A PUBLICATION OF THE GOOD NEWS PRESS
VOLUME XXVII NO. 7 __________ July 2015
Struggling with the Dark
I get angry a lot. Not mad...angry. My emotional make up does not allow me to let anger slip
away easily. It is hard to keep from dwelling on anger. Anger is what doomed Anakin
Skywalker and turned him into Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga. Anger led Anakin to the
Dark Side, the easy path to power and influence. As the Jedi Master Yoda would go on to
teach Luke, the son of Darth Vader, turning to the Dark Side is a constant temptation that
must be avoided at all costs. Once someone gives into anger, it gets easier and easier to
return to that horrible power when the need arises.
You don't have to be a science fiction fan to know that anger is not merely a problem for
Jedi in the Star Wars universe. We all struggle with our anger. We realize that often anger
leads to getting our way. When people who are angry lash out, they are most likely using
the power of their anger to force their way upon others. Anger does hold power: power to
intimidate, power to manipulate and power to tear down. Unfortunately, in our world of
anger, it is those who possess the loudest voices that are most often heard. And trust me;
there are some very loud voices in the world today! While I might understand where many
of these voices are coming from, it is hard for me to listen to words that are said with anger.
The anger puts me off and I tend to forget the words. It is only the anger I remember. It is to
my benefit that I remember this when I am tempted to speak out in anger.
As much as I struggle with anger, I am glad that God helps me to restrain it. The “Dark
Side” of all of us threatens to undo us and everything we preach: love, patience, kindness,
gentleness, self-control, etc. You get the picture. Down in my heart I know I would make a
terrible Darth Vader. Still, that does not stop me from having those moments where I am
tempted to use my anger so that my thoughts and words have more power. (Thank God I
don't have a Force Grip to go with my anger!) Today I pray that the Holy Spirit will diffuse
my anger so that I can enjoy the presence of Christ in my life. It is not my job to overturn
the tables in the Temple. Jesus is the only one I know who can pull off righteous
indignation.
Pastor Nathan
The Community United Presbyterian Church
is dedicated to serving God
through Jesus Christ
and our community through
worship, fellowship, education and outreach. =============================================
PUBLISHED BY
Community United Presbyterian Church
315 N. Vine St., P. O. Box 903, Hartford, IA 50118
(515-989-3426)
Email: [email protected] Web: www.hartfordupc.org
CUPC Wi-Fi Password: cupcguest
Prayer Email: [email protected]
Pastor: Rev. Nathan Lamb______________________250-5814
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Michele Clarkson 989-4276
Scott Johnson 205-4397
MISSION COMMITTEE
Roger Beaver 360-4031
Deb Griffin 360-9901
PROPERTY & FINANCE COMMITTEE
David Walker, Jr. 210-7191
Cinda Polito 971-2657
CLERK of SESSION Ann Polito - 681-9519
Attendance
May 31 69
June 7 39
June 14 67
June 21 65
Ministries of Service July
Ushers
5 Cinda Polito
12 Michele Clarkson
19 Kay Eaton
26 Chuck & Gloria Eckert
Greeters
5 Scott & Stacy Johnson
12 Betty Johnston
19 Shane & Erika Laird
26 Jan & Kathy McCaughey
Fellowship
5 Michelle Oakley & Marge Spence
12 Tiffany Ramirez & Debbie Walker
19 Sharon Allen & Betty Johnston
26 Ellie Bullington & Kathy Rodman
Special Music
5 Michele Clarkson
12 Seth Hammond
19 Pastor Nathan Lamb
26 Annika Johnson
If you need to make changes, please find someone
to trade with. Changes may be shared for the bulletin by calling the church at 989-3426.
Thank you!
Happy Anniversary!
On July 1, 2015, Pastor Nathan
and CUPC will celebrate their
eighth year in ministry
together!
Congratulations to ALL!
Happy Independence Day! July 4, 2015
You are welcome and invited……
Sunday, June 12, 2015
Noisy Collection
Sunday, July 12, 2015
June Collection: $115.41
2015 Collections: $663.71
2014 Seed Money: $152.65
Goal: $1500.00
Let’s have some fun, make some noise, and
support the mission of the church!
The Noisy Collection is received on the 2nd
Sunday of
each month—to benefit our General Mission Pledge
for 2015.
August Newsletter Deadline: July 15, 2015
Your help in observing this deadline will be greatly appreciated!!
DORCAS CIRCLE
will meet on
Tuesday, July 21, at 1:30 p.m.
Food Pantry Sunday
July 26, 2015
Food Pantry Sunday is observed on the last Sunday
of each month. Our contributions will be dedicated during the worship service before they are delivered
to the CCA Food Pantry in Carlisle!
Please be sure to bring food pantry donations by the
last Sunday of each month!
Pastor Nathan…
We wish you a wonderful birthday
on Friday, July 31!
May God bless you richly
in the year ahead!
Your CUPC Family
CCA Food Pantry Challenge 2015
2015 is well underway and we are well on our way to reaching our goal for this year’s Food Pantry Challenge!
Join the fun and help collect 550 items this year for those served through the CCA Food Pantry operated at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Iowa.
Please consider joining in the fun in 2015 by providing at least one item per month!!
July 5 Ketchup July 12 Macaroni July 19 Marshmallows July 26 Muffin Mix
MAKING A DIFFERENCE… ONE ITEM AT A TIME!
Worship at
Carlisle Care Center
CUPC will provide worship at the Carlisle Care
Center on:
August 2, 2015
Services are at 3:30 p.m.
All members and friends are invited and encouraged to be a part of this special ministry.
Saluting those who are
Serving with Pride
Thomas Blackmon
Bradley Burrell
Hunter Carter
Brian Casson
Jake Dingman
Mitchel Dingeman
Cody DeMoss
Bobby DuBois
Seth Durham
Joseph Ermler
José Carlos Garcia, Sr.
Mark Eddy
Darcy “Doc” Hommer
Chris Johnson
Janna Johnson
Nick Johnson
Tanner Jors
Neil Langgaard
Adam Lawrence
Rich Lawrence, Jr.
John Malone
Jeromy McGee
Mike McGough
Taylor McVay
Scarlett Merrifield
Trenton Merrifield
Turner Merrifield
Eric Morrow
Jared Newman
Charles “Chase” Oakley
Anthony Perdue
Raymond Reed
Mark Roach
Kent Ryan
Allyson Scott
Tyler Simmons
Jesse Smith
Adam Snook
Jacob Sperr
James Sperr
Tommy Thompson
Nick Vanderpool
Justin Vriezelaar
Rush Wyckoff
Chris Wysong
Please lift these military men and women and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Let there be Peace on Earth
And let it begin with me.
Please remember those currently deployed or stationed overseas:
Joseph Ermler Mike McGough
Eric Morrow Justin Vriezelaar
Please also remember to pray for their families for the sacrifice they
make while their loved one is serving our country.
“The Next Watch” has been founded by Zac Durham and his wife, Kaylee, to assist our nation's combat and wounded veterans through outdoor activities and camaraderie.
Be sure to “Like” this new organization on Facebook and check out the website: http://www.thenextwatch.org/ Both are still in development stages.
We are all encouraged to be a part of “The Next Watch” by supporting the important work this organization will be doing for our country's heroes! Financial contributions may be sent to:
The Next Watch % Zac Durham 7319 Sandhurst Drive, NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Book Study Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.
CUPC Christian Education Wing If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Pastor Nathan.
When: 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Where: CUPC Fellowship Hall Visit with friends…
Bring a snack to share… Enjoy a game of cribbage…
If you are 55 years or over,
you are invited to join the fun!
If you have any questions, call Bill or Caroline McNamar 989-0149.
Centering Prayer Fridays at 6:30 a.m.
CUPC Christian Education Wing
Come learn about Centering Prayer and its practice on Fridays at 6:30 a.m. in the Christian Education Wing.
ADOPT the BULLETIN BOARD
Thank you to the following people who have signed up to decorate the bulletin board in the front entryway of the church!
July Daphne Hayes August Cinda Polito September Heather Peacock
Operation Backpack School Supply Drive
As school quickly approaches, supplies are needed to assist in making sure all children have the items needed to begin the year! This year it is anticipated that there will be approximately 400 students needing assistance. (This is about double of what has been needed in the past!) Please consider purchasing some school supplies or making a financial contribution (Checks made payable to CUPC noting CCA). Supplies are needed by Wednesday, July 15 and donations are needed by Sunday, July 26 and may be returned to CUPC or delivered to Ann Polito.
Suggested Supplies
Binders—3 ring--1 inch wide—blue/white
Calculator (pocket)
Clipboard
Compass
“Crayola” crayons—24 count
“Crayola” markers—8 count/basic colors
Dry erase markers
“Elmer’s” glue – 4 oz.
Erasers-large (not gummy type)
“Fiskars” children’s scissors—pointed &
rounded blades
Glue sticks—large & small
Highlighters
Index dividers – 5 tabs
Ink pens—Blue, Black, Red
Paper
o Composition notebooks (not spiral)
o Notebook paper—wide lined
o Spiral notebooks—wide lined
Pencil boxes (plastic)
Pencils--#2
Pocket folders (plain colors, please)
“Post It” notes—plain yellow 3 X 3
Rulers – 12 inch with cm & inches
Tissues
Toiletry items—travel size
Toothbrushes
Sponsored by Carlisle Community Elementary Schools
Christian Community in Action Kid’s Hope Program
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please prayerfully consider a gift to assist with the Medical Delegation going to El Salvador this fall.
Your gift of only $4.00 will assure medical care for at least one man, woman, or child!
Even a small gift will provide a big impact for those who need it in Our Sister Parish!
Thank you!
Nursery care is available for children 0-4 years of age. (Older children are encouraged to attend Children’s Church during worship and enjoy the Kid’s Korner during fellowship.) At least two volunteers who have gone through the SafeChurch Training will be available to be in the nursery during worship each Sunday. Parents may bring their children to the nursery 5 – 10 minutes before worship begins. (8:50 a.m. or after) and pick them up immediately following worship. Please provide for your child’s needs while they are being cared for in the nursery. A bag with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes will be greatly appreciated. Please also bring whatever snacks and drinks you will allow your children to have! If you have any questions or wish to register your children for nursery care, please contact Bonnie Nesler at 971-6151.
Summer is here
and the grass is growing…
we could use your help keeping the church grounds mowed. If you are willing and able to mow the church property, with your own equipment, please choose a date(s) on the sign-up sheet located on the wall in the church basement just before you go upstairs to the sanctuary. If you are not able to mow, but would like to donate to the cause, a gift of $45.00 will sponsor a week of mowing. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Walker (515) 210-7191. Whatever way you are able to help, your support will be GREATLY appreciated!
The Presbytery of Des Moines is into change! A new logo has been introduced and is shown above. Be sure to take a look at the new website, too! http://dmpresbytery.org/ The presbytery office will also be changing locations to the Cottage Grove Presbyterian Mission Center when renovations are complete! Stay tuned for more news of change!
The Presbytery of Des Moines Changing Lives: Partnering with congregations and clergy in South Central Iowa to minister in a changing world.
Each month our prayer list will reflect the prayer requests shared during the previous 4 weeks. If there are those who
need to remain on the list for multiple months, please contact Ann Polito at 681-9519.
In our prayers…
Please remember the following in your thoughts and
prayers:
AIB Students, Faculty & Staff as they prepare for
closure.
Blythe & Kyle Anderson as they begin their
marriage.
Diane Bascom as she is treated for colon cancer.
Steve Beckley as he recovers from a motorcycle
accident.
Jim Burnett as difficult decisions are needed.
Carla as she receives Hospice care.
Kerry Campbell as he is treated for liver & colon
cancer.
Victims and community of Charleston, SC.
Joel Clark as he receives cancer treatment.
Bud Craker as he recovers from infection.
Chris & Tami Curry as they recover from a
motorcycle accident.
Kim Dingeman as she deals with lung condition.
Easter Lake Administrative Commission
Gloria Eckert as she is treated for infection.
George Erickson as he deals with personal issues.
Lucille Erickson as she recovers from cataract
surgery.
Jeff Ferguson as he is treated for vasculitis.
Colleen Flaws as she receives radiation treatments.
Terri Foulke as she deals with health issues.
Christina Freeman as she recovers from carpal
tunnel surgery.
Jonathan Freeman as he recovers from hernia
surgery.
Karol Funke as she receives treatment of multiple
myeloma.
Ashley George as she is treated for colon cancer
while pregnant.
Jim Goodhue as he recovers from shoulder
surgery.
Nadine Goodhue as she recovers from a stroke.
Don Hall as he deals with health concerns.
Mary Ann Hall as she deals with health concerns.
Nick Hartmann as he receives cancer treatment.
Lori Hicks as she battles cancer.
Kathy Holton as she recovers from eye surgery.
Ron Hunerdosse as he recovers from a tractor
accident.
Harold Isley as he deals with health challenges.
Nicole Jones as she receives cancer treatment.
Caitlyn King as she receives cancer treatment.
Sandy Kinter as she is treated for kidney cancer.
Del Lane as he is treated for blood cancer.
Nicky Malone as she receives cancer treatment.
Bill Martin as he is treated for pancreatic cancer.
Rev. George Mason as he deals with health
concerns.
Jarrod McCaughey for continued good health.
Terria McNamar as she continues cancer
treatment.
Bill McNeeley as he receives cancer treatment.
Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee as
they deal with loss of pastor.
Karen Meyer as she celebrates being cancer free!
Michelle Meyers as she receives breast cancer
treatment.
Robbin Middleton as she is treated for breast
cancer.
Jan Miller as she celebrates being cancer free.
Michealla Moore as she receives treatment for
breast cancer.
Lorrie Munsinger as she is treated for lung
cancer.
Ruth Murphy as she receives chemotherapy and
radiation treatments.
Matt Nesler as he seeks employment.
Betty Norman as she is treated for bladder cancer.
Denise Peles as she deals with arthritis in hips.
Doug Pendry as treatment is determined due to
decrease in size of tumor.
Linda Polito as she recovers from back surgery.
Jean Pollard as she is treated for ductile
carcinoma.
Cheyanne & Tyler Prall as they begin their
marriage.
Claren Rawson as he deals with circulation
problems in his legs.
Rich as he recovers from hit and run accident.
Martha Richards as she deals with health
concerns.
David Ross as he recovers from cataract surgery.
Angie Sanders as she receives cancer treatment.
Session as they provide leadership for CUPC.
Allie Sandin (11 years old) as she has
chemotherapy for tumor on optical nerve.
Amanda Smith as she is treated for carcinoma.
Diane Smith as she receives pain management
treatment.
Frances Smith as she deals with health concerns.
Keith Stewart as he experiences back problems.
Birdie Stocker as she adjusts to a move.
Carolyn Stradley as she is treated for skin cancer.
Sara Sutter as she continues in seminary.
Jody Sylvester as she is treated for pancreatic
cancer.
Max Uhlman as he recovers from a fall and
broken leg.
Dave Walker, Jr. as he receives a clear report and
prepares to begin working.
Florence Warren as she deals with health
concerns.
Keegan White as he is treated for Hodgkin’s
disease.
Ty Williams as he is treated for a brain tumor.
Cathi Windus as she is treated for breast cancer.
Pray without ceasing!
Splinters from the Board
Splinters from the Board – June 16, 2015
A summary of the meeting follows:
Announced Elder Commissioner and planning
volunteers needed for August 15 presbytery
meeting at Easter Lake property
Announced Fifth Sunday on August 30 will be
Blessing of the Children
Approved calendar date:
o August 30 Fifth Sunday: Blessing
of the Children
Approved church usage requests
o July 18, 2015 Jenn Lamb
o July 19, 2015 Gloria Eckert
o September 19, 2015 Gina Stone
Approved modification of modesty panel in
sanctuary
Approved pastoral vacation request for Aug 2
Approved payment of VBS shirt order
Approved Theresa Link as back up custodian
Approved update of instrument connections in
sanctuary
Approved updated VBS staff
Approved VBS to assemble an Ebenezer
Stones in church yard
Discussed CD coming due in July
Discussed procedure for counting offering
Received repurposing project update
Reported average attendance for May was 66
Reported Care Package offering received was
$165 and 4 military care packages sent
Reported CCA Food Pantry for May: 79 items
Reported Communion served to 75 of 76
present on May 10
Reported donations at blood drive will save 51
lives
Reported door plaques installed on utility doors
Reported grocery cart secured and
commissioned for food pantry ministry
Reported Noisy Collection for June $115.41
Reported occupancy sensors installed in 2
fellowship hall restrooms
Reported old piano in fellowship hall will be
repurposed—suggestions welcomed
Reported Outreach for May: 42 cards, 3 meals,
9 calls, 4 visits
Reported pastor leading book study, prayer
group and assisting with VBS
Reported pastoral counseling, visitation, and
attendance at graduation celebration
Reported pastoral participation in PrairieFire
program and upcoming 3-day retreat for that
program—date to be determined
Reported Pentecost Offering received was
$205.48 with $82.19 to stay at CUPC
Reported progress of ROCK ON VBS
Reported pulpit supply on June 7 was Rev. Kip
Harris
Reported recap of Fifth Sunday: Honoring
Those Who Have Served, Graduation Sunday,
Mother’s Day and South Central Regional
Partnership Dinner
Reported reimbursement form is on the website
Reported removal of 2 tree stumps on church
property
Reported treating for flying ants in sanctuary
Reported voting membership of 89 and affiliate
membership of 210
May, 2015
Income 10,360.17$
Expenses 9,760.48$
Account Balances
JAM Session 1,046.72$
General Fund 7,035.94$
Savings 9,371.38$
Bracy H Hammond Youth Fund 2,479.71$
Balance Due on Elevator Debt 23,090.04$
The next meeting was scheduled for Sunday, July 12,
2015, at 11:00 a.m.
A Prayer of Sympathy and Faith
for the family and friends of:
Randi Bishop
Barbara Byas
Darell Bowlin
Shirley Carter
Clara Dixon
Matt Edwards
Marilyn Ferguson
Violet Fox
Ruth Gustafson
Matt McCulley
Marge Olson
Layla & Beckett Rudisill
Ernie Sudbrock
In the love of God,
may you find strength and peace.
In the prayers of friends,
may you find comfort and love.
On Saturday, August 15, 2015, the next meeting of the Presbytery of Des Moines will be held at the Easter Lake property (formerly Clifton Heights Presbyterian Church). Because there is currently no congregation at this facility, volunteers from other congregations are needed to assist with preparations for the meeting. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor Nathan. P.S. This is the same day that CUPC will be providing entertainment at Pioneer Hall at the Iowa State Fair. Arrangements will be made so that any volunteers will still be able to attend/participate in the CUPC Variety Show at the fair.
Highlights from
“Rock On”
Bike Night
July 2015
◄ Jun 2015 ~ July 2015 ~ Aug 2015 ►
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3
6:30a Centering Prayer 1:30p Senior Citizens
4
5
6
7
1:30p Book Study
8
9 6:30p WAC Meeting
10 6:30a Centering Prayer
11
12 COMMUNION NOISY COLLECTION
13
14
1:30p Book Study
15
Newsletter Deadline
16
17 6:30a Centering Prayer 1:30p Senior Citizens
18 9a–12p Reserved – Jenn Lamb
19 11:00a Session Meeting 1p-5p Reserved – Gloria Eckert
20
21
1:30p Book Study 1:30p Dorcas Circle
22
23
24 6:30a Centering Prayer
25
26 FOOD PANTRY
SUNDAY 11a-5p Reserved – Kathy McCaughey
27
28 1:30p Book Study
29
30
31 6:30a Centering Prayer
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE: Worship at 9:00a ~~ Children’s Church at 9:20a (Pre-K – 5th grade) ~~ Fellowship at 10:00a
Elder of the Month:
Stacy Johnson
COMMUNITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 903 Hartford, IA 50118
JANUARY JULY
1 Megan Sheets; Chuck & Marilyn Casson, Anniversary
2 Travis Goldsberry; Taylor Johnston
Justin & Crystal Barton, Anniversary
3 Marilyn Casson
4 Pam Knight; Lucy Maxwell
Karen Robinson; Bill Schooler, Sr.
5 Laila Pedicini; Claren Rawson
6 Tim Thompson
7 Neriah Goldsberry
8 Gerald Hammond
10 Ryan Bailey; Rebecca Campbell; Steve Robinson
Jeff & Theresa Link, Anniversary
11 Bracy Hammond; Steve & Lucy Maxwell, Anniversary
12 Dakota Buchanan; Matthew Nesler
13 Tyler Millard; Liz Overstake
14 Nathan Goldsberry; Ruth Rawson; Don Russell
Ryan & Heather Peacock, Anniversary
15 Michael VanHamme
17 Allen Brown; Jeramie & April Kane, Anniversary
18 Scott & Heather Worthington, Anniversary
19 Stephanie Maxwell
20 Danson Drake; Fred Eaton; Alexis Oakley
Tom & Jennifer Blackmon, Anniversary
21 Gloria Eckert; Shirley Gooch; Stephen Nesler
22 Brittney Burrell
23 Kim Marble; Shiloh Rawson
Zachary & Anita VanSickle, Anniversary
24 Taylor Drake; Serena McCuen; David Ramirez
25 Glen Gooch
26 Todd Isley; Troy Johnston
Ryan & Stacey Edwards, Anniversary
Scott & Barbara Mentzer, Anniversary
27 Don Hall; Denise Peles; David Walker, Jr.
28 Hayden Edwards; Lynn Isley; Tiffany Noble
Brad & Robyn Witte, Anniversary
30 Karol Funke; Larry Jack
31 Rev. Nathan Lamb; Jeff & Paula Menke, Anniversary
Please contact Ann Polito at 681-9519 with birthdays or anniversaries to add or correct.
Thank you.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES