The BELL
HISTORY OF “THE BELL”
Volume 1, Number 1 was printed in September 1943 as a church paper to be mailed to servicemen.
It was also made available in foyer for the congregation.
In September 1946 “The BELL” was printed and mailed to all members as a church communication.
Happy 67th birthday to “The BELL”
September Bell 2010
Pastor’s Point of View
We are moving into another transition. Summer is waning, fall is almost upon us, and school has started. The time change for worship and the start of Sunday school is about to happen (see announcement). Many are hopeful the hot humid weather is going to be less and less, and there will be a time of moderation before the winter snow and cold weather is upon us.
What are your hopes and wishes for this time of transition? With the beginning of fall many Christians experience a desire or urge to reengage with church and faith. Sometimes it is after a summer of being away. For others, it could be some time since they have been a part of a worshiping community committed to mission outreach, education, music, and care.
Please prayerfully search your heart and soul to find which hopes God is putting there. Know you are invited and welcome to be involved in many different ways in Union Park UMC.
If you are well and home, see you in church!
God Bless!
Pastor Lee Webb
Fall Schedule to Begin Soon
Pre K thru High School Sunday School will start on
Sunday, September 5th at 9 AM. If your kids need transportation to Sunday School, please call the church office at 262-2875 by Friday at Noon. Then you will receive a call informing you of your Sunday morning pick up time. Adult Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 12th at 9 AM. Worship Service will return to 10:30 AM on Sunday, September 12th as well.
Also, teachers and helpers are needed for middle and high school Sunday School and for the Wednesday after school program. Call the office today to volunteer or suggest someone that you think might be good.
Be sure to check out the new Sunday School class being offered—information on page 3.
Treasurer’s Report
Financially, through July of this year we have a deficit of $13,616.00. As you can see July was not a good month with income taking a summer vacation versus the other months. For the year 2009 through July, we had a deficit of $6,239.00, for the year 2008 through July, we had a deficit of $12,065.00 and for the year 2007 through July the deficit was $10,308.00.
Thank you for your financial support,
Virgil W. Hillman, Treasurer
Trustee’s Report
The windows in the basement are slowly being installed. If you have some spare time, Chuck and Virgil could use your help with the installation, as there are many windows and each one takes time to put in. We are also considering remodeling the work room in the Secretary’s office in the near future.
Over $3,000.00 has been collected for the sink area in the kitchen. The sink cabinet will be all stainless steel and will cost about $7,000.00 and plumbing about $2,000.00. This would be a great project for memorial funds.
Everyone is Invited
There will be a potluck at Virginia’s place
(Irish Run Farms, 3800 Waterworks Parkway) on
Thursday, September 2nd at 6 PM.
Please bring a dish to share and a lawn chair. This is open to anyone that wants to participate in Chancel Choir or Bell Choir for the upcoming year.
Come for food, fun and fellowship! Spouses are welcome too!
Union Park UMW Rummage Sale
September 9th and September 10th from 10 AM-5 PM with a beef burger lunch available for only $5.00 from
11 AM-2 PM.
The sale will also run September 11th from 9 AM-12 PM
Education Update
In addition to the beginning of Sunday school on September 5, 2010, our Wednesday’s UPKids program is expanding. Since Des Moines Public Schools will be having an early out every Wednesday we will start UPKids early every Wednesday. We will also be adding a Middle School program. Some of our UPKids have graduated from grade school and have moved to Middle School.
One of the main components of the new Middle School program will be teaching life skill lessons. For example, these students will help plan a healthy meal for themselves and the younger UPKids. Then they will shop for the food as well as help to prepare it. We are looking for volunteers. You should be able to come on a rotating basis and come the weeks you feel comfortable with that week’s lesson. The last hour of the Middle School program will be spiritual education, which will include or members’ children but could lead to confirmation for all those who attend.
We need volunteers to help 4- 6 middle school youth learn life skills, to have fun, and provide supervision on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4 pm. From 4 to 5 pm Rev. Webb will teach the spiritual/religious component to the program. If God is tugging at your heart to help volunteer for this program, call Rev. Webb at the office or his cell at 979-3375.
What’s New with the Youth
The Youth Group will be having DEVO Sunday mornings during regular Sunday School times. We do need leadership volunteers (hopefully for the 4 Sundays of each month for consistency or for all season). We have the DEVO material. We will be studying the curriculum "To Save A Life". DEVO will start Sunday, Sept 12th with a fall planning session. Our fall kickoff party will be SATURDAY Sept 18th at 6:30 pm with a bonfire at Dana & Dave Clements house. At that time, ALL parents will be invited to preview the curriculum (prior to the youth study.) We will start studying "To Save A Life" curriculum the first week of October. I will be sending a letter out about the kickoff/preview time and date to all the youth/parents. We will NOT be having Sunday evening DEVO.
Volunteer projects will be decided upon later.
NEW YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
begins Sunday, September 12th 9:10 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
SEEING GRAY IN A WORLD OF BLACK AND WHITE: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics is a class that looks at several contemporary issues from a faith perspective.
Adam Hamilton, the author and presenter, is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He presents a balanced approach as he examines issues like abortion, homosexuality, capital punishment,evolution and other religions.
A short video will form the basis of our informal conversations, so no outside prep is needed to participate.
Every class is self-contained, so it's okay if you can't make every one. Child care is provided and there are Sunday school activities available for older children.
We hope you will join us for a time of fellowship and Christian conversation.
If you have questions about the class, please contact Joyce Webb at 987-0470 or by e-mail at JLWEBB76@aol.com
Library Update
The library now has all three titles of a series by Beverly Lewis. “Annie’s People” is about Annie, who is challenged by her artistic learning because it’s too fancy.
Check out these titles today:
“The Preacher’s Daughter” by Beverly Lewis. Annie Zook has given up her English boyfriend for her father & the Amish religion; now she must choose between the art she loves and her religion. (Fic Lew Pr 3019)
“The Englisher” by Beverly Lewis. Annie Zook struggles against her promise to her father which would mean giving up her art and an attraction to the handsome Englisher. (Fic Lew En 2992)
“The Brethren” by Beverly Lewis. Annie Zook, the Amish preacher’s daughter, is caught between two worlds. Living with shunned friend Esther, Annie longs to return to her forbidden art and the idyllic days spent with Englisher Ben Martin, before her father ordered her never to see him again. (Fic Lew Br 3028)
Camping and Conservation Update
The UPUMC Camping and Conservation Club has numerous upcoming events:
On September 25, 2010, the Club will be doing another trap shoot at Chautauqua Bottoms Greenbelt. The trap shoot will start at about 9 AM, potluck lunch about 12 PM and will conclude about 3 PM. All are invited to come out and enjoy the fun and try your luck!
Then on October 30, 2010, we are having a biscuits and gravy breakfast to help kick off the opening day of pheasant season. The breakfast will run from 5 AM to 8 AM. This will be a free will offering and all are invited.
In November, the Club is going to Easter Lake for a trash pick up around the lake, so we can help clean up our waterways and area parks. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help us make a lasting impact in the community. We are planning for November 13th around 12 PM to 4 PM, weather permitting.
December 11th, the Club is planning a dinner at Living History Farms. Some of the members asked about the 1900’s farm. They only seat 10 people at a time and the first slot is full. We are still taking sign ups for a 2nd dinner (time and date to be announced).
With this variety of events, our goal is to reach out and offer something that just about anyone would enjoy. We do hope you’ll come and enjoy the good times and great fellowship!
Welcome to a New DS
Everyone is invited to a Service of Worship celebrating the installation of Rev. David Weesner as the Central District Conference Superintendent, on Sunday, September 19th at 2:00 pm at Walnut Hills United Methodist Church in Urbandale. Each church is asked to donate cupcakes for the “Cupcake Shower” reception to follow the service. Please let the District Office know how many cupcakes you will be providing.
If you have any questions please contact District Office or Pastor Julie M. Poore at 515-999-2215.
Evangelism Update
What a busy month for the Evangelism Committee and special thanks to each of the members on the committee for making the events successful.
On August 3rd, we celebrated National Night Out. This is the second year we have participated in this celebration against crime in the spirit of community and the attendance was greater than last year. We had several neighbors stop by for dinner, games, and fellowship. We also had a visit from the Des Moines Police Department and Polk County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith. This year we had a train pulled by the church lawn mower which the children and Pastor Lee enjoyed riding.
Then on August 8th, we held the first small group meeting at Mercy Park and a great time was had by all. We had a good discussion, a PowerPoint presentation about the church and treats. We are planning on the next small group at Valley View in September.
The 14th of August was the Back-to-School party for giving out school supplies. We gave supplies to 111 kids and the kitchen served 104 hot dogs! What a wonderful group of volunteers we have in the church. Thanks to each of you that donated to this event. I was asked by a member that if they started now in purchasing school supplies would that be alright. My answer was yes.
One sad note I want to share with you is about the ice cream in the park. There was a grandfather who came to the park every Thursday and was always at the front of the line for ice cream, however, this year he started helping hand out spoons and was last for ice cram. He died this month and will be missed! He also has grandchildren in the UPKids program.
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” ( Psalm 94:18-19)
Mission Update
Save Our School - After almost shutting its doors, the Red Bird Mission School will once again welcome students in the remote mountains of southeastern Kentucky. In May, the Red Bird Mission Board had voted to suspend classes during the 2010-2011 academic year to build up the school’s cash reserves after years of dwindling donations. But after receiving more than $100,000 in gifts and making substantial budget cuts, the board voted on July 22 to open the United Methodist school in Beverly to 150 kindergartners through 12th graders this coming school year. Red Bird Mission School has educated and shaped the faith of youngsters in rural Appalachia for 89 years. The school draws students mainly from three counties where most adults work in the struggling coal mining and logging industries, and where as many as half the children live below the federal poverty rate.
Please consider an offering for the Red Bird School this fall. Thank you.
Also, coming Soon - The Des Moines Hunger Hike. October 10th at the State Capitol (west side) starting at 1:30 p.m. If you are willing to serve as our contact and get information to teams, please talk to Cathy Webb.
Hope Ministries' Second Annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
~ a walk-a-thon to help the homeless in central Iowa ~
Come experience this walk.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Copper Creek Lake in Pleasant Hill, IA
Registration begins at 9 a.m., Walk begins at 10 a.m.
Our church is invited to participate and partner with Hope Ministries as they raise awareness about homelessness in central Iowa at their second annual walk-a-thon! All proceeds will benefit Hope Ministries programs and services to homeless men, women and children.
New this year: "Loop the Lake!"—With enough participants, we will be able to surround Copper Creek Lake to form a "Circle of Hope" of compassionate men, women and children who will stand together in solidarity for people who are homeless in our community.
To learn more and about the Walk and to register for the event, go to www.hopeiowa.org, or pick up a registration from the bulletin board. Also, Sandy Adams is walking in this and inviting others from the congregation to join her or support her with a pledge.
You Can Make a Difference
Greater Des Moines Habitat's largest blitz build!!
During September of 2010, Habitat for Humanity, will take on their largest project to date, Habitat 20/10. In twenty days, an abandoned softball field on the southeast side of Des Moines will be turned into ten Habitat homes. This blitz build will bring the Des Moines community together in the common goal of creating good-looking, affordable houses that will both impact the neighborhood and the homebuyer families. More than 3,000 volunteers will be needed to help 10 families achieve their dream of homeownership, and add more than $1 Million in affordable housing to the under-developed neighborhood. The build begins September 13th and wraps up on October 2nd with a ten home dedication.
It’s about getting involved
•Volunteer on the construction site or for a non-construction task: volunteer check-in, first aid station, food service or site cleanup.
•Donate! – Imagine your organization sponsoring, or donating materials or services, to a home to be built during the Habitat 20/10 blitz build. Think of the goodwill felt by the new owners, the community, and your associates when you are recognized as the sponsor of a Habitat home, both on the website, as well as through all of the other print and media coverage.
For more information about becoming a house sponsor contact Patrice Maurer at 471-8686 ext. 102. For more information about in-kind donations of materials or services contact Jenna Nathan at 471-8686 ext. 111. Or visit the website at www.gdmhabitat.org.
Special Thanks
Thank you to all for your prayers, memorials and cards.
A special thanks to Pastor Lee for such a beautiful service.
Sincerely,
Shirley Wells
In Loving Memory
BONETA MAE BROWN
Des Moines
Boneta Mae Bryant-Brown, 80, died Friday, August 13, 2010 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Union Park United Methodist Church, with burial at Highland Memory Gardens.
Mrs. Brown graduated from Des Moines East High School. She was a member of Union Park United Methodist Church for over 55 years, a member of the North Gate Chapter #417 O.E.S. for over 50 years, a member of the Professional Musicians Entertainment Club of Iowa and a member of the Pl Buckley Moss Society.
Boneta is survived by Robert H. Brown, her husband of 59 years; her two children, Robert H. Brown, Jr. (Jessica Kohout) of Harper's Ferry, WV and James B. Brown (Michelle Wineland) of Grimes; four grandchildren, Michelle K. Ballard, Teresa M. Brown, Robert G. Brown, and Connor Wineland; one great- grandchild, Skyla Ballard; one nephew, John Thomas, and many cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Boneta M. Brown to Union Park United Methodist Church.
September Lectionary Readings for Personal Study
September 5th
Jer. 18:1-11 Ps. 139:1-6, 1-18
Phil. 1-21 Luke 14:25-33
September 12th
Jer. 4:11-12, 22-28 Ps. 14
1 Tim. 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-10
September 19th
Jer. 8:18-9:1 Ps. 79:1-9 or Ps. 4
1 Tim. 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13
September 26th
Jer. 32:1-3a, 6-15 Ps. 91:1-6, 14-16
1 Tim. 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31
U.P. ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR
October 3, 2010
Have you known a person or a family who had problems and difficulties when their loved one died and failed to have a will or estate plan? Part of the duties of the Union Park UMC Permanent Endowment Committee, as outlined in it’s bylaws is to provide educational workshops or seminars to members and friends of Union Park in the area of wills and bequests. This is a service to our members so problems can be minimized after our death and our wishes can be carried out.
Therefore we will be offering a special program dealing with wills and estate planning on Sunday, October 3rd following the Fellowship Meal at 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Our Endowment Committee has asked Kevin Gowdy, Executive Director of the Iowa United Methodist Foundation, to present a program on Wills & Estates. We will conclude no later than 2:30 p.m. Included in the program will be discussions on:
Planning estates with both a Stewardship and Taxation “angle”
How a Christian’s will can be the instrument through which families are protected, peace of mind is achieved and important gifts are made
Tools used for taking inventory of your estate
Living Wills & Medical Power of Attorney
Ethical Wills
The use of Wills, Trusts, Insurance, Securities, Property and more to make charitable gifts
We believe this program is another step in helping each of us to be good stewards of the many blessings God has given us. We also think it provides a different type of environment for learning some basics about wills & estate planning since nothing is being sold and no one will call you after the seminar.
Yours in Christ,
The Permanent Endowment Committee
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
September Birthdays
9/2 Joy Cummings
Jacqueline Long
9/4 Joan Feight
Austen Winterbottom
9/5 Phyllis Smith
9/8 Mike Bailey
Michelle Hill
9/9 Sally Purdy
Geoffrey Johnson
9/10 Kathy Hillman
Cindy Brown
9/13 Nancy Ross
9/14 Ken Wilkinson
Judyanne Sampson
9/15 Casey Clement
9/16 Herbert Kingery
Rev. Bernie Colorado
9/17 Bruce Brown
9/19 Michael Adams
9/20 Fran Keith
9/21 Rita Hill
9/22 Al Birkinbine
9/25 Robert Zust
Judy Long
9/26 Elaine Burk
Ellen Moore
9/27 Erik Moore
9/28 Shirley Burkett
Rose Anderson
9/29 Andy Downs
9/30 Anne Wheaton
Barbara Chappas
September Anniversaries
Ray & Virginia Morris 09/02/1951
Marvin & Jaylene Barton 09/04/1971
Rick & Debbie Williams 09/14/1974
Scott & Bridget Wallace 09/15/01
Carmi & Phyllis Smith 09/21/1947
Steve & Kris Weinheimer 09/26/1981
John & Judith Hammer 09/27/1980
Erin & Joel Schiltz 09/29/2001
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!
Please remember the office will be closed Monday, September 6th.
Got corrections? Please notify the office at 262-2875
or unionparkumc@msn.com. Thanks!