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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

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Sermon Reflections for 4/24/11

4/20/2011

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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

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sermon reflections for 4/17/11

4/15/2011

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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

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sermon reflections for 3/20/11

3/17/2011

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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

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sermon reflections for 1/16/11

1/14/2011

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Greetings friends,

Our service of baptismal renewal Sunday was very meaningful. Sorry if weather or other concerns kept you away.

By now you’ve received word that I will be retiring as of June 30. That will mean changes for you and for me. Right now my intention is to move to Southeast Iowa. When I know more I’ll let you know. Also, your Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee is working with the District Superintendent, Brian Milford, to make way for a new pastor. When they know more, they’ll let you know!

This week our specific prayer concerns include Ilene Parkhill (out of hospital, will have port put in place, hopes to resume chemo soon), Gordon Frizzell (broken bone in leg), Jim Johnson (hospitalized in Jenny Ed for gall bladder removal), Mark Martens (slow progress with migraine headaches and back problems), Wanda Seydel (Shirley’s preacher friend confined to bed until further notice), Roma Smith family (her funeral is this week), and victims of recent shootings (Millard, Nebraska and Tucson, Arizona).

Check the newsletter--if you are on the church officer list be sure to save Sunday, January 23 from noon to 3:00 p.m. for our annual program planning event. This is a chance to touch base with your work committee and determine how your group can support our 2011 church goals. Also, be thinking—how can we extend our ministries into the community? The lunch will be catered.

Members of the Administrative council, you will begin your regular monthly meetings Thursday, January 20 at 7:00 p.m.

For this Sunday (16th)

•       Scripture: John 1:29-42
•       Sermon Title: Take This Name and Live It

For Reflection

1.      What do you think John meant when he called Jesus the Lamb of God?
2.      What other titles are given Jesus in this scripture passage?
3.      How did Peter come to know Jesus?
4.      Have you ever had an “Andrew” introduce you to Jesus?
5.      Have you ever been an “Andrew” for someone else?
6.      In what ways can you live out the name Christian?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

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Sermon Reflections for 12/26/10

12/21/2010

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Season’s greetings everyone!

On the 19th I turned a year older. So far I don’t feel it! Thanks for your greetings, gifts, cards, prayers and best wishes; also for singing Happy Birthday to me during our Sharing of Joys.

If you didn’t make it to our Sunday School Christmas program, you missed out on some good singing and a meaningful message. You also missed out on kids being kids-- several struggles for control of microphones a tearfully reluctant Mary; a wandering wise man and another with his crown stuck over his ears, an angel crawling under the Communion rail, etc. I’m really sorry you had to miss out.

Our Christmas Eve Candle Light worship service begins at 10:00 p.m. Friday. Hopefully the snowy weather will be over before that. Thanks to everyone who will be helping make this an inspirational and meaningful occasion.

Sunday we’ll be singing a number of Christmas carols (pp. 217-254 in our hymnbook). Be ready to choose your favorites.

This week be sure to offer up prayers for our members or friends serving in the military; especially those who will not be able to celebrate Christmas or the New Year with family.

For this Sunday (26th)
•       Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23
•       Sermon Title: Holy Refugees

For Reflection
1.      What events surrounding your celebration of Christmas will likely be less than perfect?
2.      What events surrounding the birth of Jesus were less than picture-perfect?
3.      How did Herod react to the news that a new king was to be born? Does that kind of behavior
             happen in our time?
4.      What part did “divine intervention” play in this scripture passage?

God is with us—let’s celebrate!

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

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Sermon Reflections for 12/19/10

12/14/2010

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Hi Friends!

Not much to report this week

We had to cancel our “movie night” on the 11th because of the weather.
We’re in for a treat this Sunday (19th) during worship—the Sunday School Christmas program!
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is Friday the 24th at 10:00 p.m.
During the worship service Sunday the 26th you’ll have the chance to choose some of your favorite Christmas carols to sing

This week be sure to offer up prayers for our members or friends who are homebound or in nursing homes or living in assisted living.

For this Sunday (19th)

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon: none

For Reflection

1.      Before they were married Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant—but not by him! What
            led him to go ahead and marry her?
2.      Why was the child to be called Jesus?
3.      What does Emmanuel/Immanuel mean?

Blessings on you!

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

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6/12/11 sermon reflections

Sermon Reflections for 4/24/11

sermon reflections for 4/17/11

sermon reflections for 3/20/11

sermon reflections for 1/16/11

Sermon Reflections for 12/26/10

Sermon Reflections for 12/19/10

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