Dates to be aware of: Sunday school will officially start on Sunday, September 9th at 10:15 a.m. and new this year on Sunday, September 30th a Fall Family Festival. Mark your calendars now!

Parents/Guardians: Click here to download an emergency contact information form. Please print it, fill it out by hand, and deliver it to the church office.

A big thanks to Judy Price for planting and taking care of the flowers by the cross and to Kendall Heppe for the flowers by the rock. Thanks also to Bud Conrad for mower up-keep and help with the lawn.

The patio and sidewalk at the parsonage have been completed, thanks to Jim Klever and crew for their work. It was a much needed improvement!

The Administrative board approved air conditioning for fellowship hall and the kitchen. It has already been installed and is ready for use. Funds for the above two projects came from memorials and gifts.

Plans have also been approved for remodeling and up-dating Wesley room. We are hoping this work can be done this fall.

Thank you,
Bill Stamper, Trustee Chair-person

“Like Dandelion Dust” is the emotional story of an adoptive couple that tragically learns that the birth mother who gave up her son four years earlier has changed her mind. A forged signature on the paperwork makes it seem possible that they will lose their son, Joey, maybe forever. Like Dandelion Dust is the story of a mother’s passion, and the lengths a couple is willing to go to, all for the love of a child.” The book inspired a song by country singer group Lonestar and a movie that will be in theaters Easter—2008.

Books are available to be checked out in the church office. And then come join us on Thursday, August 16th at 4:30 p.m. as we gather for discussion in Wesley Room.

Jan Scott, Friendship Club Director of Security State Bank, invites church members to join her on a one-day trip to Plymouth, Minnesota to see the hilariously funny musical comedy “Church Basement Ladies” on Thursday, September 27th. The cost of the trip is $85.00 and includes motor coach transportation, driver gratuity, ticket for the play, full matinee buffet and guaranteed fun and laughter. Contact Jan at the bank at 319-334-7035.

Hello from Australia! Hope everyone is enjoying the summer. I can't believe it is the middle/end of July already! Things are going well here. I can't believe we have finished Week 3 of our training. We've been learning some really great stuff. Last week we learned about Repentance and Forgiveness. It was really cool to understand what God meant when Paul wrote: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1). I am really understanding that God wants us to be free from sin/things that hold us down. I also learned that it is up to me to let these things go (worries, anxiety, bad thoughts) and then let God transform. (Romans 12:2)

Yesterday we finished up a week on Intercession/Hearing God's Voice. I learned a lot about praying for others and how God can give us words to pray for people. We learned about how often God comes to talk to us in a "still, small voice." It is easy at times to dismiss what we hear as ourselves, but we can see that often this is God leading and guiding us. It reminds me of the hymn: "He walks with me, and He talks with me..." God really does speak! Of course I could write pages about all I'm learning, so if you ever want to know anything more feel free to write me back and ask!

While at YWAM we also help with "Work Duties." Every afternoon for two hours we help with wherever they need us. I am helping with "Intercession." Every Tuesday and Friday the base prays for many different things from countries where outreaches will be going to staff to current events. I type up those prayers and what God is saying to pray about. I also get to deliver the mail. This has been an interesting/funny/humbling experience. So I get to ride a bike (the bike is rusty and falling apart, at least 20 years old). So most of you know I would not ride a bike around like this at home. The other cool thing is that in Australia you have to wear a helmet on a bike, and they are very strict about enforcing this law. So everyday at  3:00 (2 AM Midwest time), you can picture me riding around Perth delivering the mail. (I'll have to get a picture sometime, it's pretty funny.) God is really teaching me through this, especially about how much I care what people think. It's cool to see how God is always teaching us something! :) 

All in all things are going well, the weather has been really nice, probably about 65 degrees (not sure because it's all Celsius here), and last weekend we hung out at the beach. It was pretty nice! :) So I'll sign off now, I'll be updating again in the next 1-2 weeks. We are heading into Week 4 and we will know more details about our outreach Week 7-9, so be looking for info. about that. I'm leaving my address at the bottom. I pray God is blessing you all and it's so great to hear back from you! It is such an encouragement!!!!!!! Thanks so much!!

In Christ, Elizabeth

Romans 12:2: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

Hello All, August is already here!  School just ahead---how fast the summer flies by!

PRAY:  Finances/supplies will be available for all the children returning to school.  Let the families be able to cover the enrollment expenses and to enjoy the month of August until school starts.  Pray families bring their children to Sunday school and make learning about God a priority in the family life.

PRAY:  Thank God for the blessings of freely being able to worship and praise Him in our nation and ask for His continued blessings upon the USA.  Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom to lead the government and military as they continually make difficult decisions.  Ask for God’s grace for our leaders and for them to listen for His guidance.  Pray for protection and health for our troops around the world.

PRAY:  Bless our staff and thank God for them.  Their hearts are to love and serve First UMC and to provide ministry to our community.  Pray for them daily, ask for God to give guidance and wisdom to them.  Pray for their families and their health.  Do a kindness for them – surprise them – it will bless them and you, too.

WEDNESDAYS:  7-7:45 a.m. PRAYER ROOM:  Please join us for prayer time for church, ministry, personal needs, etc. as we lift our needs to the Lord.  Use the SE door and upstairs to left to the room.  All are welcome. BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee) and join us!

BASKET/SERVICE AUCTION:  Reminder to be thinking of your basket for the fall auction.  We will be starting Sept. 30, and have Oct. 7 and 14th to complete the bids.  Please be preparing your baskets which help raise money for missions and this year for a trip for the youth.

Upcoming dates for August & September include:

Sunday, Aug. 12: Family picnic (tentative)
Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 18 & 19: camp-out at Pictured Rocks
Saturday, Sept. 15: Adventureland

August 2007 Sunday Helpers Schedule:

If you have a news item that you would like posted here, send it to us!