. If you’d like a ride, let me know.

If you missed out on our 2nd Annual Chicken Delight Potluck, you missed out on a really fun time. We raised close to $500 for Heifer Project chickens. Ward and Nancy Young entertained us with “The Chicken Song” and led us in a little kareyolkee. And we topped off the event with the chicken dance—which hopefully helped some of us wear off those extra calories from all that delicious food!

Two coming church events to be mindful of—Confirmation on Palm Sunday April 17 and Saturday May 14 for activities showing our appreciation for the community of Oakland.

I invite prayers for these persons and circumstances--Edith Haines (breast surgery next week); Cathey Grosvenor and her brother Larry (their mother Dorothy Forristall is now under hospice care); family and friends of Merle Davis (she passed away today); Nancy Allen (a retired pastor and friend diagnosed with multiple myeloma); also for the ongoing threat of radiation in Japan; and peace for the citizens and leaders of Libya and other “hot spots.”

For this Sunday (27th)
•       Scripture: John 4:5-42
•       Sermon Title: “The Ripple Effect”

Reflection
1.      Why was it out of the ordinary for Jesus to talk to the woman at the well? (verses 7,8,9)
2.      What does the Samaritan woman do when she realizes that Jesus is the Messiah? (v. 25,26)
3.      Why does she leave her water jar behind? (v. 28)
4.      Reflect especially on verses 35-42 and the importance of spreading the Good News that Jesus
             is the Messiah.
5.      What happens to still water when a stone is dropped in?
6.      How are you sharing the Good News that Jesus is our savior, God’s son?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

sermon reflections for 3/20/11

3/17/2011

It’s almost Spring!

And we’re going to kick off the season with our second annual Chicken Delight potluck (20th). Bring your donations for Heifer Project chickens. Bring along a dish containing eggs or chicken; drinks and table settings will be provided. After the meal you are invited to join in our celebrative chicken dance.

Then, shake off the blues of winter by attending a Southwest District Faith Fest service of inspirational singing and witnessing at the at the Hancock United Methodist Church from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday the 27th. I have room for four adults or five kids in my car. If you’d like a ride, let me know.

We can’t begin to imagine, even with all the photos and videos, the devastation in Japan from the earthquake, tsunami, and now the threat of radiation. But we can pray long and hard for the people involved. If you’d like to supplement your prayers with gifts now, check with the Red Cross or other reputable organizations. In due time, we will also take an offering for relief and recovery efforts.

It’s a troubled world we’re living in. In addition to our own concerns, our prayers for peace are sorely needed.

Please plan to show up Saturday, May 14 to help us as a church show that we care about our community and the persons who work to make it a good place to live in and conduct business.   We’ll be serving a meal in honor of our town council and town workers. There will be other hands-on activities as well. Stay “tuned” in for further details.

For this Sunday (20th)

•       Scripture: John 3:1-17
•       Sermon Title: “Nick at Night”

For Reflection

See Numbers 21:4-9 for an explanation of why Moses needed to lift up a bronze serpent in the wilderness. Do you see any connection to Jesus’ life?
Why did Nicodemus (Nick) approach Jesus at night?
Later in John we learn that Nicodemus had a chance to stand up for Jesus. Do you think he did?
Read John 19:38-42 to learn about Nicodemus’ last encounter with Jesus.
John 3:16 is a well known and often quoted bible verse. How does John 3:17 add to its meaning?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

OAKLAND IOWA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
200 N Main St - PO #4, Oakland, IA 51560,
Ph: (712) 482-5530
Church email: oaklandumc@oaklandiaumc.org
Web site: www.oaklandiaumc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oakiamethchurch

Church Office Hours: T - F 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Pastor in Office: M - Th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Pastor: Rev. Carolyn Bowers
Cell Phone: (319) 559-0678
Email: pastorcb@oaklandiaumc.org

Lay Leader: Merlin Jones
Secretary: Martha Isaacson

Organist: Marilyn Hackett
Choir Director: Veva Larson

Custodian: Trevor & Megan Jefferson