|
APRIL 2025 |
|
THE CROWS NEST |
|
SPRINGDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
|
|
|
|
INSIDE THIS MONTH'S ISSUE |
|
|
|
|
REBECCA'S REFLECTIONS |
|
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 |
|
We are halfway through Lent and Easter is coming—This passage from 2 Corinthians is a good reminder of how faith can change our lives. If we believe in God and the power of God’s gift in Jesus Christ, we can be transformed. What was old is gone; and what is new is a new creation, a new faith.
This is what we experience as we travel from Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday, as we suffer with Christ again on Good Friday, and as we reach the ultimate goal of resurrection on Easter. Each step along the way can cause us to turn aside—but God goes with us no matter what. If we are strong and we hold on to the faith, we can once again know the joy of resurrection.
Make a point to connect with worship this Holy Week and Easter. Join us for the various worship services on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday (at WBUMC), and Easter Sunrise and Easter worship.
Have a blessed Holy Week and enjoy the coming of Spring!
Rebecca |
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEST BRANCH FOOD PANTRY |
|
This year, the COME committee will be collecting non-food items for the West Branch Food Pantry. Collections will continue through the entire month and you can find the collection bin the foyer of the church. Any items collected will be distributed to the pantry after the 4th Sunday of the month.
March - During the month of March, we collected the following Spring cleaning items:
Total donated through March $789.52*
April - Please bring feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, pantyliners, Depends, etc.) |
|
|
*Price determined by a Google search of average costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONFIRMATION CLASS |
|
The confirmation class has been very busy learning about grace, faith, and what it means to be a member of the community of faith. We will be confirming our confirmands on Palm Sunday, April 13th, during worship. Our class this year is Konner and Dylan Whitlatch, Laney Grace, and Rylee Grace, who has been confirmed but wanted to participate in the class. With all three churches, there are 10 students in the class, and all will be confirmed in their churches on Palm Sunday. Please continue to pray for this group of students. |
|
|
|
MEMBERSHIP CLASS |
|
Anyone who would be interested in becoming a member of Springdale UMC, please contact Rev. Rebecca. She would like to have a class in May for persons who are interested. |
|
|
|
APRIL WORSHIP |
|
Theme for the Month: Lent/Easter
April 6 : Fifth Sunday of Lent, Communion Sunday. Scripture: John 12:1-8 Sermon: "Anointed"
April 13: Birthday Sunday, Palm/Passion Sunday, Confirmation, fellowship after church. Scripture: Luke 19:28-40
April 17: Maundy Thursday, Communion; foot washing. Scripture: John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Meditation: "Love One Another"
April 20: Easter Sunday Scriptures: Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18 Sermon: Easter Joy
April 27: Second Sunday of Easter, WBARC pulpit share Sermon: Chris Humrichouse
|
|
|
|
SONG OF THE MONTH |
|
|
|
|
BIRTHDAYS |
|
1 - Claire McConnaha 3 - Penny Gafeller 4 - Amanda Tisinger 6 - Jonathan Blayer Angie McConnaha Natalie Miller Dave Phillips 7 - Garrett Tisinger 8 - Emily Nelson 12 - Xander Maxson 13 - Allison Lacina 22 - Aimee Bergmann 23 - Rev. Rebecca Carver Mike Schropp 24 - Hunter Mast Carolyn Richards 25 - Hanna Tisinger Taylor Tisinger 28 - Carl Heick Jake Paul 30 - Roberta Bowie Lori Phillips |
|
|
|
ANNIVERSARIES |
|
1 - Joanna and John Fletcher (17) 14 - Jamie and Max Kober (7) 18 - Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Stoolman (15) |
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS |
|
2 - Discipleship Night @ WBUMC; SUMC preparing meal 3 - Lenten Study @ SUMC, 9 a.m. 6 - Adult Sunday School, 9 a.m.; Worship, 10 a.m.; Confirmation at SUMC 3-5 p.m. 9 - UMW, 6:30 p.m. 10 - Lenten Study @ SUMC, 9 a.m. 13 - Adult Sunday School, 9 a.m.; Worship, 10 a.m.; Palm Sunday/Confirmation Sunday; Fellowship 17 - Lenten Study @ SUMC, 9 a.m.; Maundy Thursday Service @ SUMC 7 p.m. 18 - Good Friday Service @ WBUMC 7 p.m. 20 - Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m.; Breakfast to follow; Worship 10 a.m. 27 - WBARC Pulpit Exchange - Chris Hummirchouse; COME Meeting 11 a.m. 28 - BINGO @ Crestview 2 p.m.; Ad Board 5 p.m. |
|
|
|
ITEMS FOR THE TAKING |
If you are interested in any of these items, please reach out to Rebecca or an Ad Board member. Any items remaining at the end of the month will be donated or discarded. |
|
|
|
STEWARDSHIP NOTE |
|
Our United Methodist membership vows encourage us to participate in the life and ministries of the local church through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Each year, we have a stewardship campaign to highlight those opportunities. Unfortunately, many times the focus of those campaigns shifts to just the financial side of things. Yes, our monetary gifts are very important to the life of the church. But even more important is our willingness to live out the other vows.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus sees a poor widow putting two small copper coins in the offering plate. Seeing this, Jesus lets the disciples know that this woman gave more than all the rest because she was giving generously. I wouldn’t be surprised if we were to find out more about this widow, we would learn that while she didn’t have much money, she found other ways to contribute. And that should also be celebrated.
In the General Rules of the Methodist Church (found in the Book of Discipline), John Wesley called early Methodists to “do good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all [people].” Our Springdale family is amazing at doing this. Playing Bingo at Crestview; working the Hacap food truck; creating tie-blankets; collecting goods for the food pantry; praying for our family and neighbors….the list goes on and on. Those are all parts of stewardship….we are finding ways to serve others. In doing so, we are opening ourselves up to be more and more receptive to God’s grace.
As we work through 2025, remember that our vows call us to work in the church in many different ways. Some may be able to give financially, others may be able to volunteer to serve, some may share their faith story with others, some may spend time in prayer for our church and community, and others may simply be able to be present. Each of those are vital to the life of the church, both locally in Springdale, and in the greater world.
Steven Grace Lay Leader and Board Chair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONFERENCE, DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT NEWS |
|
|
|
|
Guided by the Gospel’s call to “love your neighbor as yourself,” Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai will examine how the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of beloved community can be a counterpoint to Christian nationalism and reflect on the lectionary passages for the Lenten season and the call of the church as we approach the season of resurrection. |
|
In this three-part study, she will explore the theological concept of grace and discuss how love, service, and solidarity can help churches expand their impact and reach. |
|
APRIL PRAYER LIST April 6: Rochester UM Church and West Liberty UM Church April 13: Letts UM Church - Riverside and Trinity UM Church April 20: Columbus Junction UM Church and Columbus City UM Church April 27: Winfield UM Church, Morning Sun UM Church, and Kingston UM Church |
|
CAIN Concert Laurie Balmer, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, is looking for volunteers during the CAIN concert coming to Cedar Rapids on Thursday, April 24 at 4:30 p.m. They are in need of World Vision, Merchandise, and VIP Experience volunteers. The age requirement is 18 (14-17 with an adult). Volunteers will get in for free and get to enjoy most of the show. This can also county towards community service hours if needed. If you are interested, please contact Laurie at 205-719-7452 or laurie@loopevents.org. |
|
|
|
HOW TO EVANGELIZE EFFECTIVELY |
|
by Greg Laurie
When I was younger, I had the privilege to get to know the great evangelist, Billy Graham. And when he asked me to help him with illustrations in his sermons, I felt like I’d been enrolled in the finest evangelistic university on Earth. No one did it better than Billy. And he didn’t just do it publicly, I saw him do it privately.
We were at a restaurant once, just talking, and our table happened to be by a walkway. He was so gracious and took the time to meet everyone who recognized him. It was a beautiful quality to see. When you would sit down with Billy, it wouldn’t be long until he would say something like, “Well, tell me about yourself.” He didn’t like to talk about himself. I think he always had that heart.
Being around him inspired me because he kept it simple. He once said in an interview with David Frost that he studied to be simple.
I think one of the secrets to his success was delivering the gospel in an understandable way. It was always clear. And he preached for a decision. Billy once said to me, “I don’t think I’m a very good preacher. But I believe God has given me the gift of giving the invitation.” It was one of the rare times I had to disagree with him. He was both a very good preacher and given that gift by God.
Every Christian is Called to Evangelize There is a God-given gift of an evangelist, and Billy had it. But, though some are gifted to be an evangelist, and some may not be called to be an evangelist per se, every Christian is called to evangelize.
As Paul said to Timothy, “Do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV). We’re all called to preach the gospel. We’ve been entrusted with the Great Commission—to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all nations, teaching them all things that Christ has commanded us.
By the way, evangelism and discipleship are really inseparable. Our mission from Christ is to proclaim Jesus, lead people to Him, and then get them grounded in their faith. New believers need older believers to stabilize them, but older believers need new believers to energize them, right?
That’s why I always encourage older people to get some younger people in their lives, because younger people need older folks, older folks need younger folks.
How Not to Evangelize Maybe there’s someone reading right now who has someone they want to share the gospel with but feels nervous or even scared to offend. Let me give you an example of what not to do.
One day, I was in a hamburger restaurant, and a lady recognized me. She said, “Are you Greg Laurie?” I said, “Yeah, I am.” She said, “Well, nice to meet you.” And then she gestures toward her husband, “This is my husband; he’s a heathen. Can you say something to him to help him believe in Jesus?” And the poor guy was just getting ready to take a bite when this happened. He just froze and looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights. I felt so bad for the guy. I said, “Hey man, enjoy your burger. Okay, God bless you.”
So, that’s how you don’t do it. Don’t embarrass a person. Don’t create unnecessary friction. When it comes to evangelism—if you have the luxury of some time—you want to build a bridge, not burn one.
How to Evangelize Effectively Jesus was not only the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and the Creator of the universe, but He also happened to |
|
be the greatest evangelist of all time.
And look at the way He interacted with people. Look at Jesus in John 3 with Nicodemus. Look at Jesus in John 4 with the woman at the well. Nicodemus is religious and moral. The other is immoral, living with a man, married and divorced many times. Yet, Jesus built bridges with both of them.
Stepping Stone Not Stumbling Block Our objective is to be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. If you want to win some, you need to be winsome. So talk to a person. Everyone’s favorite subject is themselves. Say to someone, “Tell me about yourself. . . What do you think about this? What do you think about that?”
I was in a cab once in Hawaii and the driver was named Tom. We’re driving along and I prayed, “Lord, if you want, open a door for me to share the gospel with Tom.”
We ended up coming across what’s called a ghost bike. It’s a bicycle painted white on the road with flowers in front of it. It was put there as a memorial to someone who died in a road biking accident. So they called them ghost bikes.
I said, “Tom, what are those bikes and why are they painted white?” He said, “Those are ghost bikes.” And he explained it to me. I said, “That’s so sad. Tom, what do you think happens when you die?” It took him about five minutes to give me his philosophy. He thought you died and came back as a higher or lower life form. Basically reincarnation. I listened to him, didn’t interrupt him, and didn’t say you’re wrong. When he was all done, he said, “Well, what do you think about the afterlife?” Then, I shared the gospel. After I was done, he said, “I like your version of the afterlife better than my version.” I said, “Well, Tom, it’s not my version. This is what Jesus said.”
Give and Take See, it’s give and take. When you’re a preacher, it’s a monologue. But when you’re in conversation with people, it’s a dialogue. So be a good listener. Find out about the person you’re talking to so you can then appropriately bring the message of the gospel.
When it’s all said and done, it’s about sharing the message of the death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
The Power of the Gospel Coming back to Billy Graham. I once asked him, “If an older Billy could speak to a younger Billy, what would you say to yourself? What would you tell yourself to preach more on?” And he said, “I would say preach on the cross of Christ and the blood because that’s where the power is.”
I think what’s true of preaching is also true of one-on-one evangelism. The power of the gospel is when you get to the message of the death of Jesus for them and why they need their sin forgiven.
I’ll leave you with this last bit of encouragement. . . I have a friend who is a pastor and he’ll just say to someone, “Let me ask you a question. Has anyone ever told you there’s a God in Heaven who loves you?” Sometimes they say no, and they move on. Other times they’ll say no, and they’ll be moved by it. I’ve seen it open the door for really interesting conversations.
You might be surprised by where a simple sentence like that gets you. The hardest part about evangelism is getting started. It’s breaking the ice. But sometimes, you just have to take that little step of awkwardness. And I tell you what, if that person responds, that will be a life-changing moment for both of you. |
|
|
|
MINISTRY REPORTS |
|
Springdale UMC Leadership Board meeting—3/25/2025 Full Leadership Board: 6:00 p.m. Attendance: Steven Grace, Rebecca Carver, Jessica Grace, Manda Frauenholz,
Prayer Requests: Rhoda (Crestview Room 205) and Linda Hammond
Committee on Outreach, Mission, and Evangelism (COME) Springdale United Methodist Church March 23, 2025
In attendance: Paula Rogers(Chair), Diane Heick, Julie Mather, Rev. Rebecca Carver
March donations for the West Branch Food Bank: 2 packages rubber gloves, 4 sponges, 7 magic erasers, 2 Swiffer dusters, 5 Swiffer wet pads, 4 bottles dish soap, 5 spray cleaners. Paula will deliver donations. April donations will be feminine hygiene products, May-toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, June-baby supplies.
2025 Goals—Paula will email out the 2024 goals, we will review and update next meeting.
SUMC will serve Discipleship meal and provide desserts at WBUMC on April 2.
UMCOR Sunday is March 30, Jo will give the Children's sermon.
Looking for someone to help organize the Sunrise breakfast.
April 27 will be the pulpit exchange with Chris Humrichouse from the Friends Church.
April 13 will be Confirmation Sunday, Birthday Sunday, and Fellowship after church. Paula will line up the beverages.
Lenten Services Palm Sunday—April 13—SUMC Jo will get palm branches Maundy Thursday—April 17–7:00pm – SUMC Jo will prepare for communion. Good Friday—April 18–7:00pm – WBUMC Easter—April 20—SUMC Sunrise Service-Frauenholz Family Sunrise Breakfast—Jo Leighty, Penny Gafeller and families 10:00 am Service—Flowering of the Cross—Rev Rebecca and Paula.
Easter flowers—Diane will have a sign-up sheet for those who would like to bring flowers in memory of someone and will have insert for bulletin.
Plant Swap—Friday May 16—6:00-8:00 set up and accept donations. Saturday May 17-8:00-9:30—set up and accept donations. Swap 10:00–12:00. Paula will look into getting a Master Gardener or Miss Sara from Cedar County Conservation to help give information and advice.
VBS—Sunday July 20-Thursday July 24 with program and potluck picnic on Sunday July 27.
Next meeting—April 27 following church
Worship Committee Meeting 3/10/25 Present: Rev. Rebecca, Manda, Paula
1. Palm Sunday Service (April 13th 10am)- Palms have been ordered(Jo) Confirmation Service - Laney Grace, Konner Whitlatch, Dylan Whitlatch Fellowship afterwards? Rebecca to create confirmation certificates 1 corsage and 2 boutineers for the confirmands - Manda to have Barb to it. Joel Wilcox will be here to sing
2. Maundy Thursday - April 17th - 7pm @ Springdale UMC Jo to do communion
3. Sunrise Service (April 20th 6:30am)- Frauenholz Family Breakfast - A. Ask on FB Page/email list if anyone wants to take over coordinating? Potluck Style and sign up for dishes Need someone for the sound booth
4. Easter Regular Service (April 20th 10am)
5. Pulpit Exchange with WBARC April 27th 10am - Chris Hummirchouse
6. Mothers Day - May 11th 10am
7. Graduation Sunday - (May 18th 10am) Dawn Johnson, Zeb Brown, Dawson Brick, Calvin Clemens, Teagyn Hartz UMW gets the gift for graduates Joel W. Will be here to sing Fellowship time after church
8. June 15th - Rebecca and Steven at Annual Conference. Manda Preach
9. 150 year celebration Outdoors? June 22nd? 10am
10. June 29th Songs and Snacks (10am)
Next Meeting June 2nd 6pm |