Newsletter of Archer United Methodist Church August 2019- Volume 8

ASPECTS OF 2019 MINISTRY THAT WILL WORK WELL FOR UCP/AUMC?

We desire the biblical vision of human society as God meant it to be, and realized that evil
is not only personal but also profoundly social-Bob Linthicum
We will be “undertaking shared ministries with churches and mission agencies in community
organizing, economic development, youth outreach and cross-cultural evangelism, besides
working to build up the interior life of the churches and agencies through discipleship train-
ing, spiritual formation and fundraising.”
As a pastor I keep in place a strong support network of my family, colleague ministers in
South O’ Brien County; Sheldon and Spencer Pastoral Associations.
I also consult with colleague United Methodist Church ministers in North Western Iowa espe-
cially Arnold’s Park, Lake Park, Le Mars, Sheldon and Hartley.
The aspects of AUMC/UCP ministry that need attention are: How God’s people are to join in
the struggle between the system’s highest calling and its most destructive tendencies by
working for the Shalom of our city (Archer and Primghar), as well as the nation (The United
States of America) and the world.
I need to emphasize how that whereas prayer, presence, proclamation, and the practices of
social services, advocacy and community development are essential and strategic elements of
the church’s ministry in today’s society, they are not sufficient. As Christian ministers we are
called to act like Jesus Christ in whatever situation we find ourselves. Thus, as salt and light,
I am either bringing something good to my community (Archer/Primghar) in order to pre-
serve it, or I am shining in the corner where I am. [Transforming Power]
Like Nehemiah, I need to empower our community, because that is the community into
which the Lord has called me, and sent me and needed me there. The social analysis through-
out scripture tells me that whatever my class, race, or background, I am radically influenced
by the values and practices of the economic, political and religious systems of my country.
Any of the values-forming systems of any nation- not simply the church and religion but also
the public and private educational systems, the world of entertainment, the media, communi-
cations and information-provision systems (newspapers, television news, radio, internet and
so on), the world of advertising, the business world, the sports world- can use their power to
provide information to control the thinking of entire generations of that nation and even of
the world. And once their ideas become successful in controlling the thinking of people, then
these systems can create a culture of dominance in which they shape the way an entire people
think and what they value. Thus, a culture of dominance can emerge and replace a relational
culture.
By God’s grace, in 2019 I will be growing in evangelism, teaching and pastoral gifts. I be-
lieve my strengths lie in my sense of adventure and willingness to go where the Lord leads
me. I preach only what I know fully, I don’t exaggerate the truth. I strongly believe in the
uniqueness of all people and seek to find their redeeming qualities. Integrity and excellence
in ministry will be our hallmark.
Continued on page 2
 I never fail to recognize my limitations, so I am glad when somebody provides a
critical analysis of my attitudes and gives suggestions. I take time to nurture my
soul by observing a time alone with God daily for about thirty minutes at noon. I
also participate in regular exercise by going to the fitness center as well as walking
short distances. I have plans to continue my education in pastoral counselling at the
St. Luke Hospital. I am trying to identify matured, gifted and sensitive persons
within the Primghar and Archer community churches to share the burden of coun-
selling. Therefore, I have the ability to further unveil God’s kingdom in this world
by my commitment to live in a way that celebrates the “authentic life.” Living as a
member of a community who dedicates himself to the above-mentioned criteria,
gives others the opportunity to see firsthand the joy such a lifestyle brings. In this
way, my life itself is a witness to the Gospel and evangelism for the benefits that it
brings to our lives. However, I am wary of “practicing my piety before others in
order to be seen by them (Mt. 6:1)”. Instead of committing myself to personal holi-
ness in order to draw attention to myself, I believe I can best serve God by quietly
practicing personal holiness. A window works best when it is clean. And when it is
clean, it might not be noticed at all. Instead, it draws attention to what is outside it,
or what shines through it. As we grow in grace and come closer to the redemptive
heart of Christ, the Spirit will flow out of our hearts, as Christ proclaims in John 7:
37-38: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me
drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of liv-
ing water.’” The River of Life has the potential to refresh, inspire, and create. By
living and loving holistically and joyfully, we give our lives to this purpose.
The UMC Book of Discipline states that, “we proclaim no personal gospel that
fails to express itself in relevant social concerns; we proclaim no social gospel that
does not include the personal transformation of sinners.”[BOD 11] The social wit-
ness that we perceive to be the goal of the AUMC/UCP church begins in the hearts
and lives of its believers. The honesty of “faithful living” is the most compelling
form of evangelism. Though Christ is with every person, regardless of their good
or bad choices in life, I believe Christ leads us toward a richer life in the ways out-
lined in this question. The Biblical witness shows that God builds a relationship
with us through covenants. When we live in a way that celebrates trust, honesty,
integrity, and maturity, these values are multiplied in our culture, John Wesley’s

AUGUST
GREETERS LITURGISTS FELLOWSHIP
4th Roxann Baker Linda Porter Barry and Linda Nieuwenhuis
11th: Sean Lane Suki Roed Keith and Kathy Landhuis
18th: Steve and Ashli Landhuis Jane Schwartz
25th: Nancy McDowell & Sean Lane Jim and Pam Thorton
Brian Schussler

If you are aware of someone in need of a pastoral call, please inform Pastor Derrick on his cell phone
605-691-6020. He would rather hear from multiple sources than from no one at all. In these times of
privacy rights, hospitals and nursing homes may not divulge information relating to a resident or pa-
tient, so it is very important that members and/or their families let the Pastor know of all needs for
pastoral care.
AUGUST USHERS
Leo Kuiper, Randy & Linda Porter
 SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2 3
6:30 pm
LoveINC
Pastor -
ECI/SPA

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9:00 am UCP 6:30 pm
Worship— 9:30 Pastor— 7:00 pm Archer LoveINC
Communion UCP Wom- Nursing UMC Pie & Ice
10:30 Archer Cream Social
en’s Home Visits for Missions Pastor -
UMC Wor- Bible Study Sheldon Ar-
ship— ea
Communion
Ministerial
Bible Study Association
UCP
5:15
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9:00 am UCP 9:30 No LoveINC
Worship UCP Wom- Pastor—
10:30 am Arch- en’s Nursing Pastor
er UMC Wor- Bible Study Home Visits —NW Iowa
ship UMC
Bible Study Pastors Mtg.
UCP
5:15
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9:00 am UCP 9:30 6:30 pm
Worship UCP Wom- Pastor— LoveINC
10:30 am Arch- en’s Nursing SOS
er Bible Study Home Visits Pastor - First Day of
UMC / Re- SOBrien School
formed Bible Study Min. Assoc.
Joint Service
VBS Program
UCP
& Meal 5:15

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9:00 UCP
Worship 9:30 Pastor— 6:30 pm 9:00
10:30 Archer- UCP Wom- Nursing LoveINC Newsletter
UMC Worship en’s Home Visits Assembly
Bible Study
2nd Annual
Church Fami- Bible Study
ly / UCP
Block Party 5:15
3:00 PM