F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h — N e w t o n , I o w a

Volume 51, Issue 10

October 2017

The

MessengerMessenger

I have had the privilege of being trained as a “Peace Circle” facilitator on the Central District of the Iowa Annual Conference. Have you ever found it difficult to enter a conversation with a group of people because everyone was talking all at once? Have you ever felt uncomfortable speaking up because you did not know how someone would respond? Has someone’s non-verbal body language ever made you feel like your opinion did not matter? Entering a “Peace Circle” can alleviate some of your fears and concerns. In a “Peace Circle” everyone has an opportunity to speak and be heard because all the attention is focused on the person with the talking piece. You have a clear picture of the values of the group as each person shares a value or characteristic that was essential to the circle being a safe place—values such as honesty, respect, grace, non-judgmentalism, and talking only when you have the talking piece. The group or individual values are there before you and the facilitator will give gentle

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his

temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, He is coming, says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:1

Church will have developed an intentional discipleship pathway. First United Methodist Church will be hosting one of four Church Conferences in the district. It will begin at 2 PM in the sanctuary of our church. In the first 30 minutes we will take care of the essential reports for the Church Conference. During a 10-minute break we will move downstairs to the dining room and enter the Peace Circles. People from our church will be able to sit together but each circle needs to have 12 to 15 people so other churches may join in the circle. We will have a total of 10 circles going all at once. This Peace Circle concept will also be used in future gatherings on conference, district and local church levels around a number of topics. I want to invite and encourage all our church family to come to this Church Conference on Sunday, October 29th, at Newton First United Methodist Church from 2 – 4 PM. This will be an experience like none other, and what better place to meet than at our own church. I look forward to seeing you there. Yours in Christ, Pastor Gary

reminders if these values are not observed. Of course, a person always has the right to pass when it is their turn to speak if they have nothing to say. Peace Circles are also about getting to know one another by sharing our stories and our experiences. In this noisy world, we need opportunities to simply

share our stories in a respectful manner. Participating in a Peace Circle is a process of building community around a common objective. At this year’s Church Conference on Sunday, October 29th, the peace circle conversation will set the stage to focus on “Pathways to Discipleship.” The Iowa Annual Conference has the Wildly Important Goal that by 2020 every United Methodist

From Pastor Gary’s HeartFrom Pastor Gary’s HeartFrom Pastor Gary’s HeartFrom Pastor Gary’s Heart

How to Contact UsHow to Contact UsHow to Contact UsHow to Contact Us 210 N 2nd Ave E; Newton IA 50208

Telephone: (641) 792-4648; Fax: (641) 791-7213 firstumc@pcpartner.net; www.newtonfirst.org

Office HoursOffice HoursOffice HoursOffice Hours 8 AM - 4 PM (Monday - Thursday;

Closed 12:00 Noon - 1 PM) 8 AM - 12:00 Noon (Friday)

FUMC Office StaffFUMC Office StaffFUMC Office StaffFUMC Office Staff Gary Marzolf, Pastor

Joy Osborn-Daniels, Administrative Assistant Dorothy McFarling, Financial Secretary Pat Drew, Coordinator of Lay Ministries

Frank Dawson, Custodian Jane Hiemstra, Nursery Attendant Rachel Faidley, Director of Music

Jean Ibbotson, Organist

Inside This IssueInside This IssueInside This IssueInside This Issue From Pastor Gary’s Heart…………………...…….……..1

Sympathies………………………...…...…………….…...2 Hospitalizations Home Mission Sunday MUG Mob CROP Walk Radio Broadcast Sponsorship

Pat’s Path…………………………………………...……..3 UMW News Community Meals Book Club

Birthdays…..........................................................................4 Anniversaries Ingathering/Blanket Sunday

October Calendar…..………………………..………...…..5

October Worship Series…………………………………...6 Mission Market Table UMCOR Trunk or Treat Adult Bible Studies

Free Treasures Giveaway……………………………...….7 Jasper County Take Away Hunger

Christian Education………...……………...……....……...8

Kidz Zone………………….……………………………...9

October Faithful Servants….......…..……...……….....….10

SympathiesSympathiesSympathiesSympathies Our deepest sympathies to Doug & Jeanna Barcus and family on the death of Doug’s mom, Ruby Barcus; to Susan Wright and family on the death of Susan’s husband, William Wright; to Bob Lane and family on the death of Bob’s wife, Joan Lane; to Connie & Rick Squire and family on the death of Connie’s father, Clifford Schlumbohm; to Grace Dickey and family on the death of Grace’s sister, Juanita Deppe; and to Millie McFate and family on the death of Millie’s husband, Rev. Warren McFate.

We wish you an abundance of God’s peace in your loss. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you….Do not let

your hearts be troubled.” John 14:27

HospitalizationsHospitalizationsHospitalizationsHospitalizations Released: Pat Spellman

Home Mission SundayHome Mission SundayHome Mission SundayHome Mission Sunday Home Mission Sunday will be October 1st. The Salvation Army asks you to consider monthly donations of soup, spaghetti sauce, canned tuna, Tuna Helper, and macaroni & cheese. These items are always in great need. Please put the items in the wicker baskets at the church entrances. Thank you

for your ongoing generosity!

MUG MobMUG MobMUG MobMUG Mob MUG Mob will resume on Monday,

October 2nd at 11:30 AM with a potluck luncheon. Please plan to bring a dish to share, your own table service, and something to share about what you did for the summer!

CROP WalkCROP WalkCROP WalkCROP Walk Now that you have your walking shoes dusted off for Church

World Service’s CROP Walk for Hunger, Mission Coalition wants you to have the following information: The CROP Walk will be Sunday, October 1st. Rita Baker from St. Stephen’s is coordinating the walk. It will start at 2 PM from the courthouse lawn and the walk will be 3 miles long. Tori Reynolds has seven envelopes in which to put the money that is raised. They are different from the ones used before as an entire group can

use one envelope. The instructions on the envelope are as follows: collect your donations BEFORE the walk; make checks payable to CWS/CROP; return the funds you raise to your recruiter (probably Rita Baker) in this envelope. For security reasons, if you can write a check for the cash you collect, please do so. Simply write “cash replacement” in the memo line of the check. People can also donate online at www.crophungerwalk.org/Donate. The walk is officially the Jasper County Crop Hunger Walk; contributions come from other towns in the county also. Walk with your community to end hunger!

Radio Broadcast SignRadio Broadcast SignRadio Broadcast SignRadio Broadcast Sign----up up up up The opportunity to sign up for sponsorship of the 2018 KCOB radio broadcasts will begin on Sunday,

October 1st, in the Welcome Center. The cost of one Sunday is $105.00. Please make checks payable to FUMC and mark “2018 Radio Broadcast” in your memo if you are paying for next year. 2

Pat’s PathPat’s PathPat’s PathPat’s Path Is Autumn officially here? Have you seen a woolly bear caterpillar yet? If

so, how is it predicting how our winter will be? I am seeing another busy month at FUMC. To begin, we have the CROP Walk on Sunday, October 1st. I hope you have dusted off your walking shoes and are walking for this ministry. We have our Free Treasures event on Saturday, October 14th. Remember as you are getting ready for winter to select items to bring up to the church you feel you will no longer need. On October 5th, we will be setting up the tables for this event. Volunteers are needed to help set up the tables. Starting on Monday, October 9th, we will have the front elevator doors and the back door to the youth parlor open during the day from 8 AM to 4 PM. Please place your items on the tables in the assigned areas. No computers or TVs will be accepted. During the week we will need help with organizing and staging items. The morning of October 14th we will need help with the final setup at 8:30 AM, handing out plastic bags to people as they come in at 9 AM and sometimes helping them carry their

3

items out to their cars. Leftover items will be boxed and marked the following Saturday so the items can be picked up. There is a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center if you can help with this event. If you have plastic bags you want to donate, please bring them to the church. Also on October 14th, Jasper County Take Away Hunger will be packaging meals at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. FUMC’s shift will be at 11 AM. Volunteers will package meals of rice and beans for people in Texas affected by the hurricane. There is a $30 fee per person, but if you need help with that fee, let us know. On Sunday, October 29th, we will have our Ingathering Dedication and Blanket Sunday. Please have your kits ready and to the church that morning so they can be blessed. Later that afternoon we will be hosting the Charge Conference at FUMC. We need cookies for this event. Please see the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center if you can help. On Tuesday, October 31st, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM we will host Trunk or Treat in the north parking lot. You can dress up and bring your car to the parking lot and offer treats to the youth of our town. There will be activities up on the town square from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM and they will be able to come down to our church for more treats. There is still time to sign up for the

Iowa SHARE if you are interested. The available packages are on a sheet in the narthex each month. There are many other great savings which change periodically. Check them out! The Food Pantry at the Salvation Army is needing help with food. In the month of August, they helped 300 families for a total of 700 people. Their pantry is getting low before the end of the month. The items they are running out of are macaroni and cheese, Tuna Helper, Ramen noodles and can soup. The first Sunday of each month we always have baskets out for donations to the Salvation Army Pantry. Let’s all try to remember to bring one or two extra items for the balance of this year. On October 8th, we are planning to have a Soup can Sunday. Please bring a can of soup to be given to the Salvation Army for their pantry. Let’s see how many cans of soup we can gather for them. Special thanks to Daniel (DJ) Mott and his grandmother Wilma Mott who faithfully took the pantry items to the Salvation Army each month. They have found it necessary to give up this ministry. Thank you, Terry Ingledue, for your willingness to take this project on! Wow! What a busy month we have in store for us. Come and join the fun!

~ Pat Drew, Coordinator of Lay Ministries

UMW NewsUMW NewsUMW NewsUMW News The UMW Board will meet on Wednesday, October 4th, at

12:00 noon. At 1 PM, the UMW general dessert meeting will start with Park Centre Circle as hostess. Following dessert, the group will hold their annual Memorial Service that was missed in May. We look forward to seeing all the ladies of the church for this special time.

~ Marilyn Gaylor, President

SHARE Food Program SHARE Food Program SHARE Food Program SHARE Food Program SHARE orders need to be placed before Friday, October 6th, at 10:30 AM. The next distribution day will be Saturday, October 21st, from 7 AM—8 AM in fellowship hall. The November menu will be available at that time. Please “SHARE” the word

about this opportunity!

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let “O come, let us worship and bow down: let “O come, let us worship and bow down: let “O come, let us worship and bow down: let

us kneel before the LORD our maker.” us kneel before the LORD our maker.” us kneel before the LORD our maker.” us kneel before the LORD our maker.”

~ Psalm 95:6~ Psalm 95:6~ Psalm 95:6~ Psalm 95:6

Book ClubBook ClubBook ClubBook Club All are welcome on Thursday, October 26th, at 7 PM when Book Club reviews The Testament by John Grisham. In a plush Virginia office, a rich, angry old man is furiously rewriting his will. With his death just hours away, Troy Phelan wants to send a message to his children, his ex-wives, and his minions—a message that will touch off a vicious legal battle and transform dozens of lives. Because Troy Phelan’s new will names a sole surprise heir to his eleven-billion-dollar fortune: a mysterious woman named Rachel Lane, a missionary living deep in the jungles of Brazil. Enter the lawyers. Nate O’Riley is fresh out of rehab, a disgraced corporate attorney handpicked for his last job: to find Rachel Lane at any cost. As Phelan’s family circles like vultures in D.C., Nate goes crashing through the Brazilian jungle, entering a world where money means nothing, where death is just one misstep away, and where a woman—pursued by enemies and friends alike—holds a stunning surprise of her own.

Community MealsCommunity MealsCommunity MealsCommunity Meals

Special thanks to Sacred Heart, Congregational UCC, and First Lutheran, and First United Methodist Churches who rotate weeks of service for the 5:30 PM Wednesday Night Community Meals. All meals are open to the public and everyone is welcome.

October BirthdaysOctober BirthdaysOctober BirthdaysOctober Birthdays Birthday blessings to those listed below

who are celebrating their special day

this month!

Oct 1st – Jim Gaylor, Max Jay, Isabel Kidd, Helen Marshall, Amy Schultz Oct 2nd – Sue Anderson, Diane Birchard, Rich Henderson Oct 3rd – Sara Andersen, Pat Riemenschneider, Leslie Spencer Oct 4th – Marilyn Davis, Kristina Marshall, Evelyn Owens Oct 5th – Kevin Gifford, Shawn Gilson, Tate Hoskins, Michael Moyers Oct 6th – Tanner Illingworth, Evelyn Lewis, Carolyn Livengood, Abigail Swersie, Kevin Tish Oct 7th – Caity Antle, Ken Slothouber, Mary Beth Spilly Oct 8th – Annette Bebout, Mike Matson, LaTosha Smith Oct 9th – Michelle Johnson, Tina Landgrebe, Phil Muta Oct 10th – Stacia Kaschak, Donna Meade, Val Olson, Steve Osborn Oct 11th – Jim Andersen, Eleanor Dille, Kim Hoskins, Chad Mitchell Oct 12th – Logan Buckley, James Cleverley, Jr., Tori Reynolds Oct 13th – Corey Baker, Emmalin Forst, Beth Moss, David Peterson, Roy Robison Oct 14th – Patty Dykstra, Gary Kaput Oct 15th – Scott Bolles, Trisha Boyer, Carol York Oct 16th – Scott Cronbaugh, Sarah Reisetter, Ryan Wynne Oct 17th – Dennis Brindle, Cheryl George, Fred George, Allan Grout Oct 18th – Scott Hildebrand, John Phillips, Courtney Yoakum Oct 19th – Teresa Johnson, Susan Simpson Oct 20th – Robert Kirkman, Bobbie Miles Oct 21st – Mason Dykstra, Jan Houser, Jan Marzolf, Darwin Springer Oct 22nd – Jacob Barnes, Craig Hoskins, Cindy Springer Oct 23rd – Leah Guy, Barron Jones Oct 24th – Samantha Doepp, Laura Grimes, Keri Hasselbrink, Marcy Helms, Tom Hollander, Catherine Osborn Oct 25th – Tyler Baethke, Denise Kameyer-Bontrager, Sofia McDermott Oct 26th – Sophia Guthrie, Myra Kolpin, Miles Matson, Brian McKinney, Ashley Robeson Oct 27th – Jen Cannon, Mikayla Foster, Barb Ward Oct 28th – Kristopher Flora, Pauline Hesson, Reva Nelson, Mike Trotter, Tami Veldhuizen Oct 29th – Joel Guthrie, Allison Hoskins, Savannah Humke Oct 30th – Jim Farland Jr., Rachael McDermott, Amber Robson

October AnniversariesOctober AnniversariesOctober AnniversariesOctober Anniversaries Congratulations to the couples below celebrating their

wedding anniversaries this month!

Oct 1st – TJ & Amy Dykstra, Jeff & Lennis Mathews Oct 2nd – Rex & Lila Mendenhall, Dean & Janna Patten, Gregg & Carol Trease Oct 3rd – Tom & Jane Hollander, Jim & Gina

Marshall Oct 4th – William & Jennifer Ledvina Oct 5th – Phil & Edie Muta Oct 6th – Scott & Suzanne Bolles Oct 9th – Tanner & Danielle Illingworth Oct 11th – Greg & Lyn Helle Oct 12th – Tim & Wanda Blount Oct 13th – Keith & Deloris Butler, Dillon & Jen Wright Oct 14th – Jon & Victoria Spain Oct 16th – Brad & Kelly Zielaskowski Oct 18th – Jim & Roxann Wormley Oct 19th – Dennis & Lori Hildebrand Oct 20th – Ron & Marcy Helms Oct 21st – Rick & Linda Berkey Oct 22nd – Dean & Elaine James Oct 26th – Lance & Allison Hoskins, John & Amy Schultz Oct 28th – Gerald & Dorothy Carpenter Oct 29th – Max & Verla Jay, Matthew & KayLea Marchant

Ingathering/Blanket SundayIngathering/Blanket SundayIngathering/Blanket SundayIngathering/Blanket Sunday It’s time to prepare for the upcoming In-gathering Dedication on Sunday, October 30th. Many of you enjoy making the kits and

putting together items as gifts of love in response to needs of the

world. Details for the 2017 Ingathering Kits have changed. At this time, the Iowa-Nigeria Kits are no longer needed; only assembled

UMCOR kits are requested. Make sure to pick up the new list at the Welcome Center. Please return your completed kits to the church on or before October 30th. The kits care for the most vulnerable people during times of crisis and help sustain everyday life by providing basic necessities to people around the world. In addition, $5.00 buys a warm blanket that can be used in many ways. We will take up our annual Blanket Offering on Sunday, October 30th as well. Matthew 25:45 is explicit that we care for “the least of these.” When we share from our abundance, we are acting justly and reflecting our desire to serve God.

November November November November MessengerMessengerMessengerMessenger DeadlineDeadlineDeadlineDeadline Due to vacations in the church office, the deadline for the November newsletter has been set for Monday,

October 16th. Please note this change and get your announcements to the church office; the next Messenger will be available on Sunday, October 22nd.

4

With ThanksWith ThanksWith ThanksWith Thanks The NCMP Aquagirls thank the church for the use of the kitchen and dining room for their September 18th team dinner. To have a space to accommodate several people to enjoy a meal and camaraderie is

greatly appreciated.

2017201720172017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 WORLD COMMUNION 8:45 AM Worship 9:00 AM Radio Broadcast 9:15 AM Kids' Corner 10:00 AM Worship @ P.C. 10:15 AM Adult Sunday School 10:15 AM Fellowship Time 1:30 PM CROP Walk 4:00 PM Confirmation 6:00 PM Youth Downtown

2 11:30 AM MUG Mob Potluck 2:00 PM Bible Study 3:00 PM Stephen Ministry 6:00 PM Weight Watchers

3 12:15 PM Weight Watchers

4 9:00 AM Staff 12:00 PM UMW Board Mtg 1:00 PM UMW Dessert Mtg 5:30 PM Kids Club 5:30 PM Comm. Meal 6:00 PM Jubilee Bells 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 8:00 PM One Achord

5 9:30 AM Park Centre Study 7:00 PM Crochet Class

6 10:30 AM SHARE Order Deadline

7

8 SOUP SUNDAY 8:45 AM Worship 9:00 AM Radio Broadcast 9:15 AM Kids' Corner 10:00 AM Worship @ P.C. 10:15 AM Adult Sunday School 10:15 AM Fellowship Time 4:00 PM Confirmation 6:00 PM Youth Downtown

9 1:30 PM Newton Village Study 2:00 PM Bible Study 3:00 PM Stephen Ministry 6:00 PM Weight Watchers (Dining Room)

10 12:15 PM Weight Watchers (Dining Room)

11 9:00 AM Staff 5:30 PM Kids Club 5:30 PM Comm. Meal 6:00 PM Jubilee Bells 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 8:00 PM One Achord

12 9:30 AM Park Centre Study 6:30 PM Generosity & Stewardship

13 14 9:00 AM—12:00 Noon

Free Treasures Giveaway 11:00 AM Jasper County Take Away Hunger (@ Holy Trinity)

15 8:45 AM Worship 9:00 AM Radio Broadcast 9:15 AM Kids' Corner 10:00 AM Worship @ P.C. 10:15 AM Adult Sunday School 10:15 AM Fellowship Time 4:00 PM Confirmation 6:00 PM Youth Downtown

16 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 1:30 PM Newton Village Study 2:00 PM Bible Study 3:00 PM Stephen Ministry 6:00 PM Weight Watchers

17 12:15 PM Weight Watchers

18 CIRCLE DAY 9:00 AM Staff 5:30 PM Kids Club 5:30 PM Comm. Meal 6:00 PM Jubilee Bells 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 8:00 PM One Achord

19 9:30 AM Park Centre Study 5:30 PM Lydia Circle @ Culver’s

20 21 7:00 AM SHARE Distribution 9:00 AM Mission Coalition Pie Sale (@McCann Cen-ter)

22 8:45 AM Worship 9:00 AM Radio Broadcast 9:15 AM Kids' Corner 10:00 AM Worship @ P.C. 10:15 AM Adult Sunday School 10:15 AM Fellowship Time 4:00 PM Confirmation 6:00 PM Youth Downtown

23 1:30 PM Newton Village Study 2:00 PM Bible Study 3:00 PM Stephen Ministry 6:00 PM Weight Watchers

24 12:15 PM Weight Watchers 7:00 PM Administrative Council

25 9:00 AM Staff 1:30 PM Senior Council 2:00 PM Park Centre Circle 5:30 PM Kids Club 5:30 PM Comm. Meal 6:00 PM Jubilee Bells 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 8:00 PM One Achord

26 9:30 AM Park Centre Study 7:00 PM Book Club

27 28

29 INGATHERING BLANKET SUNDAY 8:45 AM Worship 9:00 AM Radio Broadcast 9:15 AM Kids' Corner 10:00 AM Worship @ P.C. 10:15 AM Adult Sunday School 10:15 AM Fellowship Time 2:00 PM Church Conference 6:00 PM Youth Downtown

30 1:30 PM Newton Village Study 2:00 PM Bible Study 3:00 PM Stephen Ministry 6:00 PM Weight Watchers

31 12:15 PM Weight Watchers 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Trunk or Treat

1 9:00 AM Staff 12:00 PM UMW Board Mtg 1:00 PM UMW Dessert Mtg 5:30 PM Kids Club 5:30 PM Comm. Meal 6:00 PM Jubilee Bells 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 8:00 PM One Achord

2 9:30 AM Park Centre Study 7:00 PM Crochet Class

3 10:30 AM SHARE Deadline

4 Ingathering at Greenfield

5

October Worship SeriesOctober Worship SeriesOctober Worship SeriesOctober Worship Series We live in a culture that has lost the true meaning of a

generous life. Jesus spoke about generosity throughout his ministry in ways that now seem foreign even to those in the church. During the month of October, we will focus on what it means to live generously, using a video series that challenges

us in our everyday lives to look at what we value most and how we can serve God and those within and outside the walls of the church. When we hear Jesus say, “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it,” don’t you wonder what that would look like for you? They are more than words; they’re meant to change the way we live. In this series, you will see a family take risks, experience suffering, doubt, and joy. Moreover, you will see what happens when this family chooses to embrace a generous life in the midst of uncertainty. And like them, you will be invited into a transformational process. In Genesis 12, God tells Abraham that he will be blessed SO THAT he can be a blessing to the nations. As members of Christ’s Church, each one of us must discover what that means in our life, our relationships, and our leadership. On Sunday, November 5th, you will be invited to make a commitment to God to live generously. This series goes far beyond what we do with our money! It has to do with how we live our lives! Yours in Christ, Pastor Gary

Trunk or TreatTrunk or TreatTrunk or TreatTrunk or Treat On Tuesday, October 31st, from 5:30 to 7 PM, FUMC will host “Trunk or Treat” in our church parking lot. We invite people to park their vehicles in our lot and provide candy to youngsters just as if you were at home. Be creative—decorate your car and dress up! The kids love it!

Mission Coalition Pie SaleMission Coalition Pie SaleMission Coalition Pie SaleMission Coalition Pie Sale Mission Coalition will hold its major fund raiser at the McCann Center Flea Market on Saturday, October

21st from 9 AM to 2 PM. The service organization will sell homemade pies. Each member church (and FUMC is one) will be responsible for 8 pies, giving Mission Coalition 80 pies to sell. Watch the

Welcome Center for pie tins, sign-up sheet, and further instructions.

Senior CouncilSenior CouncilSenior CouncilSenior Council The Senior Council will meet on Wednesday, October 25th, at 1:30 PM in the church library.

Mission Market Is Still Open!Mission Market Is Still Open!Mission Market Is Still Open!Mission Market Is Still Open! The Mission table has had Silent Auction items added to the

weekly contributions of produce. If you have something you would like to contribute for the Silent Auction, please feel free to bring it in. Maybe you would like to assemble and donate a basket for a fun night at home with a movie,

games and treats. Try to be creative! Bring your item(s) to church anytime and we will get them on the table. Thank you for making this mission effort a success. Weekly we hear about another hurricane threatening the Caribbean Islands, Key West Florida, the south-eastern coastlines of the United States, and all the inhabitants along the hurricane path. Along with the hurricane threats there are fires in Western United States, as well as other natural disasters taking place. UMCOR, United Methodist Committee on Relief, is often the first to arrive and the last to leave when disasters take place. 100 % of the money we give goes to support the victims of such disasters. None of it is used for administrative expenses, but goes to the people in need. You are invited to continue to give to the work of UMCOR by writing a check to First United Methodist and in the memo designating it for UMCOR. To date we have received $4,692, but the need never ceases, so please continue to give generously.

Adult Bible StudiesAdult Bible StudiesAdult Bible StudiesAdult Bible Studies Along the path of discipleship, we have several opportunities to grow in faith, fellowship and understanding of God’s word. Every Sunday morning, and throughout the week, you will find adults gathering for study:

Jerry Yates is leading a class on Sundays on the Book of Acts in the Adult Classroom on the lower level of the church just off the dining room.

Reverend Dr. Roger Swanson is teaching a class on Sundays in the parlor on the main level of the church in the north-east corner of the church.

Pastor Gary is teaching a class looking at the Biblical accounts of covenant relationships God established on Monday at 1:30 PM, at Newton Village in the library on the second floor.

Christine Pauley is teaching the Men and Women of the Bible Study on Mondays at 2 PM in the Faith Café. Pastor Gary is teaching a class looking at the Biblical accounts of covenant relationships God has established on Thursday mornings at 9:30 AM, at Park Centre in the room off the Bistro in the independent living section of this retirement community. We want to encourage all of our adults to be part of a small group Bible study as we grow spiritually and in our walk with God. 6

Free Treasures GiveawayFree Treasures GiveawayFree Treasures GiveawayFree Treasures Giveaway Our Free Treasures event will be held on Saturday, October 14th, from 9 AM–12:00 Noon in fellowship hall. You can bring your treasures to the church beginning

Monday, October 9th, and place them on the tables anytime that the church is open. We encourage you to clean out your closets for items you are willing to donate. We are not able to take TVs or

computers, sorry, as we can’t dispose of them if they’re not

taken. We would like to offer the following free items in good condition: clothes and shoes of all sizes, toys, furniture, and household goods. Many volunteers will be needed on the 14th to help with this event; please see the sign-up sheets in the Welcome Center for the times available. During office hours the week of October 9th, we will have the doors to the youth area open (northeast corner) as well as the elevator entrance available.

Jasper County Take Away HungerJasper County Take Away HungerJasper County Take Away HungerJasper County Take Away Hunger Jasper County Take Away Hunger will host their next event on Saturday, October 14th, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newton. FUMC will cover the 11 AM shift. At the summer event at St. Luke UMC, the assemblers reached a milestone, crossing the half-million meal packaging mark (503,142 meals). Thanks to the many generous people and organizations who have partnered over the years in this life-saving mission to end hunger. Everyone is invited to help with the journey to one million meals. Take Away Hunger headquarters in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is assisting with hurricane disaster relief by putting together a large shipment of meals to be handled by Convoy of Hope, a part of which will be distributed to aid the hurricane victims in the Houston area. These meals are the black beans and rice formulated for domestic distribution. October 14th volunteers will be packaging this type of meal. Coordinator Don Fields has been stockpiling supplies for domestic meals, noting that with Hurricane Irma in Florida, there may be additional need for disaster relief in the near future. There is a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center if you are interested in helping with this event. The cost is $30.00 a person, but if you need help with this cost, funds may be available.

A Simmering IdeaA Simmering IdeaA Simmering IdeaA Simmering Idea During a lesson on 1 Kings 18, a Sunday school teacher explained the confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. He described how Elijah built the altar, placed wood on it, prepared the bull, laid it on the altar and instructed God’s people to pour water over the altar. “Now,” the teacher asked, “can anyone tell me why they would’ve poured water over the animal?” A girl eagerly raised her hand and answered, “To make the gravy!”

7

Dear Pastor,

Thank you, Pastor, for all you do. For your work, your kindness, And guidance too. You point to Jesus, You walk the walk! (We usually listen when you talk!)

We think you’re special! We think you’re great! And we will pray for you every day! (Um...in October!)

No, really, Pastor! We’ve got your back. Now we’ll cut you a little slack. We truly think that you’re the best. And thank you for all that you invest!

God bless you, Pastor!

Please remember to share thanks with Pastor Gary this

month! It’s always a blessing to receive kind words; a

note of encouragement from you would be greatly

appreciated!

Music MinistryMusic MinistryMusic MinistryMusic Ministry The Chancel Choir has returned from summer break; it’s wonderful having them back! The group meets Wednesdays from 7 PM—8 PM in the church parlor for rehearsals. Please consider joining us this season as we always have room for one more!

Pictured l to r: Arion Seiser, Cindy Seiser, Lucas Seiser, Carter Forst, and Grant Osby.

Christian Education SundayChristian Education SundayChristian Education SundayChristian Education Sunday On September 10, 2017, Shawna Forst led a special Bible presentation to five kids who unwrapped several layers of paper to reveal their Deep Blue Kids Bible! The BROWN paper symbolized the fact that the Bible is for everyone; the COMIC paper illustrated that the Bible is full of stories (funny, dramatic, happy, and sad) which guide us in living our lives; the GOLD paper signified that the Bible tells of a faith of great value; and the WHITE paper told us that it is only in the Bible that we find stories of the true holiness and purity of God. Congratulations on receiving your Bibles. We are so happy you shared in this special day, and we look forward to growing in faith with you as we explore the pages together!

Kids CornerKids CornerKids CornerKids Corner We meet for Kids Corner Sunday mornings from 9:15 AM - end of the worship service. Kids of all ages are encouraged to join our leaders (Christine, Deb, or Shawna) after the Children's Message with Pastor Gary. We use the Deep Blue curriculum (Learn & Serve), and Fall 2017 has us diving deep into learning God's Word. We'll have adventures, hear exciting Bible stories, and learn how to live as disciples of Jesus through service - just like Jesus taught! We will travel the world together to learn about God and what God is doing all over the world through new friends and adventures!

Kids ClubKids ClubKids ClubKids Club Kids Club meets Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM beginning with a meal together. We meet in two groups. PreK - 4th Grade uses the Deep Blue curriculum (Learn & Serve), led by Christine Dawson and Sandy Scotton. Our 5th - 8th grade students are working on "The Way We're

Wired," led by Shawna Forst and Deb Van Sickle. They are learning about who God made us to be, and are exploring the God-given gifts we have. Senior high youth are welcome to serve as helpers. All of the kids enjoyed "chalking the walk" for Newton's homecoming parade (see art on the left)!

Advice from a Advice from a Advice from a Advice from a

PumpkinPumpkinPumpkinPumpkin —Ilan Shamir

Be well-rounded. Get plenty of sunshine.

Give thanks for life’s bounty. Have a thick skin. Keep growing.

Be outstanding in your field. Think big!

Confirmation Confirmation Confirmation Confirmation Confirmation Class is under way and during October we will be focusing on: The Growth of Methodism, the Quadrilateral, Grace, Perfection, and on October 29th, attending the Church Conference. In addition to this, we will be studying from the Bible as we use materials designed for Confirmation and Biblical studies. We meet Sunday afternoons from 4 PM to 5:30 PM in the middle school classroom on the second floor.

Youth GroupYouth GroupYouth GroupYouth Group We meet for Youth Group Sunday evenings from 6 PM—8 PM in the basement youth room The theme for 2017-18 is service. Our project for September has been to send care packages to our college students. Thank you to the PreK-8th grade students for creating cards for the care packages, and to Pastor Gary for helping organize a special offering on Sunday, September 17th, through the Power of One ministries. The congregation generously contributed $200 to help our youth make a difference! We look forward to activities in October, including the CROP Walk, Free Treasures event, and Trunk or Treat.

From Our LeadersFrom Our LeadersFrom Our LeadersFrom Our Leaders We are off to a great start! Thank you for your continued support of children’s ministries at FUMC. We are especially grateful to Doug & Jeanna Barcus and wish them well on their move to Mt. Pleasant, IA. Thank you for the lasting impact you have made in the lives of our young people!

8

9

October Liturgists

October 1: Terry Faidley (515/240-1129) October 8: Tom Hollander (792-9397) October 15: Jody Gooch (792-6389) October 22: Tim Blount (792-8976) October 29: Ilene Brass (787-4407)

October Greeters

October 1: Alice Schwarz (792-5709, N); Judy Snook (792-7678, S); Phyllis Snook (792-6754, W) October 8: Marilyn Tish (792-7010, N); Betty Wright (792-2591, S); Jerry & Betty Yates (791-7157, W) October 15: Deb Bagnall (791-7291, N); Dave & Shirley Birkenholz (792-1908, S); Diane Birchard (792-3339, W) October 22: Sandy Davis (792-2956, N); Sheryl Ferguson (792-3158, S); Paul & Joan Frohardt (792-9119, W) October 29: Sue Gienger (515/240-9170, N); David & Jody Gooch (792-6389, S); Gary & Sandy Kaput (792-7707, W)

October Nursery

October 1: Pam Kingery (641/275-9170) October 8: Sally Rorabaugh (792-5661) October 15: Alice Schwarz (792-5709) October 22: Marilyn Tish (792-7010) October 29: Deb Bagnall (791-7291)

October Van Drivers

October 1: Blake Miller (791-9399) October 8: Jeff Carmichael (792-9700) October 15: Blake Miller (791-9399) October 22: Jeff Carmichael (792-9700) October 29: Blake Miller (791-9399)

October Van Assistants

October 1: Pat Martens (792-6779) October 8: Dick Martens (792-6779) October 15: Karen Kriz (792-0871) October 22: Jim Marshall (641/521-0392) October 29: Jim Marshall (641/521-0392)

October Ushers

October 1: Calvin Holmquist (792-6031), Shawn McFarling (792-1840), Ronnie Kollmann (792-6266), Stan Heidemann (641/526-3229) October 8: Calvin Holmquist (792-6031), Shawn McFarling (792-1840), Ronnie Kollmann (792-6266), TBD October 15: Calvin Holmquist (792-6031), Shawn McFarling (792-1840), Ronnie Kollmann (792-6266), Ron Carpenter (515/210-1049) October 22: Calvin Holmquist (792-6031), Shawn McFarling (792-1840), Ronnie Kollmann (792-6266), TBD

October Ushers (Continued)

October 29: Calvin Holmquist (792-6031), Shawn McFarling (792-1840), Ronnie Kollmann (792-6266), Stan Heidemann (641/526-3229)

October Projection & Sound Engineers

October 1: Christine Dawson (792-4738, P); Jerry Dawson (792-4738, S) October 8: Courtney Dawson (792-4738, P); Marv Bunse (792-4661, S) October 15: Pam Conklin (791-2448, P); Tim Blount (792-8976, S) October 22: Dave Crow (620/794-2644, P); Jerry Dawson (792-4738, S) October 29: Elsie Ulland (792-8575, P); Marv Bunse (792-4661, S)

October Church Door Opening/Closing

October 1: Greg & Rhonda Loder (792-0623) and Jerry Yates (791-7157) October 8: Greg & Rhonda Loder (792-0623) and Terry Ingledue (792-6077) October 15: Greg & Rhonda Loder (792-0623) and Diane Plumb (792-7123) October 22: Jim Marshall (641/521-0392) and Dave Drew (641/521-0558) October 29: Greg & Rhonda Loder (792-0623) and Nina Robson (641/521-3804)

October Coffee Fellowship

Bring 2 dozen unless otherwise indicated

October 1: Catherine Osborn (641/841-0177) and Pat Riemenschneider (641/521-4731) October 8: Margie Loupee (792-5295) and Dorothy Wood (791-5259) October 15: Kimbra Korte (792-0397) and Cindy Tabor (641/521-8735) October 22: Wilma Mott (792-4286) and Dee Ely (792-2059) October 29: Sandy Kaput (4 dozen—792-7707)

October Coffee Hosts

October 1: Betty Yates (791-7157) October 8: Pat Martens (792-6779) October 15: Tammy Seiser (791-2303) October 22: Pat Drew (791-7634) October 29: Pam Conklin (791-2448)

October Kids’ Corner

October 1: Shawna Forst (641/780-6503) October 8: Shawna Forst (641/780-6503) October 15: Christine Dawson (792-4738) October 22: Shawna Forst (641/780-6503) October 29: Shawna Forst (641/780-6503)

2017 4th Quarter (October) FUMC Faithful Servants

Special thanks to all who have committed to serve the church during the month of

October. Your service is greatly appreciated! If you are unable to fulfill your

assigned obligation, please try to find someone to replace you and notify the church

office so the correct information is reflected in the bulletin. If you are not able to find

a replacement, please call the church office at 792-4648. As others come forward to

volunteer, and in an effort to use as many people as possible, please watch the monthly

Messenger for any scheduling changes.

10