Pastor Bailey will be leading an exciting study during the season of Lent called “24 Hours That Changed the World”. This will be a guided walk though the last days of Jesus’ life through a DVD presentation by Adam Hamilton (The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection), a time for questions and answers, and a look at the scriptural accounts. The study will be held for 5 Sundays starting with February 21 and continuing for February 28, March 7, 14, and 21. The sessions will be held during the Sunday afternoon from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. There will be coffee and cookies and the nursery will be provided if it is needed (we hope it will be). Come and join this great study and enjoy growing in your faith this Lenten Season.

On Wednesday, February 17, at 6:30 p.m. we will begin the season of lent by worshiping together. The text for the message that night is from the Gospel of Matthew 5:1-10. And the message will be “Happy are They Who know How to Surrender!” Happiness comes through the ability to “surrender” our moments, our circumstances, and our lives to God, through Jesus Christ His Son. There is restfulness in this way of living. Come and join us as we begin the season of Lent in a time of holy surrendering to God.

If you participated in the directory, you may pick up your copy in Wesley Room and please mark your name off the list.

UMW will meet on Thursday, February 4th at 12:30 pm in Wesley room. Joann Wehner will present the pledge program. All ladies are welcome.

Thank you for the prayers, cards, and support of the church family while I was at the hospital. -Pat Zerba

2-7-10 “A Case for the Gospel” 1 Corinthians 15:1-9
St. Paul the apostle gives a reminder of the “good news” that was preached early in the growing Christian movement. But in doing so he also gives the “courtroom proof” for this belief. It is the eyewitness accounts from those who experienced the resurrection. Yet even more “blessed” are those who believe and don’t see (John 20:29). The “eyes of faith” are needed in our walk with Jesus.

2-14-10 “There is a Light to Be Received” 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
This Sunday is “Transfiguration Sunday”. It is a Sunday that we celebrate the “glory of God” that has shown forth through Jesus. Yet the only ones who truly see this “glory” are those who believe. The glory comes to all who “turn to the Lord.” Just as Peter, James, and John had seen the glory on the mountain of transfiguration because they were “open” to it, so must we make ourselves “open” in order to see God’s glory.

2-21-10 “Practicing Spiritual Disciplines” Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18
Jesus gives us good words about the “Acts of Righteousness”. The acts or deeds themselves are not bad, in fact Jesus expects his disciples to practice them. Yet they must be done with the right motive. What spiritual practices will you have in your lives this Lenten Season and with what motive?

2-28-10 “The Practice of Thanksgiving” Philippians 4:4-7
St. Paul, the apostle, gives us another direction to live, as he shares this portion of his letter to the early Christians. This part of his letter to the Philippians has so much wealth and wisdom. Yet one that is overlooked is the need to do everything from an attitude of thanksgiving. How do you practice it?

The Special offering for February is the College Care Packages. Our church family has been very faithful in remembering our college students and military. Last year we sent a $20 gift card to the college students, phone cards to the military people, along with some uplifting reading material that we hope touched their hearts and reminded them that God loves them and wants the best for them. The Sunday school classes made beautiful, personal cards for them and will again this year. We want to send these out at the end of February. The response from this ministry has been very rewarding. The students and those serving in the military are so glad to know they haven’t been forgotten and that their church family still cares about them. If you would like to help out with this please mark your check or envelope, College Care Package. Listed below are the names that we think are still in college. If we have forgotten anyone or if one has graduated from college or if they are not in college, please let Linda Stamper know. If your student is still in college and you haven’t sent their address yet please do so as soon as possible. We don’t want to forget anyone. Thank you and God Bless.

College Students
Caitlin Adams
Melanie Smith
Krista Mills
Chad Wells
Beth Nowell
Ben Shafer
Robert Espe
Derrick Klever
Chris Dunne
Alisha Peterson
Angela Peterson
Dawn Nowell
Molly Cook
Amy Cabalka
Chad Bitterman
Samantha Cabalka
Brian TeKippe
Max Miller
Josh Beebe
Matt Bell

Military
Jordon Bathen
Brock Puffett

You and your friends are cordially invited to
Independence, Iowa Women’s Connection
Friday, February 13, 9:30 AM
Independence Senior Center
Brunch:$7.75

“What’s Hand Therapy?”
Speaker: Marcia Johnson, Ft. Dodge, IA
“It’s About Time”
Reservations: Call Donna at 334-4990
Free Childcare Available

The Enough Bible study is very interesting and helps us to see that money and material things are not what will satisfy us. It also teaches us how to use what financial gifts we have to help ourselves and others. Come and join us in the prayer room.

The circles have always taken care of having greeters at the door on Sunday mornings. They need more help. You may be getting a call to see if you can serve in this way. Hopefully if enough people say yes it won’t be a burden for anyone. This is a neat and wonderful way to get to know people who come into our beautiful sanctuary. Please consider this prayerfully when you are contacted. Thank you.

Pray for our staff at UMC for their health, wisdom, endurance and mission. Help them to decide how to make best use of their time. Pray for their families and their strength.

Pray for our students, staff, administrators and school board as they make difficult financial decisions. Give them guidance and wisdom. Help our community to cope with the future changes.

Pray for our government leaders for them to be people of integrity and honesty. Help them as they decide major issues that affect the whole of our nation. Pray for our state and local leaders as the financial crunch hits so many.

February 2010 Sr. High Youth Schedule:
Wednesday, February 24th at 6 pm in fellowship hall

February 2010 Sunday Helpers Schedule:

February 2010 Acolytes: Chantel Bowers & Brittany Thompson
March 2010 Acolytes: Abby McGraw & Paige Davis

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