Union Park Baptist Church Love God
January 2016
had
Union Park Baptist Church Love God | Love People | Serve Others
ABOUT US: 821 Arthur Ave. Des Moines, IA 50316 (515)265-5258 [email protected] upbcdesmoines.com ST AFF: Wes Foster Team Pastor [email protected] Ryan McDonald Team Pastor [email protected] Wendy Highsmith Director of Student Ministries [email protected] Kay Sly Director of Wee Care [email protected] Callie Hayworth Administrative Assistant [email protected]
THOUGHTS ON THE NEW YEAR [Ryan] y Headline
According to a survey conducted by The Nielsen Company, the two most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2015 were “stay fit and healthy” and “lose weight.”1 Taking this into consideration, it isn’t hard to imagine that the majority of resolutions for 2016 will probably fall into one of these two categories. If the majority of New Year’s resolutions revolve around fitness, health, and weight loss, are these good resolutions for Christfollowers to make? We find an answer to this question in 1 Timothy 4:8 (ESV), which states, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” In 1 Timothy, Paul is writing to Timothy and counseling him on how to lead the church at Ephesus. In this verse, Paul begins by explaining that bodily training is valuable, but with limits. The NASB states, “for bodily discipline is only of little profit.” As Paul goes on, the main point of the verse is revealed: the value of godliness. Godliness is valuable—much more valuable than bodily training. While bodily training has some limited value in this human life, pursuing godliness has value in all areas and situations of this life. Additionally, the pursuit of godliness in this life has eternal implications, something bodily training or discipline does not. When we resolve to be more fit, live healthier, and lose weight, we are doing a good and valuable thing, but it is not the best or most valuable thing we can do. When we resolve to pursue godliness and become more like Christ, we are doing something tremendously valuable that will change all areas of our lives and prepare us for eternity. So, is it a good thing for Christ-followers to make New Year’s resolutions revolving around fitness, health, and weight loss? The answer is yes, as long we resolve to pursue godliness and Christlikeness first and foremost in our lives. And no matter what we resolve to do in 2016, we must remember that God has a plan for each one of us and it is through His strength that we accomplish anything at all. 1
http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2015/2015s-top-new-years-resolution-fitness.html
JANUARY AT A GLANCE 1st- Happy New Year!
7th- Overseer Meeting 6:30 PM Conference Room 14th- Missions Board Meeting Conference Room, 6:30 PM 19th- Wee Care Board Meeting Conference Room, 7:00 PM
Words From Wes [Wes] As we move into 2016, I wonder, how are you finances? Christmas bills are coming and we’re getting anxious about our tax returns to pay off some bills. Wondering if you’re going to get back as much as you need to take care of the shortcomings you made last year. What if you didn’t have that worry and stress that finances bring to so many people? How would that make you feel? Have you heard of Financial Peace University? It’s a course we are offering through our church. It’s designed to move you from stressing about your money to being at peace with what God has given you stewardship over. Some of you are saying, “I’ve already been through it, I don’t need it again.” Well, if you have gone through it, how are you doing? Are you still struggling, living from paycheck to paycheck hoping for that tax return to get here soon? I’ve been there myself. Paying one credit card with another credit card. Paying the minimum payment, but never making a dent in what I owed. Paying one bill while asking for an extension on another bill.
21st- Discipleship Board Meeting Conference Room, 7:30 PM
Even worse, I would go have fun with this check and then ask friends for help to pay a bill from school. There was definitely no peace in my finances. I was taught that when I got my paycheck to give 10% to God, save a little (I was never told how much) and do whatever I wanted with the rest. Sometimes I had fun instead of paying bills. I would say things like, “well I owe so much that this little bit won’t matter.”
24th- Father Son Football Fun Youth Rooms, 2:30- games over
Finally, with my wife’s help, I learned better and after taking Financial Peace I learned even more. BUT, it took discipline and saying no to so many “things” I thought I needed.
27th- Corporate Prayer, 6:30-8 PM Conference Room 29th- Family Movie Night 7:00 PM Auditorium
What about you? Are you ready to take control of your finances? Or are you going to live with the stress, worry and wonder that you’re living with now? I want you to live with peace. What are you going to do? Classes start January 10th from 10:45 – 12:15 or Thursday January 14th from 7:00 – 8:30. Childcare is provided.
Movie Nights Return this Month!! FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT January 29th Family Movie Night – a fun, family friendly way to get together. We’ll have FREE popcorn and a concession stand with pizza, pop and candy! This is a great time to come together and relax with family and friends with a free movie for an evening. The movie, “INSIDE OUT,” will be shown at 7:00 PM in our auditorium. A parent or guardian must accompany kids under 14 for the movie! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Wes at 265-5258 or [email protected]
STEPPING STONES [Cheri] Date January 6
Lesson Rely on God’s Supply- Exodus 16:1-15
Game/Craft Game
January 13
Spy Guys- Numbers 13:17-14:6
Craft
January 20
Walkin’ in Faith- Joshua 3:1-17
Game
January 27
The Heart of a Champion- Judges 6:11-18
Craft
SOLID ROCK [Wendy] WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Regular meeting times: JH (6th-8th gr.): 6:30-8 p.m. Hang out from 6-6:30. SH (9th-12th gr.): 7:30-8:45 p.m. Hang out from 6:30-7:30. BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
We will be starting a series on Noah January 13! January 6: Eternity: Now is the Time January 13: A World Full of Evil January 20: Stepping Out on Faith January 27: The Perfect Storm
SOLID ROCK GROWTH RETREAT 28 students & 7 staff attended the Solid Rock Growth Retreat @ Pine Lake Camp this past month. Our topic for the weekend was “Would You Rather”. The students were challenged to stand-out for their faith rather than just go along with the crowd! JH FRESH AIR: Jan 8 & 15 SH CUTTING EDGE: Jan 8 & 29
Youth Staff,
2015 Christmas Party
2016 WINTER RETREATS @ Pine Lake Camp! SH (grades 9-12): January 15-17 (Registration $ due Jan 3) JH (grades 6-8): January 29-31 (Registration $ due Jan 17) Cost: $85 - cash or checks (payable to UPBC) - inquire about scholarships Pick up a registration form from the bulletin board in the main hallway or in the youth room, complete and return to Jan or Wendy OR register online at http://pinelakecamps.org/retreats/winter-youth-retreats Winter Jam 2015 Friday, January 22. Cost: $10. Check out details here: http://2016.jamtour.com/shows/detail/des-moinesia/ Sign up in the youth room if you plan to attend. SERVE 2016 fundraiser: Pick up a Papa Murphy's "Take & Bake" Pizza (& any other menu item) from 3701 E. 14th St. anytime Thursday, January 21 and 10% of the proceeds are donated toward the team. Also available: $5 coupon cards! 100% of the proceeds from the coupon cards will go to the team! MENTION YOU ARE THERE FOR THE FUND-RAISER
Missions [Paul] Dan and Sandy Varberg Converge Missionaries, Philippines The Varbergs have served the Lord in missions for many years. They have three children . . . Zachary, Micah and Caleb. Caleb recently married Heidi Schutt this past summer. Dan and Sandy serve at Faith Academy, an international Christian K-12 school. The Academy primarily serves children of missionaries working in the Philippines and throughout Asia. Dan is in charge of grounds and transportation and Sandy is a nurse who heads up the Health Office. The mission of the school is to equip students to be Christ-like, lifelong learners by providing a dynamic, relevant education. Faith Academy envisions expanding children’s educational delivery options to meet the needs of the mission’s enterprise throughout Asia. Faith Academy utilizes a globally-recognized curriculum, and provides a progressive, well-rounded education. Faith Academy teachers and students represent more than 20 nationalities. Faith staff are all missionaries who have a love for students and a strong desire to serve the Lord through education. The majority of Faith’s graduates go on to higher education at colleges and universities around the globe. Faith Academy is located approximately 14 miles (22 km) from downtown Manila, in the Antipolo/Cainta area.
had
Union Park Baptist Church Love God | Love People | Serve Others
ABOUT US: 821 Arthur Ave. Des Moines, IA 50316 (515)265-5258 [email protected] upbcdesmoines.com ST AFF: Wes Foster Team Pastor [email protected] Ryan McDonald Team Pastor [email protected] Wendy Highsmith Director of Student Ministries [email protected] Kay Sly Director of Wee Care [email protected] Callie Hayworth Administrative Assistant [email protected]
THOUGHTS ON THE NEW YEAR [Ryan] y Headline
According to a survey conducted by The Nielsen Company, the two most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2015 were “stay fit and healthy” and “lose weight.”1 Taking this into consideration, it isn’t hard to imagine that the majority of resolutions for 2016 will probably fall into one of these two categories. If the majority of New Year’s resolutions revolve around fitness, health, and weight loss, are these good resolutions for Christfollowers to make? We find an answer to this question in 1 Timothy 4:8 (ESV), which states, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” In 1 Timothy, Paul is writing to Timothy and counseling him on how to lead the church at Ephesus. In this verse, Paul begins by explaining that bodily training is valuable, but with limits. The NASB states, “for bodily discipline is only of little profit.” As Paul goes on, the main point of the verse is revealed: the value of godliness. Godliness is valuable—much more valuable than bodily training. While bodily training has some limited value in this human life, pursuing godliness has value in all areas and situations of this life. Additionally, the pursuit of godliness in this life has eternal implications, something bodily training or discipline does not. When we resolve to be more fit, live healthier, and lose weight, we are doing a good and valuable thing, but it is not the best or most valuable thing we can do. When we resolve to pursue godliness and become more like Christ, we are doing something tremendously valuable that will change all areas of our lives and prepare us for eternity. So, is it a good thing for Christ-followers to make New Year’s resolutions revolving around fitness, health, and weight loss? The answer is yes, as long we resolve to pursue godliness and Christlikeness first and foremost in our lives. And no matter what we resolve to do in 2016, we must remember that God has a plan for each one of us and it is through His strength that we accomplish anything at all. 1
http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2015/2015s-top-new-years-resolution-fitness.html
JANUARY AT A GLANCE 1st- Happy New Year!
7th- Overseer Meeting 6:30 PM Conference Room 14th- Missions Board Meeting Conference Room, 6:30 PM 19th- Wee Care Board Meeting Conference Room, 7:00 PM
Words From Wes [Wes] As we move into 2016, I wonder, how are you finances? Christmas bills are coming and we’re getting anxious about our tax returns to pay off some bills. Wondering if you’re going to get back as much as you need to take care of the shortcomings you made last year. What if you didn’t have that worry and stress that finances bring to so many people? How would that make you feel? Have you heard of Financial Peace University? It’s a course we are offering through our church. It’s designed to move you from stressing about your money to being at peace with what God has given you stewardship over. Some of you are saying, “I’ve already been through it, I don’t need it again.” Well, if you have gone through it, how are you doing? Are you still struggling, living from paycheck to paycheck hoping for that tax return to get here soon? I’ve been there myself. Paying one credit card with another credit card. Paying the minimum payment, but never making a dent in what I owed. Paying one bill while asking for an extension on another bill.
21st- Discipleship Board Meeting Conference Room, 7:30 PM
Even worse, I would go have fun with this check and then ask friends for help to pay a bill from school. There was definitely no peace in my finances. I was taught that when I got my paycheck to give 10% to God, save a little (I was never told how much) and do whatever I wanted with the rest. Sometimes I had fun instead of paying bills. I would say things like, “well I owe so much that this little bit won’t matter.”
24th- Father Son Football Fun Youth Rooms, 2:30- games over
Finally, with my wife’s help, I learned better and after taking Financial Peace I learned even more. BUT, it took discipline and saying no to so many “things” I thought I needed.
27th- Corporate Prayer, 6:30-8 PM Conference Room 29th- Family Movie Night 7:00 PM Auditorium
What about you? Are you ready to take control of your finances? Or are you going to live with the stress, worry and wonder that you’re living with now? I want you to live with peace. What are you going to do? Classes start January 10th from 10:45 – 12:15 or Thursday January 14th from 7:00 – 8:30. Childcare is provided.
Movie Nights Return this Month!! FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT January 29th Family Movie Night – a fun, family friendly way to get together. We’ll have FREE popcorn and a concession stand with pizza, pop and candy! This is a great time to come together and relax with family and friends with a free movie for an evening. The movie, “INSIDE OUT,” will be shown at 7:00 PM in our auditorium. A parent or guardian must accompany kids under 14 for the movie! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Wes at 265-5258 or [email protected]
STEPPING STONES [Cheri] Date January 6
Lesson Rely on God’s Supply- Exodus 16:1-15
Game/Craft Game
January 13
Spy Guys- Numbers 13:17-14:6
Craft
January 20
Walkin’ in Faith- Joshua 3:1-17
Game
January 27
The Heart of a Champion- Judges 6:11-18
Craft
SOLID ROCK [Wendy] WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: Regular meeting times: JH (6th-8th gr.): 6:30-8 p.m. Hang out from 6-6:30. SH (9th-12th gr.): 7:30-8:45 p.m. Hang out from 6:30-7:30. BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
We will be starting a series on Noah January 13! January 6: Eternity: Now is the Time January 13: A World Full of Evil January 20: Stepping Out on Faith January 27: The Perfect Storm
SOLID ROCK GROWTH RETREAT 28 students & 7 staff attended the Solid Rock Growth Retreat @ Pine Lake Camp this past month. Our topic for the weekend was “Would You Rather”. The students were challenged to stand-out for their faith rather than just go along with the crowd! JH FRESH AIR: Jan 8 & 15 SH CUTTING EDGE: Jan 8 & 29
Youth Staff,
2015 Christmas Party
2016 WINTER RETREATS @ Pine Lake Camp! SH (grades 9-12): January 15-17 (Registration $ due Jan 3) JH (grades 6-8): January 29-31 (Registration $ due Jan 17) Cost: $85 - cash or checks (payable to UPBC) - inquire about scholarships Pick up a registration form from the bulletin board in the main hallway or in the youth room, complete and return to Jan or Wendy OR register online at http://pinelakecamps.org/retreats/winter-youth-retreats Winter Jam 2015 Friday, January 22. Cost: $10. Check out details here: http://2016.jamtour.com/shows/detail/des-moinesia/ Sign up in the youth room if you plan to attend. SERVE 2016 fundraiser: Pick up a Papa Murphy's "Take & Bake" Pizza (& any other menu item) from 3701 E. 14th St. anytime Thursday, January 21 and 10% of the proceeds are donated toward the team. Also available: $5 coupon cards! 100% of the proceeds from the coupon cards will go to the team! MENTION YOU ARE THERE FOR THE FUND-RAISER
Missions [Paul] Dan and Sandy Varberg Converge Missionaries, Philippines The Varbergs have served the Lord in missions for many years. They have three children . . . Zachary, Micah and Caleb. Caleb recently married Heidi Schutt this past summer. Dan and Sandy serve at Faith Academy, an international Christian K-12 school. The Academy primarily serves children of missionaries working in the Philippines and throughout Asia. Dan is in charge of grounds and transportation and Sandy is a nurse who heads up the Health Office. The mission of the school is to equip students to be Christ-like, lifelong learners by providing a dynamic, relevant education. Faith Academy envisions expanding children’s educational delivery options to meet the needs of the mission’s enterprise throughout Asia. Faith Academy utilizes a globally-recognized curriculum, and provides a progressive, well-rounded education. Faith Academy teachers and students represent more than 20 nationalities. Faith staff are all missionaries who have a love for students and a strong desire to serve the Lord through education. The majority of Faith’s graduates go on to higher education at colleges and universities around the globe. Faith Academy is located approximately 14 miles (22 km) from downtown Manila, in the Antipolo/Cainta area.
