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September 2026 |
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THE CROWS NEST |
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SPRINGDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
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INSIDE THIS MONTH'S ISSUE |
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Rebecca's Reflections Upcoming Events September Worship Wednesday Night Discipleship West Branch Food Pantry & Clothes Closet Family Faith Night Conference & Circuit News Ad Board Minutes SUMC 2026 and Beyond Ministry Planning |
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BIRTHDAYS |
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2 - Ben Maxson 10 - Mackenzie Griffin 10 - Jamie Kober 12 - Amanda Budreau 12 - Dawn Johnson 13 - Gordon LeDoux 14 - Maggie Grandt 15 - Shelley Barnhart 18 - Cole Lacina 19 - Leo Lacina 19 - Ann Nash 19 - Avery Rogers 20 - Troy Shanker 21 - Rhoda Barnhart 22 - Jim Blayer 22 - Elian Dzangue 23 - Sharen Hartz 24 - Maddox Stoolman 26 - Stephen Blayer 27 - Dawson Brick 27 - Mary Buol 29 - Phil Carver |
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ANNIVERSARIES |
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1 - Larry & Kathy Grace (53) 3 - Russell & Diane Heick (32) 10 - Tom & Iona Reid (65) 18 - Bryan & Amanda Regenitter (16) 25 - Jared & Ali Jo Baker (16) 25 - Christian & Courtney Laing (5) 25 - Mike & Amanda Tisinger (22) |
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SUMC'S MISSION, VISION & VALUES |
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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.
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REBECCA'S REFLECTIONS |
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Just a quick note to say that the Carvers are on a staycation for rest and renewal. Occasionally, we all need a break, a time to let our spirits recuperate from all the busyness of our regular lives. As many of you know, my husband, Phil, has had some health issues this summer. This has been exhausting for both of us as we have tried to learn but have not received answers or diagnoses that explain his sleeplessness and lethargy. Others in the congregation have also had rough summers with health, etc. As the fall begins, may we all find some peace, a few answers to our questions, and comfort for all that we face. See you in September.
Rebecca |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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SEPTEMBER WORSHIP |
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Theme for the Month: Sustenance for the Journey
September 6 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Rebecca on Vacation, Rev. Brian Oliver Preaching, Communion, and Fellowship Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 Sermon: Iowa Nice
September 13
September 20 Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15 Sermon: Give Us Bread
September 27 Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7 Sermon: Thirst |
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SONG OF THE MONTH |
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BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING |
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September brings another kind of beginning. Summer routines give way to school schedules, activities, church ministries, and the familiar rhythm of fall. After spending August looking at the beginning of Genesis and remembering that we are all created in God's image, September invites us to take the next step:
What are we going to do with the blessings God has given us? In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave what is familiar and go where God will lead him. But God's promise wasn't only about Abram. God told him: "I will bless you... and you will be a blessing."
That simple idea speaks directly to who we are called to be as a church.
God blesses us—not so that we can keep those blessings to ourselves, but so that we can become a blessing to others. From Being Welcomed to Welcoming Others Over the past several months, we've talked about invitation, connection, community, service, and belonging. These are not separate ideas. They are pieces of the same calling. We welcome people because we have experienced God's welcome.
We connect with others because Christ calls us into relationship. We serve because we have been blessed. We invite because we have good news worth sharing.
As a congregation committed to Congregational Outreach, Mission, and Evangelism, September gives us an opportunity to ask:
Sometimes God's call doesn't require us to go very far. Sometimes it simply asks us to look around and notice who is already in our path. Faith That Moves Abram's story reminds us that faith sometimes requires movement.
Not necessarily a physical move, but a willingness to step beyond what is comfortable and familiar.
For a church, that might mean trying something new. It might mean talking to someone we don't know. It might mean inviting a family who has never attended church. It might mean saying yes when someone needs help. It might mean opening our doors a little wider—or stepping outside of them altogether. Evangelism doesn't always begin with having the perfect words. Sometimes it begins with being willing to take the first step. Blessings Are Meant to Be Shared We each have something to offer.
Some have the gift of hospitality.
Our church is stronger when we recognize that every gift matters.
And our community is blessed when we share those gifts beyond the walls of the church. This September, let's look for opportunities to say:
"How can I be a blessing today?" It could be as simple as a phone call, a meal, a kind word, an invitation, a helping hand, or a willingness to listen.
Small acts of faithfulness can have a much larger impact than we realize. Family Focus: Bless Someone This Month September is a wonderful month for families to practice being a blessing together.
Try these simple ideas:
Children don't just learn faith by hearing about it. They learn it by watching us live it. When children see their families serving, welcoming, forgiving, and giving generously, they begin to understand what it means to follow Christ. Where Is God Calling Us? Abram didn't have the whole journey mapped out when God called him. He simply trusted God enough to take the next step.
Maybe that's where God is calling us as a congregation, too. We don't have to know exactly what the future will look like. We don't have to have every answer. We simply need to be willing to take the next faithful step.
As we enter this new season, may we remember that we are a blessed people—not because everything is perfect, but because God's grace continues to surround us.
And may we never forget why we have been blessed: so that we can be a blessing.
Wherever God leads us this fall, may our church be known as a place where people are welcomed, relationships are formed, faith is nurtured, and God's blessings are shared freely with our community.
Paula Rogers |
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WND - WE NEED YOUR HELP! |
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Our church will be preparing, serving, cleaning up, and providing desserts for Wednesday Discipleship Night throughout October! The UMW will be taking care of October 21 & 28, but we need volunteers to help make the October 7 & 14 dinners happen. Whether you can cook, serve, clean, or bring a dessert (or all of the above!), we'd love your help! This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome families into our church and show them what it means to be a church family. Please let Jessica G., Paula, or Rebecca know if you can help on October 7 and/or 14. Every helping hand makes a difference! |
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WB FOOD PANTRY AND CLOTHES CLOSET DONATIONS |
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September Easy Meals (Mac & Cheese, Helper, etc.) Halloween Costumes October Thanksgiving Meal Items Leggings, Sweatshirts November Soups Winter Hats, Gloves, etc. |
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*SUMC has donated 138.45 pounds to the pantry through the end of August. |
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For I was hungry and you gave me food, Matthew 25:35 |
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WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CHURCH: A CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY |
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Help us hear from your children! United Methodist Communications is listening for insights from across the connection, and that includes our youngest church members. Parents and guardians, please share this activity sheet with your child so they can show us what they love about your church. |
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SERVING OUR COMMUNITY: HACAP MOBILE FOOD PANTRY 2027 |
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We’re excited to continue serving our community through the HACAP Mobile Food Pantry in 2027! UMW will be volunteering on the third Tuesday of the month during February and August. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, distribution, and clean-up as we welcome our neighbors and help provide food to local families. 📅 February 16, 2027 Whether you can help for the whole time or just lend a hand where needed, every volunteer makes a difference! Watch for more information as each date approaches, and consider joining us as we put our faith into action and care for our community. |
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CONFERENCE, DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT NEWS |
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Wesley Heritage Tour with Bishop Bigham Tsai, and the Iowa UMC Annual Conference - November 11, 2026
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AD BOARD MINUTES |
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Springdale UMC Leadership Board meeting—August 24, 2026 Full Leadership Board: 7 p.m. Attendance: Jo, Lynda, Julie, Jessica, and Paula
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SUMC 2026 AND BEYOND MINISTRY GOALS AND PLANNING |
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Goal |
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Key Action Steps |
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Timeline |
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Resources Needed |
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Increase outreach |
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Identify at least 3 community events for presence or sponsorship; develop simple materials; set up volunteer sign-ups |
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Ongoing |
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Flyers; social media posts; volunteer schedule |
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Increase family attendance |
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Host family-friendly worship & outreach events quarterly (e.g. picnic, mini-VBS, outdoor service) |
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Ongoing |
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Family-friendly activities; food budget |
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Show appreciation for current attendees |
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Create quarterly recognition Sundays (e.g. "Birthday Sunday"); thank-you notes |
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Ongoing |
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Cards, refreshments |
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Organize and store church photos |
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Gather photos; assign a small group to organize photos and develop a storing system (digital and/or physical) |
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Q2 2026 |
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Photo boxes and/or scanner |
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ADA Building |
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Finalize accessibility plan; obtain bids; research grant opportunities |
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Q1 2026 |
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Contractor bids and grant research |
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Grow worship attendance by 5% each year |
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Track attendance; launch invite campaign; feature personal testimonials on social media |
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Ongoing |
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Data tracking sheet; social media posts |
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Separate praise/worship time |
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Pilot an alternative or contemporary service once per month |
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Q2 2026 |
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Committee |
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Outdoor worship/picnic |
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Schedule at park or church lawn; plan lunch & music |
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Summer/Fall 2026 |
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Committee |
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Bi-Annual Bible/Book Study |
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Identify a study |
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Q1 & Q3 2026 |
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Curriculum/book; identify a study leader |
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Lenten Devotional Book |
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Collect devotions from members; publish by Lent. |
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Q1 2026 |
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Printing or digital platform |
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Bless the Animals Sunday |
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Select date; promote |
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Fall 2026 |
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Marketing, supplies |
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Christmas Caroling |
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Organize routes and songbooks |
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December 2026 |
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Committee |
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Weekly blog devotions |
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Create schedule of authors; make weekly posts |
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Q1-Q4 2026 |
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Website access |
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Update Church Directory |
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Collect info/photos; publish printed & digital copy |
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Q4 2026 |
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Camera; printing; design |
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Worship at Little Bear |
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Contact campground; schedule annual summer service |
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Annually through 2027 |
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Volunteer; bulletins; sound system |
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Mission day to Matthew 25 (CR) |
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Coordinate service team |
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Annually through 2027 |
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Volunteers |
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Engage with local celebrations |
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Participate in at least 2 community festivals each year |
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Ongoing |
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Volunteers; identify celebrations |
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Better utilize west wing & closet |
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Inventory space; create multipurpose plan (storage ministry use) |
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Q2 2026 |
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Volunteer |
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Church-wide clean-up/purge |
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Annual spring cleaning day |
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Q2 each year |
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Create cleaning list and recruit volunteers |
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Grow connections within circuit |
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Host or join shared worship/mission events |
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Ongoing |
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Identify opportunities |
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Weekend Retreat (Youth and/or adult) |
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Plan small retreat at local camp |
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2026-2027 |
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Identify programming; location; date; promote |
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Rebuild youth programming |
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Recruit 2 volunteers; plan quarterly youth events and/or Sunday programming |
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Q2 2026 |
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Volunteers; curriculum |
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155th Anniversary Celebration |
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Form committee at least 1 year in advance; plan worship; meal; and community event |
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2029 |
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Committee formed by 2028 |
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Revised Yule Buffet |
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Refresh menu & decor; invite community |
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Annually beginning 2028-2030 |
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Committee |
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ADA Building (completion) |
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Finish all accessibility upgrades |
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2028-2030 |
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Committee |
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Increase pastoral support (1/2 to full-time) |
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Stewardship campaign; reassess budget & needs |
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2027-2029 |
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Assessments |
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Long-term stewardship study |
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Implement multi-week giving & vision series |
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2026-2028 |
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Committee |
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Upgrade/update Kitchen |
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Assess needs, fundraise, and complete renovation |
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2027-2029 |
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Committee |
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Seal Time Capsule |
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Identify items to include |
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Q1 2026 |
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Announcement as to date |
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Sew personal dignity kits for Midwest Mission |
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Recruit sewers or those willing to learn |
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Q2 2026 |
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Machines, sewing materials |