OUR WEEK - JANUARY 24 - JANUARY 30

It is beautiful.
R~E~M~I~N~D~E~R~S ~
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20TH —
New Homestead Care Center Worship
DORCAS/RUTH CIRCLE AT HAPPY CHEF - @ 1:30
ESTHER CIRCLE WITH LOLA PETERSON AT 7 P.M.
MARTHA CIRCLE AT CASEY U.M.C. - CANCELED
because of the forecast of freezing rain.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21ST —
DEBORAH/MARY CIRCLE - 2 P.M. IN CASEY U.M.C.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 —ANGEL FOOD DISTRIBUTION CANCELED -
SHARON MAY DELIVER TODAY
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Our Color is Green
Scripture Readings are:
NEHEMIAH 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
(New International Reader's Version) NIRV
Masters of families should bring their families with
them to the public worship of God. Women and
children must acquaint themselves with the word
of God, and attend on the means of grace. Children,
as they come to reason, must be trained in religion.
Remember very few people were able to read, so they
clamored to hear the Torah read in open assembly.
Ezra, Nehemiah and a group of Levites read aloud
from Torah. Reading the Scriptures in religious
assemblies is an ordinance of God, whereby he is
honored, and his church strengthened. Those who
hear the word, should understand it, therefore it is
required of teachers to explain the word. Explaining
the meaning and giving examples commits
knowledge to memory.
Our attention is not easily enraptured today,
with television, iPods, computer screens, radios,
cell phones, video games, basketball, nascar,
football, golf, concerts, road trips, and dozens of
other things competing for our focus.NEHEMIAH 8:1-3
1 All of them gathered together. They went to the open
area in front of the Water Gate. They told Ezra to bring
out the Scroll of the Law of Moses. The LORD had given
Israel that law so they would obey him.
Ezra was a teacher of the law.
2 The priest Ezra brought the Law out to the whole
community. It was the first day of the seventh month.
The group was made up of men and women and
everyone who was old enough to understand what
Ezra was going to read.
3 He read the Law to them from sunrise until noon.
He did it as he faced the open area in front of the
Water Gate. He read it to the men, women and others
who could understand. And all of the people paid
careful attention as Ezra read the Scroll of the Law.

NEHEMIAH 8:5-6
5 Ezra opened the scroll. All of the people could see
him. That's because he was standing above them.
As he opened the scroll, the people stood up.
6 Ezra praised the Lord. He is the great God. All of
the people lifted up their hands. They said, "Amen!
Amen!" Then they bowed down. They turned their
faces toward the ground. And they worshiped the Lord.

NEHEMIAH 8:8-10
8 All of those Levites read parts of the Scroll of the
Law of God to the people. They made it clear to them.
They told them what it meant. So the people were
able to understand what was being read.
9 Then Nehemiah and Ezra spoke up. So did the
Levites who were teaching the people. All of those
men said to the people, "This day is set apart to honor
the LORD your God. So don't sob. Don't be sad." All
of the people had been sobbing as they listened to the
words of the Law. Nehemiah was governor. Ezra was
a priest and a teacher of the law.
10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy some good food and
sweet drinks. Send some of it to those who don't have
any. This day is set apart to honor our Lord. So don't be
sad. The joy of the LORD makes you strong."
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PSALM 19 (UMH 750) (New Living Translation) NLT
A PSALM OF DAVID A HYMN PRAISING THE TORAH
The heavens so declare the glory of God, and
proclaim his wisdom, power, and goodness.
The counter-changing of day and night is a
great proof of the power of God, and calls us
to observe, that, as in the kingdom of nature,
so in that of providence, he forms the light, and
creates the darkness. The sun in the firmament
is an emblem of righteousness, and the
Light of the world, diffusing Divine light to the
nations of earth. He delights and will be
unwearied as the sun, till the whole earth is filled
with his light and salvation. Let us give God the
glory we have by the lights of heaven, looking
above to the Sun of righteousness.1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth as a radiant bridegroom after a wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31a
(New International Version) NIV
IN THE HUMAN BODY, EACH ELEMENT HAS IT'S
PLACE AND USE.
Paul reminds that the differences in the ways the
Spirit's gifts operate in each one are intended to
sustain the community's functioning as one body.
Christ and his church form one body, as Head and
members. Christians become members of this body
by baptism. The outward rite is of Divine institution;
it is a sign of the new birth. It is by the Spirit, only
by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, that we are
made members of Christ's body. By communion
with Christ at the Lord's supper, we are strong.
Each member has a place, and a use. All members
of the body are useful and necessary to each other.
All members of the body of Christ may be and ought
to be useful to fellow-members. As in the natural
body of man, the members should be closely united
by the strongest bonds of love; the good of the
whole should be the object of all. All Christians are
dependent upon each other; each is to expect and
receive help from the rest.
Each is to give help as they are able.

12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many
parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one
body. So it is with Christ.13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body
—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were
all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.
15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand,
I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason
cease to be part of the body.
16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye,
I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason
cease to be part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the
sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear,
where would the sense of smell be?
18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body,
every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.
19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?
20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!"
And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"
22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem
to be weaker are indispensable,
23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we
treat with special honor. And the parts that are not
presentable are treated with special modesty,
24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment.
But God has combined the members of the body and
has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,
25 so that there should be no division in the body, but
that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one
part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of
you is a part of it.
28 And in the church God has appointed first of all
apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers
of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those
able to help others, those with gifts of administration,
and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Do all work miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?
Do all interpret?
31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And now I will show you the most excellent way.
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LUKE 4:14-21
(New International Reader's Version) NIRV
CHRIST READS IN THE SYNAGOGUE.
Christ taught in their synagogues, their places of
public worship, where they met to read, expound,
and apply the word, to pray and praise. All the
gifts and graces of the Spirit were upon him and
on him, without measure. Jesus steps forward to
read. The scroll is handed to him. He searches the
scroll for the passage he wants to read. We hear
him reading it. He hands the scroll back to its
keeper. The doctrine of God's sovereignty, his right
to do his will, provokes proud men. They will not
seek his favor in his own way; and are angry when
others have favors they neglect.
JESUS IS NOT ACCEPTED IN NAZARETH
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy
Spirit. News about him spread through the whole
countryside.
15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone
praised him.
16 Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been
brought up. On the Sabbath day he went into the
synagogue as he usually did, and he stood up to read.
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him.
He unrolled it and found the right place. It is written,
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me.
He has anointed me
to tell the good news to poor people.
He has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners.
He has sent me so that the blind will see again.
He wants me to free those who are beaten down.
19 And he has sent me to announce the year when he
will set his people free." —(Isaiah 61:1,2)
20 Then Jesus rolled up the scroll. He gave it back to
the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in
the synagogue were staring at him.
21 He began by saying to them, "Today this passage
of Scripture is coming true even as you listen."
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH —
LAY MINISTRY SUMMIT - GRISWOLD U.M.C. - 2:30
This is for anyone who wishes to learn about the
elements of Lay Leadership, whether you are just
thinking about it nor have been involved for many
years. I know you will be happily surprised at the
ministry projects our people are involved in.
You will learn something new and you may teach us
something new. Win, win!
Call Pastor Lynn or the church office if you want a ride.AGENDA

2:30 p.m. – Opening, Welcome, Singing

2:40 p.m. – Testimony – Stephanie Simmons,
SW District Missions Coordinator
- Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck,
Conference Leadership Development
Minister for Missions and Social Justice

2:50 p.m. – Open Microphone for further testimonies

3:30 p.m. – Offering for Haiti Disaster Relief

4:00 – 5:20 p.m. – Workshop “Carousel”, 20 min. each

Participants may choose 3 of the 10 workshops
(see map for locations)

There's a 10 minute transition time between workshops

5:30 p.m. - Fellowship Meal –
Soup supper, with a vegetarian option

* Childcare provided throughout the afternoon.

Available Workshops To Attend

Walk to Emmaus:
Leila Blackburn, Lynn Gardner & friends

Disciple Bible Study:
Jerry & Ruth Neal, & friends

Food Ministries:
Angel Food Ministries – Sharon Aupperle

Hancock Free Community Dinner –
Melissa Drake & friends

After-School Ministries:
The Lenox UMC J.O.Y. Club – Carol Rogers

Grant UMC’s “Time to Create” program: Cherie Miner

Mission in Community:
District Missions Coordinator – Stephanie Simmons

Community Ministries at Fifth Ave UMC,
Council Bluffs – Sandi Gobeli

“Friday Free” Program at Epworth UMC,
Council Bluffs – Tom Boomershine

Faith-Sharing in Worship:
“Unbinding the Gospel” at the Lewis UCMC –
Nadine Aydt and friends

“Co-Missioned: Missional Transformation Process:
Sidney UMC – Jaye Johnson & friends

Malvern UMC – Carl Phillips and Brenda Scott

Growing Stewardship:
Consecration Sunday at Red Oak, 1st –
Fred Pilecki & Ron Godbout

Partnering with Schools:
Partnerships in Council Bluffs – Marvin Arnpriester

Kids’ Hope USA at Manning – Sheryl Damman

Hispanic Ministry: Ernie Ruehle,
District Coordinator for Hispanic Ministries
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MONDAY, JANUARY 25TH —
Pastor Lynn's and Naomi's day off
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 26TH —
BIBLE STUDY OF "WOMEN OF THE BIBLE"
AT ADAIR U.M.C. - 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M.T.T.T. #1 - CASEY U.M.C.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27TH —
NEW HOMESTEAD CARE CENTER WORSHIP
ADAIR AD COUNCIL MEETING @ 6:30
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28TH —
T.T.T. #2
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30TH —
FIRST QUARTER BRUNCH - CASEY U.M.C.
FROM 9 TO 11 A.M.
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FUTURE FOCUS —
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST —
COMBINED WORSHIP IN ADAIR U.M.C. AT 9:30 A.M.
POTLUCK FOLLOWING THE SERVICE.
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The media is full of the earthquake disaster in Haiti.
This prayer seems very appropriate at this time.
A PRAYER FOR HAITI
by Dr. Pamela Lightsey
Dean of Students,
Garrett Theological University, Chicago

O God, we have been stunned once again by an
event which seems so unnatural and yet is called
"natural disaster."We have no words to answer the "why" which
we feel, no wisdom to explain away unexplained
areas of life.
Keep us from attributing this event as a heavenly
reprimand, or from a certain haughtiness that
tempts the distant soul.

Give us to be compassionate and gentle, servants
to those in need. Remind us of your gracious love
in the midst of sorrow, and your ability to work
miracles when hope is faint.

We pray for those who suffer in Haiti even now
And for those who await rescue.For relatives, for the children,
For mothers and fathers,
Sisters and brothers,
Grandparents, aunts and cousins.For the survivors who question what more they
might have done, and for those who must keep
on keeping on, in spite of . . .For the leaders,
For those who bring aid
And those who await news.
Strengthen and encourage them we pray.

Now unto you, O God, we take the burdens of
this hour and place them in your divine care.
For all you do and are doing, seen and unseen,
we give thee thanks, Eternal God of All Creation.
Amen.
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HAITI EMERGENCYEMERGENCY RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
Advance # : 418325
Location : Latin America and Caribbean, Haiti

UMCOR IS AN ORGANIZATION DESIGNED TO
HELP REFUGEES.
UMCOR is made up of people all over the world.
UMCOR’s two relief supply warehouses are
asking United Methodists to provide health kits
that can be sent to earthquake-devastated Haiti.

“For people who are feeling powerless in being able
to help those in Haiti, providing health kits is a tangible
way they can make an immediate difference,” said
Kathy Kraiza, director of UMCOR’s relief supplies.
She estimates that hundreds of thousands of kits will
be needed in the days and months ahead. The kits,
valued at about $12 per kit, contain everything from
towels and washcloths to sterile bandages and bar
soap. They will be distributed to those who have been
forced to leave their homes as a result of the recent
disaster. For individuals or groups that want to
contribute basic necessities, UMCOR requests that
the following NEW items be placed in a sealed
one-gallon plastic bag.
• 1 hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27”).
No kitchen towels.
• 1 washcloth
• 1 comb (large, sturdy, not pocket-sized)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clippers
(no emery boards or toenail clippers)
• 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
• 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper,
no child-size brushes)
• 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
• $1.00 to purchase toothpaste
(NOTE: Toothpaste is purchased in bulk for
health kits to ensure that the product does not
expire before they are sent.)
Because the emergency kits are carefully planned to
make them usable in the greatest number of situations
and strict rules govern product entry into international
countries, UMCOR requires that the kits contain only
the requested items – nothing more.
Each packed box cannot exceed 66 pounds.

• Complete two packing lists – one for your records
• and one to be put on the shipping box.
• Paste the shipping label/packing list on the outside
  
• of each box sent. The shipping list helps the depot
  
• to quickly process kits.
• Processing and shipping costs: Please enclose an
  
• envelope containing at least $1.00 for each kit you
  
• send. This donation enables kits to be sent
• without delay to Haiti.

You can send assembled relief supply kits to either
relief depot –
UMCOR coordinates supply shipments from both locations.

UMCOR Sager Brown Depot
P.O. Box 850, 131 Sager Brown Road
Baldwin, LA 70514-0850
For help contact, 1-800-814-8765

UMCOR West Office and Depot
1479 South 700 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84104-1605
For help contact, 1-801-973-7250

If you prefer, you can contribute to the Red Cross
which has a great presence in that country.The people of the world have really come forward
to support the people of Haiti.
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Sometimes I think I cannot take one more ice storm
or snow storm, but after observing the devastation of
Haiti's earthquake —
perhaps I should count my blessings. If you look at it in the sunrise, it's still beautiful.

God Bless and Keep You,
Pastor Lynn