Weekly News...

• Sunday November 14th-Hoosier Harmony Quartet-5:00PM Service
• Sunday November 21th-Mark Vice-5:00PM Service
  
• Sunday November 28th-"Hanging of the Greens"-5:00PM Service

We appreciated and were enriched by the testimony of the Josh and Toni Simos family as they shared about their ministry and upcoming missions work in the Dominican Republic.

"What do These Stones Mean?"

Guest Sermon by

Rev. Robert D. Shofner, Jr.

Senior Pastor

St. John's UCC Boonville

1860-2010-Celebrating 150 Years

Supper was late that night because they had stayed in the fields until it was dark to finish getting in the grain. When at last they sat down to eat, Father first said a prayer of thanks to God for the good harvest. They were all hungry and tired after their long day's work, but even after they had eaten, they lingered well past the children's bedtime, all of them together enjoying the comfortable feeling of a job well done.

The little one's eyes drifted shut at last, and even the ten year old twins, Amos and Asaph, were trying to keep from yawning. Father stood up briskly; "Off to bed! All of you, at once!" he cried. "You need your sleep. Tomorrow we are going to take a little trip."

Immediately, all three children were wide awake! "Where? Where?" chorused the twins. And little Rachel begged, "Can I go, too?" Father smiled. He picked up Rachel and carried her to bed. "Yes, little one," he answered, "we are all going." "Where? Tell us where," the boys yammered. And their father replied, "We are going to Gilgal. There is something there I want you children to see." "What is there to see in Gilgal?" Amos asked. Father looked mysterious. "In Gilgal," he told them, "there is a pile of rocks." The children stared at him. "What's so great about a pile of rcoks? We've got plenty of those in our own fields." But Father wouldn't say any more. "You will see," he answered in that maddening way of a parent, "when we get there." And with that the children had to be content.

The next morning Mother packed a simple lunch. The boys walked proudly at their father's side, but the little one raced around them in excited circles until at last Father picked her up and set her on his shoulder. Long before they actually arrived, they could hear a rushing noise in the distance. "What's that?" Amos asked. And Father answered, "It's the river." The river? There were streams near their own fields which they used for water, but none of them made a noise like that!

And then, unexpectedly, Father announced, "We are here!" The boys looked around, disappointed. It was exactly as their father had said. Just a dumb old pile of rocks! But they were near enough to the river now to see the green ribbon of the valley, and the spray which the water flung into the air from the rapids, and the sound of its passing was a roar in their ears. "I still don't see why we came all this way to look at a pile of dumb old rocks," Asaph complained. "But that river ... now, that's worth looking at!"

"That is exactly why we came, "Father admonished. "These rocks came from the bottom of that river." The boys stared in disbelief. "But how?" Asaph asked. And Amos tried to explain, "Maybe in the dry season a strong swimmer could dive to the bottom?" "It was not the dry season," their father began. "It was just about this time of the year. Sit down, and I will tell you all about it." And they all sat down, and Mother spread out the bread and cheese and fruit she had packed. Father asked the blessing and then, as they ate, he told them the story.

"It all happened before I was born. When I was about your age," he smiled at the twins, "my father brought me here on just such a day as this, and that is how I know the story."

"Our people were all camped on the other side, and this noisy, dangerous water was between them and the land God had promised to give to them. But, you'll someday learn, it is often when things seem desperate that our God displays His power most wonderfully! Anyway, Joshua was the new leader, for Moses, as you have been told before, had died on the other side of the river. Joshua called the priests. And he said to them, 'Take the ark of God, and go before the people, and step into the river.' The priests lifted up God's holy ark to their shoulders. They looked at the wild, rushing waters, and then they stepped into it!"

"Wow! That took some nerve," the boys exclaimed.

Father shook his head. "Not nerve, my sons. It took faith in God! For the ark is the place where God lives among His people. And so it was not really the priests who were leading the people. It was God Himself! The priests stepped into the water. And at that very instant the water stopped rushing past the camp. It piled up in a high wall above them! A dry path lay open ahead!"

The children listened with wide-opened eyes. "Even the water obeys God," Asaph whispered.

"Yes," Father replied. "He is the God of all the earth!" He continued with the story. "The priests went to the middle of the river bed. They stood there holding the Ark of the Covenant. And all that great crowd of people hurried across to the other side!

"Then Joshua chose 12 men, one from each of the 12 tribes. 'Go down to the river bed,' he told them, 'and each of you pick a large rock and carry it back here.' And so one man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel carried a rock up from the river's bottom. And that night Joshua set them up here at Gilgal."

The children turned to stare with new found wonder and respect at the pile of stones.

"Yes, my children, those are the very same rocks," Father told them. "And then, after everyone had crossed safely, at last the priests carrying the Ark crossed too. And as soon as the Ark of God was lifted up to this shore, the river returned to its bed and rushed down as before, just as you here it today!"

"Someday," Father went on, "you will have children of your own. And when your children are old enough to understand, you must bring them here, just as I have brought you, and as my father brought me! And then you must show them these rocks, and tell them about the power and loving care of our God, so that they, too, can learn to trust in the promises of God!"

Quite a story. But let me tell you another one.

“And on they came.” German immigrants of various Protestant faiths settled in the Mississippi valleys in the early 19^th century. Like the Hebrews before them, they came in search of a land, a land that promised prosperity, and freedom from fear and tyranny. A church-minded people, they soon organized places of worship to honor their God. But it was not easy. Many obstacles stood in their way, like the mighty rushing waters of the Jordan River stood in the way of the Hebrews so long ago. The words of our history offer this praise: “Just when the waves of misfortune seem to overwhelm them, over the crest they would come, frantically fighting seemingly insurmountable odds for that which they loved, their church.” On November 4, 1860, this congregation, The German Evangelical St. John’s Church, was born.

Throughout the past century and a half, the people strove to keep the church an active setting for ministry and service. They also paused to celebrate their past and to look to the future, just as we are doing today. By the 25^th anniversary, the people were gathered in a solid, brick sanctuary on this site. The 50^th anniversary was celebrated with the dedication of a new pipe organ. The 75^th was noted for many improvements to the property. The 80^th marked the adoption of a new name – St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church; which was changed in the 1950’s to reflect the birth of a new denomination, the United Church of Christ. The 90^th was celebrated by the laying of the cornerstone of the new St. John’s of the future, built on the same cornerstone of the original sanctuary.

By the 100^th anniversary, a new parsonage was completed and dedicated. The 110^th anniversary was marked by the completion of the new Christian Education building.

All these improvements to the property served one purpose, to house the many and varied ministries of St. John’s. Throughout the centuries the people of God have been active and busy serving the needs of this community and the world beyond. In the words of our 125^th anniversary celebration:

“Let the memory of past achievements urge us to greater accomplishments in the future. Our church was built on solid ground … through hardships, through war, through sorrow and suffering, our church has stood firm. Its light has been a guiding influence that has gone into hundreds of homes, into offices, schools and shops, wherever its members have tried to follow Christ’s way of life.”

And now we celebrate our 150^th anniversary. Our history has been added to, reflecting the costs and joys of faithful discipleship. In the words of that additional narrative: “Weddings and funerals, celebration and renewal, the life of St. John’s continues into the new decade. As we approach our 200^th anniversary, our congregation looks forward to new challenges as we negotiate the ups and downs of life in a Christian community. Our faith sustains us – as the t-shirt that many of our members wear during St. John’s activities says, ‘It’s a faith thing.’”

So today we gather to celebrate. Why? Lest we forget. Forget what? All the hard work our foreparents invested in this church? No. Lest we forget that it is by God’s grace and provision we are even here today.

Returning to our first narrative from the Book of Joshua, the nation was commanded to set stones as a memorial. There were three specific reasons for doing so.

First, the generation that was entering the land to conquer it needed a memorial, because the road ahead would be hard and there would be times when they would become discouraged. When they returned to the place of the stones, they would be reminded of the power and faithfulness of God.

Second, the generations to come would need the memorial, since children easily forget the faith and instruction of their parents.

Third, the people of the world needed the memorial as a testimony to the existence and nature of the one true God.

We gather here today for the same task. This sanctuary stands as a memorial for those who have gone before, for us today, and for our children’s children tomorrow. Those hardy immigrants who came to this Promised Land faced a rough and difficult road. Yet they trusted in the provision and promise of a faithful God, and as a result, “truly they did not bury the talent which the Lord had given them; rather they ‘builded better than they knew.’” And that which they built served to remind them of the faithfulness of the true God.

For us gathered today, this sanctuary stands as a memorial that we may tell our children of God’s mighty acts in our past history so that our children might not forget and might remain faithful to our God.

For the people of our community and the world beyond, this sanctuary stands as a testimony to God’s power and blessing, for it is from these walls that the people of His church reach out to help and nurture and sustain those in need, that our good works done in the name of Jesus Christ will shine among persons, that they will give thanks and glory to our God.

At the meeting place called Gilgal, the Hebrews consecrated themselves through reenacting the covenant signs of circumcision and the Passover. It was utter folly, in the eyes of the world, for them to incapacitate themselves while surrounded by enemies, but the wisdom of God is not like human wisdom, and it was far more important that the hearts of the people be right with God.

And so it is with us today. God wants our hearts to be right with Him, and with one another. Now it is time for our own re-consecration. In our celebration, we are called upon to reaffirm the covenant we have with our God and with each another. We are invited to the sacrament of the Lord’s Table in remembrance of all that God, through Christ, has graciously done for us.

At Gilgal the people were to remember God’s covenant, promises, and past acts of deliverance, in order that they might live as God’s people in the days that lay ahead.

Today we learn the same lesson. As we reflect upon our church’s past, as we take in the beauty of this holy space, we want to learn that what we do is important. But what we are is more important still. And we are God’s people, doing God’s work. “With God’s help we can light candles of kindness and goodwill. We can dream great dreams and work toward the fulfillment of our dreams. With the light of our church and of God’s love to guide us, we can look to the future with hope and confidence.” It is indeed, above all else, “a faith thing.”

Let us pray.

Gracious and faithful God, we thank You that You have called out men and women to be Your people in this community. We thank You for the past faith and efforts of those who have gone before us, and we thank You for this time to remember, for it is indeed a goodly heritage we enjoy.

Speak to our hearts and minds, and may Your Holy Spirit guide us to rededicate our lives this day, giving honor to our past, trusting in Your provision for the future, and bringing all glory to You, O Lord and God.

And the people said, “Amen.”

Moral Awareness Sunday

Oct. 27, 2010

The Wisdom writer said, “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34 NLT). John Wesley applied that truth to the principle of morality when he said, “True Christianity cannot exist without both the inward experience and outward practice of justice, mercy, and truth; and this alone is genuine morality.”

In the 2009 State of the Church, The Wesleyan Church’s Board of General Superintendents said, “It is impossible to calculate the impact Wesleyans have as ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in the world. But we are in the midst of a surge of fresh concern for expressing faith in public life . . . .” Wesleyans are urged to remember their calling to serve this present age. How: First, by being aware of the creeping influence of immorality, and second, by committing themselves to rejecting a worldview that does not reflect the standards God’s Word.

Reformation Sunday, October 31, offers Wesleyan churches an ideal time to take their own stand against the trends of the age. Like Luther, we stand before a culture that has, in many ways, departed from the Judeo-Christian beliefs upon which our nation was founded. October 31 is Reformation Sunday, commemorating Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church.

1. Call attention to the meaning of Reformation Sunday.

2. Invite the congregation to prayer for spiritual renewal and transformation.

3. Include the Moral Awareness video clip in your worship service.

4. Pray for the leadership of your nation, your region, your church, and Wesleyan ministries worldwide.

View video on Moral Awareness

Quotes from the Past...

"But a Constitution of Government once changed from
Freedom, can be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever." ~ John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, July 15, 1776

Weekly News...

• Sunday October 17th-Quarterly Birthday Party-After 5:00PM Service
• Sunday October 24th-10:30:AM & 2:00PM (CST)-Homecoming Service Celebrating 75 Years-1935-2010. Pulled pork and turkey dinner after morning service. Opening time capsule from the past(1983 Fellowship Hall dedication) Special music and Testimony.
• Friday October 29th-Hallelujah Party at the Walkers-'5:30PM-???
  
• Sunday November 14th-Hoosier Harmony Quartet in the Evening Service
  

Quotes from the Past...

"Schism is evil in itself. To separate ourselves from a body of living Christians, with whom we were before united, is a grievous breach of the law of love. It is the nature of love to unite us together; and the greater the love, the stricter the union." - John Wesley

Hallelujah Party 2010...Walker Ranch

• When: Friday October 29th, 2010 at 5:30PM
• Where: 256 Dusty Road at Jim and Teresa Walker's
• What: Wear your favorite non-scary costume ...
  
• Bring a 2 liter if you like...hot-dogs, bon-fire, and snacks provided...

Weekly News...

Saturday was a busy day at Boonville Wesleyan.
It started with a Men's Breakfast at the
"Wriston Ranch." The ladies had a meeting
at Boonville City Lake. We closed the day
with an outdoor showing of "Facing the Giants."

This is My Father's "Digital" World

By: Chuck Colson

Listen Now | Download

Look around you. Every young person you see has a cell phone. And many of those are smartphones, which put the Internet, dozens of games, and other applications in the palms of their hands.

They’re probably not checking their email on those smartphones. This is a generation that considers email passé. They’re into social networking sites—sites like Facebook and Twitter. It’s networking that consumes their attention and hours of their time every day--and they don’t always use it wisely.

For example, twenty-eight percent of young social network users admit to sharing information online that they would never have shared in public if they were face-to-face. And 22 percent—that’s right 22 percent--say that they’ve posted pictures of themselves or friends.

As Dr. David Murray, Professor of Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary notes, technology has changed the way we “study, play, socialize, shop, and even apply for jobs.” Believe it or not, one out of eight couples married in the US met on a social networking site.

Murray, the father of four, is a firm believer in the good of technology. He is also well aware of the dangers—especially the dangers to children. After thinking through how to best teach his own children how to thrive in the digital age, he produced a short video: “God’s Technology: Training Our Children to Use Technology to God’s Glory.” In it Murray shares biblical wisdom and applies a Christian worldview to kids and technology.

He begins with four biblical principles. First, God created technology. He made the physical elements like silicon that we use to make digital devices. He made the forces of electricity and magnetism that allow technology to work. And he made human minds and gave them the creativity to build computers, cell phones and iPads.

Second, because God created technology, it is not inherently sinful; instead (principle three) it has many good uses—including bringing BreakPoint to you every day. Finally and tragically, Murray notes, technology has been abused because we are sinners.

How does that apply to our children?

Well, because technology is created by God and has good uses, we should want our children to enjoy technology’s benefits. But we can’t ignore the dangers and embrace the digital world without what Murray calls “disciplined discernment.” And Murray gives sound, practical parenting advice concerning Facebook, where children desperately need that disciplined discernment.

As Calvin College professor Quentin Schultz wrote in his book Habits of the High-Tech Heart, “Cyberculture offers us no means to rise above the entropic noise, no dwelling place to catch our breath, gather our wits, discern our course, and become more intrinsically moral people.”

If we and our children are going to use digital technologies wisely and morally, it will be because we make an intentional effort to apply our Christian worldview to technology.

And the video “God’s Technology” is a great place to start. Visit BreakPoint dot org, click on this commentary, and we’ll tell you how you can get the video and other resources to protect your kids online.

Flip-Flop Faith

Jacqueline Overpeck is a multi-published inspirational author who loves to offer encouragement to readers. Jacqueline and her husband, Arnold, are both CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speakers Services) graduates. They enjoy the outdoors, and traveling in their spare time with their Maltese dog, Coconut.

Related Links

Visit Jackie's Web site

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CBN.com's Youth Section

Unlike sandals, flip-flops don’t secure at the ankle. You just slide them on and you’re on your way. They’re a perfect fashion choice for a busy teenager and the young at heart.

But did you know that flip-flops are also called slip-slaps? Slip as in: trip, fall, and to lose your balance.

Putting on my flip-flops reminds me of our tendency as Christians to fall. Sometimes in the heat of things we become weary. That’s when it’s easy to slip, become inconsistent, fluctuate in our convictions. But God’s word encourages us to be steadfast no matter what’s boiling in our lives.

The Psalms say, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (51:10, NIV)

God designed for our steps to be direct and consistent. As we continually yield our lives to the Lord, we become unwavering and resolute in our walk before Him. Psalm 17:5 says, “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” (NIV)

It is God who causes us to remain constant regardless of the heat index in our hearts.

“If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.” (Ps. 37:23-24)

When the pressure in life makes your internal temperature rise, determine not to lose your cool. Don’t flip-flop in your faith. God will carry you through every dry and desolate day with perfect peace when your mind is steadfast on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Keep trusting in His love! Hosea 13:5 declares, “But I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat.”

The Lord cares so much for you.

“One day we will be with the Lord Jesus in Heaven. His glory will shield our lives so we are scorched by the pain of this world no more. God will lead us to springs of living water. And He will wipe away every tear from our eyes” (Rev. 7:16-17).

The fiery trial you are facing right now will pass… and there’s only seven more weeks of summer.

God Never Changes...He Still Heals Today!

I am so elated I can hardly type this note. I just got a call and my good assistant DS, Rev. Bob England, told me he got a call from his medical doctor tonight (September 20, 2010) about 9:00 P.M. and Dr. Smith told him quote, “Bob, we have a miracle here, the pathology report came back and you DO NOT have cancer!”

Wow! This is a divine miracle. I was there about six weeks ago in the doctor’s office with Br. Bob and his wife Vivian, when the same doctor told him in no uncertain terms, “I just studied your case and you have very aggressive cancer and it is in the last stages. We need to operate as soon as possible.”

Pastor Bob got a second opinion about his medical condition and the second specialist agreed that Pastor Bob had cancer but wanted another biopsy done to see for sure how to do the best treatment. So, when the second biopsy came back clear it is indeed a miracle!

We will be rejoicing about this for months and years to come. Praise God! All across the district and only the Lord knows where else people have been praying for my brother in the Lord.

Blessings to you;

Dr. Mark Eckart

Weekly News and Prayer Updates...

• September 25th Activities:
• Ladies meeting at Boonville City Lake at 10:00AM
• Men's Meeting at Wriston Ranch-8:00AM-
• Breakfast at 7:00AM-Don't Burn the Biscuits!
  
• Movie Night at BWC- Outside at 7:00PM-"Facing the Giants"
  
• Happy Birthday -LuAnn Ayscue
• (ALL TIMES CST)
  

Bits and Bytes with the Bagleys-September 2010

~ Bits & Bytes for Bagley Backers - September 2010 ~
Zambia National Conference Members of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia met August 26-29 in Lusaka, Zambia for its 16th biennial national conference. The lively conference combined business sessions, information sharing, and corporate worship as the church reviewed its ministry for the past two years and made plans for future endeavors. The ordination of five young ministers to Christian ministry was one of the highlights of the conference. It was a beautiful celebration as the church recognized and affirmed God's calling and gifting in the lives of these pastors and church planters. (Former National Superintendent, Rev. Sitali Kakungu, is shown above examining the candidates.) Clearly, the major focus of the conference was the transfer of leadership from the outgoing National Superintendent, Rev. Kakungu, to the newly elected leader, Dr. Alfred Kalembo. Rev. Kakungu was recognized for six years of effective leadership, guiding the church to a new level of stability and maturity. Dr. Kalembo, who had served the church in this capacity from 1992-1998 was chosen again by the church to this role with a strong vote of affirmation. A sense of God's presence in the conference was evident, resulting in an atmosphere of peace and unity, even when discussing tense issues. The conference concluded with a challenging message from Rev. Josephine Sichongwe urging delegates to return to their places of ministry and fully devote themselves to the work to which God had called them. Dr. Alfred Kalembo and Rev. Sitali Kakukgu In This Issue Zambia National Conference Zimba Mission Hospital 50th Anniversary Celebration Prayer Requests Praise Points Our Event Calendar Support Team Forward to a Friend Our Event Calendar Aug. 30-Sep. 17 -- Manzini, Swaziland - Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College (Brenda) Sept. 16-19 -- Likasi, Democratic Republic of Congo - National Conference Oct. 17 -- Xai Xai, Mozambique - Xai Xai Bible College graduation Oct. 26-29 -- Manzini, Swaziland - Pastors' Conference Oct. 30 -- Manzini, Swaziland - EWBC graduation Nov. 14 am -- Fredericton, NB - Corbett Ave. Wesleyan Church Nov. 14 pm -- Nackawic, NB - Nackawic Wesleyan Church Nov. 21 -- Truro, NS - Central Nova Wesleyan Church Nov. 28 -- Maple Ridge, NB - Maple Ridge Wesleyan Church Jan. 4-7 -- Jacksonville, FL - The Gathering Jan. 7-8 -- Jacksonville, FL - Leadership Council Support Team We are grateful for all who have made a commitment to become part of our regular prayer and/or financial support team. If you haven't done so, you can join the team by clicking the link below. Thanks! Forward to a Friend You can help us by forwarding "Bits & Bytes" to friends who will be interested in the work of Global Partners in Africa. Just click on the link below. Friends who receive the email will also be given an opportunity to sign up to receive it in the future. Forward this message to a friend An easy to print version of this email can be found here. Zimba Mission Hospital 50th Anniversary Celebration On September 6th, 2010, Zimba Mission Hospital celebrated 50 years of medical ministry in the Kalomo District of Zambia. Church leaders, government officials, representatives of nongovernmental organizations, business leaders, and past and present hospital staff gathered at Zimba to recall and celebrate together. The fifty-year history of the hospital was presented through music, speeches, and drama culminating with a speech from the guest of honor, the District Commissioner of Kalomo. A celebration feast finished off the festivities. Bob was privileged to represent Global Partners at the day-long celebration. Also present were Eleanor Hunsinger, Liz Anderson, and Bethany Morse, who had served as missionary nurses at the hospital in years gone by. Currently Global Partners missionaries Drs. Dan and Joan Jones serve as doctors in the hospital, and Selinda Ingalls and Jesse Van Horn serve in support roles. The hospital has seen significant growth of facilities and services over recent years. Currently a new outpatient department is under construction, with plans for building a hospital chapel to follow. Long-term plans call for establishing a school of nursing in conjunction with the hospital. (Click here for a slide presentation of the celebration.) Dr. Dan Jones, Rev. Alfred Chikobela, Bob Bagley, Dr. Alfred Kalembo Prayer Requests Please help us pray for the following needs: Democratic Republic of Congo National Conference meets September 16-19. Pray for wisdom as the delegates make decisions affecting the future of the church, particularly as they elect their leaders. Please pray for Dr. H. C. Wilson as he chairs the conference. Drs. Dan & Joan Jones carry a heavy load at Zimba Mission Hospital as the only doctors on staff. Zambian doctors assigned to the hospital are away, enrolled in advanced training. Pray that God will give the Jones' physical, emotional, and spiritual strength to deal with the stress of the load. Brenda is continuing to teach "Understanding Culture" at Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College in Swaziland. Please pray that the students will grasp and apply the principles she is teaching. Finally, a family request. Please pray that our daughter, Tracy, will find solid employment. She has been without a job since June. Praise Points Praise God for a positive national conference in Zambia and a smooth transition in leadership. Global Partners recently announced that administrative costs for all missionaries will be reduced as of this month, and that a significant reduction in medical insurance costs will also be passed on to missionaries. Our support target will be reduced considerably. Praise God for His provision in this way. Although our mission house is still being worked on following extensive flooding, we praise God for good progress made and a house that is being to feel like home again (at least when we make it back to our home base!).
Bob & Brenda Bagley | rbagley112@gmail.com