March 04, 2020
The Weekly
Wind

News & Updates
ENTER THE STORY
Lent Worship Series | March 1 - April 8
The events of Christ’s Passion, which take place during the last week of Jesus’ life, often don’t receive enough time in our worship and study. These stories are important to our faith journey and our identity as followers of Jesus. And yet we often move too quickly from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday with little time to take in the dramatic story of that last week.

Join us for worship during the six weeks of Lent, as we intentionally put a “frame” around the scenes of Jesus’ last week, and also frame our own lives in a way that will help us see what really matters. How might taking a closer look at the ancient story open us to deeper conviction for who it calls us to be?
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Each week during lent, we invite you to take photos,  capturing artful “life moments” through the lens of your camera, and post them to our church Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/polkcityumc ) with the hashtags “ #lifeframe ” and “ #polkcityumc .” The Divine Artist offers us such poignant beauty each day in our own stories, in the stories around us, in the heartbreak and pain and joy and awe of a simple moment turned significant. We can’t wait to see how you frame the sacred moments in your life that you dare not miss!
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY:
Jesus’ final days were full of risk. Every move he made was filled with anticipation, danger, and the potential for great loss or great reward. Jesus risked his reputation when he entered Jerusalem in a victory parade. He risked his life when he dared to teach in the Temple. His followers risked everything when they left behind their homes, or anointed him with costly perfume. We take risks as we read and re-read these stories, finding new meanings and new challenges.

In the book  Entering the Passion of Jesus , author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the ethical and spiritual questions in the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story of Jesus. This Lenten study will challenge us to examine our consciences and find out how deepening our relationship with Jesus and the Bible can bring us into closer relationship with others and the world.

(NOTE: the book can be purchased from all major booksellers. Remember that if you are purchasing from Amazon, be sure to go to  smile.amazon.com  and search for “Polk City United Methodist Church” as your charitable organization, or use this link:  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/42-1177412 )

There are two different opportunities to participate in this Bible Study with others:
  • In-person Bible Study (Adult Sunday School): Sundays at 9:30am (Rooms 1 & 3), facilitated by Thomas Webb
 
  • Online Bible Study (Private Facebook Group): weekly online discussions on your own time, facilitated by Pastor Melody Webb (click HERE to join)
LENT
The forty days of Lent give us an opportunity to either take up or put down attitudes, behaviors and practices as a spiritual dicipline so that we can grow closer in our relationship with God. Here are some links to daily devotions and simple practices to help enhance your spiritual journey:

DAILY DEVOTIONS
Iowa clergy, including Pastor Melody, have written short daily devotions for each day of lent. You can subscribe here to receive these in your inbox, or view a week at a glance HERE .

40 SIMPLE PRACTICES
Christian author Sarah Bessey has compiled an excellent list of 40 Simple Practices for Lent – one practice for each day of lent. See the full list HERE .
·          Day Seven :: Read Psalm 51 three times out loud in a different Bible translation than you usually read.  Here’s the Message for instance .
·          Day Eight :: Step outside and walk/ride/drive/motor/wheel to a spot with trees or water.
·          Day Nine :: Repent. The kingdom of God is at hand. Read Amos 5 while you’re at it.
·          Day Ten :: Make a list of 40 things, experiences, or people you’re thankful for.
·          Day Eleven :: Look at your bookshelves and ask yourself: where are the women? the people of colour? disabled voices? LGBTQ+ voices? the ones who come from a different tradition? Ask yourself, “who is forming my spiritual life? and whose voices are missing?”
·          Day Twelve :: Think of five people who inspire you or others on social media. Amplify their voices or buy their books, send them an encouraging note or share their work with a friend.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 7 th | 8:00am, Wing in the Woods
Join the men of the church this Saturday for a heaping helping of faith, food & fellowship! All men are welcome!
YOUTH PIE (& MORE) AUCTION
Sunday, March 8 th | 11:30am-1:30pm, Sanctuary
The Pie Auction is upon us! Preparations are under way and the youth are excited to see you there and enjoy the auction, all while raising money for their mission trip to Wisconsin this June. PLEASE consider attending this event as it is one of the biggest fundraisers for the trip. Our goal is for any student who wishes to be able to go on the mission trip regardless of financial situation, so your support is vital and greatly appreciated. The items have been coming in and it looks to be an excellent auction! If you have something to contribute to the auction, please add it to this sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948a9ab2aa7fe3-pieauction
Youth and parents can also sign up to volunteer using the same link
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS
Sunday, March 8 | Spring Forward
Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour this weekend! At 2 a.m. Sunday (March 8), the clocks move ahead one hour and we leave standard time behind. While the time shift costs us an hour of sleep, evenings will be noticeably brighter again — reminding us that the long, bright days of spring are just around the corner!
YOUTH MISSION TRIP REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Sunday, March 8th
Any students or adult chaperones planning to go on the youth mission trip must register here by March 8 th in order to participate. https://polkcityumc.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/2020-youth-mission-trip.  Make sure to register the student’s name with the parent’s email address unless you are also attending as a parent chaperone.
PARENTAL CONSENT FORMS
All forms that have been received by paper or digital copy since the beginning of the school year have now been entered into our database to enhance emergency preparedness and child safety. However, we have found that some information is incomplete, so if you know you didn’t have insurance information or emergency contact phone numbers on hand when you completed the form, please fill out the digital form to ensure the most accurate information is on file for your child. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKf2X5Aqpu_RLJxab77vbl2ny72l35EkSFAb32hhMBYfqA-Q/viewform
CHILD/YOUTH SAFETY TRAINING – MAKE-UP SESSION
Sunday, March 15 th | 11:30am-12:15pm, Classroom 1
Adults and youth who wish to volunteer for children’s or youth activities must attend a church Child/Youth Safety policy training. A dozen volunteers have already been trained, and we are impressed with your commitment to safety and child protection. Go to this link to register and access all the volunteer training information under “resources.” https://polkcityumc.churchcenter.com/groups/ministry-team/child-and-youth-safety-training
PIZZA WITH THE PASTOR
Sunday, March 22 | 11:30am, Wing in the Woods
New to Polk City UMC? Interested in learning more about our church, about membership, or how to get connected? Bring your questions and your appetite for a casual lunch with Pastor Melody in the Wing in the Woods (Fellowship Hall). Children welcome! RSVP here : https://polkcityumc.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/pizza-with-the-pastor
EASTER EGG HUNT – ITEMS NEEDED
Easter Sunday is Easter Fun Day at Polk City UMC! The Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 5 th grade will take place from 9:45-10:15 on Sunday, April 12 th . There will also be refreshments and coffee in the Wing for the whole congregation to enjoy while they watch the festivities. The following donations are needed:
·          individually wrapped candy that is small enough to fit in eggs, nut-free preferred (Skittles, Smarties, Andes mints, Twizzlers, bubble gum, Tootsie Rolls, Tootie Frooties, and Starbursts are some nut-free options)
·          stickers/temporary tattoos, perforated sheets or individual stickers
·          mini keychains, erasers, Slinkys, or other child-appropriate trinkets
Please drop items off in the designated bin in front of the sanctuary by Sunday, April 5 th . Thank you!
YOUTH SUPER BRUNCH
Sunday, April 5 th | 9:30 & 11:30am, Wing in the Woods
The last mission trip fundraising event of the school year is a breakfast extravaganza! Please bring the family before or after church (after the 8:30/before 10:30 and after 10:30) to enjoy coffee and delicious brunch inspired dishes. Plus, the youth will be there dressed as their favorite super heroes, so you don’t want to miss it! All proceeds benefit the youth mission trip.
TRANSFORMING FLOW YOGA
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm | April 7th - May 26 th , Wing in the Woods

Description: A Christ-centered community yoga class. This is a grace-filled, vinyasa flow inspired class that will help you to unite your body, breath and spirit through movement and contemplation. This class is adaptable for beginners (giving modifications where necessary) as well as those desiring a more intermediate/advanced practice. The flow will move participants on and off the floor throughout the class. All are welcome. (Instructor: Brandy Young )

What to bring: Yoga mat and water bottle – most people prefer to practice yoga in bare feet, but please wear whatever makes you most comfortable. Props are optional: yoga blocks and straps.

Cost: $64 for the session (8 classes for $8/each) or $10 drop-in (bring cash or check payable to Brandy Young LLC) – due at first class.


UMW MARCH MISSION
With Spring Break approaching, we know that children who live in households that are food insecure may experience hunger when school is not in session. So the UMW is encouraging donations of kid-friendly food to the church’s Comet Cupboard free tiny pantry. Consider items such as peanut butter, cereal, pasta and past sauce, and microwaveable ready-to-eat canned pastas and mac-n-cheese. These can be placed in the red barrel at the church entryway. Any questions? Contact Charlotte Loter: 515-240-8436 or  caloter@msn.com
DMARC FOOD PANTRY UPDATE
“WHERE IS THE LOVE?” I was struck by this title from the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Warehouse for this month. It is from an article on the upcoming changes to the SNAP- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- (as we know for Food Stamps) as I have mentioned before.

DMARC is deeply concerned with efforts to take away vital nutrition assistance from our hungry neighbors and profoundly troubled by the negative stereotypes and harmful myths that are being used to justify these efforts. This section of our society is falling through the cracks of finding affordable housing, health care and the needed cost of living to survive. As SNAP rules are tightened, DMARC will see increases in usage significantly! 20,106 clients were assisted in January 2020. This is a 22.6% increase from January 2019. Please check out the DMARC bulletin board, by the church front door, to see ages assisted, services offered, calendars, mobile and pantry sites, lists of needs and where DMARC food comes from. 

As has been said many times, money is the number one donation DMARC appreciates. For an example, DMARC is able to buy 33 jars of peanut butter for $25 compared to our purchase of 11 jars. 3x the amount we can buy!!! If you wish to donate, please make a check out anytime to Polk City United Methodist Church and in the memo write "DMARC food pantry" or donate electronically.

I have received information on the Douglas M. Woods Challenge this year. Money will be matched up to $10,000. This year the concentration is on April 1st to April 10th only, not the entire months of March and April, as before. More information mid month.

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to Terry and Jill Stockstrom for counting 21 food items and delivering to DMARC for February. The congregation generously donated $590. bringing our year to date donation to $1,345. MANY THANK YOUS FOR HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS!!

March is a month of 5 Sundays and Personal Pantry month. Terry and Jill Stockstrom will deliver personal hygiene items(in addition, don't forget the hotel, motels soaps, shampoos and lotion) to Bidwell Riverside after the last Sunday of March. Thanks again for their faithful service! There are still driver openings for food deliveries to DMARC and personal pantry deliveries to Bidwell Riverside on the sign up sheet on the DMARC bulletin board by the front door. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING!

Any questions? Please contact Linda Pennington   penningtonl@q.com
What can a quarter do? 
Think about the Family Fund
Each quarter placed in the offering plate is added to the Family Fund account at the church. Pastor uses this fund for individuals who have an immediate financial need.Every quarter makes a difference to someone. 
CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, March 7 – Men’s Fellowship Breakfast (8:00am, Wing in the Woods)
Sunday, March 8 – Youth Pie Auction Fundraiser (11:30am, Sanctuary)
Tuesday, March 10 – Worship Committee (6:30pm, Sanctuary); UMW Meeting (7:00pm, Conference Room)
Sunday, March 15 – Child/Youth Safety Training (11:30am, Classroom1)
Monday, March 16 – SPRC (6:00pm, Conference Room)
Sunday, March 22 – Pizza with the Pastor (11:30am, Wing in the Woods)
Monday, March 23 – Leader’s Council (7:00pm, Wing in the Woods)

ONGOING EVENTS
  • Sunday School for all ages – Sundays (9:30am, Education Wing)
  • W.O.W (Youth Fellowship for 3rd-5th Grades) – Wednesdays (7:00pm, Education Wing)
  • Youth Group for (6th-12th Grades) – Wednesdays (6:45pm, Sanctuary or Wing)
  • Praise Band – Thursdays (7:00pm, Sanctuary) 
  • A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) – Thursdays (7:30pm, Wing in the Woods)
  • St. Luke's Free Clinic – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays (6:00 to 8:00pm, Education Wing)
  • Men's Breakfast – 1st Saturdays (8:00am – Wing in the Woods)
  • UMW (United Methodist Women) – 2nd Tuesdays (7pm – Conference Room)
  • Boy Scouts – Sundays (5:30pm –Wing in the Woods)
  • Girl Scouts – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (6:15pm – Wing in the Woods)
  • Tiger Cubs – Tues/Thur evenings (Wing in the Woods)
  • Webelo’s I – 1st & 3rd Sundays (5:30pm – Education Wing)
  • Wolves – various Tuesdays (Education Wing)
CONTACT US
Church Office: 515-984-6274
Christine Perry , Administrative Assistant
Lauren Wilken, Director of Children's and Youth Ministry
Melody Webb, Pastor

In case of an emergency – Pastor Melody is always on call in situations of unexpected hospitalizations, immediate family deaths or spiritual crises. Please call 314-630-0768 in such an event.
Finance & eGiving
If you have any inquires about contributions please direct them to the finance committee email at:


Want to give electronically? We have an app for that! You can download the GivePlus App on your mobile devices – just go to your App Store to download the app, then search “Polk City UMC.” You can designate one-time or recurring gifts!
Sign Up for Ministry Newsletters
Want to receive the Prayerful Breeze , Youth Ministry updates, or updates from the United Methodist Women or Men's Group ? CLICK HERE
   Prayer Requests for the Prayerful Breeze:
Please email Dixie Bequeaith at  dbequeai967@msn.com
  
Get something on the church calendar, bulletin or the Wind:  Send all information, including the name, date, time, and place and details of the event to  office@polkcityumc.org .

Please have submissions for the Wind sent in by noon on Monday and for the bulletin by noon on Wednesday.  Thank you!
Follow us on North Polk Comet Cupboard facebook page to see info about our tiny free food pantry!

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Sunday Worship

8:30 am Classic Worship
9:30 am Sunday School (Sept - May)
10:30 am Contemporary Worship