Friends Newsletter - Lynnville Friends Church

Friends Newsletter
MAY 2016—Volume 137
From the Pastor’s Desk…
The temperatures are finally warming up as April winds down and we get ready to go into May. I love all the seasons. Spring
is such a time for new growth. The grass greens up and we start to mow it. The trees are full of buds and the flowers are
pushing their way through the ground as well.
With spring also comes planting season. I have enjoyed watching the barren looking fields spring to life as the ground is prepared and then the seed is planted in anticipation of a great harvest. Life just seems to get a boost every spring when everything is new and fresh again.
Funny thing is the harvest will never take place if the ground is not prepared and the seed not planted. If there are no rain
and no care along the way the seed will have a hard time producing an abundant harvest? What about your Spiritual life?
Have you prepared your heart? Has the seed been planted?
We want an abundant harvest of hearts and lives given to Jesus Christ. How can you help prepare the heart and plant the
seed in your family? What about that co-worker or good friend? Make sure you continue to nourish the seed planted in your
heart by spending time in God’s word and in prayer with him. We are all called to go spread the seed of the good news of
Jesus Christ.
Greeters Schedule...
Best Wishes
Graduates!
FRONT ENTRANCE:
May 1-Don and Dee Van Genderen
May 8-Duane and
Sherry Harthoorn
May 15-Verlan and Lori Vos
May 22-Mark and Missy Doll
May 29-Boyd and Kathy Arthur
CANOPY ENTRANCE:
May 1-Dave and Bonnie Van Rees
May 8-Jim Bob Suiter, Faith
May 15-Matt and Lisa
& Sierra
James
May 22-Glen and Cris Lewis
May 29-Gorman and LaDonna Rozendaal
We congratulate you on graduation,
And pray more success comes your way.
May the Lord fill your life with happiness,
With every step you take.
New challenges stand before you,
We pray your faith stands strong.
For our love and prayers are with you,
But your future’s in God’ hands.
Lynnville Friends Council
Young Friends
The Council met on April 14 at 7:00. Those present were Bev
Flander, Linda Beyer, Pastor Jamie, Mike Terpstra, Verlan Vos
and Stacey James.
Prayer requests were brought before the council.
Old Business
Mesquakie Work Day is planned for Saturday, April 16. We are
expecting around 17 workers. We will be splitting and stacking
wood. There will be a church service at 5:00 p.m. for those who
wish to stay around. After the service Mac will be taking a group
to visit the settlement.
New baby items have been purchased and placed in the nursery.
Spring Body of Representatives was held on March 19 with representatives attending from our church.
New Business
The Women's Bible Study is planning a 5-day club in Maida's
backyard sometime this spring/summer. Child Evangelism Fellowship out of Oskaloosa organizes and trains the teenagers that
will be conducting the 5-day club. 5-day club is set up much like
a Bible School.
Committee Reports
Trustees:
Another bid has been received for the lift. The uninstalled lift
bid is $11,000 and it will be another $7000 for the concrete.
There was concern that we should pay the extra money and have
it installed by professionals that way we know it meets all regulations.
Brian and Monica Lanser will once again be taking care of the
lawn.
Instead of replacing the light fixtures in the kitchen it was decided to just replace the bulbs. New light fixtures are still needed
for the hallway upstairs.
Trustees would like to have a clean up day with someone from
each committee represented.
Boiler inspection has been completed.
Treasure's Report:
Treasure's report looks good and offerings have been very consistent. Linda is officially retiring from being treasure. We thank
her for her many years of service.
USFW:
USFW met on April 4. The committee will make known that
they have funds set aside to assist any camper needing help paying for camper fees. Books were purchased at Spring Fling for
USFW readers. Teacher's appreciation day is May 6. They discussed bringing treats into the preschools for the teachers.
Elder: Senior Recognition will be Sunday, May 8. Bibles will
need to be ordered.
An insert about church committee expectations will be placed in
the bulletin. Please pray for the committees that need to be
filled. Christian Ed
Kids 4 Christ is done for the year.
Continued…..
These are condensed minutes from the Young Friends
meeting, which was held on Sunday, April 24.
2016 Mission Trip - July 24-30:
18 students. 3 boys, 15 girls.
Airline tickets are reserved.
Pre-trip meetings are scheduled for Sunday, June 26
and July 10 at 6:30. June 26 include parents.
Make color copies of passports prior to the trip.
Reviewed service fundraiser requests.
Envelope Fundraiser: We are going to start this on Sunday, April 24.
Senior Farewell / Year End Party. Wednesday, April 13.
Reviewed and made notes for next year. We had a
great turnout and everything went smoothly. Thanks to
the Young Friends committee for all their help!
Senior recognition Sunday. Sunday, May 8. Congratulations to our FOCUS seniors!
Jamie Beyer
Noah Engle
Mary Chaffin
Naomi Shinkle
Paige Eilander
Ross Van Wyk
Summer TEC is scheduled for July 15-17 at Sully First
Reformed Church.
7th & 8th grade summer trip. Friday, August 12 Wednesday, August 17. Will be sending a mailing to
students and parents.
Lynnville Women’s Club request for FOCUS students to help
with the ball diamond concession stand.
Camp Quaker Heights 2016. Register at www.iaym.org/
events. All camps are determined by grade completed. Save $25 by registering by May 13.
June 10-12 Little Fry (K-2)
June 12-17 Middle/High School
June 17-19 Young Adult Weekender
June 19-23 Elementary
Next meeting will be Sunday, May 22.
Bible school plans are in progress.
Missy will meet with Pastor Jamie in May to discuss the 2015-2016
Sunday School year and set vision/goals for 2016-2017.
Pastor Report
Several have requested to become members of the church.
Pastor is looking at planning a few church social events for the
community such as photo scavenger hunts, car hop, and other
games.
Next meeting will be Thursday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m.
MAY
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
3
4
5
6
7
10
11
12
13
14
Check out our new website:
www.lynnvillefriends.org
1
2
Missions/Trustees
meet 7 pm
USFW-5 p.m.
8
9
Missions Sunday and Senior
Recognition
Sunday
15
Council
meets
7pm
16
17
18
19
Camp registration
deadline today to
save $25
20
21
27
28
Elders
meet 7 pm
22
23
24
Young Friends
meet
29
25
26
Hope Ministries in DM
from 6-7 pm
30
31
Pg. 4
~A great way to support missions!
May birthdays:
1– Melesa Bogaard
2– Garrett DeHoedt
8-Jane Vander Weerdt
10-Bev Van Genderen,
Ron Dunwoody
11-Mark Doll
13-David Gertsma
14-Corey Harthoorn
17-Boyd Arthur
20-Carroll Beyer
22-Rich VanManen
23-Scott Van Soelen
24-Caden Doll
25-Mary Lou Beyer
26-Monica Lanser
29-Missy Doll
31-Bailey Terpstra
May anniversaries:
8-Todd and Regina Kaldenberg
12-Lynn and
Shelly VandeKrol
21-Dwight and
Kim Harsselaar
25-Phil and Lynn
Stafford
A Chicken & Noodle Dinner will be held on Sunday May 1,2016, 12:00 noon at
Honey Creek – New Providence Friends in New Providence. This will be a fund
raiser for Kenya Friends Theological College Solar Electric Project.
“Friends Theological College (FTC) is an institution dedicated to the training of
Friends pastors, as well as to the academic progress, personal development, and
spiritual growth of the students whom God is calling to other ministries. Located
on the Kaimosi Mission in Kenya's Hamisi District, FTC has worked since 1942
to fulfill its mission statement: "to prepare and equip leaders for Christian ministry who meet recognized professional and academic standards and are able to
challenge society to live by the teachings of Christ." Together, the FTC community seeks to integrate faith, Scripture, and knowledge in training the present and
future leaders of churches in East Africa; and to foster in individual hearts and
lives the process of maturing in Christ.” (obtained from FTC web page)
Jim & Donna Hoeksema are in Kenya now and recently wrote: “We don't expect
to be able to do everything they want, but we do hope to get at least the first solar
electric system up and running before we leave. Right now we are still about
$7,000 short of what we need for that first project. I am hoping we can start construction in a couple weeks and trust that the rest will come in later. We are enjoying being back in Kenya, but you know the frustrations that come with it. Thanks
for thinking of us.”
If you would like to give a donation please make checks payable to HCNP
Friends and in the memo add FTC Solar Energy Project and
send it to: Honey Creek – New Providence Friends, 604 Cherry Drive. New
Providence, IA 50206
U.S.F.W.
Our meeting was held at Lyn Kinney’s home at 5p.m. Monday, April
4th. Those attending were: Ronda Lanser, Reggie Kaldenberg, Betty
Spangenburg, Cindy Norman, Garnet Gertsma, Norma Waters, and
Bev Flander.
Cindy presented a Thank You card for our help with her Triennial
fees.
It was decided to pay for a child’s camp fees asked, this June. We will
make known that we have some funds set aside to assist for a camper
if needed.
We will be buying books for our readers at Spring Fling at Middle
River Carlisle on Saturday the 9th. Our Iowa Literature person, Cathie
Zeliadt , will be providing only 2 books of each for us to see. We can
order and she will mail them to us at no charge if needed.
Lorrie Ludwick of rural Lynnville has broken her wrist. We will send
her a get well card. She is our state secretary for Iowa USFW.
Norma Waters has become a member of our USFW. She will also be
a USFW Reader.
Teacher’s appreciation day is the 1st Friday in May (May 6th). Discussion concerning making cookies for pre schools lounge room for the
teachers, but no decision was made.
Submitted by Lyn Kinney
Highlights from
Spring Fling
USFW Spring Fling was held Apr. 9 at Middle River
Friends in Carlisle, IA. Those from our area attending
were Garnet Gertsma, Bev Flander, Reva Jones from
New Sharon, Reggie Kaldenberg, Betty Spangenberg
and Cheryl Hansen from Newton and Lyn Kinney.
Coffee time gathering was fun with all the visiting
with others from the different USFW groups. The
rolls, muffins and coffee and tea varieties were enjoyed by all.
President Kerry Hadley opened service with prayer,
announcements and offering. Hannah Maselli and
Jake Spencer led the group with a host of upbeat
songs.
Sharing with each USFW Circle was next. It was interesting to discover what other groups do to provide for their area of need. Lyn Kinney spoke for our
circle. Lunch included several salads, chicken
salad/croissants, tea and coffee. After more circles
shared their stories, the meeting was closed in prayer
by Pres. Kerry Hadley.
KNOW YOUR BIBLE
66 separate books, 1189 chapters, thousands of words, the Bible shares
one message: GOD loves you! I thought it would be interesting to sum up
each chapter in this newsletter each month to see how this glorious book
came to be and how we can learn from it.
Pg. 5
Song of Soloman
Soloman ruled around 970-930 BC. This chapter is about married love and what
a beautiful thing is worth celebrating.
A dark-skinned beauty if marrying the king, and both are thrilled, “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold,
thou are fair; thou hast doves’ eyes” he tells her(1:15). “Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also
our bed is green,” she responds (1:16). Through eight chapters and 117 verses, the two lovers admire each
other’s physical beauty, expressing their love and devotion.
This chapter is unique and unusual like the book of Esther, Song of Solomon never mentions the name
“God.” God made marriage for the husband and wife’s enjoyment—and that marital love can be a picture of
God’s joy in His people.
Let him kiss me with kisses of his mouth: for they love is better than wine. (1:2). He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. (2:4). Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the
floods drown it. (8:7).
Moments
For
FRIENDS
Not that Committed
This is a story about two New Yorkers, best friends, who decided that they had had it with city living, so
they bought a ranch in Texas in order to live off the land like their ancestors. The first thing they decided they
needed was a mule to pull a plow. So they went to a neighboring rancher and asked him if he had any mules
to sell. The rancher said, “No, sorry.”
They were disappointed but continued talking with the rancher for a few minutes more. One of them spotted a bunch of honeydew melons stacked against the barn and asked, “what are those things?” The rancher,
seeing that they were city slickers, decided to have some fun. “Oh, “ he answered, “ those are mule eggs. You
take one of those eggs home and wait for it to hatch and you’ll have your mule.”
They city slickers were overjoyed, so they bought one of the melons, placed it in the back of their pickup, and
drove down the bumpy road toward their own spread. Suddenly they hit an especially bad bump and honeydew melon bounced out of the back of their pickup, hit the road, and busted open! Looking into his rearview
mirror the driver saw what had happened and slammed on the brakes, turned the truck around and drove
back to retrieve their mule egg.
Meanwhile a big old Texas jackrabbit came hopping by and saw the honeydew burst open in the road. He
hopped over to it and standing in the middle of the mess began to eat it. At about that time, the two city slicker
friends came running toward the smashed melon and spied this long-eared Texas creature in the middle of it!
One of the friends shouted, “Our mule egg has hatched! Let’s get our mule!”
But seeing these two characters running toward it, the jackrabbit took off hopping in every direction, changing directions with the city slickers in hot
pursuit. Give them credit, these two New Yorkers gave it everything they had...finally they could go no further.
Both of these good friends dropped wearily onto the ground gasping for air as they watched the jackrabbit hog off into the distance. Raising up on one
elbow, one of the men said to the other, “Well, I guess we lost our mule.”
The other friend nodded, grimly, “Yes, but you know,” he said, “I’m not sure I wanted to plow that fast anyway.”
Today’s Quote: It takes a long time to grow an old friend.—-John Leonard
Today’s Verse: So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and
be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun (Eccles. 8:15).
“Congratulations
Graduates!”
Members of the FOCUS youth group and 2016 graduating seniors are: Ross Van Wyk, Mary Chaffin, Jamie Beyer, Naomi Schinkle, Noah Engle. Not pictured: Paige Eilander.
Baccalaureate will be at the Lynnville-Sully High School On May 16th. Graduation ceremonies will be Sat., May 21.
Mission committee
minutes
April 4, 2016
Members Present: Randy VanderWeerdt, Ryan McDonald, Ciara McDonald, Linda Beyer and Dee VanGenderen.
Devotions: “Exercise Faith by Setting Goals. Proverbs 17: by Dee
Old Business:
Bulletin Board—Ciara will update this. She will highlight the missions trips that are run by Jack and
Amber Mututwa. If someone is interested in an adult mission trip this would be a great way to
support them in their efforts.
Ryan will talk to Katy and see how much money she is still in need of. We will give her 10% of the total
still needed. $5000 has been mentioned. Its difficult to get an exact amount since she doesn’t know
where she will go after her training in Hawaii.
Discussed freezer meals for Mesquakie Friends. They have plenty of freezer space. They serve 50 people every Thursday night. Formal events come to a close at the end of June. They will have a summer program meeting on Monday nights. We decided to get a few things put together before April
16. This way the group going to help them split wood on that day can bring some food for their
freezer. Ryan will ask the church for donations of money/ground beef when he presents for mission Sunday. Ciara and Dee discussed fixing tator tot casserole, pizza casserole, taco meat and possibly pulled pork. We will do more meals later and get the church involved.
Ryan talked to Pastor Mark about lowering their support to be in line with other missionaries we support. We agreed to pay their insurance for two years. This time will be up at the end of the year.
Starting in Jan. 2017 we will be sending them $100/monthly. They thanked us and understand and
are very appreciative for the support we have been supplying them.
We decided to table supporting Derek and Kristy Johnson (Jane’s niece)as we do not have the money
in our budget right now. Since our meeting I talked to Jane and they have raised 100% of their
support and have purchased plane tickets. J
New Business:
Linda mentioned that the East Jasper Co. Food bank is in desperate need of support. This is something
we will consider helping when we raise more money.
Ryan will talk to Pastor Jamie about fundraising ideas. Decided to wait on any fundraising until the
kids have gone on their summer mission trip as we don’t want to compete with them and the
church has been hit hard trying to help them raise their support.
It was discussed the difference between mission school and someone doing missions. The consensus
was if an individual is earning college credits for the schooling we will not fund them thru the missions committee. This has not been an issue, we just wanted to have something down if we were
asked as some point about this.
Next meeting is May 2nd at 6:30. Ron Nikkel has devotions. Ryan ended with prayer.