Category: Reflections

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 5/15/11

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 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

Subject: sermon reflections for 2/27/11

2/25/2011

Greetings and salutations!

Good news. We have some people who are finally feeling better and willing to give up their place on our prayer list for others! We’re glad that Ilene Parkhill is feeling better and able to continue her chemo treatments. Also, Gloria Gleaves had an epidural this week and we’re hopeful that it will help relieve some of her pain. However we do need to direct our prayers toward the family and friends of those grieving the loss of loved ones. And we need to broaden our horizons and pray ardently for peace. The present turmoil in various countries is a visible sign of this need.

Thanks to all of you who donated food or time to assist with the Klindt family funeral luncheon in Carson. This is an excellent example of taking “church” into the community.

Be aware that we still need senior high youth group counselors for the last three Wednesdays in March and first three Wednesdays in April. If you can help, contact Mark Martens.

Be sure to keep these March activities in mind--Ash Wednesday (9th) with worship at the Carson United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m., our Heifer Project Chicken Delight potluck (20th) and Faith Fest (27th), a service of inspirational singing and witnessing at the Hancock United Methodist Church from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Have you saved Saturday MAY 14th to help our church show their appreciation for our community through activities by our children, youth, and adults?

For this Sunday (27th)

•       Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34
•       Sermon Title: Seek Ye First

For Reflection

1.      To serve God or money – why can’t we do both?
2.      How does serving God differ from serving money?
3.      Why should we give our primary allegiance to God?
4.      How does this passage describe God’s love for us?
5.      What does this scripture say about having trouble or bad times?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

Sermon Reflections for 12/26/10

12/21/2010

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

Sermon Reflections for 12/19/10

12/14/2010

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

Sermon Reflections for Dec 5, 2010

12/1/2010

Greetings!

Hope Thanksgiving was a great time for you and that you didn’t spoil it by getting trampled during the Black Friday shopping frenzy!

In addition to other prayer concerns, be sure to add to your list Ilene Parkhill who began chemo treatments this week.

The chili supper-nativity set display was a fun fellowship event. The chili was excellent and Anita McMartin was the pleased winner of the nativity set offered as a door prize. You can read more about the event in future bulletins or newsletters.

Keep these three December events in mind – 1) movie night featuring “The Santa Claus” at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday December 11, 2) Christmas program during worship December 19; and 3) Christmas Eve Service Friday the 24th at 10:00 p.m.

For this Sunday (5th)
•       Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10
•       Sermon Title: The Jesse Tree

For Reflection
1.      This week I’ll be referring to the Jesse tree. If you can’t make it to worship and don’t know what a Jesse tree is try to Google it. Let me know what you find.
2.      How was Jesse related to King David?
3.      Why is the royal line of King David important to Christians?
4.      What is Isaiah’s vision of God’s kingdom; how does he describe the ruler of this kingdom?
5.      What part did trees or wood products play in Jesus’ life and death?

LOVE & JOY
TEXtor

OAKLAND IOWA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
200 N Main St - PO #4, Oakland, IA 51560,
Ph: (712) 482-5530
Church email: oaklandumc@frontiernet.net
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: cjbbowers55@gmail.com

Lay Leader: Merlin Jones
Secretary: Martha Isaacson

Organist: Marilyn Hackett
Choir Director: Veva Larson

Custodian: Trevor & Megan Jefferson