"Contact" the Havelock Christian Church Newsletter July / August 2005 Summertime Brings Fun and Fellowship Community Carnival Planned for Saturday, July 23. The HCC Second Annual Community Carnival will take place at 66th and Colfax from 2 - 6 pm, July 23rd! This promises to be a big event, featuring: Train rides Moon walk Balloon darts Bake sale Pictures with a Clown Sidewalk drawings Duck Pond Bow and Arrow target Marshmallow game There will be good eating as well - with Brats, Chips, Cool Drinks...the Works! Come to welcome folks from the neighborhood, come to enjoy the youngsters, come to help, come to savor the food, come to have fun! Take me out to the Ball Game! To get us warmed up and in the mood for the carnival, the youth and the Friendship Bridge committee have invited all of us to join in a great afternoon and evening of fun on Sunday, July 17. The Lincoln Salt Dogs are sponsoring a Faith and Family Music Concert before and after the baseball game. The concert features the a capella group known as "No Better Cause." The pre-game concert begins at 4 pm, and the game at 5 pm. A nine-inning game usually lasts between 2 * and 3 hours. A post-game concert is also planned. General admission seating for the grass berm in the outfield area (bring blankets or lawn chairs) is $5 per person. (Group rates for 25 or more are $4). Other seating options range from $7 to $10 per person. We hope to have a large group from HCC to sit together and wear our centennial t-shirts. A sign-up sheet to indicate your interest in this event will be available on July 3, 10, and 17th, or call Roger Hammons at 475-6558. Car pooling can be arranged if there is interest. ...We all scream for Ice Cream Circle Sunday, August 14th on your calendars, and get ready for home-made ice cream, banana splits, and other yummy desserts. The HCC family gathers at 5 pm for the Annual Ice Cream Extravaganza, one of our favorite events. Invite your friends and neighbors and come place your order. Max's Musings Why do we build bridges? Really, what lies behind the desire to create these structures? The financial resources that are committed, the lives that are lost, the problems that are presented and overcome are all huge stumbling blocks. Yet, we build bridges. Up in Niobrara a bridge was built. At first, people would take a boat across the river, making the trip each way every day. Then there was a ferry, sort of a portable, moving bridge. When the idea for a bridge was first raised, the good people at Yankton were against it. A famous news anchor who grew up in Yankton even did a network show against it. Today the Chief Standing Bear bridge spans the Missouri River in grace and style, saving many a 70-mile trip to reach the other side. There are other examples, too. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is a beautiful example. Built 75 years ago, it still is a top tourist site. It has stood against 100-mile-an-hour winds, strong ocean currents, and foggy weather conditions that hide it from view. Then there's the newest and biggest traffic bridge, the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan. Opened in 1998, it has a main span of 6,532 feet (four times the length of the Brooklyn Bridge), the towers rise 928 feet above the water, and there is enough cable to circle the globe 7.5 times. And still, we are not satisfied. Dreams have given birth to plans for an intercontinental bridge across the Straight of Gibraltar.Europe to Africa by bridge. The bridge would stand 3,000 feet tall and span 7 miles of ocean. Well, back to my question, why? I like to think that bridge building is humanity's sub-conscious desire to bridge the gap between itself and the divine. There is this thought that we have done something wrong and as a result we are on one shore and God is on the other. Down through history people have thought that by working hard at good deeds, praying to idols of wood or stone, by offering sacrifices or burning incense and offering prayers that a bridge from our humanity to an ineffable and holy God could be built. Paul, uses an archery image to state our feelings that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). What we often miss is one small, but all important, detail. God acted. Across the raging waters of our failures, our weaknesses and our acts of disobedience a bridge was laid. We didn't design this bridge. We didn't finance it. We didn't build it. Jesus is our link. Jesus is our bridge. Yet, we don't trust the bridge. It's too simple. So we add to the bridge all kinds of human adorn- ments, rules and theologies made by human hands. What we need today is that bridge supported by faith. Paul tells of just such a bridge. He begins, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God... (Romans 8:28). Faith enables the bridge to work because all things - not some things - will fit together. Paul continues, "What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31). We know that there is all kinds of stuff against us. Paul even lists several items in his letter. Even though the storms come, faith supports the bridge that God built and it still stands today. The bottom line is that God is for us and nothing can prevail against us! Finally, Paul tells us that this bridge, supported by faith, not only can, but does reach the other side. Paul writes, "Nothing will be ableto separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:39). When our faith leads us to the bridge that God built; when we, as in Mark 5:36, do not fear but only believe, then we become more than conquerors. So let us, in the words of Max Lucado, "Let go of our grip on the things of this world, and get a grip on grace." Like Indiana Jones in the "Last Crusade", let us in faith step out and onto a bridge that crosses the chasm. Love & Peace Max Scriptures & Titles July 3rd: 7th Sunday after Pentecost 4th of July weekend Guest Preacher - Rev. Giovana Arnold 10th: 8th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 "The Four R's" 17th: 9th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 "Willy Wonka's Weeds" 24th: 10th Sunday after Pentecost General Assembly Songfest - Roger Hammons leading 31st: 11th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 14:13-21 "Food Fight"   August 7th: 12th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 14:22-33 "Blue Ocean Strategy" 14th: 13th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 15:21-28 "Keep the Change" 21st: 14th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 16:13-20 "A God Who Chooses" 28th: 15th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 16:21-28 "Portrait on Wood"   Dates to Remember July Birthdays 10 - Beverly Helmkamp 14 - Cody Hefner 20 - Hope Bickford 22 - Donna Williams 25 - Clovis Boardman 27 - John Dale Julie Seier 28 - Maxine Gillespie Gail Hanneman 31 - Rhonda Nimmich August Birthdays 3 - Jim Cameron 5 - Isaac Skalak 8 - Rick Bickford 13 - Clay Buell Helen Tudor 14 - Al Hartley 15 - Doris Cerny 21 - Robert Bickford Garrett Hanneman 26 - Roger Hammons 28 - Jana Roth Ray Aunna Bickford July Anniversaries 6 - Pamela and Robert Wilson 14 - Judi and Mike Yost 28 - Julie and Bill Seier August Anniversaries 3 - Jill and Dan Skalak 9 - Virginia and Lester Woodrum 18 - Connie and Louis Racicky 19 - Wanda and Jim Cameron 31 - Deb and Joe Herman Prayer Focus July 3 - Lincoln Havelock Christian, Rev. Max Nelson 10 - Louisville First Christian, Pastor Cathy Stander 17 - Brownville Christian, Rev. Dr. Robert Chitwood 24 - Fairbury First Christian, Rev. Henry Vieth, Interim 31 - Humboldt Christian, Rev. Suzanne Swahn August 7 - Lincoln First Christian, Rev. Dr. Dennis Patience 14 - Kearney First Christian, Rev. Don Bryant 21 - Edgar Christian, Supply Pastor 28 - Elm Creek First Christian, Supply Pastor   Upcoming Events Regular Meetings July 5 - 7 pm - Friendship Bridge 11 - 7 pm - General Board 16 - 9 am - Builders Club August 1 - 7 pm - Friendship Bridge 3 - 7 pm - Elders 8 - 7 pm - General Board 31 - 7 pm - Elders Bethany Food Pantry needs crackers and macaroni & cheese - The Bethany Food Pantry, or the Northeast Area Emergency Food Pantry if you use the official name, was started in 1971 by Bethany Christian Church (BCC) member Jo Burkhart and has been housed by BCC since its beginning. It is one of 12 pantries in Lincoln and is associated with the Food Bank of Lincoln. Virginia Carter, a member of BCC, has been the coordinator since 1993. Each month, food is provided for about 30 families, with different families served each month. Emergency orders are also filled out of this pantry as needed. On average, the pantry uses 57 boxes of macaroni & cheese and 16 boxes of saltine crackers each month. That's about 700 boxes of mac & cheese and 200 boxes of saltines each year. Our food dedications take place the first Sunday of each month during our fellowship time. Needs for July are...macaroni & cheese and saltine crackers. July 17th Salt Dogs Adventure planned - Bring your lawn chair or blanket and join the HCC family for an outing on Sunday afternoon, July 17. The Faith and Family music concert begins at 4 pm, the ball game begins at about 5 pm. The price of admission is $5 for berm seats, but if we have a group of 25 or more, the rate will only be $4. Shake up your routine a bit ­ come enjoy a great evening out. It's time to invite the neighborhood ­ To be sure everyone knows about the Second Annual Havelock Christian Church Carnival, we'll be walking the neighborhood with flyers on Tuesday evening, beginning at 7:00. Here's another great time to wear your HCC anniversary t-shirts ­ let's make sure our neighbors know HCC is a warm and welcoming place in our community. Carnival begins at 2 pm on July 23rd!! Lots of excitement and fun are on tap at 66th and Colfax on Saturday, July 23rd. Lots of folks are needed to help with the various rides and activities. Cakes are needed for the bake sale. Clean, small stuffed animals are requested for prizes, and all our members and friends are needed to have a good time. Lawn chairs are a great idea ­ we're bound to have some nice shade and a cool drink. Come and join the fun for the Fabulous Second Annual HCC Carnival. Special Worship celebration on July 24 ­ Our 10:45 am worship service on July 24th will feature a celebration in song and story. For every month in 2005 in which there are five Sundays, one Sunday will be devoted to a song festival. Each song in the worship service will be chosen by the congregation. There will be both old and new hymnals available from which to select your favorite songs. During the July 24th service, we will invite people to share with the congregation a time when you saw God at work through the church at Havelock. It might have been a congregational response to a crisis or the act of caring by some individual, but it should be something that you witnessed personally, that moved you, or caused you to think, "This is the church as Christ intended it to be. This what Christ's church is about." By sharing stories and songs about God at work in and through the church, we will focus on how God works in our specific community of faith. We have something very precious at HCC. Each one of us has been touched in a special way by the people and ministries of HCC. That's why we come back time after time. We are a vital, alive congregation, and as we share our stories and songs, we will see that God is present with us. Zone Roadtrip planned for Saturday, Aug. 13 ­ A trip to visit the Holy Family Shrine at Gretna and then travel to Mahoney State Park for a cookout and swim is being planned as a Zone Youth Event, from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, Aug. 13. Youth will meet at the Crestwood Christian Church parking lot at 10 am. One adult is needed for every 5 youth; adult must be over 21. Permission forms are required. HCC youth ­ visit with Curt and Anna and/or Roger if interested in participating. Ice Cream Social planned for Sunday, August 14 ­ Skimp on lunch, save calories for a week, do whatever it takes to be able to enjoy the great Annual Ice Cream Social. We have the best homemade ice cream makers in the country right here at HCC, and they're all on tap to bring you the treat of the year. You can have your choice of several magnificent flavors, toppings of your choosing, and/or the ever-popular banana splits. This is a definite "Don't Miss." Mark the calendar, invite your friends and neighbors!   FYI Pastor Max and Cindy Nelson moving to Morrill, Nebraska - It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that the Board heard an announcement from Pastor Max at the June 13th Board meeting. Max distributed copies of the following letter: Church Board and Congregation Havelock Christian Church 6520 Colfax Ave. Lincoln, Nebraska After much prayer, discussion with my wife, and personal meditation, I hereby tender my resignation as minister effective September 30, 2005. Thank you for three wonderful years. I hope that you will have many fond memories of our time together. I will. I am confident that you have a bright future. You are seeking ways to minister to those of the community and the world in Christ's name and the Spirit is now among you. Your growth in discerning and following God's leading will bring to you many blessings. My hopes and prayers will be with you that you will continue to meet the challenges that lie ahead by trusting in God. Many of you are wondering why I am leaving. Morrill Public School has offered Cindy a position in their special education department. Her job will be to rebuild the program at the junior and senior high level. We have decided that she should accept that offer. May our Lord bless and guide you as you search for new ministerial leadership. Through God's love and the help of the Regional Office, you will find the right person to lead you. Love and Peace... Max We're of course delighted that Cindy has such an excellent opportunity, but it will certainly be a loss for Havelock Christian. The Board regretfully accepted Max's resignation. Our prayers of support will be with Cindy in her new position and with Max as heseeks a new opportunity in western Nebraska. Moderator Mike Yost is in the process of naming a search committee to begin work with the Regional Office in finding an interim minister to help us after Max leaves. Mike too will need our prayers and support as he and the committee seek to find the best possible leadership for Havelock Christian. Shorts from the Board Finances still tight. Piggy Bank receipts for May $13.89. Pentecost Offering $459. New hot water heater purchased - $730. Shut-in's served - John Charles went with Jean Holt; Jack and Minnie also made calls. Jim Donaldson's foot doing better. Max and Cindy hosted Elders for steak dinner. Guests included Dr. Ken Moore and Ed Varnum, visiting speaker for evangelism event. Pentecost reception well received; cupcakes and punch for Father's Day. Property committee purchased new weed eater; planted iris. Youth working on recycling project; traveled to Mahoney Park for outing. Church computer "crashed." Memorial funds of $650 were used to order a new CPU, keyboard, speakers, hard drive, screen, and mouse. Max will assemble. Old monitor sold for $30. Board accepted Max's resignation. Christmas in July?? The Christian Church in Nebraska (CCN) is experiencing a budget shortfall this year. With our recent change in how regional dollars are distributed, the Christmas offering has taken on a new significance for our local regions. Each of the special day offerings (Easter, Pentecost, Reconciliation, Thanksgiving and Christmas) goes to the support of specific ministries within the church. The Region, or CCN, is dependent on regular offerings given through the year by Nebraska churches (which are split 50/50 with other agencies), and 100% of Nebraska churches' Christmas offerings. The 2003 statewide Christmas offering totaled almost $20,000, for use during the 2004 year. For the 2004 offering, we're only at $13,194. The Budget and Finance Committee for the Region suggested that we collect a "Christmas in July" special offering, to see if we can supplement what was received at Christmas time. The Region has been such a help to HCC. Dr. Ken Moore has been a good friend and has provided a great deal of guidance and support for us over the years. Let's see if HCC can raise at least $200 for the Christmas in July offering. If each of our 52 churches in Nebraska could do that well, the Region would have an extra $10,400, to ensure that it can make it through the year. Programs the Region supports include: assisting with search and call for ministers, supporting churches and clergy with special needs, camping programs, youth work, International Affairs seminar, campus ministries throughout the state, educational programs, support for women's and men's work, and much more. Let's lend a helping hand. We'll be receiving the offering throughout July. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of the U.S. and Canada gathers in Portland for its biennial General Assembly from July 23 - July 27. Max and Cindy will be representing HCC at the Assembly and will bring back highlights and information concerning the business conducted. There is great excitement this year, as the Assembly votes on a new General Minister. The Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, 5 0, Senior Minister, Disciples Christian Church of Bartlesville, Okla., has been nominated for the post and will be voted on at the assembly. We want to be keeping our whole church in our thoughts and prayers, as well as Max and Cindy, as they travel and meet together. Regional Minister on Sabbatical - Ken and Susan Moore will be taking part in a spiritual retreat in Wisconsin, and Dr. Moore will be serving as a Disciple Chaplain at the Chautauqua Institute this summer during his one-month sabbatical. Dr. Howard Ratcliff, retired Regional Minister of the Ohio Region, will be serving as interim Regional Minister from June 13 - July 8. We pray for Ken and Susan's rest and refreshment during this much-deserved break, and we're grateful for Dr. Ratcliff's gift of service to the Region. Mike Yost has been working with Dr. Ratcliff in Ken Moore's absence. Planning session on June 26th anticipates second half events ­ We've already noted events planned for July and August. The Board has ideas laid out for the remainder of the year, including: Sept. 11 - Education Recognition Sunday Sept. 25 - Dessert Party Oct. 9 - CROP walk Oct. 15 - Craft Fair Oct. 16 - Every Member Commitment Kick-off covered dish dinner Oct. 23 - Trick or Treat for Northeast Pantry Oct. 29 - Adult Halloween Party Nov. 6 - Youth Sunday Nov. 20 - Congregational meeting - noon potluck Nov. 26 - Decorate church for Advent Nov. 27 - Hanging of Chrismons Dec. 3 - Senior Dinner - noon Dec. 11 - Caroling party Dec. 18 - Christmas program Dec. 24 - 9 pm Christmas Eve service Dec. 25 - Christmas Sunday - Fellowship at 10 am, followed by worship at 10:45.   In Our Church Family Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan and Jill Skalak and their family with the death of Dan's grandmother several weeks ago. We're praying for comfort for your family, Dan. We think of those who are shut-in at this time of year. We hope you're enjoying seeing a few fireworks from your windows, getting some yummy ice cream from time to time, and relishing the summer flowers. Jessie and Don, we understand Jean Holt recently brought you a world-famous Zesto treat recently. Howard, we hope you still enjoy a spin around the block from time to time when the breezes are cooler. Elaine and Keith, we hope the new room is giving you more room to stretch out and more time to enjoy together. Olive, we know the family is keeping you supplied with pictures and lots of news about the new little ones in the family. Nellie, Jim, and Eva, we send you our love. We ask special prayers of guidance and support for Max and Cindy Nelson as they prepare for their new venture. We hope they are enjoying their much deserved vacation. We're continuing to keep Cindy in our thoughts for health and healing. Doris Johnson and her husband Allan are both residents at Lancaster Manor. Doris is receiving hospice care. They certainly need our thoughts and prayers. Barbara Hammons has come through her surgery very well. We are ever so grateful that the tumor was benign, and we're hoping that Barb will feel much better, once she quits hurting from the surgery. Please keep Barbara and Roger in your prayers. Roger continues to await the donation of a kidney and do battle with a skin wound. Kayla Yost was in church on July 3rd following surgery on her foot. The stitches have been removed, and she says she's doing better. The wheel chair was helping provide mobility on Sunday. We hope the healing continues, kiddo. Take care. Sharon Jordal has now been on crutches so long, she says it no longer makes her sore through her neck and shoulders. That's a long time! The healing is ever so slow, but still happening. We're keeping you in our prayers, Sharon. Les Woodrum is recovering from the after effects of a fall. Les, we hope your healing continues as well. And Kudos go to . . . All who contributed to the Annual Talent Show on June 12. Again, it was a great time for the church family; Roger Hammons, Nicki Booe, Dan Herman, and Jean Dale for help with the Vacation Bible School at BCC. The 2005 VBS was a huge success. Deb Herman for preparing the church for the Lifeline folks to use. Mike and Judi Yost for hosting the Planning Session of the Board. Virginia Woodrum for the great 4th of July cupcakes and other goodies for fellowship time. Elva Schuster, who treated us to her world-famous cookies again recently. In Closing GOD HAS GIVEN ME ANOTHER DAY ~ to hear the wonders He has spoken to see the beauty of His face..... To enjoy the pleasure of His company to walk the pathways of His grace..... To know the delight of His presence,.... To fulfill the desires of His Heart..... To discover the treasures of His Love.... ~ WHAT A DAY THIS WILL BE! ~ -- Roy Lessin Newsletter Archive Calendar, July 2005 3 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship Communion to Shut-ins 4 - Independence Day 5 - Tuesday 7 - Friendship Bridge Committee 10 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship Shut-in Communion Christmas in July 11 - Monday 7 pm - Board Meeting 16 - Saturday 9 am - Builders Club 17 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship 4 - Salt Dogs Game, All ages 19 - Tuesday 7 pm - Hand out flyers for Carnival 20 - Wednesday Max and Cindy leave for General Assembly in Portland, Oregon 23 - Saturday 2 - 6 pm - HCC Second Annual Carnival General Assembly 24 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Songfest Worship General Assembly 25 - Monday Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Assembly 26 - Tuesday General Assembly 27 - Wednesday General Assembly 31 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Songfest Worship Serving During July: Elders: Presiding - Jean Dale Serving Shut-in Communion - Dori Yost, Roger Hammons Members of the Diaconate: Preparing - Anna Peacock Serving - Jerry Cunning, Ardelle Boardman, Sharon Jordal, Kayla Yost Shut-in Communion - Ron Uarich, Dan Herman, Hope Bickford Lay Leaders: Dori Yost, Gene Seibert Greeters: Les and Virginia Woodrum Calendar, August 2005   1 - Monday 7 pm - Friendship Bridge Committee 3 - Wednesday 7 pm - Elders Meeting 7 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Songfest Worship 8 - Monday 7 pm - General Board Meeting 13 - Saturday 10 am - Crestwood CC parking lot - Zone Roadtrip to Mahoney Park 14 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Songfest Worship 5 - Annual Ice Cream Social 17 - Wednesday 7 pm - Board planning for Every-Member Commitment   Serving During August: Elders: Presiding - Jean Host Serving Shut-in Communion - Jack Rosecrans, Mike Yost Members of the Diaconate: Preparing - Patrick Peacock, Serving - Ron Uarich, Mike Staberg, Anna Peacock, Dan Herman, Hope Bickford Shut-in Communion - Clovis Boardman, Judi Yost, Jean Dana Lay Leader: Ron Uarich Greeters: Mike and Judy Yost Calendar, September 2005 4 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship 7 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Year Begins 10 - Saturday 10:30 am - Raleigh Bell interment - Lincoln Memorial Park 11 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship Education Recognition 7 pm - CYF 12 - Monday 7 pm - General Board Meeting 14 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Practice 7 pm - Blackwood Brothers, Unadilla 15 - Thursday 7 pm - Blackwood Brothers, Weeping Water 18 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship 2-4 - Kenneth Moore reception 20 - Tuesday 7 pm - Friendship Bridge 21 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Practice 25 - Sunday 9:15 - Sunday School 10:15 - Fellowship Coffee 10:45 - Worship Lunch - Max Nelson's 26 - Monday 7 pm - Elders meeting 28 - Wednesday 7 pm - Choir Practice 8 pm - Budget Committee Communion to Shut-ins Serving During September Elders Diaconate - Preparing - Ardelle Boardman Presiding - Roger Hammons Serving- Mary Bickford, Clovis Boardman/Judi Yost Shut-in Communion. - Jean Dale, Jean Dana, Patrick Peacock, Dori Yost Shut-in's - Jerry Cunning, Sharon Jordal Greeter: John Dale Lay Leader: Ron Uarich Reconciliation Offering: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2 - Please give generously. Editor - Jean Dale Copying and Mailing - Anna and Curt Peacock Mailing Labels - John Dale

Disciples of Christ   Visitors Welcome Home Maps Calendar Teens "Contact" Newsletter "Contact" Newsletter Archive Recipes Photographs About the Congregation   Regional Ministry General Ministry