September 4, 2020
Re-Entry Plans
The Re-Entry Team will be meeting later in September to determine if we can begin meeting on-site for worship beginning in October. Their task is to help us to discern the timing as we weigh the information we have concerning cases of Covid-19 in the Johnson County area. If we are able to begin, the format will continue with only one service at 10:00 AM. This service will be limited to 100 people, including the worship team. We will continue our live-streaming of worship. Live-stream is here to stay! There will not be any children or youth classes on Sunday mornings, nor a coffee bar at this time. We will send out the protocols as the time draws nearer.
Associate’s corner
Our church has been around for over 120 years. Being part of the Corridor community is interwoven into our DNA. As such, we feel a part of and invested in things that happen around us. When the derecho storm hit suddenly and without warning a few weeks ago, our community was shaken. Within our congregation, many struggled. But the damage of the derecho extended farther than our neighborhoods, up into Hiawatha and across our great state.
One of the strongest features of the United Methodist Church (and our congregation in particular) that has always drawn people in to our church has been the constant presence and focus on outreach in the community. There has been an attitude that once church is over, we move out into the community beyond our church walls—taking the presence of the church out into the community to whatever needs arise.
This mindset has never been more apparent than the past few weeks surrounding the sudden derecho storm. In the midst of our own cleanup, over 75 members from our church have donated their time, energy, and resources to aid in disaster relief in the corridor area following the storm. Over the course of six days, people from our church helped with clean—up at six different homes, distributed food for HACAP to over 1,000 families, and partnered with a resource center in downtown Cedar Rapids to make sure low—income families were cared for. Because of you, hope, healing, and health has begun to rebuild here in our community. This is what the church is all about. In the midst of all that has changed in 2020, the church hasn’t. The spirit is moving—can you feel it?
A place at the table
Come and feast! When we break bread together, whether at the family dinner table or at the Lord’s Table, we share in fellowship and love with God and with one another. Over these four weeks we move from setting the table to inviting guests, blessing the meal and extending the table. This series focuses on Holy Communion and the biblical theme of shared meals.
Sept. 6 Setting the Table John 14: 2 Place settings
Sept. 13 Invitation to the Table Luke 14: 15 Youth and children masks
Sept. 20 Blessing the Table Joel 2: 28 Pantry items
Sept. 27 Extending the Table John 17: 21 Communion for you and others
Each week all of us will have an opportunity to continue to be the church. After worship, with the help from folks on the Decorating Team, we will set our table out under the portico at the main entrance. Each week households will be invited to bring something to help further God’s present kingdom. For instance, on Sunday, September 6th, we are asking to bring dinnerware for our friends at the Inside Out Re-Entry Community. Bring place settings which would serve 2— 4 people. New or gently used matching items might include plates, silverware and cups. Our friends in the program often times do not have the initial items to set up an apartment. Let’s work to help them set A Place at the Table. The following weeks we will be collecting the items you see listed.
After each service in September, drive through the church parking lot and change a life. We will be going on Facebook live so we can share in community with one another! Let’s be the church!
July 15, 2020
Due to the increased risk of exposure from the rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in the area and the weather prediction of extreme heat. We have decided to cancel the outdoor church service on July 19th.
July 9, 2020
Virtual Vacation Bible School is here!
Thanks for joining us for what is sure to be a fun, faith-filled adventure! We are so glad you have decided to participate in our first-ever virtual VBS! At Rocky Railway, kids explore Jesus’ power in them and how we can trust Jesus—not our own strength—to pull us through life’s challenges. COVID-19 has come through our lives like a freight train and derailed countless plans, routines, and expectations. This summer, more than ever, the Bible points for Rocky Railway are so relevant. We all need to trust Jesus’ power to pull us through these unprecedented times.
Click HERE for more VBS information and links.
A pastoral letter was released on June 8, 2020 with current updates on the status of the church and it’s ministries for Summer 2020. Please click here to view the letter.
WORSHIP ONLINE WITH US. Beginning March 22 join us online for worship! At this time we will hold one service at 10:00 AM. We invite you to stay at home! Here is the link: www.facebook.com/108329567465372/videos/
Each worship will be a full service, conducted by a team of 6-8. There will be opportunities to sing, pray, listen and serve. If you have children, invite them to participate as well.
So grab your cup of coffee, your Bible and expect to find God’s presence with us this week. God’s church is alive, well and re-imagined!
Head on over to our COVID-19 UPDATES tab to find more information on all of our ministries online offerings.
TRADITIONAL PLAN DECISION
This is The Position Statement that was passed by church vote on January 26th, 2020.
” North Liberty First United Methodist Church is a gathering of individuals from a diverse and evolving community with varied backgrounds and lifestyles. We recognize the abundance of God’s amazing grace and that all of us have unique gifts and relationships with God. We believe and affirm that all human beings are individuals of sacred worth, created equally in God’s image. We strive to recognize God in everyone. Therefore, we welcome everyone to be fully included in the life of our church.
Our faith calls us to support all who seek the blessings Christ makes available. It is why we, the members of North Liberty First United Methodist Church, reject the 2019 United Methodist Church General Conference decision to adopt the doctrine known as the Traditional Plan. It is why we affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning persons, including those choosing to marry before God, choosing to preside over the weddings, serving as United Methodist clergy or serving in church leadership.
Our faith calls us to be driven by compassion, mercy and the love of Christ. We are the hands and feet of Christ, serving each other and letting our actions speak loud and clear in North Liberty, in God’s church and in God’s world. We support each other in our journey of faith and encourage one another to reach beyond our comfort zones to follow and invite others to follow Jesus Christ.
All are welcome in our church.
Our Mission Statement: To follow and invite others to follow Jesus Christ.”
Upcoming Important Dates :
May 2020, Scavenger Hunt Challenge Winners!! Thank you to all teams who participated in spreading God’s love !
Save The Date!
