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MARCH 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 February Worship Lent: Turning Outward Together Family Faith Night Coins for Lent 2026 West Branch Food Pantry Wednesday Night Discipleship Conference & Circuit News Ad Board Minutes SUMC 2026 and Beyond Ministry Planning |
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BIRTHDAYS |
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2 - Mitchell Knoop 5 - Kimberly Bowles 7 - Paula Rogers 12 - Judy Curley 12 - Richard Frauenholz 16 - Joel Edge 16 - Jaclyn Grace 18 - Claire Grandt 21 - Kathy Knoop 21 - Zac Stout 22 - Kathy Grace 23 - Gusi Lopez 23 - Deborah Schoenfelder 23 - Kristen Wespheling 24 - Darrall Brick 24 - Rylee Grace 24 - Trish Irey 24 - Jessica LeDoux 24 - Ellie Miller 25 - James Schoenfelder 28 - Livy Baker 28 - Reta Gruwell 29 - Abby Bergmann 30 - Trent Tisinger 31 - Kim Hartz |
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ANNIVERSARIES |
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12 - Steven & Jessica Grace (21) 17 - Kaleb & Shannon Martin (5) 30 - TJ & Cassie Philipp (2) Robert & Reta Gruwell |
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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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The adult Sunday School class has been studying Adam Hamilton’s book, “Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple” this year. As we enter the season of Lent, our class has “arrived” in Jerusalem with Jesus and the disciples. What we are discovering as we look at the story from Simon Peter’s eyes, is a constant struggle to be faithful when it seems easier to run away in fear. Simon Peter frequently made statements of commitment, for example, that he would never desert Jesus or run away. Yet when the difficult times arrived, Simon was often the first to collapse. At the moment in the courtyard of the high priest, when he could have professed his support for Jesus, in Jesus’ hour of need, Peter instead denied three times that he even knew who Jesus was. Thankfully, this was not the end of Peter’s story. After the resurrection, Peter went on to lead not only the church but to bring others to faith. He often preached about his own failings and failures.
Lent is a time for all of us to reflect on our faith and our commitment to that faith. It is a time for reflection, self-denial, and growth. There are lots of opportunities for spiritual growth this season—the Lenten Bible Study is not only in person on Thursday mornings at 9:00 am at the church, the study is also online on our Facebook page. There are videos linked to the study on Youtube. You can also read the scriptures for each Sunday in Lent, listed below, as a way of going deeper.
Join us for worship in March as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter.
Rebecca |
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CONGRATULATIONS, ELIAN DZANGUE!! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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MARCH WORSHIP |
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Theme for the Month:
March 1 Second Sunday in Lent, Communion Scripture: John 3:1-17 Sermon: “Searching”
March 8 Scripture: John 4:5-15 Sermon: "Thirsty"
March 15 Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Sermon: "Forgotten"
March 22 Sermon: "Grieving"
March 29 Sermon: "Hosana" |
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Adult Sunday School at 9 a.m. Wednesday Night Discipleship 5:30 p.m. - WBUMC |
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SONG OF THE MONTH |
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LENT: TURNING OUTWARD TOGETHER |
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Paula Rogers COME Chair |
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COINS FOR LENT 2026 |
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During Lent, we are reminded to examine our lifestyles and ask, "What can we do for others?"
Part of faith formation at any age is compassion and offering a serving heart to our neighbors. We need to demonstrate compassion to others now more than ever. Lent is a good time to commit to giving money to a project that helps those in need.
One way to involve the family is to collect coins during Lent and donate the money after Easter. Follow our Coins for Lent Giving Calendar as a guide.
Choose a Project If you decide to do this as a family or as a congregation, first determine where you would like your money to go. Regardless of their age, everyone should have a voice in the decision. Maybe a community food bank could use funds to purchase food for the hungry. Perhaps you could contribute to a project beyond your local community.
Heifer International is an agency that addresses needs around the world and helps families become self-sufficient in sustainable ways. The United Methodist Church and Heifer International share a vision of ending hunger and poverty. You can find out more about Heifer International at Heifer.org. You may know of another project to which you would like to give your money. Visit the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries website at https://umcmission.org to find Advance mission opportunities to donate money. Ask within your United Methodist annual conference or district to find other local projects to support. Select an agency that would appreciate your contribution.
How to Collect the Coins Once you have selected a project, decide what coins you want to collect. You may want to contribute a quarter for every item on the giving calendar. You may want to simply collect loose change and give whatever coins you have for each item. [Interesting conversations can be had here regarding the elimination of the penny from our money system.]
Now make a container to collect the money. Use a plastic tub, jar, or a coin bank that you aren’t currently using in your home. Decorate it and place it where the entire family can see it (and contribute to it).
Items on the daily guide will remind us of all we have and how little others may have. Each Sunday, pray as a family for the project and the people who will benefit from your gifts. Our giving begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes with Holy Saturday. During Lent, Sundays are for worship and praise to God and are reflected with a weekly day of prayer.
By Kevin Johnson |
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WEST BRANCH FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS |
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Pancake Mix and Syrup
April Canned Fruit and Fruit Cups
43 pounds donated in 2026 |
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WEST BRANCH CLOTHES CLOSET |
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Coming Soon! Opening March 24th Apparel & Accessories – Everything Available at No Cost A new community clothing closet is starting in West Branch! This isn’t just a store — it’s neighbors helping neighbors. Our goal is simple: provide free clothing and accessories to members of our community while creating a place where generosity makes a direct impact.
Spring is in the air — it’s the perfect time to declutter. Items you no longer need can go right back into our community and bless someone else at no cost. |
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We are currently accepting donations of:
All donations must be clean and scheduled for drop off or dropped off during operation hours. No clothing donations can be left outside of the clothing closet or building. Due to limited space, the closet workers have the right to refuse certain items.
📍 Address: 225 N. Maple St. (Room next to the Food Pantry) 🕓 Opening March 24th. Every Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM; and Every third Saturday from 9:00 AM to Noon. Together, we can strengthen our community — one neighbor at a time. Please note that this is different from the Bear Closet. If you have West Branch Apparel you would like to donate, Please continue to give those items to the Bear Closet. |
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP |
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5:30 p.m. - PK-6th grade classes meet in classrooms 6:10 p.m. - Family Worship 6:30 p.m. - Family Supper in Fellowship Hall |
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CONFERENCE, DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT NEWS |
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District Leadership Training You are asked to register by Friday, March 6th. Critical Conversations and Conflict Transformation How are you and your church at coming together with passion and ideas? When important conversations arise, do you navigate them constructively—or does the fire quickly burn out? Sometimes, those sparks of creativity and conviction can lead to harmony and world-changing mission, but other times they ignite dissonance and division. The truth is: conflict happens. “Conflict” simply is the presence of two or more ideas held by people that care about them. That’s why it’s essential to equip church leaders with the skills to engage in critical conversations and transform conflict. This 90-minute workshop will provide practical tools, teaching, and strategies you can take back to your congregation. Together we will: Explore the nature of conflict and why it matters. Review best practices for speaking and listening well. Reflect on personal tendencies in conflict situations. Consider actionable strategies for your local church. Join us to transform conflict into an opportunity for deeper connection and stronger ministry. Workshops: Aye-Yi-AI: Artificial Intelligence's Ethics and Opportunities For Ministry We can ignore artificial intelligence, or we can embrace it for our ministries. Either way, it is here, and it presents ethical issues we must consider while also realizing the newly evolving ways we can use it for deeper exploration of the Bible and spreading the Gospel to others. Missions in a Connectional System Presented by: Rev. Michelle Williamson This will give us a chance to look at where our Mission apportionments, go; as well as looking at Special Offerings and the wide variety of Conf. and Denominational Advance Special. There will be handouts and lists with descriptions of the many mission opportunities we have. From Firefighting to Fruit-Tending—Spiritual Leadership for Church Boards and Committees Presented by: Rev. Chris Childs If leadership were mostly about having the right answers, the church would already be thriving. Yet many boards and committees find themselves caught in reactive decision making, conflict avoidance, and constant firefighting—often with the best of intentions. This workshop invites participants to reimagine spiritual leadership not as problem-solving under pressure, but as cultivating a non-anxious, hopeful presence grounded in clarity about God’s mission and purpose for the congregation. Drawing on practical tools and leadership practices developed at Grace Ottumwa, we will explore how emotionally healthy leadership helps churches discern direction, resist the pull of anxiety-driven urgency, and refocus the church on its missional calling. Participants will reflect on the qualities they seek in leaders, the mission field their congregation is uniquely called to reach, and how sustained focus on that calling reshapes the work of boards and committees—especially when the fires are loud. |
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Navigating Resources for an Older Adult Whether you are an older adult or a caregiver for an older adult looking for services it may be difficult to know where to start. Join us for a presentation on navigating resources available in our community and how to access them with Johnson County Aging Specialist, Jeff Kellbach. Jeff will discuss where to start and who can help when an issue arises. Open to all who have an interest in this important topic. When: 9 a.m. Sunday, March 8 Where: North Liberty First, a United Methodist Community of Faith |
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AD BOARD MINUTES |
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Springdale UMC Leadership Board meeting Minutes
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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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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 |