JULY 2026

THE CROWS NEST

SPRINGDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Rebecca's Reflections

Upcoming Events

July Worship

Freedom to Love, Freedom to Serve

Wednesday Night Discipleship

West Branch Food Pantry & Clothes Closet

Family Faith Night

VBS

Conference & Circuit News

Ad Board Minutes

SUMC 2026 and Beyond Ministry Planning

BIRTHDAYS

1 - Pam Wilkerson

2 - Zach Maxson

6 - Michael Lindberg

8 - Stacey Schropp

9 - Sharon Vincent

10 - Lynn Patrick

10 - Sherry Wolf

13 - Brittany Hamer

13 - Julie Mather

13 - Diane Phillips

13 - Dylan Wolf

13 - Brandon Wolf

14 - Nancy Barnhart

15 - Xander Bowers

17 - Connie Pace

18 - Alex Miller

20 - Bill Manning

23 - Josh Boyce

23 - Denise Laing

24 - Shae Farmer

24 - Jessica Grace

26 - Casey Hesseltine

28 - Ben Tisinger

30 - Jason Grandt

30 - Jo Leighty

30 - Bryan Regenitter

30 - Dean Wilkerson

ANNIVERSARIES

3 - Jerry & Trish Irey (28)

7 - Taylor & Kristen Westpheling (8)

9 - Troy & Leanna Vincent (21)

18 - Gordon & Jessica LeDoux (6)

20 - Josh & Tracey Hartz (24)

28 - Jamie & Margi Boles (8)

SUMC'S MISSION, VISION & VALUES

Mission

We exist as a church to make disciples, bringing persons to Jesus Christ and to Christ's community.

Vision

*The Church bulges with attendance; Babies cry in the back pew; and Cheerios can be found on the floor.

*Many people get their hands dirty serving God's church and God's children.

*Persons of all ages regularly meet together in every nook and cranny for spiritual support and nurturing.

*Congregations gives joyfully.

Values

*Everything we do is based on our worth as God's children and seeing that in others.

*We use all we have and are to serve God and God's people.

*We believe in joy, content to give thanks to the Lord in all things even through tough times of darkness.

Congratulations to Steven Grace for earning the Outstanding Lay Award at Annual Conference this year. Thank you for everything you do for our Church.

REBECCA'S REFLECTIONS

Rebecca

UPCOMING EVENTS

• July 5 - Outdoor Worship at Cedar Valley, Shelter 1, 10 a.m. followed by a potluck
• July 8 - UMW, 6:30 p.m.
• July 9 - Church Day @ the Cedar County Fair
• July 11 - Faith Night @ the Ball Park
• July 12 - 16 - Vacation Bible School
• July 19 - VBS Joint Worship, 10 a.m.
• July 27 - UMW Bingo @ Crestview, 2:30 p.m.; Ad Council, 6 p.m.
• August 1 - UWF Brunch, North Liberty UMC, 9:30 a.m.
• August 8 - Hoover's Hometown Days Parade
• August 10  - Family Faith Night, 6:00 p.m.
• August 24 - First Day of School at West Branch

JULY WORSHIP

Theme for the Month: Perseverance

July 5

6th Sunday of Pentecost, Communion Sunday, Cedar Valley County Park

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

Sermon: Interdependence

July 12
7th Sunday of Pentecost, VBS Begins

Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34

Sermon: Squandered

July 19
8th Sunday of Pentecost, VBS Sunday Worship and Fellowship

July 26
9th Sunday After Pentecost, Birthday Sunday, Diane away

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Sermon: Casting Seeds and Nuts

SONG OF THE MONTH

FREEDOM TO LOVE, FREEDOM TO SERVE

July is often associated with celebrations of freedom. We gather with family and friends, watch fireworks light the sky, and give thanks for the blessings we enjoy as a nation.

As Christians, however, we are reminded that there is another freedom worth celebrating every day—the freedom we have in Christ.

Through God's grace, we are freed from fear, freed from trying to earn God's love, and freed for something greater: loving God and loving our neighbors.

John Wesley believed that God's grace continually transforms us, not only for our own benefit but so that we might become instruments of God's love in the world. Our freedom in Christ calls us beyond ourselves and into lives of compassion, generosity, and service.

Freedom That Builds Community

Freedom is not simply the absence of obligation; it is the opportunity to choose love.

As a congregation committed to Congregational Outreach, Mission, and Evangelism, we are invited to ask:

• How can I use my gifts to bless someone else?
• Who in our community might need encouragement this month?
• Where is God inviting me to be the hands and feet of Christ?

The simple choices we make—to smile, to listen, to invite, to serve—can become powerful expressions of God's grace.

Living Generously

This month, consider a few simple ways to share Christ's love:

• Offer hospitality. Invite someone to worship, Vacation Bible School, or simply share a meal.
• Serve joyfully. Volunteer where help is needed, whether at church or in the community.
• Speak words of encouragement. A kind note or thoughtful conversation can brighten someone's day.
• Pray intentionally. Lift up your neighbors, church family, and those who may be searching for hope.

Outreach is not always about large events. Often it begins with ordinary people faithfully loving those God places in their path.

Family Focus: Freedom to Choose Kindness

Summer provides countless opportunities for families to practice faith together.

Try these simple ideas:

• Ask each family member, "How can we show God's love to someone today?"
• Write thank-you notes to teachers, first responders, grandparents, or community helpers.
• Choose one family service project this month, such as collecting food for a pantry or helping a neighbor with yard work.
• Before fireworks or holiday celebrations, pause to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy and pray for peace throughout the world.

These small moments help children understand that following Jesus means using our freedom to love and serve others.

A Church That Reflects Christ

Our community isn't simply looking for another place to attend.

People are searching for hope.
For friendship.
For purpose.
For a place where they are welcomed just as they are.

When we extend Christ's love beyond our church walls, we become the kind of church our community longs for—a church where everyone is invited, everyone is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to grow in God's grace.

May this July remind us that true freedom is found not only in what we are free from, but in what we are free to do: love generously, serve faithfully, and share the good news of Jesus Christ with all.

Paula Rogers
COME Chair

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP

West Branch UMC's Wednesday Night Discipleship will be starting back up before we know it and they need our help to share God's love to our youngest members. They are looking for teachers, second adults, substitutes, kitchen volunteers, worship helpers, and welcome table greets. Please prayerfully consider how YOU might be willing to help on Wednesdays this Fall. Please contact Katie Sabourin if you are being called to volunteer in some fashion.

Registration opens August 26th with the first evening of WND on September 2.

WB FOOD PANTRY AND CLOTHES CLOSET DONATIONS

July

Freeze Pops (the liquid ones)
New or Gently Used Summer Clothes (infants to adult)

August

School Home Lunch Items (Peanut Butter, Jelly, Chips, Juice, Etc.)

New or Gently Used Shoes and Socks (infants to adult)

*SUMC hasdonated 77.8 pounds of food to the pantry through the end of March.

For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

Matthew 25:35

10 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT JOHN WESLEY

History is more than facts and figures. It is full of real people with real stories. Connecting with those people and stories helps us understand our lives and discern God’s direction for our future. That is why it is important constantly to connect our teaching back to the important people in our church history. To help you do that, we have gathered some interesting, and maybe even surprising, facts about John Wesley to help you connect United Methodist history to your next lesson.

1. JOHN WESLEY WROTE ONE OF THE ALL-TIME BESTSELLING MEDICAL TEXTS.

Wesley was deeply convicted that God is concerned about our earthly life as well as our heavenly one. To that end, he wrote a medical text for the everyday person titled "Primitive Physic." The book detailed the current knowledge about home remedies and went through 32 editions, making it one of the most widely read books in England.

Many of Wesley’s cures and tips on healthy living remain widely accepted. While some of his advice was wishful thinking, the most important part of his philosophy was his insistence on continual observation to support hypotheses. Wesley boldly questioned modern doctors — how they sometimes treated humans like machines; that much of their “medicine” lacked merit and they lacked evidence to support its efficacy. By the same token, some of Wesley’s beliefs certainly needed more supportive evidence. For instance, Wesley recommended holding a puppy against the stomach to cure stomach pain. He offered dried and powdered toad pills for asthma. He also enjoyed regular dips in cold bathwater, thought to be a near panacea. It sounds strange to us, but many leading minds during Wesley’s time, espoused these sorts of folk remedies. And honestly, who doesn’t feel better after holding a puppy? The point is, like David — who had the heart of God and still fell short — even the greatest leaders with the biggest hearts are fallible.

2. JOHN WESLEY COINED THE TERM “AGREE TO DISAGREE.”

Over the years, Wesley had serious theological differences with another popular pastor named George Whitefield. Though they both argued passionately, Wesley reflected on these differences in a memorial sermon for Whitefield by saying: “There are many doctrines of a less essential nature. ... In these, we may think and let think; we may 'agree to disagree.' But, meantime, let us hold fast the essentials. …” This appears to be the first recorded use of the term. It was a hallmark of Wesley’s way of holding to his convictions while remaining in connection with those with whom he disagreed.

3. JOHN WESLEY RODE FAR ENOUGH ON HORSEBACK TO CIRCLE THE EARTH 10 TIMES.

Wesley rode 250,000 miles! He was convinced that it was important for him personally to spread the gospel through relationships and continue to grow closer to God in those relationships. Asked if he would consider walking instead of riding, he replied, “Nay."

4. WESLEY HAD SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT HIS FAITH.

Questioning one’s faith should not be disparaged. Doubts are essential to making any belief system one’s own. They do not mean that one will let it go. In fact, even as Wesley struggled with deep doubts about faith, he followed the wise instruction of a mentor who told him to “preach faith till you have it; and then, because you have it, you will preach faith.” Even as we struggle, we can maintain our hold on the truths we question until we can settle all of our doubts.

5. “METHODIST” WAS ORIGINALLY A DEROGATORY TERM.

Though the origins of the term “Methodist” are in dispute, it is clear that it was originally used by outsiders to mock John Wesley and his early societies because of their dedication to following a method for growing closer to God. They ended up accepting the term, considering it a positive descriptor of their movement. Way to own it, Methodists!

6. WESLEY COUNSELED PEOPLE TO “EAT A LITTLE LESS THAN YOU DESIRE.”

Staying slim was far from Wesley’s goal (1), though he did weigh in around 128 pounds. This was not the result of dieting, but rather of a practice to ensure that people were not ruled by their natural desires, but exercising control over them.

7. WESLEY NEVER INTENDED TO SPLIT FROM THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

However, when the revolution happened in the American colonies, most of the Anglican priests returned home. Faced with the fact that none of the Methodists in the colonies could receive the sacraments, Wesley ordained ministers whom he sent to do the same in America (he was practical even when it caused problems). That act was the beginning of the separation that formed the Methodist Church (2) in America. The Methodist Church in England did not officially form until after Wesley’s death.

8. WESLEY NEVER SAID THIS FAMOUS QUOTE ATTRIBUTED TO HIM.

It has been on the back of more than one United Methodist youth camp T-shirt: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, as long as ever you can.” Though the quote is often attributed to John Wesley and is consistent with his perspective on life, many historians have confirmed there is no record of Wesley ever saying that.

9. WESLEY BELIEVED YOU COULD NOT BE A CHRISTIAN ON YOUR OWN.

He said that we needed to be involved in “social holiness.” Though some often think this term is synonymous with “social justice,” its meaning is quite different. Wesley believed we could only grow as Christians in community. In his preface to the 1739 hymnal, he was adamant that “the gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.”

10. METHODISM GREW FROM FOUR TO 132,000 MEMBERS IN WESLEY’S LIFETIME.

The beginning of Methodism (3) was a group of four who called themselves the “holy club” at Oxford. When Wesley died in 1791, he left behind a movement with 72,000 members in the British Isles and 60,000 in America.

United Methodist Communications and the General Commission on Archives and History teamed to test your knowledge of more than 200 years of our church’s past. So after you study up, take the United Methodist Church History Quiz and share it with your friends and family!

WANT TO KNOW THE NAME OF JOHN WESLEY'S HORSE?

Actually, we don't know that one. But if you need help clarifying the denomination's position on baptism or if you're looking for mission opportunities, contact Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications and the official information service of The United Methodist Church.

These facts will equip you with lots of great discussion starters you can use at your next dinner party or church gathering. Let’s have some fun with history!

References:

1. Guerrant, William C. Organic Wesley. Franklin: Seedbed, 2015. Page 47.
2. Heitzenrater, Richard P. Wesley and the People Called Methodist. Nashville: Abingdon, 2013. Page 320.
3. ibid. Page 46.

Jeremy Steele is a freelance writer and United Methodist pastor. He is the author of several books and resources that you can find at jeremy-steele.com. 
This article was updated on June 16, 2021.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I

with them"

Matthew 18:20

CONFERENCE, DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT NEWS

For More Visit:

Iowa Conference

Southeast District

United Women in Faith

District Superintendent

Rev. Brian Oliver

Email: brian.oliver@iaumc.org

Phone: (319) 382-0436

AD BOARD MINUTES

Springdale UMC Leadership Board meeting—June 22, 2026

Full Leadership Board: 6 p.m.

Attendance: Julie Hime, Jo Leighty, Rebecca Carver, Lynda Ambrose, Paula Rogers, Steven Grace, Jessica Grace

1. Opening Devotion and Prayer
2. April 27, 2026 Minutes
3. 1. Jo moved to approve the minutes.  Julie seconded.  Motion carried.
4. Trustees
5. 1. Storm damage–Travis Dimmer looked
   2. 1. Adjuster report (in Google Drive)
      2. Insurance will not cover the roof - adjuster believes it’s cosmetic only
      3. 1. Travis recommended that if in the future we begin to have issues with water damage, that we remember it was a result of the initial hail claim that the insurance deemed as cosmetic only
      4. Travis thinks his estimate would be pretty close to what the insurance claim indicates
      5. The board gave Travis approval to move forward
   3. Security
   4. 1. Cameras arrived, need installed
      2. Jo has been keeping an eye on the doors and the lights this summer while out for walks
      3. Josh has offered to help get things set up
      4. Steven mentioned locking the door to the Crow’s Nest
      5. 1. Board agreed; Steven will install the lock from the old technology cabinet
   5. AED Purchase
   6. 1. We would be a logical location for the community 
      2. Lynda made some contacts and has someone who offered us the training
      3. Lynda will also contact Greg Hummrichouse because it sounds like he may be able to help us get one
      4. Paula questioned the location of a First Aid Kit and, if there is one, does it need to be restocked
      5. 1. Lynda will also talk to Greg about getting some of those as well.  In the meantime, we will inventory the “tacklebox” downstairs and get whatever we need in the interim.  
6. SPRC
7. 1. Vacation Aug. 30-Sept. 13 (3 Sundays)
   2. 1. Steven may or may not be up to filling in
      2. 1. Talk with Circuit on Thursday night to see if anyone would be willing to fill in
         2. Would Manda Brown be willing to come out and preach?
   3. July 5th worship at Cedar Valley
   4. 1. Music
      2. 1. Electronic 
      3. Communion
      4. Old Fashion’ Potluck
      5. 1. Bring a dish to share, your own drinks, tableware, and chairs/blanket
      6. Scout shelter (up on the hill, furthest from the entrance)
   5. Circuit Meeting this Thursday
   6. 1. Lynda/Kathy have most of snacks provide; Steven to get juice/coffee
      2. Paula will set up the tables downstairs after work on Thursday
8. Stewardship
9. 1. Treasurer’s Report–through May, 2026
   2. 1. Paula moved to approve the May report.  Julie seconded.  Motion carried.
   3. Stewardship campaign (John Wesley?)
   4. 1. Steven to do some research to see what might be available
10. COME
11. 1. Family Faith night
    2. 1. Invite family/friends to attend
       2. 50 blessing bags dropped off to the WBFD
       3. 1. Water, snacks, cooling towels
       4. July during Bible School - will resume in August
    3. Faith & Family Night
    4. 1. RSVP by June 30
    5. Church Day at the Fair
    6. 1. July 9 - Floral Hall
       2. Handout ideas
       3. 1. Church postcard with worship information
          2. VBS?
          3. Painted Rocks
          4. Candy
       4. $150-200 budget
12. Other
13. 1. Worship Committee
    2. 1. Jessica, Amanda B., Rylee–when meet? Topics? 
       2. Need some back-ups for Sound booth, especially while Steven is down
       3. 1. Paula will cover June 28
14. Next Meeting:
15. 1. July 27 @ 6 p.m.
16. Closing Prayer

SUMC 2026 AND BEYOND MINISTRY GOALS AND PLANNING

Goal

Key Action Steps

Timeline

Resources Needed

Increase outreach

Identify at least 3 community events for presence or sponsorship; develop simple materials; set up volunteer sign-ups

Ongoing

Flyers; social media posts; volunteer schedule

Increase family attendance

Host family-friendly worship & outreach events quarterly (e.g. picnic, mini-VBS, outdoor service)

Ongoing

Family-friendly activities; food budget

Show appreciation for current attendees

Create quarterly recognition Sundays (e.g. "Birthday Sunday"); thank-you notes

Ongoing

Cards, refreshments

Organize and store church photos

Gather photos; assign a small group to organize photos and develop a storing system (digital and/or physical)

Q2 2026

Photo boxes and/or scanner

ADA Building

Finalize accessibility plan; obtain bids; research grant opportunities

Q1 2026

Contractor bids and grant research

Grow worship attendance by 5% each year

Track attendance; launch invite campaign; feature personal testimonials on social media

Ongoing

Data tracking sheet; social media posts

Separate praise/worship time

Pilot an alternative or contemporary service once per month

Q2 2026

Committee

Outdoor worship/picnic

Schedule at park or church lawn; plan lunch & music

Summer/Fall 2026

Committee

Bi-Annual Bible/Book Study

Identify a study

Q1 & Q3 2026

Curriculum/book; identify a study leader

Lenten Devotional Book

Collect devotions from members; publish by Lent.

Q1 2026

Printing or digital platform

Bless the Animals Sunday

Select date; promote

Fall 2026

Marketing, supplies

Christmas Caroling

Organize routes and songbooks

December 2026

Committee

Weekly blog devotions

Create schedule of authors; make weekly posts

Q1-Q4 2026

Website access

Update Church Directory

Collect info/photos; publish printed & digital copy

Q4 2026

Camera; printing; design

Worship at Little Bear

Contact campground; schedule annual summer service

Annually through 2027

Volunteer; bulletins; sound system

Mission day to Matthew 25 (CR)

Coordinate service team

Annually through 2027

Volunteers

Engage with local celebrations

Participate in at least 2 community festivals each year

Ongoing

Volunteers; identify celebrations

Better utilize west wing & closet

Inventory space; create multipurpose plan (storage ministry use)

Q2 2026

Volunteer

Church-wide clean-up/purge

Annual spring cleaning day

Q2 each year

Create cleaning list and recruit volunteers

Grow connections within circuit

Host or join shared worship/mission events

Ongoing

Identify opportunities

Weekend Retreat (Youth and/or adult)

Plan small retreat at local camp

2026-2027

Identify programming; location; date; promote

Rebuild youth programming

Recruit 2 volunteers; plan quarterly youth events and/or Sunday programming

Q2 2026

Volunteers; curriculum

155th Anniversary Celebration

Form committee at least 1 year in advance; plan worship; meal; and community event

2029

Committee formed by 2028

Revised Yule Buffet

Refresh menu & decor; invite community

Annually beginning 2028-2030

Committee

ADA Building (completion)

Finish all accessibility upgrades

2028-2030

Committee

Increase pastoral support (1/2 to full-time)

Stewardship campaign; reassess budget & needs

2027-2029

Assessments

Long-term stewardship study

Implement multi-week giving & vision series

2026-2028

Committee

Upgrade/update Kitchen

Assess needs, fundraise, and complete renovation

2027-2029

Committee

Seal Time Capsule

Identify items to include

Q1 2026

Announcement as to date

Sew personal dignity kits for Midwest Mission

Recruit sewers or those willing to learn

Q2 2026

Machines, sewing materials