But the moment was not nearly as joyous as I had imagined.  Unbeknownst to me, I had developed an annual rhythm of excitement and expectation for the upcoming school year.  I even went through withdrawal not having a reason to go school supply shopping!

Even if you are also far removed from your days of classes and homework, this church offers a great opportunity for you to sign up for four new small group studies that will stimulate your mind and draw you closer to some people who are learning, laughing, and growing with you.  This is a great way to start your fall, especially if you have never joined a small group at the church before.

This is one of the chief goals of the Christian life:  to develop regular practices of prayer, scripture study, and small group participation such that these become an integral part of one’s spiritual rhythm.  And as we enter this fall, I hope you’ll sense a similar excitement for all we have in store together.  Be sure to read later in this month’s Dome for descriptions of these great new groups, and be sure to sign up!

Grace and Peace,

Magrey

A WORD FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

Many of us have heard that wonderful Billie Holiday classic, “Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy.” Hopefully that has been true for you and your family, as you have found rest for your bodies and refreshment for your spirits.  For the ministries of St. Paul’s, however, this has been an active, busy time as we continue to put God’s love into action together:

·         We had a thrilling Vacation Bible School, with great energy and excitement for a record number of kids and volunteers.

·         Our new praise band continues to offer a wonderful new dimension to Sunday worship.

·         Our new Helping Hands Program has helped numerous people in our congregation in various ways.

·         Our building committee has begun meeting to discuss the next phase of our renovation.

·         We have ministered to countless families and friends in the community through weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

·         We look forward to launching four new small groups in the next few weeks.

·         Overall, we continue to make great strides in fulfilling our 20/20 Vision Plan adopted last fall.

Along with this great news comes some cost.  To maintain our budget for 2009, we need to bring in approximately $4,000 per week in General Fund giving.  July was a popular time to be away, and both our attendance and our giving took a severe hit.  Even though we are cutting costs to stay under budget, July income and expenses produced an $8,000 deficit, to bring our total General Fund deficit to $18,000 under for the year.

Granted, it is typical for this and other churches to experience a “summer swoon,” so we are asking you to enter August with greater regularity in your worship attendance and in your financial giving.  You may even choose to increase your level of giving to offset those in our church who are struggling financially.  We know this continues to be uncertain times for our economy in general and for all of our farmers, so let us keep each other in our prayers as we strive to be the best stewards of all of God’s gifts. 

After all, the one who said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” was St. Paul himself, after whom we bear our identity as a church.  Let’s live up to that name together.

Grace, peace, and much gratitude,

The Finance Committee and John Cook, Chairperson

NEWS AND NOTES

WELCOME, ANDREA!

We welcome Andrea Cook as our new Administrative Assistant; she will provide both secretarial and parish coordinator duties.  She brings great experience from her professional background and her numerous years at St. Paul’s.  The office will open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for lunch.  Her e-mail address at the church is acook@cherokeespumc.org.  Welcome, Andrea!

RECEPTION AFTER CHURCH THIS SUNDAY

Join us as we give thanks to God for Jeanne Jones for her 13 years as Parish Coordinator, Linzi Bierman for her two years as church secretary, and Velma Martin for her 29 years as nursery care attendant.  Thank you!

CHILD-CARE PROVIDERS FOR HIRE

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee will be hiring new child-care providers for the nursery during our Sunday morning worship services.  For more information, contact Magrey in the church office.

FALL MUSIC RETURNS

With the return of our fall worship schedule, our various music groups are up and running and preparing for a wonderful year of music ministry.  If you are interested in singing in the Chancel Choir, please contact Sherry Held.  To ring with the Bell Choir, contact Tom Kruse.  And if you would like to play an instrument or sing along with our new praise band, contact David Klee.

CHURCH RECORDS UPDATE

We are updating our current church records.  If you have any changes to your contact information, such as a new address, phone number, or e-mail address, please contact the church office.

NEWS AND NOTES

FALL WORSHIP TIME BEGINS

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 13, when we return to our fall Sunday morning schedule.  Sunday school for all ages begins at 9 a.m., and worship begins at 10:10 a.m.

THIRD-GRADE BIBLES

We will be awarding Bibles to our third grade class on September 20.  Come celebrate this milestone moment for these wonderful children in our congregation.

CHILDREN’S SABBATH

Our annual Children’s Sabbath takes place on September 27, in which worship will be led by our children’s ministry.  Come be inspired by their words of hope, promise, and challenge to make this world a better place for all God’s children.

PORK FEED

It’s here once again—our annual Pork Feed!  It takes place after church on September 27, from 11:30-1:00 pm.  Bring a side dish or dessert to share, and proceeds from the free-will offering will support our Next Generation Fund, which funds future ministry opportunities for the church.

YOUTH EVENTS

We kick off an exciting schedule for our mid-high and senior high-youth with some fun events in September.  On September 13, Mike and Dee Taylor will host an ice cream social at their pool at 2 p.m. for all youth, grades 6-12.  On September 27, the deVega’ will host a cookout at their house for mid-highs, and the Wilkie’s will host a cookout at their house for senior-highs.  The events are from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

LOST AND FOUND ITEMS

Numerous items are hanging on the shelf outside the Parish Coordinator office.  Items not claimed by September 1 will be donated.  

NEWS AND NOTES

GOODWILL TRAILER SEPTEMBER 8

The Goodwill Donation Trailer will accept donations of usable clothing, small electrical items, clean shoes, books, house wares, toys, jewelry, records, tapes and sporting goods.  With your donations, you are helping to support Goodwill’s many programs and services. The trailer will be parked at the southwest corner of the Bomgaars parking lot.

UMW UNIT MEETING

Invite a guest and bring a salad to share and join us for “Guest Day” on Sept. 3rd at 12:30pm.  Special guest will be Marlene Jorgensen, our District Sheperdhess.  Gwen Halstrom will present the program “Let the Bells Remind Us.”

BAZAAR UPDATE

Shelley Lenz and Phyllis Parrott request quality crafts (featuring a kitchen flair) for our all-church bazaar on Election Day, November 3rd.  So put your thinking caps on and have fun creating and sharing!

SPECIAL OFFERING ON SEPTEMBER 27

We will be taking up a special offering for Peace With Justice Sunday, which funds programs for the General Board of Church and Society and teaches people around the world alternatives to violence.  This offering is one of six offerings required by the Book of Discipline, and supports our Rainbow Covenant Missions giving effort for the year.

GOD’S LOVE IN ACTION

NEW CHURCH START PRAYER WALK AUGUST 29

All United Methodists in the District are invited to participate in a prayer walk in preparation for the new church start in Sioux Center.  Orientation begins at 9 a.m. at the Pizza Ranch in the mall, and the walk will take place afterwards.  You need no prior experience to participate in a prayer walk, and will find this to be a moving and meaningful way to pray for those that will be influenced by this new congregation.  If interested, please contact Marilyn Brubaker.

NOTHING BUT NETS

Thank you for your generous gifts toward the special offering on August 23.  You generated $663.00 for Nothing But Nets, which provides insecticide-treated nets for families in Africa to prevent the spread of malaria.  If you would like to contribute, make your checks payable to the church and designate them “Nothing But Nets.”

HEALTH CARE FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

As we follow developments in the national heath care debate, here are some resources that will expand and inform your understanding of the issues, from a Christian point of view.

·         To read the United Methodist Church’s perspective, visit the General Board of Church and Society and read the Social Principles.  (www.umc-gbcs.org)

·         Sojourners is a non-denominational organization that offers insight from a faith perspective.  (www.sojo.net)

·         For end-of-life issues, visit Project Grace, based out of Tampa, Florida.  (www.projectgrace.org)

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Cherokee Regional Medical Center is requesting volunteers to serve as valets for their parking program at the main entrance to the hospital.  Volunteers receive a free lunch and coffee during their shift. 

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

PRAYERS AND SYMPATHIES

(To Chuck & Julie Tolzin, over the recent death of their nephew,

             Andy Haake

To Delores Blades, whose mother Viola Bornholtz, passed away.

To the family of Evelyn McLeerey who passed away on August 16.

BAPTISMS

Hayden Michael Brown, son of Chad and Jillian Brown

Parker Paul Wych, son of Tim and Kim Wych

Brittany Ann Kannegeiter, daughter of Kelly & Kim Kannegieter

UPDATE ON KEITH WILLIS

As many of you know, Keith Willis is undergoing chemotherapy for an inoperable mass in his pancreas.  He is living in Council Bluffs, and cards can be sent in care of Martha Green: 27 Ellis Circle, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.  Keith is grateful for the many cards and birthday wishes delivered to him for his birthday on August 17.

HELPING HANDS PROGRAM

The Helping Hands Committee is making preparations to assist Keith Willis with his impending move out of his house in Cherokee.  Details are yet to be finalized, but the move date will either be Saturday, September 19 or September 26.  Prior to the move, helpers will be needed to pack and prepare his belongings.  If you are interested, contact Sheree Hausmann or Marlene Kelly.  In addition, the church is collecting boxes and packing materials, which you can bring to the lower level basement room.

NEW SMALL GROUPS

COMPANIONS IN CHRIST - Facilitator: Marilyn Brubaker
Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30 p.m., beginning October 6 at the church. Six weeks.
Companions in Christ is an exploration into the spiritual practices of prayer, scripture reading, and journaling that will deepen your faith and strengthen relationships with others on your journey. It is highly recommended for those new to the faith.   Cost: $10, for a workbook.
THE MIRACLE OF LIFE CHANGE – Facilitator: C.W. Miller
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., beginning September 22 at the church. 10 weeks.
Is life change really possible? Maybe you’ve tried numerous programs that promise big changes, but in reality, deliver very few results. This course explores new life and transformation from a biblical perspective. Good news: there is hope!
Cost: $7.00 for a copy of the book.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN –

 Facilitator, John Chalstrom
Sundays,9-10 a.m., beginning September 13 at the church. 4 weeks.
“The Boss” is one of the most prolific and beloved American songwriters of our time. But did you know that much of the content of his songs speaks directly to Christian themes and issues of social justice? Join this fun, creative journey connecting the Christian faith to pop culture.
Cost: $13.00 for a copy of the book.
JESUS THE ONE AND ONLY – Facilitators: Andrea Cook and Mollie Johnson
Mondays, 7-9 p.m., beginning September 13 at the church 11 weeks.
Best-selling author Beth Moore offers an intimate look at the life of Jesus, and explores ways to make Christ Lord of your life. This course is specially designed for women of all ages.
Cost: $15 for the workbook.
Please contact the church office to register by September 10 so we can prepare you with advanced information and materials about your class.

UPCOMING SUNDAYS

“Small Groups:  Doing Life Together”

Nehemiah 2:17-3:32;  Acts 8:26-40

August 30, 2009

“Scripture Reading:  Your Source of Strength”

Nehemiah 8:1-12; Psalm 1

September 6, 2009

”Commitment:  Moving from Sideline to Frontline”

Nehemiah 10:28-39; John 5:1-18

September 13, 2009

UPCOMING EVENTS

(for the latest schedule visit the church website)

UMW UNIT  -  Thursday, September 3, 12:30 p.m.

GRACE CIRCLE - Wednesday, September 9, 9:00 a.m.

UMW EXEC - Monday, September 14, 9:30 a.m.

JOY CIRCLE - Wednesday, September 16, 9:30 a.m.

CHARITY CIRCLE - Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 p.m.          

OUR SHARED MINISTRY

USHERS           The Dorr Team                       

GREETERS      The Blackstone Team   

CHILDREN’S TIME AND LITURGIST

Date                 Liturgist                        Children’s Sermon

Sept. 6              John Chalstrom             Natasha Timmerman

Sept. 13            Sue Parker                    Sue Parker

Sept. 20            Rich Cook                     puppets

Sept. 27            Donna Henrich              Marilyn Brubaker (bells)

OUR STEWARDSHIP

DATE              Worship            General             Next Generation

                        Attendance       Fund                 Fund

Aug 2               166                   $1,219.00          $  630.00

Aug 9               108                   $2,611.20          $  251.15

Aug 16             155                   $2,689.00          $  311.50

Aug 23             207                   $2,622.50          $  193.25