Welcome, Pastor Valera, to our church and community!  We are excited to see what will happen as you work with our new team of lay ministers: Alice Lindekugel, Melody Newman, Amy Prior, and Rachell Richman, and lay leader, Rod Beemer. 

One of the first orders of business is to get as many members as possible into bible studies being led by the ministerial team.  The study is titled, "Does Your Church Have a Prayer," and is a great way to build connections and understanding among our members.  Books are available at the church for $10.  Here is the schedule:Melody-10:45am Sundays at church; Alice-5pm Sundays at her home; Amy-9:30am Mondays at church; Rod-6;30am Wednesdays at church; Rachell-12 noon Wednesdays at church.

 Next, you should know that worship services will be held in the fellowship hall for three weeks, starting August 26th with a breakfast at 8am.  Egg casseroles, muffins, juice and coffee will be served.  No breakfast is planned for September 2nd, and 9th. During this time we will begin some transformation of the sanctuary as we move into a new era.  Pray for all of us!

Ripples

Our Advent devotional booklet was featured in the Winter issue of Nebraska Messenger, the conference's quarterly newspaper.  Blessings have been realized by many from this endeavor...I can see the ripples spreading!  Years ago I did a painting called Remember the Ripples.  My description said, "Everything we do affects others, some we don't even know, in ways we cannot imagine--for good or for bad...REMEMBER THE RIPPLES as you make your choices."  I believe our project was a choice for making a good influence in the world.  Thank you to those responsible.

We are in need of an altar steward to handle flowers, decor, candles, etc.  If you are interested in serving with this ministry, or know someone who would be great for the mission, contact the church office.

Pray for the work of our assessment team as interviews are conducted this week.  We hope you can be present for the Circle of the Past supper discussion on Friday at 6pm.  Happy New Year!

Uncle Lowell's Christmas Story

Advent Devotional by Dianne Radcliffe

“The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness did not overcome it.”

—John 1:5—

It was in the mid-1930’s when my Uncle Lowell was touched by his faith to go into the ministry. He was living on a farm in northeast Nebraska with his parents and five younger brothers and sisters. He attended college in Yankton, S.D. His parents would drop him off each Sunday to walk across the toll bridge over the Missouri River because they could not afford the quarter toll. They would pick him up on Friday night. He took fresh eggs and cream to pay for his board and room. On the weekends he would serve a small country church about five miles from his home.
On Christmas Eve that year it was cold and blustery as he walked to church in the late afternoon, but he wanted to prepare for the service. As nine o’clock drew near and it was time for the service, a raging blizzard had developed. He waited, but no one showed up for church. After much thought and prayer Uncle Lowell decided that his mother would worry if he did not come home, and he really wanted to be with the rest of the family on Christmas morning, so he left the church. The wind was very strong and the snow was coming down hard. He trudged slowly along the road, praying he could find his way. As he came closer to home he could see a slight glimmer of light. To his amazement the answer to his prayers for safety and guidance was the lit kerosene lamp that his mother had placed in the front window to show him the way up the drive and into the warmth and love of home on Christmas Day.
My prayer is a family grace that Uncle Lowell, The Reverend Dr. Lowell Jones, wrote. We use it at holidays and family meals. Feel free to use it.

Prayer:
We are a family for one another. We are love and strength in times of trials. Even when we are far apart we belong to one another, and in various ways we remember and pray for each other. We join now to give thanks to God and to ask God’s blessings on this family, those who are present and those who are not here. Amen

MapQuesting Jesus

Advent Devotional by Diane Bauerle

Read Matthew 2:7-12

“When they had heard the king they went their way;

and lo the star which they had seen in the East

went before them; till it came to rest over

the place where the child was.”

—Matthew 2:9—

Can you find Jesus by using MapQuest or programming a GPS? Technology has made traveling to unfamiliar destinations easier with the assistance of these two electronic tools. Enter the start and end addresses and push a button for a road map, detailed directions, and calculations showing the length of time and number of miles. This form of technology has helped many travelers successfully find their destination.
The Bible tells us a story about the three wise men traveling to the unfamiliar destination of Bethlehem. The three wise men were summoned by Herod to find Jesus. As they set out on their journey, they didn’t have the luxury of using MapQuest or a GPS system. Instead they knew to follow a brightly lit star.
Can you imagine traveling by night looking skyward at the stars to find your way? Amazingly, the three wise men were guided directly to their destination and were overjoyed to find Jesus, God’s gift to the world.
Is finding Jesus using MapQuest or by programming a GPS possible? Try entering a start address of “your heart” and an end address of “Jesus” and see what happens. You’ll be surprised at the destinations to which Jesus will lead you.

Prayer:
Lord, help us find Jesus in Bethlehem this Christmas season and guide us on our daily journeys as we travel to unfamiliar destinations. Amen

Blessed Assurance

Advent Devotional by Joan Osler

Read Psalms 103:19-22

“In my distress I cry to the Lord, that he may answer me.”

—Psalm 120:1—

My mother’s birthday fell on Dec. 23 and she usually came to our home to celebrate with our family. The year 1971 marked her 80th birthday, so my brother and his wife from Seattle, Wash., joined us for the occasion. Mother had been enjoying an early Christmas gift, a beautiful Christmas Amaryllis plant. Its beautiful blooms lasted most of the season. However, after it faded, I hurriedly carried it to our basement, carelessly putting it on the shelf and promptly forgetting it. The months went by and in August Mother quietly slipped away from us to go to her Heavenly Home.
Christmas came again, and with the help of Bill and Amy, our two youngest children, we finished decorating the Christmas tree. I sent the children to bed and then sat down wearily in Mother’s favorite chair. A wave of sadness came over me and I whispered a prayer, “If only I knew Mother was happy and I would see her again.” After a few moments, I got up from the chair and began carrying boxes to the basement. For some reason, I reached to the back of the shelf and found a flower pot. When I pulled it out, I discovered the Amaryllis plant was starting to grow again.

Prayer:
Dear God, help us to remember Your promises which tell us that we will have eternal life if we love You and strive to do Your will. Send the Holy Spirit to us when we are feeling lost and lonely. We ask this in Jesus’ precious name. Amen

Seasons

Advent Devotional by Monna Milner
Art by Bruce Lantry

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every

matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:1-2—

Today the calendar says it’s the first day of winter. Even though spring and fall are my favorite months I love to wake up on a winter morning to a beautiful, gentle snow that covers everything. God is giving the wheat, bulbs and roots protection and moisture just as he protects us. Whatever the current season is, it will not last. Life brings seasons of dancing, mourning, embracing and times to be grateful. I am very grateful God planted me in Chase County. I have no fear of earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis or floods here and I do not think we will ever have a terrorist attack. Oh yes, we do have tornadoes. One was so close to my home Father’s Day this year, but again the Lord protected us as He has done so many times.
We find seasons change and turn, children are born and grow up, parents grow old and a new generation begins. The planting is done but the harvest is not ready. There is growing time ahead. God takes us through different seasons in our lives, seasons of rejoicing, mourning, saying hello and goodbye. God consoles me through these words: for everything there is a season for every activity under heaven.

Thought for the day:
This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, help us to learn from every season. Remind us to be joyful and grateful for all you have given us and to remember those less fortunate. As we prepare for Christmas Day, remind us to give thanks for the miracle of Your coming to us and to show Your loving care. Amen

A Manger?

Advent Devotional by Melody Newman

“For there is born to you this day in the city of

David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

—Luke 2:11-12—

A manger? What is a manger? My handy Webster’s dictionary says that a manger is a “trough holding livestock feed.” A trough! What a bed for the King of Kings! And yet this is what God allowed Mary and Joseph to place Him in. On our Christmas cards and in our Christmas pageants, we usually show the manger as a cute little wooden structure filled with fresh, clean hay. It may actually have been made of roughly hewn stone, and we can only hope that Joseph and Mary found hay that was clean enough to make a comfortable crib for their baby. Whatever the manger was made of, and whatever it was full of, it was almost certainly not beautiful or fancy, bejeweled or sophisticated. It was a utilitarian object, plain and simple, and yet it held the Son of God. We people, too, are often plain and simple. We are rarely beautiful in the world’s eyes. We are seldom fancy or bejeweled, and most of us are not terribly sophisticated. Yet our Heavenly Father has allowed our hearts to hold his only begotten Son. If that isn’t a wonderful Christmas gift, I don’t know what is.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us enough to send us Your son. May our lives reflect the beauty and the glory of that gift. Amen

Anticipation

Advent Devotional by Mary Luhrs

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those

who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord

and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly

in love for their word’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:12-13—

Christmas Day is rapidly approaching. The children are bursting with excitement. Soon the mystery of the brightly wrapped packages will be revealed.
But the expectation of the Hebrew people for a Savior was not so quickly satisfied. Years upon years they looked for someone to deliver them from a series of conquerors and oppressors. Few among them realized that their Savior would not come with an army to rout the human enemy, but with love and goodwill to conquer the hearts of all humankind.
The mystery is that so much love and goodwill could arrive wrapped as a babe born in a stable in an insignificant town in an occupied territory. Who among us would have recognized such a gift?
We are continually unwrapping other gifts our Father gives to renew us each morning.

Prayer:
Forgive us, Father, when we fail to thank you for the blessings we receive daily. Forgive us especially for those times when we have not given thanks under all circumstances. Amen

The Depth of God's Gift

Advent Devotional by Jill Bauerle
Art by Marcia Bauerle

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only

begotten Son that whoever believeth in Him

shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

—John 3:16—

It’s Christmas time and we are preparing for the birth of Jesus. Why would I choose a verse we so often associate with The Resurrection? It’s actually quite simple—how can we appreciate the birth of Jesus, His humble beginnings, His life, and the purpose of God’s plan, if we don’t acknowledge the depth of God’s gift?
From the time I was a young girl attending church camps, Bible school, and Sunday school, I learned and sang the words from John 3:16, and I believed them. I believe in Him, and I know that eternal life is mine. It’s that simple! What I truly did not understand was the first part of the verse, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” What does ‘so loved’ mean? That part seems simple enough—at least I thought so when I was young—but experience has taught me that it is much more than I can humanly comprehend.
I remember vividly the moment my mind and heart wrapped around the depth of God’s gift. I was changing my newborn Anna’s diaper, and my own mother peeked over my shoulder and whispered, “Now you know how much I love you.” WOW, did those words impact me. (Yes, my eyes watered.) Maybe it’s because Anna was a near-Christmas baby, or maybe God decided it was time for me to ‘get it,’ but my thoughts jumped right to John 3:16. If I can love my baby this much and want to protect her from all hurt, how can I fathom the gift of Jesus? The love our Father has for each one of us is beyond human understanding. But, I do have faith, and I can humbly pray, “Thank you, God, for the Gift of Jesus.”

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of baby Jesus, for the opportunity to celebrate His birth, and for Your love. We ask for Your guidance to find peace in the busyness of life. We pray for those who believe and for those who still seek You. With meaningful celebration, help us focus on the depth of Your gift. Amen

Growing Up

Advent Devotional by Rachelle Richman

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when

he is old (grown) he will not turn from it.”

—Proverbs 22:6—

How many times in your adult life have you thought “Mom did know what she was talking about after all?” As parents, we are learning that it’s not as easy as we thought it would be. Giving our children rules, not letting them do what they want to do, and being disciplinarians is a tough job! We sometimes are so busy making/enforcing rules that we forget important things our children need just as much. Encouraging our children, praising them for their strengths despite their weaknesses, and enjoying their differences will help them become confident adults.
Today our children are plugged in to so many things, it becomes difficult to fit in 20 minutes of family time. Tonight, I challenge you to turn off the TV, iPod, music, computer, etc., and have a family night. It’s amazing how much you can get in tune with your kids in 20 minutes! Give our children a gift that lasts a lifetime . . . our unconditional love.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for my parents. Thank you for the life lessons they have taught me. Please help me be a great parent to my children. Amen

Where Did You Glean Today?

Advent Devotional by Dennis Batterman

And her mother-in-law said to her,

“Where did you glean today? And where have you worked?

Blessed by the man who took notice of you.”

So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, “The man’s name with whom I worked today is Bo’az.”

—Ruth 2:19—

It was a dark, cold night in late December. I was driving to my parents’ home in South Dakota, and I had just one more hour—almost home. I was listening to Christmas carols on the car radio. Then the man on the radio started to tell the story of the person preparing for a visit from the Lord. According to the story, everything was ready. Several visitors came by. They were given shelter, food, and warm clothes to wear, but the Lord never did show up. Of course you all know what happened next. When the Lord was asked why He never came, his answer was, “Yes, I did.”
Just as the story was finished, and I was traveling the last few miles through the Indian Reservation, I passed a person walking along the highway bundled up like an Eskimo. Mother had always said, “Don’t pick up hitchhikers and be careful when driving through the reservation.” Even though Mother’s words came flooding into my head, I stopped and asked if he needed a ride. He happily hopped into the car . . . backpack and all. As he started to remove a few layers of clothes, I saw to my astonishment that he was an Indian, but it was too late to change my mind about giving him a ride.
As we awkwardly started to converse, we found out that we were both young elementary school teachers and that we were both going home for Christmas. What a pleasant surprise!
Why did I stop? Why did I pick up this hitchhiker? Why did I hear that story just before I saw the Indian on the side of the road?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, help us to recognize an opportunity to serve when it presents itself to us. Amen

Home for Christmas

Advent Devotional by Elna Johnson

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may

not perish but may have eternal life.”

—John 3:16—

The date was Dec. 16, 1989, and Christmas preparations were well underway. I received a call that Saturday evening from my sister. She said my aged father, who was well past 98 years of age and resided in a nursing home in Colorado, had breathed his last breath.
Dad had lived a good life and as I thought of the timing of his death, at first my thought was how sad just before Christmas. Then I began to think of the memories of all the wonderful Christmases and other times we had shared together. As I began calling relatives the next morning to tell them of his death, I recall particularly calling cousin Mary in eastern Nebraska and starting my call by saying dad had “gone home for Christmas.” It seemed so right and peaceful to think of him with my mother and other loved ones who had received their heavenly reward. Mary was a retired school teacher and enjoyed writing poetry. Ironically, at her memorial service last November as some of her writings were read, a poem entitled “Home for Christmas,” which was in reference to my call to her, still gave peace for both of their deaths. As is the case with all loved ones I find so much more peace in dwelling on the positive and happy parts of their lives rather than dwelling on their death.
For my dad’s service, one of the songs which still speaks to me is the verse “Our Father Has Light In His Window, He bids me come home, come home!” God gave his only Son so that all who believe may have eternal life.

Prayer:
Thank you God for parents of a Christian home with love abounding. Amen

In the Garden

Advent Devotional by Lucille Bauerle

“ . . . and they heard the sound of the

Lord God walking in the garden.”

—Genesis 3:8—

The song “In the Garden” begins, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.”
This song was sung every Sunday while I was growing up. My family attended a rural community church. Services were held at our local school house. The lay minister was a neighbor who loved the Lord and shared his ministry with his friends. His love of the Lord shone through dedication of being there every Sunday and preparing a small sermon. His wife, who was at his side, taught an exciting Sunday school class. I still remember these people as I walk through my garden.
The refrain of the song is “And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for loving role models whose devotion to You sets examples for us to live by. Amen

Carrying Our Sack of Rocks

Advent Devotional by Garneta Bauerle

“That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses,

and in the insults, hardships, persecutions,

and troubles that I suffer for Christ.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

—2 Corinthians 12:10—

I’ve heard many people tell of their experience of opening their Bible and having a certain verse, apropos of their situation, jump right out at them. I’ve been waiting for it to happen to me—let me tell you of my experience.
Recently, our youngest daughter called home. She was feeling a real sense of persecution as her boss was giving her numerous menial jobs around the office which definitely weren’t listed in her job description as an “interior designer.” Of course, this had been going on for some time. After giving her the usual “parent-like” statement that when she becomes the boss, she can give orders, etc.—we visited awhile about other things and ended our conversation by me telling her that we would include her, her boss and this particular problem in our prayers. After our telephone conversation, I took a new cookbook I had purchased and headed for an “easy chair.” I noticed the author had very tastefully included quips, Scripture, poetry, etc., at the bottom of the pages of recipes. Here’s what I read on the very first page I turned to—
“Remember where all “the priceless things” in your life came from, be sure to say thank you. Remember also to say “thank you for that sack of rocks,” for carrying it will make a stronger, better person of you!!!”
I got out my calligraphy pens and paper—copied the saying and sent it to our daughter. It now hangs over her drafting table. Not Biblical you say, but it certainly came at an opportune time and has made us both mindful of saying “Thanks to God” for our little persecutions or “sacks of rocks.”

Prayer:
Dear Common Father of us all, help us all to be mindful of the fact that we will be stronger, better persons when, with Your help, we carry our “sack of rocks.” Amen

Living in the Light

Advent Devotional by Carol Hess

“The people who walked in darkness have

seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the

shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

—Isaiah 9:2—

As a teenager, I was a faithful member of United Methodist Youth Fellowship and the high school Sunday school class of the Dimock Community Church. We were too old for Santa Claus but young enough to need a holiday ritual to call our own. Advent became ours. Each year the youth would prepare specials for the services. Usually on the first Sunday we would do a choral reading from the book of Isaiah and light the Advent wreath. My brother who had difficulty reading aloud in time with the choral reading was responsible for lighting the candle at the appropriate time in the reading.
Even though we knew the words in the reading, every year we had to practice using the correct intonation and emphasis. We were split up into groups based on the timber of our voices. We didn’t read many lines together, but all of us had our parts. The one line that the choral director always asked us to emphasize in both loudness and intensity was “upon them hath the light shined!” The exclamation point is mine. I didn’t feel that I walked in darkness or dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, even though now I understand the metaphor. However, with that one line, the light in that little country church grew brighter. We were the people that the light was shining on. We were the ones who were renewed and awaited the coming of our Lord. To me that phrase means what being a Christian is. We are people on whom God’s light is shining.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for Your light. Help us to live in Your light and to do Your will. Show us how to help others to join us in Your light. Amen

A Newborn Miracle

Advent Devotional by Barb Hill

“Children are a gift from God: they are His reward.”

—Psalm 127:3 (The Living Bible)—

Thirty-seven years ago today my life was changed forever. That was the day our first child, Lori was born. I remember looking at this beautiful newborn, her tiny head covered with a little bit of soft white hair. I counted her fingers and toes and marveled about what a special miracle I had received from God. This was especially true as I considered everything that has to be just right for a life to be created. I said a prayer thanking God for our precious new baby girl. Along with the joy came the realization that this child was a gift from God and one for which God had made me responsible.
Not only did I have to take care of her physical needs and mental needs but I was also responsible for her spiritual needs. It was mind boggling that God was trusting me to do all these things for this tiny helpless child. It was then that I realized that God would provide the help and support I needed as she grew.
Lori is now an adult who is raising her own two little miracles to serve God. To me it was very special that she was born during the Christmas season. I have often reflected on the feelings that Mary must have had that very first Christmas so long ago.

Prayer:
Dear God, help us to remember that each life is a special gift from You. And that each one of us is precious in Your sight. Thank you for giving us the ability to share Your love with others. Amen

Did We Forget?

Advent Devotional by Marilyn Hust

“Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

—Romans 12:13—

The beauty of summer and fall have come and gone so fast. Now it’s time for winter: the snow and the wonderful Advent season—a time of joy and the birth of Jesus our Savior.
Did we do everything we planned to do? Did we have a plan? This is the time for us to make a list of the things we forgot to do, and make a list of things yet to do.
God doesn’t forget His plans. He carries on no matter what.
Let’s be followers of Jesus this Advent season and continue throughout the coming year.

Prayer:
Our Dear Heavenly Father, be with us as we make this change in our lives. In Your Name we pray, Amen.

All Creatures Great and Small

Advent Devotional by Vicky Brown

“You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

You put everything under his feet.”

—Psalm 8:6—

A few years ago, on a Sunday morning, I sat in the bleachers listening to a pastor conduct a church service before a barrel race start. The pastor quoted a Bible verse (I can’t remember the verse, but it may have been the one above.) Then the pastor went on to explain that with the tremendous authority given human beings, comes a great responsibility. We have the legal authority to do whatever we want with our pets (in my case, a barrel horse), but we have the responsibility to feed and care for them in the best way possible. When we adjust an animal’s diet properly, when we seek the proper medical care for an animal, and when we give an animal the loving attention it needs, we are treating God’s creation respectfully.
I have never seen a nativity scene without animals. I hope I am doing my part in caring for God’s creation.

Prayer:
Dear God, help us to preserve and protect, as well as admire, all of Your creation, especially the animals so dependent on our help. Amen

Mom's Courage and Faith

Advent Devotional by Karen Welch

“Trust in the Lord with all our heart.

Never rely on what you think you know.

Remember the Lord in everything you do and

he will show you the right way.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6—

“Trust in the Lord. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the Lord.”

—Psalm 27:14—

I realize now how much courage my mother had when we were small and how much she relied on God for guidance. Dad was headed to a cancer treatment hospital in Missouri in early December 1952. We thought he would be back by Dec. 9, his 38th birthday. Mom had her hands full with four children between the ages of 1 and 12; 15 cows to milk twice a day, chickens to care for and all other chores demanded by a farm. Besides, it was winter. Her only time to go see Dad was one short weekend during the months he remained there. Due to complications, Dad remained at the hospital until mid-January 1953. He returned home and over time he fully recovered from the cancer.
Mom always felt the constant prayers for strength, courage, guidance and for Dad’s recovery were answered. Her display of courage and faith in God have stayed with me all my life. “Be strong and of good courage.” These words are frequently found in connection with some great and difficult tasks. The blessings for which we plead are spiritual and all unseen, things impossible with men.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to remember to trust in our faith in You; that You will show us the way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Man of Faith

Advent Devotional by Don Newman

Art by Danny Lenners

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:

After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,

before they came together, she was found with

child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son. And you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” . . . Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her first born son.  And he called His name Jesus.”

                                                                  —Matthew 1:18-21 and 24-25—

The Bible depicts numerous men of faith. Most of these men proved their worth and their love of God by their actions. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was an eligible young man who was told by an angel in a dream to put himself in a position of scorn by taking a pregnant young woman (Mary) as his wife. He faced trials and hardship along the way, but answered the call of God.
Joseph was a steady presence in young Jesus’ life—teaching him a trade as he grew into a young man. Oh that we all could be so focused and dedicated to follow God’s plan for our lives.

Prayer:
Loving Father, help us to appreciate the plan You have for our lives and to live as Your followers. Amen
by Don Newman