The Iowa UMC Conference was held at the Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa June 5-8, 2008. This year was a legislation year. About 1800 pastors and laity met to review the various laws and rules of our church tradition. One is made aware of the “connectional” meaning of United Methodists as we gathered to worship and share our views on a variety of topics. It was a time of “holy conferencing” whereby we discussed multiple issues and made decisions by voting and coming to “consensus” over various topics. There was a memorial service, ordination service, and time of honoring those who completed pastor/laity training (including Dennis Bailey who completed Pastor’s academy). We heard a variety of ideas as the Methodists shared their opinions, prayed and tried to discern the “word of the Lord.”

Bishop Palmer led the conference and we heard from many of our Iowa Methodist leaders over the course of the four days. We understand a bit more about the functioning of the church, the expectations of the conference for our financial support, where our money is spent, some of the conference mission projects, etc. We attended a Laity Reform dinner and heard from a man who had been at the National Methodist Conference in Texas. Thus far the Methodist’s have continued to hold to the current Book of Discipline on issues of homosexuality and abortion. The Methodists support the Wesley heritage and promote three rules: “Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God.”

Submitted by Jerry & Mary Ellen Earles

The need continues for those communities affected by the tornado and floods. If you would like to continue to give we will pass on any monies given to the United Methodist Relief Fund, any items to help with clean up to the designated Churches, and if anyone is interested in volunteering with clean up in Bremer County, Buchanan County, Johnson County, Linn County or Butler County please call the church office at 334-3689. We will help you find an area to volunteer at. Thank you for your efforts and contributions to the Disaster Relief of 2008.

I wish to extend a big Thank you to all who helped make Relay for Life a big success. FUMC raised $1845.00 for the event. We purchased 65 luminaries of the 1600 for the event an increase of 400 from last year.

FUMC team was one of about 25 teams county wide. The goal for Buchanan County this year was $48,000. By 9 pm we had raised $55,000 and by Midnight we reached $58,000. ($10,000 over the committee’s goal). The proceeds will be used in teams of research, education, and patient service programs. A Heartfelt thanks to all.

-Karyl Hand, FUMC Team captain

A very special Thank you to Norm Mills for his gifts and talents in making a wonderful bulletin board for Wesley room. It is four sided and turns. His wood working craftsmanship is truly appreciated!

July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30

Schedule of events:
5:30-5:45 Singing & Prayer
5:45-6:30 Dinner
6:30-7:30 Children’s Activities & Adult Bible/Video Study
7:30 Closing

7-6-08 Matthew 11:28-30 “Rest for Your Soul”
This wonderful passage of scripture is the invitation from Jesus for rest. Do you need rest? It may mean that we need to be united with Jesus (“take my Yoke upon you”).

7-13-08 Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 “The Parable of the Sower”
Jesus used stories to help others around him to understand God’s Kingdom. In this story (parable) Jesus helps the crowd to see themselves and others around them as soil ready to receive the seed of God’s word

7-20-08 Matthew 13:31-33 “The Reign of God Means Growth”
Another parable (story) of Jesus is shared about the “Rule of God” in our lives. Jesus says it always means that we are growing; never remaining the same or going backwards.

7-27-08 Matthew 13:44-52 “The Reign of God Means Selling Out”
This parable (story) shares the truth that when we find the treasure that God offers in Jesus Christ we will want to sacrifice everything in our lives to obtain it. We would rather have Jesus than anything this world can give.

1. Pray: Thank God for the freedoms we have as we celebrate the 4th of July and experience parades, family gatherings, food, and fireworks. Pray for a spirit of patriotism to arise in our nation.
   
   
2. Pray: For recovery for those who have lost homes, possessions, land, etc. during the recent floods and tornadoes around Iowa. Pray they will find peace in the midst of all the storms and turmoil they are facing. Pray for help both in people and finances to be available.
   
   
3. Pray: For the Wednesday with the Word gatherings to be fruitful and that folks will participate and grow in faith as they come together. Pray for all the details to be accomplished for the food, activities and helpers.
   
   
4. Pray: Keep our staff in your prayers. They serve weekly to minister to our needs. ray for their health, wisdom and their spiritual fellowship with God. They need our prayers and we are called to support them in this way. Pray their love for God increases and their ministry is effective for His Kingdom purposes.
   
   

Blessings in July,
Mary Ellen Earles

July 2008 Jr. High Youth Schedule:
7/30-- 7-9:30 pm--Pool Party @ Indee Community Pool (Rain date 7/31)
August-- TBA

July 2008 Sunday Helpers Schedule:

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