JANUARY 2025

THE CROWS NEST

SPRINGDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS

MONTH'S ISSUE

Rebecca's Reflections

West Branch Food Pantry

Human Relations Day

Golden Valley District News

10 Resolutions

Ministry Reports

 

 

 

REBECCA'S REFLECTIONS

“Arise, shine for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

A new year is here, full of possibilities. We begin the year celebrating the 150th anniversary of Springdale UMC. On January 20, 1875, the Springdale Methodist Episcopal Church was formed, with a building being built in the following years. To celebrate this big event, we will have a special worship service on January 19th at 10:00 am and a potluck dinner to follow. Our preacher for the day will be Rev. Katie Dawson, administrative assistant to the Bishop for the Iowa Annual Conference. There will be special music, and we will be dedicating memorial gifts for sound equipment updates, screens, audio/visual upgrades, and new pew cushions in the names of Carolyn Hinty, Mildred Mather, and Russel Leighty. Please plan to join us for this event.

 

On a personal note, Phil and I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful Christmas gifts we received. We are truly blessed by your love and support.

 

Rebecca
 

WEST BRANCH FOOD PANTRY

This year, the COME committee will be collecting personal hygiene items for the West Branch Food Pantry.  Collections will continue through the entire month and you can find the collection bin in the foyer.  Any items collected will be distributed to the pantry after the 4th Sunday of the month.

 

For January, we will be collecting any and all dental hygiene products.  E.g. toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, etc.  When donating, please only provide single package toothbrushes.
 

JANUARY  WORSHIP

January 5

Epiphany, Communion Sunday, Diane playing

Scripture

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon

"Gifts"

 

January 12

Baptism of the Lord, Diane playing

Scripture

Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Sermon

"Being Called"

 

January 19

150th Celebration Worship, Diane playing, potluck after church

Scripture

Sermon

Rev. Katie Dawson preaching

 

January 26

Third Sunday after Epiphany, Human Relations Sunday

Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Sermon

"Where Do We Go from Here?"

SONG OF THE MONTH
 

CELEBRATE HUMAN RELATIONS DAY: BUILD THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

What is Human Relations Day?  Human Relations Day is a special Sunday across our denomination, focused on fostering better relationships and supporting community and youth outreach. On the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, we take up a special offering to help bring his vision of a “beloved community” to life. Your gifts support important programs like Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services, and Youth Offender Rehabilitation. We invite you to give through your local church or online, helping us continue this vital work together.

Thanks to your generosity, over $250,000 was raised last year to support these vital ministries through the Human Relations Day Sunday offering:

  • Fifty-seven percent of the funds received support the Community Developers Program (CDP) that strive to maintain, and strengthen racial-ethnic minority congregations through local United Methodist churches and engage based on community needs. Learn more about the program here.
  • Thirty-three percent of the funds received support The United Methodist Voluntary Services (UMVS) that serves as a resource to congregations and volunteer working to challenge unjust political, social, and economic systems. Learn more about the grants offered here.
  • Ten percent of the funds received support youth rehabilitation programs, empowering young people through church-based activities, mentoring programs, and boys' and girls' clubs. Learn more about the grants here or email grants@umcjustice.org.

For over 50 years, United Methodists have observed this special Sunday to honor the message Jesus lived out: that every one of God's children matters. One of the beautiful things about The United Methodist Church is that, together, we can accomplish far more than we could on our own. Our collective gifts help build "the beloved community."

BIRTHDAYS

 1 - Landon Laing

 1 - Izzy Richards

3 - Robert Gruwell

6 - Bruce Barnhart

7 - Kalvin Clemens

11 - Wyatt Haub

12 - Myrna Ferguson

12 - Joanna Fletcher

12 - Barb Frauenholz

13 - Margi Boles

14 - Chris Blayer

18 - Katie Stoolman

18 - JD Turner

22 - Steven Grace

24 - Jennifer Shanker

25 - Wes Clemens

28 - Kyle Tisinger

29 - Katie Sabourin

ANNIVERSARIES

27 - Darrall and Nicki Brick (24)
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 5 - Adult Sunday School
9 a.m.

January 6 - Worship Committee Meeting @ SUMC, 6 p.m.

January 8 - Discipleship Night @ WBUMC, 5:30 p.m.; UMW @ SUMC, 6:30 p.m.

January 12 - Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Confirmation at SUMC 3-5 p.m.

January 15 - Discipleship Night @ WBUMC, 5:30 p.m.

January 19 - Adult Sunday School, 9 a.m.; 150th Celebration Worship, 10 a.m.; Fellowship Potluck following worship

January 23 - Iowa City Circuit Pastors @ SUMC, 1-4 p.m.

January 26 - Human Relations Sunday; Adult Sunday School 9 a.m.; Food Pantry Collection Day; COME Meeting @ SUMC 11 a.m.

January 28 - Ad Board Yearly Planning Meeting & Potluck 5 p.m.

 

 
 

GOLDEN VALLEY DISTRICT NEWS

District Prayer List
District Superintendent, Brian Oliver has put together a District Church Prayer list beginning January 2025.  This is the direct link to the page; GV District Prayer List.

 

District Training for Local Church Leaders
When: Saturday, February 1, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where:
Mount Pleasant First UMC
309 N Main Street
Mount Pleasant, IA

Contact: Ann Zeal Ann.Zeal@iaumc.org


9:00-10:30am
General Leadership
Ad. Council/Board
Alternative Structure
Led by Rev. Brian Oliver and Rev. Jaye Johnson
 
10:30am-12:00pm
Breakout Groups:
Trustees
Led by Rev. Jeff Bixby, Conference Board of Trustees

Finance Committee 
Led by Rev. Ron Carlson, Conference Treasurer

Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) 
Led by Rev. Brian Oliver, DS

Missions 
Led by Rev. Alarie Willits, Midwest Missions
 
Attached Files

Training for Local Church Leaders
 

TEN RESOLUTIONS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH

Whether beginning a new calendar year, a new year after a birthday or starting fresh after a challenging season, setting a goal can be a helpful tool for self-accountability as you move forward. Many of us resolve to find a stronger connection with God in these moments.

 

Deepen Discipleship

  • Commit to reading your Bible. The reassurance found in Scripture can only be discovered by setting aside time to study and better understand God's word.  As you read, pay close attention to what God is teaching you, and consider what calling God has for your life.
  • Pray more often.  If you pray rarely, start by praying at least one each day.  If your prayer life needs enlivened, explore new prayer practices, such as breath prayers.  Finding ways to incorporate prayer into your daily routines will help it become a central point of your faith.
  • Attend church services regularly.  If you need a church home, search for nearby United Methodist congregations on Find-A-Church.  If you are a member at a church but haven't been attending consistently, go!  Connecting with others and participating in worship are vital parts of a growing faith, whether in-person or online.
  • Join a small group.  This might be a Sunday School class, a community group organized by your church or a Bible study fellowship.  Investing in others and building friendships can strengthen your mental and spiritual health.  Additionally, you'll be able to share thoughts, beliefs and questions with other Christians who are also on a journey of faith.

Get Creative

  • Write in a journal.  Capture thoughts about life and God.  Putting pen to paper helps us unload whatever mental weight we are carrying and often brings a new perspective.  This can be diary-style writing, but you can also write down prayers, poems, or a fictional short story that helps you express your emotions and spiritual outlook.
  • Create something beautiful.  This could be anything from a pencil sketch in the margin of a piece of paper, to a scrapbook page, to a knitted scarf.  Using your creativity unlocks your right-brain thinking and helps us tap into new ideas, find calm and let go of anxiety.
  • Make a joyful noise.  Listen to uplifting, worshipful music that stirs your soul and sing along.  It doesn't matter if you are the best or worst singer - lifting your voice in praise to God is an important part of soul-care.  Join in congregational singing with a bit more gusto, or simply sing to the heavens while you are stuck in traffic.

Be Present

  • Volunteer in the community.  No matter where you live, churches, and nonprofit organizations are always in need of helping hands.  Find a cause that excites you and consider how you can get involved.  This could be a food bank, an animal shelter, or an afterschool program, or you can simply ask a neighbor how you can help them.
  • Reach out to those you love. Life can be short and is full or the unexpected.  Make a promise to yourself and those you hold dear that you will be present, engaged, and devoted to your relationships.  Attend activities that are meaningful to your friends and family members.  Mend past brokenness.  Make an effort to call, text, and email people you haven't heard from in a while.
  • Invite someone to church. There are many people who are seeking deeper meaning in life but are unsure about visiting a church.  Think of coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family members that are yearning for a loving community in which to grow and find support.  Invite them to join you for a worship service or a church event where they can meet members of the congregation.

 

By Laura Buchanan
 

MINISTRY REPORTS

Committee on Outreach, Mission, and Evangelism(COME)
December 22, 2024

In attendance: Paula Rogers (Chair), Rev. Rebecca Carver, Rhoda Barnhart, Julie Mather, and Diane Heick.


West Branch Food Pantry
     -White gifts from Christmas program have been delivered.
     -Julie will bring a bin to collect our monthly food donations.
     -Rev. Rebecca will make a sign for the bin.
     -January donations: dental items, such as toothpaste, dental floss,

toothbrushes, etc.

     -February donations: personal hygiene, such as soap, shampoo, shaving

cream, etc.

     -March donation: spring cleaning supplies, such as window cleaner,
disinfectant spray, etc.
Human Relations Sunday
     -We will move it to Sunday 1/26/25 so it is not the same day as our 150th Celebration.

     -Paula will do a children's sermon to tie with it.
     -Rev. Rebecca will show videos about it the Sundays leading up to it.
      -Paula will get in bulletin, newsletter and pre-worship slides.
     -Diane will put info on bulletin board.
150th Potluck
     -Diane will provide the beverages.
     -Paula will post on social media.


Next Meeting—January 26, 2025 after church.
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