Reflections by Rev. Kevin
It is back to school time, and back to a routine! I was looking forward to both, yet can hardly believe the fall season has arrived! The fall routine comes with a sense of security in knowing what to expect next. And at the same time I know that new things will happen, and things I do not expect will be just around the corner. That is what makes ministry exciting for me.
Often times I look at my job, and I marvel at how wonderful it is. I get to be around people, and help people celebrate milestones in their lives with Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, graduation, marriage, wedding anniversaries, promotions, retirement, and many in between, as well as in their deepest time of need (during illnesses, surgeries, death of loved ones, loss of jobs, troubled families and marriages). I was called to pastoral ministry, which is much more than preaching on Sunday mornings. It is caring for the flock in all the stages of life. I like to think of it like Jesus’ command to Peter in the last chapter of John to “Feed my lambs…take care of my sheep…feed my sheep!” I know my greatest joy, and therefore believe it is a gift, is working with young people. And my greatest challenge is taking time to visit every household. I understand that I have several flaws in my pastoral ministry, and I have many strengths.
It is the season of evaluations. The Staff Parish has been asked to render its evaluation of me and of our church and our shared ministry to the Conference Superintendent of the South Central District. I have been doing self-reflection and attempting to discern God’s will for my ministry and for our shared ministry. I have many selfish reasons to want to stay in Davis County. I love the people here, and feel loved by many. I have children in what I consider to be one of the best schools in the state of Iowa, and understand they receive quality education with a personal touch. I also realize that I am an itinerant pastor who listens to the council of the Bishop and the cabinet. I do not know how many more years I will be able to be your pastor, but rest assured that while I am I promise to do my very best to bring you closer to Jesus, and to challenge you to grow in your outreach and your understanding of yourself in relation to and with God.
I appreciate your continued support of ministry in Davis County. I feel we have grown together as a parish, and both churches are reaching out near and far to be in mission and ministry to the world. I hope we can accomplish even more as we make disciples to bring more of God’s children home. With this in mind, I hope that together we can develop leadership in the parish to carry us into our future. I hope many of you will join in a study, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” which begins in early October.
In Christ, Pastor Kevin
BLOOMFIELD U.M.W. HIGHLIGHTS
Summer is over and it is time to start back to U.M.W. Our first meeting after summer break is Wednesday, September 3rd at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship hall. Circle of Faith will be the hostess for this meeting. Marlynne Urban – devotions and Odessa Brorby will be presenting the program.
Prayer person for the September and October is Pastor Leila Disburg – Anchorage, Alaska. (She was a former pastor of our church and now in mission along with her husband, Pastor Jon Disburg in Anchorage.)
Our Fall Rummage Sale will be held on Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12. We hope you will please step forward and volunteer to help with this project which helps U.M.W. with funding for missions. You may contact Barb Gravett (664-3397) for information and times to volunteer your service.
Our South Central District U.M.W. Annual meeting will be at the Chariton United Methodist Church Saturday September 6. Registration and coffee begins at 8:30 a.m. The Fall Mission Study will be held on Tuesday, October 7th at the Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 201 Columbus St., Pleasantville, IA. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Bible Study begins at 9:00 a.m.
Circle of Faith will meet in the Chapel on Wednesday, September 10th at 9:30 a.m. Hostess: Bonnie Sawyer and Hettie Augspurger. Program and devotions: Marlynne Urban.
Morning Circle will meet Wednesday, September 17 at 9:30 a.m. Hostess: Kay Smith. Program and devotions: Isabel Boatman.
Remember U.M.W. is open to all women of the church. We hope you will join us at our General meetings and both the Morning Circle and Circle of Faith extend big welcomes in hoping you will also join a circle. We welcome you all.
“Lord, help us to have a listening heart that is soft and teachable. Save us from being so filled with ourselves that we can’t hear you. Give us the grace to both listen and obey when you speak to us.” Amen.
Living abundantly through God’s blessing.
Sandy Dixon, U.M.W. President
FALL RUMMAGE SALE: SEPT. 11–12
PLEASE BRING IN DONATIONS Sunday September 7– Tuesday September 9. Any and All helpers are appreciated!
BLOOMFIELD ROOFING,
WINDOWS AND SIDEWALK
This summer the Bloomfield Board of Trustees have replaced the sidewalk in front of the church ($2,801.40). We have also done some parsonage repairs to start getting rid of mold, replacing the roof, and repairing siding from the hail damage spending around ($8,795) to date. The church roof has also been replaced ($34,508). The plan is to insert new windows in the kitchen and education wings of the church we have prepaid (6,763) and will owe $8,995.75. We have just over $5000 in the window fund, and $8,761 in the project fund. We thank you for joining us in raising the roof, and letting the light shine in as we raised money for the project fund.
Additional work at the parsonage to get rid of a moisture/mold problem will cause the amount needed for the project fund to increase. Your continued support is needed and appreciated!
SPECIAL EVENTS COMING TO BLOOMFIELD IN SEPTEMBER!
Fall Revival – September 13-15
Change of Worship Schedule for September 14th :
The Bloomfield church will have one combined service of worship on Sunday September 14th at 10:00 a.m. There will not be an 8:00 or 10:45 service. Randy Beary will be the guest preacher, and we will have lots of special music from the choirs and individuals, as well as from our praise team. Come and worship with us!
Pot – Luck Dinner September 14:
Following the 10:00 worship service we will have a pot-luck meal at the Bloomfield church. Please bring plenty of food to share with friends, as we hope to have several visitors here! The pot-luck will probably begin around 11:30 a.m.
We will also have a Barbeque supper with Randy at 5:30 p.m. prior to the evening service at 7:00.
Come celebrate Christ and community with us!!!
GET WILD ABOUT GOD AND JESUS!
SEPTEMBER 21!
A reminder that we have Sunday School each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for pre-school through Adults at Bloomfield. On September 21 we will Rally the Troops to officially kick off our fall program.
Our theme for Education Sunday “Rally Day” is from Lion King “Hakuna Matata”. Don’t worry, let God direct your life. We will recognize the Sunday School teachers, and each of the classes will share in the 10:45 worship.
Following the worship service the youth will sponsor a meal for the entire congregation to feast together. The meal serves two purposes: gathering us together for food, and as a fundraiser for special trips the youth go on throughout the year. Come support both!
TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER BREAKFAST AT BLOOMFIELD !
There is a group of people meeting every Tuesday morning at 6:30 for breakfast and prayer. We are using the Upper Room Devotional as a guide, and share a meal and devotions. We are done by 7:30. All are welcome to come and join us!
FULFILLING A DREAM
Dorothea Proctor Witten’s granddaughter Ashley Humpal, who recently obtained her 4-yr. nursing degree and is now ready to pursue her longtime dream of working on a mission trip to Africa. She will be going to Southern Sudan at an orphanage in a town called Yei. She will work as a nurse in a clinic that is part of the orphanage, working with 120 orphans as well as surrounding villages. Plans are for her to be leaving around September 1st for a one year mission.
If you would like to contribute to her financially, her letter is posted on the bulletin board in the entryway at the Bloomfield church that contains more information.
RAINBOW & FRIENDS PRESCHOOL
What an awesome start to the new school year. The children are busting at the seams with enthusiasm and the teachers are ready to go. We have 27 three-year-olds attending this year, and thirteen four-year-olds. May God bless all the families who have entrusted us to teach their children.
The three-year-old classes will begin learning the basics: colors, shapes, counting, cutting, coloring, pasting, following directions, and socialization skills, along with learning about many stories and verses from the Bible. The four-year-old class will begin to review their colors, shapes, numbers, and letter recognition. We will begin to introduce all the sounds of each letter. We will be reading many Bible stories as well. Each class will work on one memory verse each month.
Thank you to all of you who are donating snack items for the preschool. It is greatly appreciated. This preschool would not run as smoothly if it weren’t for your generous donations. Thank you so much!
Please keep all of us lifted in prayer as we continue through the days and months. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to help teach all these little hearts about the love of God.
Thank you for your continued support of this Christian Mission.
Mrs. Greiner
DRAKESVILLE MEAL SITE RETURNS
Pastor Kevin invites the Drakesville community to share in a meal from the Senior Center at noon each Thursday. Call the center to make reservations!
BLOOMFIELD MEMBERSHIP CARE AND NURTURE MINISTRY REQUEST:
The membership care and nurture ministry team at Bloomfield is looking for participants in starting a “Prayer Shawl” ministry. We need knitters to knit shawls that will then be blessed and given to people with special needs like extended illness, or sudden grief. If you are interested in more information on this new ministry contact Sandy Dixon at 664-3380.
The ministry team is also recruiting volunteer drivers. From time to time we have persons (following surgery or broken bones) who would like to attend Sunday School and Worship but are not able to drive. If you would be willing to offer rides please add your name to the list of potential drivers so we know who to call. Contact the parish office 664-3206 to add your name to the drivers list.
Y’e GADS to Begin a New Season:
On September 3rd the Young’ens Growing And Developing Spirit will be entered into their 10th season. The early brainchild of Mary Kincart, Elaine Perry and Pastor Kevin, this ministry has become known in the county for providing a safe place to send children in 1st – 6th grades after school on Wednesdays.
This year we will be moving into the new season using a curriculum designed by Pioneer Clubs, called “Exploring God’s Word.” Y’e GADS is a place where kids will have fun with friends, learn Christian values, and form positive Christian relationships.
If you have a child in 1st – 6th grade please have them give Y’e GADS a try this fall. I am sure they will find it has returned to the fun-filled, Christ-nurtured place it began. It is open to any and all Children in Davis County! So invite friends and come along for the journey with God. We meet again September 17th!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
DRAKESVILLE PARADE
WINNING FLOAT
The Cosmic City float won first place in the Drakesville Reunion Parade on July 25th. Just a reminder of how wonderful the week of VBS truly was. Thanks again to all the directors and volunteers!
Larry and Jane Kies
to visit Bloomfield
The Bloomfield church, through the Rainbow Covenant, has adopted the Kies family as missionaries, giving two full mission supports of $1000 each/year. When they are in Iowa they visit supporting congregations to share some of their mission story. Larry & Jane will be in Bloomfield on Wed. October 1 at 11:00 a.m.
WANTED!
FALL BAZAAR COORDINATOR!
The Bloomfield Administrative Board is looking for an individual, or group of persons to organize a Fall Auction and Bazaar. Proceeds for this event will go into our project fund for future needs. Please contact Helen Schroeder or Pastor Kevin if you are interested in assisting. Thanks!
DRAKESVILLE FALL SUPPER
NOVEMBER 1ST
The Drakesville Administrative Board wants to remind members the fall supper is just around the corner. If you would like to help organize this year’s event please contact Pastor Kevin soon.
Charge Conference Date Change:
Thursday October 2 at 6:30 p.m. is our annual charge conference. This is a change from the original published date, due to the installation service for Bishop Tremble, the new Bishop in Iowa. Charge conference will be held at Bloomfield with West Grove, Jerome, Troy, Drakesville, and Bloomfield. I hope many of you will come and be a part of this ministry event that celebrates who we are, and helps to set the direction we will head in the future.
Bloomfield Worship Servers – September
Date – September 7, 2008
8:00
Greeters/Ushers – Joe & Nancy Plowman
Communion Stewards – LaVern & Virginia Jarr
10:45
Greeters – Jim Utt Family
Ushers – Jim Utt Family
Lay Reader – Jay Wilburn
Acolytes – Anna Bowling, Kate Birchmier
Nursery – Julie Swaim
Communion Stewards – Sandy Dixon, Jennifer Birchmier, Jane Bigsby
Coffee Hour – Vicki and Roger Osenbaugh
Date – September 14, 2008
10:00
Greeters – Scott Spurgeon Family
Ushers – Scott Spurgeon Family
Lay Reader – Sandy Dixon
Acolytes –Allison Gooden, Mason Roberts
Coffee Hour – Pot Luck
Date - September 21, 2008
8:00
Greeters/Ushers – Kelly Wilson and Barbara Gravett
10:45
Greeters – Jim and Jill Nelson Family
Ushers –Jim and Jill Nelson Family
Lay Reader – Linda Rowe
Acolytes – Madeline Nelson, Allyssa Yahnke
Nursery – Melissa Yahnke and Daughters
Coffee Hour – Osenbaugh Family
Date – September 28, 2008
8:00
Ushers – Bill and JoAnn Augspurger
10:45
Greeters – Isabel Boatman, Joann Phillis
Ushers – Brett Birchmier Family
Lay Reader – Mark Warren
Acolytes – Sean Emmons, Colton Kincart
Nursery – Sandy Dixon
Coffee Hour – Keith and Kay Smith, Angela Shipley
WORSHIP SCHEDULE CHANGE:
Sunday September 14th Bloomfield will have one service at 10:00 a.m.
Drakesville will move their
service to 8:30 a.m.
THANK YOU
Thanks to all who helped with the blood drive on August 19th. Thirty-one units of blood were drawn at the August 19th blood drive. Whether you donated blood, worked during the event, or donated cookies. All were appreciated. Karen Spurgeon
CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS
The Chancel choir will begin rehearsals September 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. We invite all interested junior high, high school and adult singers to join us! We will be singing for the first time on Sunday, September 7th. We look forward to a great year and hope to have several new members this fall.
Please contact a choir member or Karen Spurgeon if you know of someone who is not currently a choir member and should receive a special invitation.
Drakesville Worship Servers – September
Date – September 7, 2008
Ushers/Greeters – Skip and Dee Johnson
Acolytes – Katy Bassett, Weston Shively
Nursery – Eileen Bolin
Lay Reader – Meghan Shively
Communion Stewards –
Gordon and Ellen Schumaker
Date – September 14, 2008
Ushers/Greeters – Gwynlyn & Steve Hoffman
Acolytes – Mikaela Hoffman, Sara Lawson
Nursery – Betsy Bassett
Lay Reader – Carole Raskie
Date – September 21, 2008
Ushers/Greeters – Betty Swaim and Betty Jones
Acolytes – Abby Raskie and Hannah Swaim
Nursery – Sue Lawson
Lay Reader – Eileen Bolin
Date – September 28, 2008
Ushers/Greeters – Willa Harter, Helen McElderry
Acolytes – Weston Shively, M’chelle Allen
Nursery – Charlene Allen
Lay Reader – Katy Bassett
Drakesville Grandparent Recognition:
The Family Ministry Committee is recognizing Grandparents and Quilters on Sunday September 7th. We would like to have pictures of Grandparents with some of their grandchildren for a special display. Contact Carol Raskie for information.
Education Sunday Celebration!
Sunday September 21 will be our Education Sunday Celebration – we will hand out 3rd grade Bibles at both churches, and at Bloomfield we will recognize teachers, and Celebrate Sunday School – Hakuna Matata (from the Lion King). We begin anew!
September 1 Drew Norton, Timothy Campbell, Sydney Jo Kincart
September 2 Kent Naughton
September 3 Janet Delzell, Taylor Wirtanen, Seth Emmons, Brandon Schmidt
September 4 Eleta Bumgarner, Jackie Fleming
September 5 Randy Jones, Deb Leyda
September 6 Kip Augspurger, Mary Lou McVey, Carolyn Scott
September 7 Helen Mixer, Pyper Wettstein, Joe Vollmer,
September 8 Tucker Janssen, Brian Bigsby, Evelyn Scott, Justin Utt
September 9 Matt Squire, Tammy King, William Bolin, Cody McClure
September 10 Dennis Mixer, Genevieve Runyon, Charlie Bigsby
September 11 Lorene Simmons, Josh Archer, Mary Lou Nichols
September 13 Kathi Scott, Skip Johnson
September 14 Frank Sullivan, Kayla Anderson
September 15 Jill Russell
September 16 Jamie Warren
September 17 Bruce Piper, Katie Kincart Williams, Marcus Ferguson
September 18 Coleson Whisler
September 19 John Howard, Mark Bolin, Zachary Ripka, Jade Batterson
September 20 Glenys Bolin
September 21 Jackie Perry, Aaron Jarr, Keith Smith
September 22 Dawn Scott
September 23 Ashley Leyda
September 24 Doris Schoonover, Allison Gooden, Sam Miller, Drew Summers
September 25 Charlene Allen, Brandon Walton, Sandra Gaffney, Robin Culp
September 26 Craig Scott, Bonnie Sawyer
September 27 Angelia Scott, Gordon Schumaker
September 28 Sue Lawson
September 29 Rob Veatch
September 30 Sarah Dozauer, Stewart Nebel
If we have missed your name, Happy Birthday, and please call your birth date into the office!
MISSION NEWS:
We are gearing up for the Bishop’s In-Gathering once again. The mission committee encourages the congregation to provide several different kits. To start with – as you do your back-to-school shopping (or while school supplies are on sale for those of you who no longer shop for back-to-school) we are encouraging you to put together school kits for the ingathering. School Kits provide tools for education, which changes lives. In countries where children don’t have books, school supplies or classrooms, a school kit may be their only educational resource. Here is a list of what goes into each bag:
3 Notebooks, approx. 81/2 X 11 wide ruled (210 to 250 sheets total) spiral or bound
1 30 cm metric ruler
1 box of 24 crayons (ONLY 24)
1 2 1/2” eraser
1 blunt scissors
1 hand pencil sharpener
6 unsharpened pencils with erasers
All items are placed in a sturdy cloth bag, 14” x 16” (finished size) with 22” handles. Do not put any of the items in Ziploc bags.
IOWA-NIGERIA KITS
CLASSROOM KIT Basic classroom supplies that can be used by teacher and student alike prove to be highly requested by the educational leadership of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria.
Pair of 8” scissors
Single hole punch
Box of stars or award stickers (1 sheet)
Plastic 12” ruler with inches/centimeters
Small sack/bag of rubber bands (all sizes)
1 package of 100 3” x 5” note cards (plain or lined)
Compact desk stapler with 1 box of staples
Basic pocket calculator (solar powered)
1 box jumbo paper clips (100)
5 two-pocket folders
6 manila envelopes (9” x 12)
Place in an appropriate size zip-lock bag.
Call Donna in the parish office for information on other In-Gathering Kits.
DRAKESVILLE WORSHIP CHANGED
TO 8:30 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 14TH!
PARISH YOUTH NEWS
YOUTH KICK OFF EVENT
We had a total of 25 youth at our first event of the fall!
Sunday August 24th we gathered at the Bloomfield Church to eat, sing and play together. It was a great time for all! 25 youth and several adults participated in a bar-b-que followed by some ultimate Frisbee and a time of singing and praise in the sanctuary. We plan on keeping the youth group alive an active all season long!
“Teach Me Your Paths,
Oh Lord”
Sunday School teachers at Bloomfield are Jennifer Birchmier: High School and Tammy Roberts: Jr. High – come and learn together!
A Parish Youth Group Experience!
The Bloomfield and Drakesville youth groups will meet separately on Sunday September 7 to decide whether to combine for some or all of their
events this school year. After a very successful Wyoming experience,
where we bonded with one another it was suggested we give a combined group a try.
The youth may decide to meet every week together, two weeks a month
together, or to just try special events together once a month.
All youth are asked to attend the meetings on September 7th to give their input.
Drakesville meets at 4:00 p.m. and Bloomfield meets at 6:00 p.m.
WYOMING REPORT!
Mike Mentzer, from Alden was our guest preacher at Wyoming this year. He reminded us that “Jesus Christ intimately, radically, and unconditionally loves me.” From wacky cabin wars, to powerful video presentations, to challenging sermons, Mike challenged us to grow closer to Christ, and closer to each other. It was a great week!
Rick Bennett and Carol Raskie were new to the experience, and they were such a blessing to the group…we truly felt bound together.
The mountain was a challenge again, as some got lost, but all of us found ourselves coming closer to God. We canoed a little, rode horse, repelled, shot arrows and bullets, ate, and spent time under the stars together.
We want to thank the congregations for making this special event available to us. We hope that next year the entire church considers attending Lone Tree as a Family Camp experience.
Y’e GADS Helpers?
Jr. and Sr. High youth are invited to help with Y’e GADS again this year. They would meet with the club at 3:30, helping with recreation and some of the opening skits. They would also assist in the small group activities. As you think about college scholarships it is always a great thing to list community service. This is a great way to serve the community and serve Christ!
NEED YOUR HELP IN DRAKESVILLE!
The Drakesville church is serving a noon meal to the Tractor riders who will be coming through Drakesville on Friday, September 5th. We are fixing hamburger, cheesy potatoes, and pies. We will be needing donations of hamburger & pies for this event. We could really use your help on Friday. Contact Eileen Bolin if you can help in any way. We are expecting around 175 people for this event. Proceeds will go for our local mission projects.
Please continue to
support missions
throughout the fall
to help our churches
remain Rainbow
covenant
congregations!
LOOK INSIDE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE EVENTS!
Drakesville Grandparents Recognition
September 7
Bloomfield U. M. W. fall rummage sale
will be September 11-12
Bloomfield to Host a REVIVAL
September 13-15
Education Sunday is September 21
3rd Grade Bibles
Charge Conference Moved to Thursday
October 2 – 6:30 p.m. at Bloomfield