News and Updates from Polk City United Methodist Church |
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JOIN US FOR WORSHIP | SUNDAYS AT 9:30 AM
OUTDOORS | Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and join us for socially-distanced in-person worship in our outdoor sanctuary at the north end of the lot. Masks are encouraged.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
"Our Church's Mission: To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
for the Transformation of the World"
Message by Donald Perschall
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Donald Perschall will be bringing a message on Sunday about our mission to be and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. But he wants to hear from you! Weigh in on our Facebook page by telling us:
What is a disciple?
What does discipleship mean to you?
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
"Our Church's Vision: Feeding Hungry Souls in Every Season"
Message by Mai Golbuff, Linda Pennington and Dixie Bequeaith
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THIS WEEK'S GPS DEVOTIONAL GUIDE |
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In case you missed it, view the August 30 online worship service: |
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This summer we are listening to stories that Jesus told, and the gospel stories that are told about Jesus, to help us learn more about the Kingdom of God – the Kingdom which Jesus taught us to pray would come on earth, as heaven breaks in and God’s goodness and love bring about healing and wholeness.
Jesus has been instructing his disciples about the mission they are to carry out on his behalf, about telling the good news. While many are confused as to who Jesus is, Peter has identified him as the Messiah, the Anointed King who was promised to be a Savior and Liberator. However, even Peter seems to have in mind a political or military king, who would conquer the occupying empire and reign over a restored physical kingdom. As Jesus explains in this week's gospel story, that is not at all the kind of Messiah that God intends.
Matthew 16:21-28 (CEB)
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and legal experts, and that he had to be killed and raised on the third day. 22 Then Peter took hold of Jesus and, scolding him, began to correct him: “God forbid, Lord! This won’t happen to you.” 23 But he turned to Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a stone that could make me stumble, for you are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 25 All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them. 26 Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives? 27 For the Son of Man is about to come with the majesty of his Father with his angels. And then he will repay each one for what that person has done. 28 I assure you that some standing here won’t die before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
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REFLECT | Reflection Questions |
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These questions are designed to help you reflect on the deeper meaning of the scripture as it applies to your daily living.
- Discipleship has never been easy. Throughout time and across the nations, followers of Jesus have had to grapple with the cost of discipleship. What does it mean for us, in our time and in our world, amid pandemic, economic crises, and political/social unrest, to follow Jesus today?
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- In what ways are we willing to let go of our own selfish tendencies in order to love our neighbor? And how well are we even loving ourselves these days?
- Jesus didn’t say, “take up a cross,” he said, “take up your cross.” What are some of the personal forms suffering in your own life, and how will you strive to stay faithful to the pathway of discipleship in light of that?
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As a community of faith, we are called to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice. As joys and concerns are shared with one another, we take these to God in prayer. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer: |
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- Charlotte Loter requests prayers for Martha Dohman, her sister in law's mother. Prayers that they find answers for medical issues.
- Christine Perry asks for prayers for her stepdad Richard being tested for cancer, and for her best friend's daughter Lauren, hospitalized in Cedar Rapids.
- Diane & Steve Hammond celebrate the birth of their new grandson Thomas Robert Hammond, born August 23 to Tyler and Abby Hammond. Mom & baby are home and doing fine!
- Collette & Gary Heuertz request prayers for Gary’s cousin, Jay Heuertz who was life-flighted to Sioux Falls from LeMars last week with COVID. Jay’s twin brother Jeff was life-flighted to Sioux Falls with COVID on Saturday. Their parents Danny and Pigeon Heuertz are also being treated for COVID in LeMars. Please pray for recovery for this whole family.
- Linda Pennington asks for prayers for her 88 yr old brother Bill, who had tests at Mayo for an aortic aneurysm; he is a good candidate for an aortic stent, but he must wait 4 to 6 weeks for the procedure to be done. Please pray that he will be strong and safe until the procedure is completed.
- Deanna Deason requests prayers for her cousin's daughter who has been diagnosed with Covid. She is a teacher's aide & went back to school last week. She has minor symptoms right now, but her family has to quarantine. Prayers for her & her family.
- Gianni Comito asks for continued prayer for his mother. Mayo has categorized her cancer as stage 2 and inoperable but it has yet to spread to other organs. She has started an aggressive chemotherapy regimen this week. Please pray for courage for her and strength to endure the treatments.
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THE WALK: FIVE ESSENTIAL PRACTICES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Worship Series & All-Church Study | September 20 – October 25
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WORSHIP | What does it mean to be deeply committed Christians, growing in faith every day? How do we become fully engaged and flourishing in the Christian life? In this all-church series, we will explore a model for Christian discipleship built around five essential practices that we engage in both collectively and individually in order to more fully follow Jesus: Worship, Study, Serve, Give, and Share.
BOOK | We’re asking all adults to consider purchasing the accompanying book for the series, The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life which you can find in the format of you choice from all major booksellers. In each chapter, we’ll further explore each of these practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church.
ONLINE STUDY | We'll hold an adult study and discussion night on zoom; resources will also be provided for all children and youth to be engaged in this study, as well. Stay tuned for more information.
Join us this Fall! Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith.
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POLK CITY UMC CENSUS | HELP US UPDATE OUR RECORDS
We're asking every household to complete a simple church census so that we have an updated and accurate listing of contact information, birthdates and ministry interests. Even if you are not a member, but worship regularly with us, we would like to include your information in our records. The Census ends at midnight on Sunday, September 13.
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Youth Fall Kickoff
YOUTH AND PARENTS TOGETHER
Wednesday, September 9th, 7-8:30pm
Outdoor sanctuary
Includes information for parents, trivia, and worship
Bring lawn chairs and masks!
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NP COMET CUPBOARD | TINY FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY
Food bags from the NP Comet Cupboard will be distributed on Saturday, September 5 from 10 am-noon. You can fill a bag for a $35 or you can drop off any of the following food items – look for the plastic bins outside the church entrance, or contact Dixie Bequeaith for items that need refrigeration: ground beef, canned chicken & tuna, tuna helper, mac-n-cheese, grated parmesan, peanut butter, canned fruit & vegetables, cookie mix or bag of cookies.
If you or someone you know would like to request a bag in September, please fill out the form and select the pickup location that is convenient for you.
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Have you seen the "Rock 'n' Stock the Comet Cupboard" outdoor concert on Saturday, September 19th from 7-10 PM at Tournament Club of Iowa? There will be live music by BECKER with food and drink available for purchase. A free will offering with 100% of the collections will be donated to support the Comet Cupboard.
Please indicate your attendance on the BECKER Facebook Event Page, which helps us prepare with adequate food, beverages, and port-a-potties. Bring your own lawn chairs/blankets. NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES OR FOOD WILL BE PERMITTED. Social distancing guidelines will be encouraged. A great evening of music promised!
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UNCERTAINTY
You may have seen Matt Unger, CEO of The Des Moines Area Religious Council, on the news recently. He was explaining how times are getting harder and those who are needing food assistance are growing in numbers. The eviction restrictions on housing are being lifted which could place many in the streets or living in their cars. Federal Assistance money is uncertain once again. This includes how and when the money will be distributed to the people and for what amount. Seasons are changing and winter is moving in. Our society is faced with a battle of resisting the Covid 19 virus and all of the unknowns that go with it.
DMARC this month placed money as the number one donation they prefer. This is always the donation that tops their list, buying 2 to 6 times with our dollar than we can.
If you would like to donate, please visit our website polkcityumc.org/give. If you wish to write a check, it may be written to Polk City United Methodist Church with "DMARC Food Pantry" in the memo and mailed to the address on the above website. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Pennington (DMARC Delegate) penningtonl@q.com.
THANK YOU, ALWAYS, TO OUR CONGREGATION FOR HELPING THOSE IN NEED!!!!
Thank you for all that you do!!
Linda P.
Linda P.
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UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Mark Your Calendars!
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Christine Perry
Administrative Assistant
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Lauren Wilken
Director of Children/Youth Ministry
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