SEPTEMBER 2010 LINK

THE link

strengthen your faith…put it IN to practice

September 2010

The Church is a Fellowship of believers?What does the word fellowship bring to your mind?Do you think of the Church or something else?If not the church, I wonder why?The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3"Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace." One of the mostimportant efforts in maintaining a strong bond of peace in the church is fostering of a true senseof fellowship amongst all members of the community. A true fellowship is a gathering of personsthat share feelings, experiences, activities, and interests in a way that expresses a real quality ofcomradeship.We as the church, the body of Christ, are to be a true fellowship, a community that expressesgenuine warmth and concern for one another. How does this happen? It happens in a varietyof ways, settings and contexts. But most of all it takes place beyond the confines of the worshipsetting on Sunday morning. It happens as we gather in small groups for bible study, prayer andcompanionship. It happens in gatherings such as Church-wide dinners, programs, and leisureactivities. And yes, it does also happen in worship when we have taken the time to know thosewe worship with. It is hard, almost impossible, for a church to be a true fellowship of believerswithout persons knowing the people they worship with. It takes some time and effort on our partto become friends with those we worship with.Is not true fellowship in community what Jesus intended for us? "This is my commandment thatyou love one another.... You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call youservants any longer because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I calledyou friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my father.... Iam giving you these commandments so that you may love one another. "[John 15:15-17] &[Acts 2:42-47] "They devoted themselves to the apostles and to the fellowship... They brokebread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoyingthe favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their numbers daily those that were beingsaved."We have many opportunities to be in fellowship with each other. I encourage you to be a part ofthese activities, for it is only through each of our efforts that true friendship and fellowship occur.Grace and Peace,Pastor Lane

MEALS ON WHEELS
First United Methodist Church is scheduled to deliver meals to home bound & elderly in the Knoxville area through Knoxville Senior Nutrition Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) from September 20th to October 15th. Each day has four routes and they are currently providing meals to 59 people on a daily basis. It is ideal to have 2 persons per route, but a driver alone would suffice. Be a Good Samaritan to one in need, signup sheets are at the church. You may also contact the church office via e-mail or phone if you are interested in volunteering to help deliver meals.

PRESCHOOL SUPPLY NEEDS FOR 2010-2011

· Glue Sticks (any size)
· Markers (washable 8 or 10 ct)
· Crayons (24 count or smaller)
· Watercolor Paint Sets
· 100% Juice (bottles or jugs)
· Kleenex Boxes
· Paper/Styrofoam Plates
· Paper/Styrofoam Bowls
· Plastic Silverware
· Small Paper Cups (Dixie 5 oz)
· Paper Towels
· Clorox/Lysol Wipes
· All Purpose Cleaner
· Craft Items: Buttons, Fabric Scraps, Wiggly Eyes

Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them…” Matthew 19:14

HOW MANY Layettes WENT TO NIGERIA?
Would you believe that the Iowa team, unpacked and counted 3400 individual layettes sent by Iowans to Nigeria? That means that 3400 precious little Nigerian babies will be swaddled in soft, clean clothes and blankets lovingly prepared by Iowans and taken to InGathering.

In Nigeria the infant mortality is extremely high due to poor living conditions, unclean water, and lack of medical care. Many babies die before their first birthday. If they live to the age of 5, they stand a good chance of living a full life.
If you would like to make a financial contribution towards these kits please return the enclosed envelope with check made payable to InGathering.

NEXT STEP CONFERENCE
The “Next Step Conference” will be held at Ankeny UMC on October 22 and 23. A variety of break-out sessions will provide valuable resources for the ministry of our church. Program information can be found at http://www.nextstepankeny.com/. Early registration deadline is September 1. Please contact Pastor Lane if you are interested in attending. We will car pool.

2010 METANOIA
“Hospitality God’s Way” is the theme for the 2010 Metanoia Christian Women’s Retreat. Metanoia will meet in October at the Christian Conference Center near Newton, Iowa. The 2010 resource leader is Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce (A United Methodist Pastor who has been a favorite leader of the Spiritual Growth Study at the School of Christian Mission for several years and she has also been a speaker at the UMW District Meeting).

Metanoia is an ecumenical Christian retreat designed to celebrate unity in Christ and encourage women to respond to God’s call in their lives.

The 2010 retreat meets in two sessions, each complete in itself. Metanoia I is Wednesday, October 13 at 3:00 p.m. to Friday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m. Metonoia II starts Friday, October 15 at 3:30 p.m. and ends Sunday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Registration includes six delicious meals and lodging for two nights at the Christian Conference Center in Newton. Lodging at the Christian Conference Center is either in a cabin or in the new lodge. Registration with cabin lodging is $90 or $130 for a lodge room. Cabins are heated and modern. The lodge has limited accommodations that are assigned first on need and then first come, first served. You must register by September 10th. To request a registration form or for more information, contact Joyce Russell, 1450 N. Shore Drive, Knoxville, Iowa, 50138 at 641-842-2726.

EXPLORING OUR INTERIOR CASTLE
Embracing metaphor to enhance your Spiritual Journey and discover the extraordinarily holy in the ordinary.

This is a 24 hour retreat presented byFormation Steering Committee, Board of Discipleship of the Iowa Annual Conference, and United Methodist
Church on October 29-30 at America Martyrs, Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday 5:00 p.m. through Saturday 5:00 p.m.

The leadership team includes Marilyn Bauchanan, Karlene Neal, and Diane Luther. Marilyn R. Bauchanan, M.Div. LMT, has been professionally involved in the healing, health, and integration of body, mind, heart, and spirit since 1978. She holds a Masters Degree in Theology, is a United Methodist Minister, a licensed Massage Therapist, and a Reiki Master. She has completed postgraduate work in Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Counseling, and Holistic Health education. She also is a passionate student of Anusara Yoga.

“We spend most of our lives focused on external events, the transitory things of this world. So consumed, distracted, seduced are we by all that “important stuff” out there, we miss the “important stuff” that resides in our own house. We miss the real treasure that lies hidden in the deepest chambers of our soul. It is time for a treasure hunt. This 24 hour retreat is designed to assist you in finding access for the discovery and the recovery of the real treasures within you!” Registration deadline is three weeks prior to each event. If interested contact Pastor Lane.

BIBLE PRESENTATION
The 3rd grade Bible presentation will be Sept. 26 at the 10:45 service with an orientation class at 4:00 p.m. that afternoon in the East Fellowship Hall

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat would like to thank their friends at FUMC for the generosity over the last 2 years while the office was located in the Activity Center. Because of the many blessings, Habitat continues to grow. Unfortunately, this also means they have outgrown the office space in the Activity Center. Habitat is now located in a larger space across from Wal-Mart in the same building as the Knoxville Vet Clinic. Thanks again and feel free to stop by our new location. – Habitat for Humanity of Marion

CONGRATULATIONS
For the first time ever, the Iowa State Fair Queen crown has been placed upon the head of a Marion County Fair Queen, Lacy Stevenson. Lacy was chosen out of the 102 contestants who participated in this year's competition. Judging is based on personality, attitude, awareness, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise. She is the daughter of Rick and Tamra Stevenson of Knoxville and a member of our Knoxville First United Methodist Church.

Thoughts & Prayers
Rita Hays, Marion Dykstra, Mary Durham, T. Mark Preston, Dorothy Porter, Bob Schmidt, Stanton Metcalf, Betty McLaughlin, Bob Jahner, Esther Fridlington, Irl Clarke, Susanna Swank, Vivian Nash, Lela Todd and our service people and their families.

SYMPATHY
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Odie Bonnett, brother-in-law of Betty Tonda.

Condolences to the family of Joyce Redding who passed away on August 21, 2010.

Our sympathy is extended to the Mark and Pam Mahoney family on the death of Pam’s mother, Pat McClain.

THANK YOU
Words cannot express how thankful we are for the prayers, cards with kind thoughts, and other acts of kindness at the time of our 62nd anniversary, during Dorothy’s hospital stay, & our return home. We are truly blessed with a caring church family. Thank you. Dorothy & Ralph Porter

Thanks to all who attended my 90th birthday party. I had a wonderful day. Thanks also for the many greetings and cards. I plan to reread the cards on my 91st birthday. Ruth Beebout

I want to thank everyone who baked goods or had produce or helped at the site. Thank you. Susan Friday

Thanks to all the great helpers at the Pitstop Pancakes at the Armory! Your smile and work are very much appreciated by the guests and the Chamber! Thanks, Kay

Dear First Church Family, Thank you again for supporting me during another summer of Celebration Iowa. It seems that no matter the activity I’m involved in whether it is sports related or musical, you, my church family, are behind me more than one hundred percent! I appreciate all the ways you help me grow. Thanks again. Love, Robert Woodle

Lacy Stevenson and her family would like to thank their church family for all the outpouring of support, cards, and congratulations we have received as she represented Marion County and then being crowned 2010 Iowa State Fair Queen. Thank you all so very much for your ongoing support.

2010 F.U.N. CALENDAR…INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Sunday, September 26th at FUMC
5:00 p.m. – “Family Night Out” Better Than a New JD Tractor – FREE light meal
6:30 p.m. – Movie “Blind Side” and treats

Saturday, October 16th at 1335 Hayes Drive Knoxville
6:00 p.m. – “Hay Ride, Bon Fire, Wiener Roast and GAME NIGHT in the Shed (bring a dish and a favorite game to share)

Friday, November 19th at FUMC
6:00 p.m. – “Fall Harvest Dinner” and Movie - Ham Ball Dinner with all the Home Made Trimmings.

Saturday, November 27th at FUMC
9:00 a.m. – FREE Brunch – Decorate the Church for Christmas

http://www.kifumc.org/ * 641-842-3712 mailto:*%20%20fumchurch@iowatelecom.net


SEPTEMBER LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE
September 4-5
Jer. 18:1-11 Ps. 139:1-6, 13-18 Philem. 1-21 Luke 14:25-33

September 11-12
Jer. 4:11-12, 22-28 Ps. 14 1 Tim. 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-10

September 18-19
Jer. 8:18-9:1 Ps.79:1-9 or Ps. 4 1 Tim. 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13

September 25-26
Jer. 32:1-3a, 6-15 Ps. 91:1-6, 14-16
1 Tim. 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31

Special Dates
We would like to share in celebrating your birthday or anniversary. The dates are posted on the website. Please check your personal information and if it needs corrected, updated or you want to be excluded, please email or contact the church office.