A publication of St.

Paul’s United Methodist Church ● Williamsburg, IA

No. 9 ● September 2010

Vision Statement: ...to be a church where you can SEE Christ

By
Rev.
James
Parks Helen’s family has a nickname for me that they don’t use often, but I do hear it from time to
time. They like to affectionately call me the “Recycle Nazi.” They apparently think I get a little
demanding when it comes to recycling. When we are in Tennessee and I notice their trash I will mention, several times, how simple
it is to recycle here in Williamsburg. Although it’s easier now, there used to be very little done to help with recycling in Tennessee.
We have even driven 10 hours back from there with black garbage bags of recyclable material instead of leaving them there to be
thrown away. I also find myself muttering under my breath as I pick out recyclables from our trash when her family comes to visit.
I am not really trying to be rude about recycling, but when it is so easy, I hate wasting the opportunity to recycle material that can be
reused. Now with the changes in Tennessee, we even have a recycle bin at the Camp Meeting cabin.
This came to mind as I thought about those who might waste the opportunity we have to participate in 40 Days of
Community. This 40 day focus from September 12 th until October 24th will help us to know that we are better together. It will be an
opportunity to get to know new people or to get to know others better. It will be an opportunity for unity as our whole congregation
will be focused on the same topic day after day. There will be an opportunity for everyone to search for a place to serve God in
ministry and most importantly, the opportunity for God to remind us that we are all in this together.
My hope and prayer is that everyone connected to our congregation will read the 40 Days of Community “Better Together”
daily devotional. You can get these books from the church office or at the 40 Days table in the Fellowship Hall. We are asking
people to pay $7 to cover the cost of the material, but if the cost will keep you from reading the book, please take one for free.
I hope everyone will join us for the worship services during these 40 Days. Each Sunday morning we will focus on one of
the purposes we have as a community together. We will pass out memory verse tags and maybe even a few prizes for those who
memorize the Scripture verse of the week.
I also hope everyone will join a small group (after all the whole point of this focus is to recognize that we are better
together). Small groups will meet six times during the 40 Days with a variety of times and locations. If you have not been in a small
group before, this will be a great opportunity to try one. You can sign up in the office or at the 40 Days table.
Why should everyone fully participate? Because we need each other. A small group will be missing something if you are
not a part of it. You may hold the question or experience that leads another person to know God more fully. The list of names of
people that have helped me in my faith is long. Half of them probably do not even know they are on there, but my faith would not be
the same without their presence in my life.
Do not miss this opportunity. God wants to help us understand what on earth WE are here for? We are better together. So
get signed up for this fantastic 40 Days of Community.

Bibles for our 3rd Graders Sunday Morning Club starts September 12th at 9:30am
th rd We are excited about Sunday mornings at St. Paul’s UMC.
Sunday, September 12 , our 3 graders will
Along with our 3 worship services, there are other discipleship
receive Bibles during worship. We are proud
opportunities at 9:30am.
of these youth as they continue to grow in their
 Infant-2yrs old: “New Beginnings” in the Nursery
faith. We hope to see all the family and friends
 3-5yrs old: Hero Headquarters in the Preschool Room
of these 3rd graders as we worship with them on
 K-6th Grade: Hero Headquarters Gathering in the
Sunday, September 12th. Please let these 3rd
Fellowship Hall
graders know how proud we are of them: Dylan Bacon, Ben
 SPUMY (St. Paul’s United Methodist Youth) 7th-12th
Hartsock, Ashley Hooper, Jacob Mohr, Jeana Muse, Emma
Grade in Classroom C
Oelmann, Nadia Schafbuch, Abby Whitehill. Please let Pastor
 40 Days of Community Adult Small Groups
Helen know if there are any other 3rd graders to congratulate.
 611 Kick-off with Potluck and Fellowship, Wednesday, September 1st!
We hope your family will join us at the church for a night of food and fellowship to kick-off the start of our Wednesday night 611.
Bring a dish to share by 6:00pm and enjoy a delicious dinner with your church family. After the meal, we can all enjoy fellowship
inside and outside, so dress comfortable and bring outdoor games. 611 Children’s volunteers will have a meeting in Classroom A at
6:45pm. Adult Choir will have their choir practice at 7:30pm if anyone new would like to participate in our Traditional Service Choir.
611 Weekly Schedule starts September 8th
5:45pm Meal (Potluck the first Wednesday of each month)
$3 for 2 slices of pizza or 1 slice of lasagna, salad, drink, dessert (extra slices available for $1/slice).
6:11pm Gathering of Children, Youth and Adults in the Sanctuary
Infant-2 yrs. in the Nursery
3-5 yrs. in the Preschool room
6:21pm Kids’ Club (K-4th Grade) Gathering in the Sanctuary New Directories are
I-POGS (5th & 6th Grade) in Classroom B here!! Pick up your
Confirmation (7th & 8th Grade) in Lobby
Senior High (9th-12th Grade) in Classroom C
copy in the Sanctuary
6:30pm 40 Days “Going Deeper” in Pastor James’ Office or contact the church
Women’s Bible Study in Pastor Helen’s Office office for one.
7:21pm Families head safely home!
7:30pm Chancel Choir Practice in the Sanctuary

SPRC would like to announce Support Groups Open to the Community

that we are changing Pastor
Helen’s title to Associate Pastor
of Discipleship effective
September 1st. This change is
to bring Pastor Helen’s title in
line with our church mission and
vision. Pastor Helen’s responsibilities will continue to be
focused on the discipleship of children, youth and adults.
SPRC is accepting resumes for a new position on the
church staff. The Administrative Assistant of
Discipleship will assist Pastor Helen in developing a
Discipleship Team to minister to the children, youth and
adults of our congregation. This 10 hour/week position
will include administrative responsibilities and
organization of discipleship volunteers. A love for Jesus
and a passion to “go and make disciples” are needed for
this position. Computer experience, administrative skills,
and people skills are very helpful. Contact the church
office for more information about this position. Resumes
will be accepted until Friday, September 17th.
The group formerly known as UMW invite all women of
the church to a lunch potluck at 12:00 noon on Thursday,
September 2nd. Come for delicious food and fellowship.
Technical Training
Sunday, September 19th at 11:45am
If you currently serve in the ministry of running the sound
or video camera on Sunday mornings, or would like to
start, plan to be here for some training and reviewing on
September 19th. Contact Jason Kersten at 668-8254 or
kerstenj@iowatelecom.net with any questions. Lunch
will be included.
Starting this Thursday, September 2nd and following each Thursday
thereafter, you will have the opportunity to participate in different
support groups being held here at St. Paul’s UMC. Please invite anyone
who might be interested in any of these new support groups.
Monthly Support Groups
 Full Spectrum of Support, begins September 2nd at 6:30pm:
Held on the 1st Thursday of each month, this support group is
designed for parents of children with mental, emotional,
behavioral, and/or physical challenges to come together in a
non-threatening, confidential setting. Guest speakers and group
discussions are the primary focus for this group.
 Health Awareness, begins September 9th at 6:30pm: Held on
the 2nd Thursday of each month, this support group is designed for
those who want support as they strive to achieve or maintain a
healthy weight and lead a healthier life. There are no fees, pressure
or weigh-ins!
 Depression/Anxiety Support Group, begins September 23rd at
6:00pm: Held on the 4th Thursday of each month, this group is for
anyone suffering from depression and/or anxiety. Centered around
scriptures, this group will offer support in a non-threatening and
confidential environment. This will be a time for people to share
their experiences to offer hope to others and strength to themselves.
Weekly Support Groups
 Grief Support Group, begins September 16th at 6:00pm: Held
for 6 consecutive weeks, this support group is for anyone suffering
the loss of a loved one, for those in the midst of losing a loved one
or facing death themselves. Guest speakers, Bible study and group
discussion will be part of this group.
 Blended Families, beings September 23rd at 7:00pm: Held for 6
consecutive weeks, this support group is for anyone in a
step-situation, possibly divorced, widowed, remarried or newly
married and raising children/stepchildren. There are various
definitions of a step-family or better defined as a “blended family”.
A significant number of today’s families share similar emotions of
how to make their “new family” harmonious. If you have found
yourself in this situation as a parent, step-parent, or you just want to
learn and share, feel welcome to attend.
Please call the church office at 668-2288 or email
stpaulwb@iowatelecom.net with any questions.
 Pizza With The Pastors Joys & Concerns
Sunday, September 26th at 11:40am
Anyone interested in learning more about St. Paul’s United Prayers for:
Methodist Church is invited to attend Pizza with the Pastors on Sunday,  Family and friends of
September 26th at 11:40am. Donna Lehnst who
Pizza with the Pastors is an informal gathering to get to talk with died August 15th.
Pastors James and Helen. If interested, this can lead into our new member
process here at St. Paul’s. The other membership sessions will be offered in TobyMac, Third Day,
October. Session One will focus on the history and theology of the United & Michael W. Smith
Methodist Church. This session will also discuss the leadership structure of in concert Wednesday,
our church. Session Two will focus on discovering your spiritual gifts and October 27th at 7:00pm
where we can use them in the church. Session Three will be an overview of Enjoy a night of uplifting
the mission and ministry of St. Paul’s UMC. Childcare will be provided for music that’s safe for your
these sessions. whole family on October
Please RSVP to Teresa Fleming at 668-2288 for the Pizza with the 27th at the U.S. Cellular
Pastors by Wednesday, September 22nd. Center! TobyMac, Third
Thank you to everyone who came to the Town Hall Day, and Michael W. Smith
Meeting. There was great information shared by both the will provide the music along
Finance Committee and SPRC. If you weren’t able to with special guest Jason
make it and would like the information that was presented, Gray and speaker Max Lucado. Reserve your tickets
please contact the church office for a copy of the power- through the Church Office. At only $20 each, these
point presentation. You can also contact any of the 30 tickets are sure to go quickly, so get yours as soon
members on these Committees for questions you have or as possible.
for more information. SPRC & Finance Committees
Vital Statistics
Our family would like to thank World Prayer Focus Worship Attendance
everyone for your prayers and concerns ―World Suicide Prevention‖ August 1 223
at Mom’s passing. She put up a good World Suicide Prevention Day on September August 8 239
fight as was her nature. Not only was 10th promotes worldwide commitment and action August 15 180
the church important to her, the people to prevent suicides. On average, almost 3000 August 22 241
of our church made her life rich and people commit suicide daily. For every person As of 8/10/10
full. Thank you all for the kindness who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt Total Tithes/General Offering - $143,245
you showed her while she was in the to end their lives. With the sponsoring Total Other Income - $37,393
hospital and then the nursing home. It International Association for Suicide Prevention, Total Expenses - $164,531
would be hard to list all of the things WHO (World Health Organization) and other
our congregation did for our family partners advocate for the prevention of suicidal The ANCHOR is a publication of
throughout this process, from visiting behavior, provision of adequate treatment and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Mom, meals that were prepared for us, follow-up care for people who attempted suicide, 803 Clearview Drive, PO Box 559,
memorial money, cards and thoughts, as well as responsible reporting of suicides in the Williamsburg, IA 52361
those who helped with the funeral media. At the global level, awareness needs to be Phone: 319-668-2288
raised that suicide is a major preventable cause of Website: www.stpaulsumcwilliamsburg.com
dinner, our clergy, but most of all your
premature death. Governments need to develop Senior Pastor: Rev. James Parks
prayers. The memorial money was used ● Email: revjep@iowatelecom.net
for the cancer association, church build- policy frameworks for national suicide prevention
Pastor of Children, Youth & Families:
ing fund, and other church related strategies. At the local level, policy statements Rev. Helen Parks
funds. We were able to buy a large and research outcomes need to be translated into ● Email: revhrp@iowatelecom.net
popcorn machine for Rose Haven’s prevention programs and activities in Director of Congregational Care:
residents and staff who treated Mom communities. Teresa Fleming
like she was a family member. Through knowledge and prayer ● Email: tfleming@iowatelecom.net
John & Jeanie Lehnst & Family we can change the world. Administrative Assistant: Sonja Parsons
● Email: stpaulwb@iowatelecom.net
Facility Manager: Jason Kersten
Informational Lunch for Puerto Rico Mission Trip ● Email: kerstenj@iowatelecom.net
The North English UMW Sunday, October 3rd, 11:30am-1:00pm Early Childhood Coordinator:
invite the ladies of If you are at least 16 years old, love the Lord and want to Jennifer Schwenke
SPUMC to join their experience cross-cultural mission work then St. Paul’s Nursery Supervisor: Denise Grimm
UMW unit. They meet six UMC has the opportunity for you. We will be taking a Music Director: Steve Manning
times per year with their team to Puerto Rico around the 3rd week of June 2011. Organist: Sue Heitmann
next meeting Tuesday, The cost is an estimated $1,000 per person before St. Paul’s UMC office hours:
October 5th at 6:30pm. If fundraisers. This meeting will be to discuss trip plans, 9:00am to 3:00pm Mon. - Fri.
interested, contact Trish Editor: Sonja Parsons
brainstorm about fundraising ideas and learn more about
Deadline for news for the October
Gaherty at (319) 664-3420. where we will be serving in Puerto Rico. If you would ANCHOR is September 25th. Email info to
like to attend this lunch contact Pastor Helen at 668-2288. Sonja or drop it off at the Church.

 Wednesday, September 1st 6:00pm—Church-wide Potluck
with Fellowship
 Wednesday, September 8th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal &
Activities
 Sunday, September 12th – 3rd Graders receive Bibles during
the 8:30am or 10:30am Worship Services
 Sunday, September 12th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning
Club
 Wednesday, September 15th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal &
Activities
 Friday, September 17th 6:00pm-Saturday, September 18th
10:30am—3rd-6th Grade Bible Lock-in * This will be a
wonderful night where kids can fellowship with each other as
they become more comfortable with their Bibles. The activities
will all be at the church and the kids will be safely “Locked-In.”
 Sunday, September 19th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning
Club
 Wednesday, September 22nd 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal &
Activities
 Sunday, September 26th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning
Club
 Wednesday, September 29th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal &
Activities
PO Box 559, Williamsburg IA 52361
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The ANCHOR,
Periodical Postage Paid at Williamsburg, IA
Methodist Church, 803 Clearview Drive, Williamsburg IA 52361
The ANCHOR (USPS 100-090) is published monthly by St. Paul’s United
SPUMY
NEWS
 Wednesday, September 1st 6:00pm—Potluck with Fellowship
 Wednesday, September 8th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal & SPUMY
* Confirmation for our 7th & 8th Graders will be led by Pastor Helen
and Jeremy Loria. Senior High for our 9th-12th Graders will meet in the
SPUMY room and will be led by Christy Axmear and Jason Kersten.
 Sunday, September 12th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club 7th-
12th Graders will be meeting in the SPUMY room and will be led by
Chris & Melanie Ahrens.
 Wednesday, September 15th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal & SPUMY
Sunday, September 19th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
 Wednesday, September 22nd 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal & SPUMY
 Friday, Sept. 24th 4:00pm-Saturday, Sept. 25th 4:00pm—
Confirmation Retreat at Pictured Rocks Camp and Retreat Center * This
will be a fantastic time of Confirmation sessions, group building activi-
ties, campfire worship and more. $30 includes lodging, Saturday break-
fast and lunch, and outdoor activities. $30 to Pastor Helen by Wednes-
day, September 8th to sign up your child for this awesome overnight.
 Sunday, September 26th 9:30-10:20am—Sunday Morning Club
 Wednesday, September 29th 5:45-7:21pm—611 Meal & SPUMY
 Sunday, October 3rd 3:30-5:00pm—Mother/Daughter Spa Party
* Moms and pre-teen/teen daughters are invited to come to the church
for an afternoon of relaxing foot and hand treatments, facials, and more.
This event will be led by BeautiControl consultant, Eden Gaul. Please
come to just enjoy the spa treatment, but if you choose to buy products,
10% will go towards SGU and Elementary camp funds for 2011. Please
rsvp to Pastor Helen at 668-2288 or revhrp@iowatelecom.net by
Wednesday, September 29th.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Williamsburg, IA