Union Park Baptist Church
February/March 2017
Union Park Baptist Church Love God | Love People | Serve Others
GOVERNMENT AND HONOR [Ryan] 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 Youth Pastor [email protected] Kay Sly Director of Wee Care [email protected] Callie Hayworth Administrative Assistant [email protected]
There have been some recent changes in the government of our country and there is ongoing, furious debate about whether those changes are good or bad. Regardless of which side of the debate we’re on, we must remind ourselves that the Bible is not silent on how Christians are supposed to interact with their government. 1 Peter 2:13-17 and Romans 13:1-7 are great resources to help us understand our relationship with the government. Interestingly, Titus 3:1-2 is almost like a summary of the other two passages. It reads: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (NIV) First, followers of Christ need to be law-abiding people. As much as possible, we must be obedient to the authorities, follow the law, and participate in society. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, followers of Christ must act in ways that honor Christ. We must be people of action—the action of doing good. We must watch what we say and refrain from badmouthing others. We must be peace-filled and gentle, being sensitive to the needs of others. If government or other authorities require us to do things contrary to bringing honor to Christ, we must reject those things. So, before we get caught up in furious debates of our own concerning the merits (or lack thereof) of the current administration in power, let’s first make sure that we are being true to Scripture and acting in ways that bring honor to our Lord and Savior.
Upcoming Business Meetings: Budget and Election Meeting Sunday, April 9th Annual Meeting Sunday, May 7th More details to come.
Calendar Highlights ***Please see the full calendar at www.upbcdesmoines.com for more dates and information.
FEBRUARY 2nd- Overseer Meeting 6:30 PM Conference Room 5th- Revive/Cutting Edge Super Bowl Party 4:30-8:30 PM 11th- Women of Courage Lounge, 10-11:30 AM 12th- FPU Alumni Reunion Potluck Location TBD, 12:00 PM 19th- Revive/Cutting Edge 4:30-7:00 PM 24-25th- Craft Weekend Fellowship Hall, Friday 6-11 PM Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM
MARCH
WORDS FROM WES [Wes] I’ve coached my oldest and youngest children in several different sports. I’ve coached them in basketball, soccer, football. At every level of coaching the one thing I stressed was practicing the fundamentals of that sport. Whether it was the correct way to stand, how to hold your hands when you catch, how to position your feet to pass or how to place your hands when you shoot. I placed a heavy emphasis on being good at the fundamentals of that sport. If you have ever played a sport you understand that working on fundamentals can be dull, boring or repetitive. I constantly reinforce that if they want to be good or at least competent in a sport, you must have good fundamentals. To do all the cool things that make a sport fun to play and fun to watch you must have good fundamentals. Christianity is the same. If you really want God to work through you and in you to reach others, (the Great Commission), you need good fundamentals. Do you as a Christian practice good fundamentals? Pastor Ryan and I are taking a journey in Christian fundamentals. For eight weeks, we are preaching on Spiritual Discipleship or how to move towards spiritual maturity. The focus will be on how to grow spiritually so God can better use you. Just like in sports, the better you are at passing, blocking, the better you are on the field or court. As Christians, the deeper we are in the Word, our prayer lives worshiping, relinquishing, openness, sharing, hearing, etc. The more able God is to use you on his playing field we call earth.
2nd- Overseer Meeting 6:30 PM Conference Room
We are asking that you take this journey with us as we look to show you different fundamentals that will help you grow in your faith, help you move closer to Jesus Christ. It will put you in a position where God can use you to do his holy, good and perfect will.
5th- Revive/Cutting Edge 4:30-8:30 PM
STEPPING STONES [Cheri]
11th- Women of Courage Location TBD, 10-11:30 AM 24-25th- Craft Weekend Fellowship Hall, Friday 6-11 PM Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM 26th- Revive/Cutting Edge 4:30-7:00 PM
Here’s what is happening at Stepping Stones in February and March! Date Lesson Activity February 1, 2017 The Inside Guide – How God’s Spirit Leads His Game Children February 8, 2017 Love in Action – God’s Idea of Perfect Love Craft February 15, 2017 Spirit Food – the Fruit of the Spirit Game February 22, 2017 Star Wars – The Armor of God Craft March 1, 2017 March 8, 2017 March 15, 2017 March 22, 2017 March 29, 2017
Success Comes in “Cans” – the Unlimited Potential in Every Christian The Jesus Film – Pajama and Popcorn Night Spring Break – No Stepping Stones Show and Tell – Paul’s Instructions to Timothy Words, Words, Words – The Power of the Tongue
Game n/a Craft Game
MISSIONARY FEATURE Roman and Emily Citac Converge Missionaries Moldova Roman and Emily are beginning their 3rd year of serving in the Republic of Moldova. They have two children; Henry and Josette. Together, Roman and Emily both share a passion for the educational community in the city of Orhei where they live. God recently provided a new office and youth center so they can meet and build relationships with the local teenage youth. Roman and Emily are working hard to build up strong relationships with teachers, parents, and directors of the schools they visit on a weekly basis. Roman is also heavily involved in networking with local village leaders helping them to develop a more healthy, loving, and thoughtful approach to evangelism. Together, they have seen God at work in several amazing ways since their arrival to Moldova. Roman and Emily will be on home assignment this summer and are looking forward to sharing more with our UPBC family about how God is at work with their ministry in Moldova.
Praises: One of the greatest highlights of these past few weeks has been the opening of our office/youth center and the launching of our 'Preparation for Success' clubs.
We're also praising the Lord for a great turnout at the Regional Missions Conference we helped host this past month.
And one final, but very big praise is for the very special time we enjoyed with Emily's parents during their visit this past September.
Requests: Pray that we will fix our eyes on Jesus and that we would continually do so more and more.
Since last fall, we have been asking the Lord for His provision and guidance in three very specific areas: 1) ministry to young families, 2) ministry in the schools, and 3) the growth of our team. Our hearts are continually humbled as we reflect on the way He's opened doors in the first two areas, and we eagerly await the unfolding of His faithfulness on the third the growth of our team - as well.
Have You Tried the Church App Yet? Did you know you can access the church directory anytime, anywhere from your mobile device? That you can place a call or text message directly through our church app? That you can get directions to someone’s home and access navigation through the app? That you can update your contact information without calling the church office? That you can have easy access to online giving, as well as view your online giving history? Here is how you get the app and get it registered: 1. Go to your app store and search for Church Office Online:
2. Once you have downloaded the app, open it up. You will be on the log-in screen. 3. Enter the domain and your user name.
Our domain is: upbc.churchofficechms.com Your user name is: Firstname.Lastname 4. Select “Forgot Password”. Your temporary password will be emailed to the email address that we have on file for you in the system. If we do not have your information or email address in the system, you will get an error message and will need to contact Callie in the church office for help. 5. Once you have logged in with your temporary password, you can go under your account and change the password to one of your choice. If you have any questions or need any additional help, please contact Callie.
****When we initially set up the online directory, we asked people to opt in/out of having their information available in the online directory. If you are new within the last year and would like to have your information available to other members of the church via the online app, please contact me at [email protected] and opt in and make sure that I have correct information for you.
SOLID ROCK [Wendy] TOPICS FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: JH (6th-8th grades): 6:30-8 p.m. Hang out from 6-6:30. SH (9th-12th grades): 7:15-8:45 p.m. Hang out from 6:30-7:15. BRING YOUR FRIENDS! We are doing a powerful series on lies culminating with a “Shatter the Lies” event in April. Our topics include: Contentment, self-image, reputation, laziness, priorities, speech/gossip, anger, stress, sexual sin, forgiveness, prejudice/racism. Staff and students will be leading the way in this series!
February 1: February 8: February 15: February 22: March 1: March 8: March 15: March 22: March 29:
Speech/Gossip Anger Self-Esteem Special Event Stress Contentment No Solid Rock Relationships Sexual Sin
JH REVIVE (Formerly called FRESH AIR) & SH CUTTING EDGE: February 19th, March 5th and 26th Winter Jam in January was attended by 25 students & staff. It was a great time of praise and worship with thousands of other believers! 2017 WINTER RETREATS at Pine Lake Camp! SH winter retreat was attended by 7 students and 1 staff – they had a great time bonding with each other and learning about God. Pray for our students and staff attending JH Winter Retreat Feb 10-12. SERVE 2017 Our Serve 2017 mission trip to Pawley's Island, SC in June this year will be an intense impact level trip with 2 student leaders: Sara Walte & Sydney Foster. Pray for the student leadership weekend Feb 10-12 in Carol Stream, IL as they prepare the blue print for our mission! Let Wendy know if you would like to be a prayer partner for our trip. This includes contributing $50 and committing to pray for your partner. Students: Sydney Foster, Sydney Moses, Sara Walte, Yory McGowan, Cassie Corley, Bethany Ramsey, MacKenzie Moses, Jaclyn Foster, Magda McGowan, Ryleigh Hayworth, Skyler Dirksen, Ronnie Lea, Staff: Dave & Wendy Highsmith. We only need 4 more prayer partners!
The Women of Courage Ministry Attention UPBC women, if you are age 21-100+ we invite you to join us! The Women of Courage Ministry is a confidential and “safe” place for women to heal, encourage and support each other, so that we may continue our walk with Godly purpose. Our next meeting will be held on February 11th, from 10-11:30 AM in the lounge. Light refreshments will be served – no childcare will be provided. For more information contact: Sharon Zanders-Ackiss: szanders_ackiss @hotmail.com or 515-710-2878 Or Paula Mahone: [email protected] or 515710-6070
Craft Weekends February 24-25th and March 24-25th
Friday from 6-11 and Saturday from 9-4. Please bring a dish to share for lunch on Saturday. Snacks are also welcome. All crafts are welcome. This is a great time to fellowship and work on unfinished projects or maybe get a head start on Christmas gifts. Contact Cheri Bono (729-1222) if you have any questions. Please let us know if you plan to participate so that we set up enough tables for everyone. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board, or you can email the office.
Union Park Baptist Church Love God | Love People | Serve Others
GOVERNMENT AND HONOR [Ryan] 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 Youth Pastor [email protected] Kay Sly Director of Wee Care [email protected] Callie Hayworth Administrative Assistant [email protected]
There have been some recent changes in the government of our country and there is ongoing, furious debate about whether those changes are good or bad. Regardless of which side of the debate we’re on, we must remind ourselves that the Bible is not silent on how Christians are supposed to interact with their government. 1 Peter 2:13-17 and Romans 13:1-7 are great resources to help us understand our relationship with the government. Interestingly, Titus 3:1-2 is almost like a summary of the other two passages. It reads: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (NIV) First, followers of Christ need to be law-abiding people. As much as possible, we must be obedient to the authorities, follow the law, and participate in society. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, followers of Christ must act in ways that honor Christ. We must be people of action—the action of doing good. We must watch what we say and refrain from badmouthing others. We must be peace-filled and gentle, being sensitive to the needs of others. If government or other authorities require us to do things contrary to bringing honor to Christ, we must reject those things. So, before we get caught up in furious debates of our own concerning the merits (or lack thereof) of the current administration in power, let’s first make sure that we are being true to Scripture and acting in ways that bring honor to our Lord and Savior.
Upcoming Business Meetings: Budget and Election Meeting Sunday, April 9th Annual Meeting Sunday, May 7th More details to come.
Calendar Highlights ***Please see the full calendar at www.upbcdesmoines.com for more dates and information.
FEBRUARY 2nd- Overseer Meeting 6:30 PM Conference Room 5th- Revive/Cutting Edge Super Bowl Party 4:30-8:30 PM 11th- Women of Courage Lounge, 10-11:30 AM 12th- FPU Alumni Reunion Potluck Location TBD, 12:00 PM 19th- Revive/Cutting Edge 4:30-7:00 PM 24-25th- Craft Weekend Fellowship Hall, Friday 6-11 PM Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM
MARCH
WORDS FROM WES [Wes] I’ve coached my oldest and youngest children in several different sports. I’ve coached them in basketball, soccer, football. At every level of coaching the one thing I stressed was practicing the fundamentals of that sport. Whether it was the correct way to stand, how to hold your hands when you catch, how to position your feet to pass or how to place your hands when you shoot. I placed a heavy emphasis on being good at the fundamentals of that sport. If you have ever played a sport you understand that working on fundamentals can be dull, boring or repetitive. I constantly reinforce that if they want to be good or at least competent in a sport, you must have good fundamentals. To do all the cool things that make a sport fun to play and fun to watch you must have good fundamentals. Christianity is the same. If you really want God to work through you and in you to reach others, (the Great Commission), you need good fundamentals. Do you as a Christian practice good fundamentals? Pastor Ryan and I are taking a journey in Christian fundamentals. For eight weeks, we are preaching on Spiritual Discipleship or how to move towards spiritual maturity. The focus will be on how to grow spiritually so God can better use you. Just like in sports, the better you are at passing, blocking, the better you are on the field or court. As Christians, the deeper we are in the Word, our prayer lives worshiping, relinquishing, openness, sharing, hearing, etc. The more able God is to use you on his playing field we call earth.
2nd- Overseer Meeting 6:30 PM Conference Room
We are asking that you take this journey with us as we look to show you different fundamentals that will help you grow in your faith, help you move closer to Jesus Christ. It will put you in a position where God can use you to do his holy, good and perfect will.
5th- Revive/Cutting Edge 4:30-8:30 PM
STEPPING STONES [Cheri]
11th- Women of Courage Location TBD, 10-11:30 AM 24-25th- Craft Weekend Fellowship Hall, Friday 6-11 PM Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM 26th- Revive/Cutting Edge 4:30-7:00 PM
Here’s what is happening at Stepping Stones in February and March! Date Lesson Activity February 1, 2017 The Inside Guide – How God’s Spirit Leads His Game Children February 8, 2017 Love in Action – God’s Idea of Perfect Love Craft February 15, 2017 Spirit Food – the Fruit of the Spirit Game February 22, 2017 Star Wars – The Armor of God Craft March 1, 2017 March 8, 2017 March 15, 2017 March 22, 2017 March 29, 2017
Success Comes in “Cans” – the Unlimited Potential in Every Christian The Jesus Film – Pajama and Popcorn Night Spring Break – No Stepping Stones Show and Tell – Paul’s Instructions to Timothy Words, Words, Words – The Power of the Tongue
Game n/a Craft Game
MISSIONARY FEATURE Roman and Emily Citac Converge Missionaries Moldova Roman and Emily are beginning their 3rd year of serving in the Republic of Moldova. They have two children; Henry and Josette. Together, Roman and Emily both share a passion for the educational community in the city of Orhei where they live. God recently provided a new office and youth center so they can meet and build relationships with the local teenage youth. Roman and Emily are working hard to build up strong relationships with teachers, parents, and directors of the schools they visit on a weekly basis. Roman is also heavily involved in networking with local village leaders helping them to develop a more healthy, loving, and thoughtful approach to evangelism. Together, they have seen God at work in several amazing ways since their arrival to Moldova. Roman and Emily will be on home assignment this summer and are looking forward to sharing more with our UPBC family about how God is at work with their ministry in Moldova.
Praises: One of the greatest highlights of these past few weeks has been the opening of our office/youth center and the launching of our 'Preparation for Success' clubs.
We're also praising the Lord for a great turnout at the Regional Missions Conference we helped host this past month.
And one final, but very big praise is for the very special time we enjoyed with Emily's parents during their visit this past September.
Requests: Pray that we will fix our eyes on Jesus and that we would continually do so more and more.
Since last fall, we have been asking the Lord for His provision and guidance in three very specific areas: 1) ministry to young families, 2) ministry in the schools, and 3) the growth of our team. Our hearts are continually humbled as we reflect on the way He's opened doors in the first two areas, and we eagerly await the unfolding of His faithfulness on the third the growth of our team - as well.
Have You Tried the Church App Yet? Did you know you can access the church directory anytime, anywhere from your mobile device? That you can place a call or text message directly through our church app? That you can get directions to someone’s home and access navigation through the app? That you can update your contact information without calling the church office? That you can have easy access to online giving, as well as view your online giving history? Here is how you get the app and get it registered: 1. Go to your app store and search for Church Office Online:
2. Once you have downloaded the app, open it up. You will be on the log-in screen. 3. Enter the domain and your user name.
Our domain is: upbc.churchofficechms.com Your user name is: Firstname.Lastname 4. Select “Forgot Password”. Your temporary password will be emailed to the email address that we have on file for you in the system. If we do not have your information or email address in the system, you will get an error message and will need to contact Callie in the church office for help. 5. Once you have logged in with your temporary password, you can go under your account and change the password to one of your choice. If you have any questions or need any additional help, please contact Callie.
****When we initially set up the online directory, we asked people to opt in/out of having their information available in the online directory. If you are new within the last year and would like to have your information available to other members of the church via the online app, please contact me at [email protected] and opt in and make sure that I have correct information for you.
SOLID ROCK [Wendy] TOPICS FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: JH (6th-8th grades): 6:30-8 p.m. Hang out from 6-6:30. SH (9th-12th grades): 7:15-8:45 p.m. Hang out from 6:30-7:15. BRING YOUR FRIENDS! We are doing a powerful series on lies culminating with a “Shatter the Lies” event in April. Our topics include: Contentment, self-image, reputation, laziness, priorities, speech/gossip, anger, stress, sexual sin, forgiveness, prejudice/racism. Staff and students will be leading the way in this series!
February 1: February 8: February 15: February 22: March 1: March 8: March 15: March 22: March 29:
Speech/Gossip Anger Self-Esteem Special Event Stress Contentment No Solid Rock Relationships Sexual Sin
JH REVIVE (Formerly called FRESH AIR) & SH CUTTING EDGE: February 19th, March 5th and 26th Winter Jam in January was attended by 25 students & staff. It was a great time of praise and worship with thousands of other believers! 2017 WINTER RETREATS at Pine Lake Camp! SH winter retreat was attended by 7 students and 1 staff – they had a great time bonding with each other and learning about God. Pray for our students and staff attending JH Winter Retreat Feb 10-12. SERVE 2017 Our Serve 2017 mission trip to Pawley's Island, SC in June this year will be an intense impact level trip with 2 student leaders: Sara Walte & Sydney Foster. Pray for the student leadership weekend Feb 10-12 in Carol Stream, IL as they prepare the blue print for our mission! Let Wendy know if you would like to be a prayer partner for our trip. This includes contributing $50 and committing to pray for your partner. Students: Sydney Foster, Sydney Moses, Sara Walte, Yory McGowan, Cassie Corley, Bethany Ramsey, MacKenzie Moses, Jaclyn Foster, Magda McGowan, Ryleigh Hayworth, Skyler Dirksen, Ronnie Lea, Staff: Dave & Wendy Highsmith. We only need 4 more prayer partners!
The Women of Courage Ministry Attention UPBC women, if you are age 21-100+ we invite you to join us! The Women of Courage Ministry is a confidential and “safe” place for women to heal, encourage and support each other, so that we may continue our walk with Godly purpose. Our next meeting will be held on February 11th, from 10-11:30 AM in the lounge. Light refreshments will be served – no childcare will be provided. For more information contact: Sharon Zanders-Ackiss: szanders_ackiss @hotmail.com or 515-710-2878 Or Paula Mahone: [email protected] or 515710-6070
Craft Weekends February 24-25th and March 24-25th
Friday from 6-11 and Saturday from 9-4. Please bring a dish to share for lunch on Saturday. Snacks are also welcome. All crafts are welcome. This is a great time to fellowship and work on unfinished projects or maybe get a head start on Christmas gifts. Contact Cheri Bono (729-1222) if you have any questions. Please let us know if you plan to participate so that we set up enough tables for everyone. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board, or you can email the office.
