2

DECEMBER

CHAPEL
CHIMES
growing in faith...sharing Gods love
KEEFERS KORNER

So, Im wondering what to write this year as a Thanksgiving reminder,

an Advent encouragement, and a recollection of the year past, with
encouragement and hope for a New Year. The challenge is to offer
positive thoughts in the midst of a world in turmoil and terrorism. The
word contentment came to mind and I wondered if it is possible to
attain such a state of mind. I dont know if this happens for you, but at
times I just wonder what it will take for the world to get a grip on itself
and people will care for others with as much care and compassion as
they care for themselves and their ideologies. Sounds frustrating,
doesnt it? Well, it has been such a week for me, and then this
happened as we were doing some shopping.
The store was in the holiday spirit with seasonal decorations and lots
of clever gift ideas. As my wife was giving serious thought to shopping
and gifts for the family, I was wandering through the knick-knacks. There
was this little wooden piece, suitable for collecting dust on a shelf, with a
whimsical message etched onto it Today, I will be jolly. My gloominess
took a sudden turn. My thoughts returned to that idea of contentment.
Perhaps I look too far beyond what is in my own control, and then fret
over the way things are, rather than the way things should be.
You see, sometimes my thoughts are much like Davids thoughts in
Psalm 12, Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, or Psalm 13,
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? No, we wont be
forgotten. And David knew that as well. As I was reviewing other
scriptures for Thanksgiving, Psalm 116:17 gave me these words To
You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of
the Lord. I took comfort in that, but more so, just across the page was
this verse I had highlighted in Psalm 118:8. It is better to take refuge in
the Lord, than to trust in people. It was highlighted because I had
written in the border, center verse of the Bible. Too often, when I might
be exhibiting frustration with the worlds situation, or even my own
personal dilemmas, I forget where the center of my attention should be
focused. Our world, whether far or near, may be in turmoil, but as
Christians our focus should be centered on God.
We know, from the book of Job, that the evil one, the Adversary, will
do all in his power to discourage us and diminish our faith. But if we are
paying attention, we might find messages from the Lord that remind us
He is in control. I need to do the best I can with the situation I am in and
trust in Him to carry me through. The English theologian, G. K.
Chesterton wrote, True contentment is the power of getting out of any
situation all that is in it.
There is no doubt that contentment can be a daily struggle. However,
it is something that can be learned through cultivating our relationship
with Christ. In all things give thanks. Seek the Lord, and He will find
you, even in a small block of wood that suggests that, for today, I will be
jolly. Happy Thanksgiving. I will see you in worship. Pastor Mark

ays &
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Decem iversaries
Ann
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31

Denise & Matt Kemp

Phillip Collins
Angel Schewe
Cheryl Wiese
Caitlin Appelgate
Jena Benoit
Judy Svendsen
Barb Plaehn
Dain McBride
Devan Mann
Marvalyn Kelly
Gwenyth Margaret
Schaffer
Crystal Anderson
Michael Kloster
Kendall Collins
Ben Krull
Nicole Svendsen
Rodney & Tracy
Ormston
Mark Groth
Rebekah Svendsen
Elise Kloster
Jordan Hellie
Brook Rosacker
Leon Lamer
Matt DeSchamp
Siera Richter
Cindy Krull
Charles & Amilliah
Kenya
Carolyn (Fleming)
Kloster
Jacob Svendsen
Jaret Lynch
Saralyn Beane

Cha
pel N ew s
_
Four youth organizations meet in the basement of Chapel Church each
month:
1. Girl Scouts, Michelle Vaverka; 319-239-3669 (2nd Thurs 3:30-5:30)
2. Marshall County Mounties 4-H, Gina Fisher; 641-485-7866 (2nd Sat. at 9
am)
3. Garwin Roughriders 4-H, Ann Jackson, 641-750-0472
4. Cub Scouts, Kim Cox; 641-751-6801 (2nd & 4th Mondays, 6 pm)
__________________________________________________________________________
Sunday School Elections
Elections were held November 8 for Sunday School leadership positions.
Congratulations to Vaugn Kloster, Randy Beichley, Lynn Handorf, Dan Beane
and alternate, Mike Vint, who were elected to share the superintendent position
for 2016. Secretaries will be Shirley Svendsen, Karen Handorf, LeAnn Fleming,
and Carol Lamer, and the treasurer will be Rick Bessman again.
Congratulations!
__________________________________________________________
Annual Lords Acre Sale
The Iowa River Church of the Brethren invites you on Saturday, December 5, to
their bazaar at 9 am and their chicken noodle dinner from 11-1. There will also
be many baked goods and crafts as well as chicken noodles by the quart.
__________________________________________________________
2016 Calendar
Please refer to either the bulletin board or glass wall by the secretarys desk for
your 2016 assignments, including head ushers, acolytes, music/flowers,
nursery, childrens sermon, musicians, and other dates. Make sure you sign up
to reserve the church for any special dates on the 2016 calendar hanging left of
the bulletin board, and then contact Amy Niedermann to verify the date.

__________________________________________________________
Ice Cream Social
We need 2-4 more people on the Ice Cream Social committee. Please contact
Ann Jackson or Kristen Rhodes if you are interested in helping this year. If more
do not want to help plan, we may need to evaluate having this fun event.
Thanks for considering this fun opportunity!

__________________________________________________________
House of Compassion Families
Please contact Ross Iverson if you would like to sponsor an entire familys gifts
for Christmas.
_______________________________________________________________
Chairs for 2016
Committees, please elect your chairperson and then tell Amy Niedermann
ASAP. Thank you.
_______________________________________________________________

Baptism of Knox Raymond - Pastor Mark had the pleasure of baptizing Knox
Raymond on November 15, 2015. With Knox are his parents, Wade and Stacy
Raymond.

De

Cale
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ndar

Tues/Dec 1: 4 pm, Cheri Richter,

Wedding Workshop
Thurs/Dec 3: 1:30 pm, UMW;
Program Susan Beichley, Lois Groth,
Myrene Appelgate; Social Action Report
Carolyn Kloster; Hostesses Sue Koster,
Janice Collins; 7 pm Cantata practice, Garwin
UMC
Sat/Dec 5: 12-5 pm, Tina Mann
Fellowship Hall reserved
Sun/Dec 6: 9:30 Advent Study in
Fellowship Hall, children Christmas program
practice in sanctuary; 10:30 worship~2nd
Sunday in Advent, Chris Bland family light
candles; deadline for putting gently used gifts in
narthex for Kids Shopping Day; 2:30 pm AllChurch Christmas Caroling, then Zenos
Mon/Dec 7: 6 pm, Cub Scouts
Wed/Dec 9: 6:30-7:30 pm,Confirmation:
LCA, at the Binford House in Marshalltown.
This will be a luncheon meeting at 12:30 pm.
The cost is $15 per person. We are
encouraged to invite a guest; 7 pm Cantata
practice Garwin UMC
Sat/Dec 12: 9:30-12:30 Girl Scouts; 9
am, Marshall County Mounties meet in
Fellowship Hall; Kids Shopping Day at Gbrook
Peace Church; 11 am Lions Soup Day, Gbrook
Memorial Bldg; 5:45 pm all meet at FBC for
Walk Through Bethlehem & eat at Pizza
Ranch; Garwin Roughriders 4-H party.
Sun/Dec 13: 9:30 am Advent
Study in Fellowship Hall, children Christmas
program practice during Childrens
Church~Betula & Denjinia Zeller, treats; 10:30
am Worship service~3rd Sunday in Advent,
Dale Langenbau family light Advent candles;
Childrens Memorial Sunday (praise team
leader); 10:50 am-cantata with Garwin &
Chapel singers (LeAnn Fleming & Kathryn Burt,
bars & drink for singers); Angel Tree deadline
(Karen Handorf); Caroling in Garwin 5 pm; Live
Nativity 6 pm; & Soup 6:30 pm at Garwin
Christian (Bars Cindy O, Kathryn B, Lois G;
crackers Janice C)
Fri/Dec 18: Newsletter items due
Sat/Dec 19: 9 am, Christmas program
dress rehearsal All come ages 3-grade 12!
Sun/Dec 20: 9:30 am Advent Study in
Fellowship Hall; childrens Christmas program
practice during church; 10:30 am Worship
service~4th Sunday in Advent, Bill Backoff
Family light Advent candles, noisy offering; after
church, confirmation; 6 pm, Christmas
childrens program apple/candybar distribution
Rick Bessman) & gift unwrapping (SS
Superintendents)
Mon/Dec 21: 6 pm Cub Scouts
Tues/Dec 24: 6 pm Candlelight Service
and communion, Pastor Mark in charge at
Chapel; Matt Jackson family light Advent
candles
Wed/Dec 25: Merry Christmas!
Sun/Dec 27: 9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am Worship service, Advent Study during
SS for all adults SS classes
Thurs/Dec 31: Siera & Matts wedding
in Ames

Cha pel N ew s
2015 Advent Candlelighting
Nov 29: Chuck & Dana Rosacker and family
Dec 6: Chris & Amy Bland and family
Dec 13: Dale & Heidi Langenbau and family
Dec 20: Bill & Tammy Backoff and family
Christmas Eve (Chapel at 6 pm): Matt & Ann Jackson and family
_______________________________________________________
Christmas Program Rehearsals
A big thank you to Ann Jackson and helper Heidi Langenbau for chairing the
childrens Christmas program this year. It will be Sunday, December 20, at
6:00 pm. Children, ages 3-grade 12 are invited to participate. Rehearsals
will be during Sunday School each Sunday from November 15-December 20
at 9:30 am. Dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 19 at 9:00 am.
Please let Ann or Heidi know if you are not able to participate. Thank you,
Ann (641-750-0472, matt.jackson07@gmail.com and Heidi (641-750-5063,
langenbauheidi@gmail.com)
_______________________________________________________
Poinsettia Orders
Poinsettia orders are due on November 29. If you would like to give a red
poinsettia in honor or memory of someone, complete a form in the bulletin or
newsletter and give to Lois Groth, 641-750-4005 or 641-499-2557 plus $10
(check to Chapel Flowers).

_______________________________________________________
Festival of Trees
Come join the fun in Gladbrook on Mon, Nov 23, from 5-7 pm. Activities
include viewing the many beautifully decorated trees on the second floor of
the City Centre, including Chapels own beautiful tree! Sue Koster will be
playing Christmas music. You will enjoy free hot dogs and hot drink, going
on a trolley ride, eating kettle corn, shopping in stores, and signing up for
many prizes Drawings at 7 pm.
_______________________________________________________
Christmas Cards
It has been a tradition at Chapel for each family to bring one Christmas card
and/or picture to church and display them on the windows between the
narthex and sanctuary. Everyone enjoys looking at the beautiful greetings.
_______________________________________________________
Advent Study
The Witness Committee has chosen the study book, SENT, for Advent. Its
purpose is to deliver the gift of hope at Christmas, and it was written by
Jorge Acevedo, pastor at a United Methodist church in southwest Florida.
Plans are to meet together in Fellowship Hall for a DVD presentation, study,
fellowship and refreshments. The first session will be November 29, and the
study will last for five weeks, including the Sunday after Christmas. Books
will be available soon. Everyone is welcome as we remember again Gods
great gift to us. Advent/Witness committee, *Kathryn Burt, Vaugn Kloster,
Matthew Burt, Lois Groth and LeAnn Fleming.

_______________________________________________________

63rd Anniversary Messiah

This years Messiah is Sunday, December 6, at First United Methodist
Church in Marshalltown at 7:00 pm. As in years past, Chad Mussig will
accompany on the organ.
_____________________________________________________________
Cantata
Enjoy the Garwin and Chapel singers as they perform a cantata during the
last half of our worship service on December 13.

Ahea
ooking

d...

Before Sun/Jan 10: Dehanging

of Greens

now??
k
u
o
y
Did
Pastor Mark presented a picture
entitled Laughing Jesus to Chapel in
appreciation of our kindnesses.
Pastor Dean & Marvalyn Kelly will
winter at 5130 Saddlebag Lake Rd,
Lake Wales, FL 33898.
All-Saints Sunday was
recognized November 1 with Vaugn
Kloster telling the history. Carolyn
Kloster lit a candle in memory of Sarah
Beane, who passed away April 22,
2015.
Please update the Christmas
caroling list on the bulletin board and
contact Darrel Burt.
Shirley Svendsen, Kathryn Burt
and Phyllis Mann hosted the
congregation for cake and ice cream
November 8 after the worship service.
All three enjoyed birthdays recently
that ended in 0... Thank you, ladies,
and we wish you many more birthdays.
Congratulations to Leon Lamer for
being re-elected to the Marshalltown
City Council for another four years.
All are invited to attend the
Prayer Fellowship at 8:30 am each
Sunday. Put your prayer concerns in
the locked box by the projector so that
Pastor Mark can pray for your needs.
Duane & Tina Mann and familys
new address is 1558 Prairie Ave,
Mtown, IA 50158.
Dan Beane received news that Leroy
& Linda Penner Thiessen are the
parents of their second child. Linda
was the translator for the visit of the
deaf girls a few years ago.
Congratulations to Angie Lookingbilll
for receiving Iowa State"s Alumni
Service Award recently.

Cha pel N ew s
Gladbrook Soup Day and Childrens Gifts
On Sat, Dec 12, the Gladbrook Lions invite you to their soup day starting at
11 am in the Memorial Building. Also, children, pre-K through sixth grade,
may shop for gifts to give their loved ones at the Peace Church that morning.
Please put any gently used, or new, gifts for all ages in the narthex Christmas
box by Sun, Dec 6. Thank you.
_____________________________________________________________
Here We Come A-Caroling

cern

Con
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i

Our C

Judy, Dale Langenbaus mother,

recuperating from hip replacement
surgery Oct 20; pray for oxygen
The all-church caroling will be Sunday, December 6. We will meet at Chapel level to stay normal
at 2:30 pm and then divide into two caroling groups. We will
Donald Mann, surgery for
end the night at Zenos Pizza. Committees include:
detached retina Nov. 3.
Darrel Burt: make & distribute list of caroling order and times; call ahead to Claire Handorf, shingles and
all those to whom we will carol. Please contact Darrel if you have
recuperating from cataract surgery.
suggestions of people who should be caroled to.
Max Handorf, recent
Karen Handorf & Cindy Ormston: boxed candies
appendectomy.
Carol Lamer: get song sheets
Sharon, Tammy Backoffs sister,
Kathryn Burt: reserve Zenos about 6 pm
_____________________________________________________________ takes care of their father in West
Des Moines; not an easy task
Christmas Outing December 12
First Baptist Church in Marshalltown is presenting Walk Thru Bethlehem this Picture and information about
Christmas season. Please sign up in the narthex if you would like to attend
Phillip Ormston on bulletin board.
Saturday, December 12. Meet at FBC at 5:45 pm. We will eat as a group at
Ronda Drahozal and family.
Pizza Ranch afterwards. If you have a conflict, alternative dates are
Larry & Sharon Somers, health
December 11, 13, 18, 19 and 20, starting at 6 pm. Groups of 8-10 will be
concerns.
guided through about every ten minutes. The free tour will last about 30
Janice Collins, PTL good report.
minutes. There are no reservations. FBCs worship team and others will
PTL that Marla Hlas and her team
provide music in the sanctuary while people wait to go through.
from John Deere were safe during
________________________________________________________
the Paris bombing. They were 1 1/2
Angel Tree/Food Boxes
We hope you will participate in the Angel Tree project. In the narthex please select an miles from the terrorist attacks.
angel with a childs name for whom to buy gifts. Put the gifts in a bag with the angel/
Our prayers with Amy, Chris &
childs name attached to the top. Also, please sign your name by the number on the
Presley Bland on the loss of Amys
table. Return gifts to the narthex by Sunday, December 13. Also, the Northwest
grandfather, Bill Shorty Lyle, 90,
Tama County Food Pantry, which serves Gladbrook, Garwin & Lincoln, work with the
Angel Tree project to provide a food box with the Angel gifts. They can purchase food Marshalltown
items at the rate of $1 for $10 worth of food. Please consider donating to the local
Food Pantry as you plan your Christmas donations. Mail donations to Shirley Delfs,
PO Box 45, Garwin, IA 50632.

_________________________________________________________
Live Nativity and Caroling
The GMG Christian Fellowship invites you to go caroling and view a live nativity on
Sunday, December 13. Meet at the Garwin bandstand at 5 pm for caroling, and then
enjoy the live nativity at 6 pm outside the Garwin Christian Church, weather
permitting. There will be a soup supper at 6:30 pm in the school cafeteria with a free
will donation. The Chapel Volunteers are helping with the supper for about 40 people
(bars, Cindy Ormston, Phyllis Mann, Lois Groth; crackers, Janice Collins).

_____________________________________________________________
Christmas Program on Sun, Dec. 20, 6:00 pm
Please join the junior and senior Sunday School students on Sunday, December 20th
at 6 pm, as they present this years Christmas program, Angels Among Us. The
program takes place at Hillside Church where everyone is busy this holiday season!
The Christmas program directors are busy with program, the set builders are busy
creating a manger, the UMW is busy baking cookies for each rehersal, and the
children are busy with rehearsals and memorizing lines. All of this busy-ness gets
turned upside down when two strangers start coming to the Christmas program
rehearsals for the free cookies. Who are they? What do they want from Hillside
Church? And could the people of Hillside Church possibly learn from these two
strangers?
After the program will be the traditional unwrapping of gifts and handing out apples
and candy bars from the Sunday School. We hope to see you December 20th at 6
pm!

dance
n
e
t
t
A
ip
Worsh
Oct 25: 74
Nov 1: 73
Nov 8: 70
Nov 15: 85
Nov 22: 90

Cha pel N ew s
Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve
Chapel will have a candlelight service and communion on Christmas Eve at 6 pm. Pastor Mark will lead the service
with the Nurturing committee helping where needed. The Matt Jackson family will lead the Advent candlelighting.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Operation Christmas Child
Thank you to all who donated items for Operation Christmas Child. Chapel collected about 20 shoeboxes full of
school supplies, toys, hygiene items, etc. The boxes will be mailed worldwide to children in desperate situations.
Operation Christmas Child will provide stories about Jesus in each box in the appropriate language. Also, a big
thank you to the UMW and other donors for paying much of the $7/box shipping fee.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Christmas Gifts
A Chapel cookbook would make a wonderful Christmas gift for someone who does not have one. Just give $15 to
Shirley Svendsen, Volunteer treasurer, and take one home.

____________________________________________________________________________________
Childrens Church Treats for 2016
Childrens Church meets in the Fellowship Hall during worship service the second Sunday of each month. Please
provide snacks and drinks for approximately 15 people. We have a child who is allergic to peanuts so please be
sure your snack does not contain peanuts. Please trade with another family or let any leader know if you are unable
to donate.
Jan. 10: Owen Collins & Cayden Slifer
Feb. 14: Carter Anderson & Matthew DeSchamp
Mar. 6: The Great Egg Hunt, leaders
Apr. 3 Kyan McBride
May 8: Betula & Dinjinia Zeller
(June, July & August: No Childrens Church)
September 11: Jacob Collins
October 9: Max & Lincoln Handorf
November 13: Jordan Rhodes
December 11: Violet Jackson
Thank you for your help! Childrens Church leaders, Ann Jackson, Bill & Tammy Backoff, Janice Collins, Janine
Anderson, Trisha Slifer
____________________________________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR SERVING AT CHAPEL IN 2016
Nursery Helpers for 2016
Because there has not been a need for nursery attendants lately, we are not making a schedule; however, there is a
list of possible attendants on the sign-in table in the narthex. Please ask an usher to ask one or two of them to be in
the nursery that day. Thank you.

____________________________________________________________________________________
M&M Teachers
Jan: Karen Handorf
Feb: Vaugn Kloster
Mar: Ron Groth
Apr: Ross Iverson
May: Dan Beane
June: Lynn Handorf
July: Mike Vint
Aug: Vaugn Kloster
Sept: Ross Iverson
Oct: Stan Koster
Nov: Ron Groth
Dec: Karen Handorf

Musicians for 2016

*Substitute: Kelly Newcomb
Jan: Susan Beichley & Kathryn Burt
Feb: Susan Beichley & Kathryn Burt
Mar: Susan Beichley & Kathryn Burt
Apr: Marcia Wiese & Sue Koster
May: Marcia Wiese & Sue Koster
June: Marcia Wiese & Sue Koster
July: Marcia Wiese & Sue Koster
Aug: Marcia Wiese & Sue Koster
Sept: Marcia Wiese & Sue Koster
Oct: Susan Beichley & Kathryn Burt
Nov: Susan Beichley & Kathryn Burt
Dec: Susan Beichley & Kathryn Burt

Sunday School Teacher Openings

Please consider volunteering to lead a Jr. SS class from Jan-May and sign up on the Fellowship Hall. Thank you,
Heidi
December
Sunday School Teachers (Advent Nov 29-Dec 20)
Jr SS + JH/HS will meet in sanctuary for Christmas program practice
M&M: Dan Beane
January:
Jr SS Opening: Carol Lamer
Preschool/K:
Grades 1-3: Kristen Rhodes & Rusty Brown
Grades 4-6: Carol Lamer
Jr/Sr High: Marla Hlas
M&M: Karen Handorf

February:
Jr SS Opening: Dee Burt
Preschool/K:
Grades 1-3: Dee Burt
Grades 4-6:
Jr/Sr High: Randy & Susan Beichley
M&M: Vaugn Kloster

March:
Jr SS Opening: Diana Collins
Preschool/K: Diana Collins
Grades 1-3: Barb Plaehn
Grades 4-6:
Jr/Sr High: Marla Hlas
M&M: Ron Groth

April:
Jr SS Opening: Ann Jackson
Preschool/K:
Grades 1-3: Ann Jackson
Grades 4-6:
Jr/Sr High: Tina Mann
M&M: Ross Iverson

May:
Jr SS Opening: Sue Koster
Preschool/k: Claire Handorf
Grades 1-3: Claire Handorf
Grades 4-6: Sue Koster
Jr/Sr High: Cathy Vint
M&M: Mike Vint

_______________________________________________________________________________________
MUSIC AND FLOWERS FOR 2016
(edited 9.21.15)
You are responsible for providing flowers and finding someone to provide special music on your designated
Sunday. You may use any silk flower arrangement in the small room off the sanctuary or bring your own
flowers. If the assigned date does not work for you, please trade with someone else. If your name is not
below and you would like to be on the list, please contact Amy Niedermann. Thank you very much!
Jan 3
Jan 10
Jan 17
Jan 24
Jan 31

Duane & Tina Mann

Larry & Janice Collins
Doug & Marla Hlas
Vaugn & Carolyn Kloster
Bill & Tammy Backoff

May 1
May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29

Lynn & Claire Handorf

Jim & LeAnn Fleming
Mark & Dotti Keefer
Kathryn Burt
NA/ Memorial Cemetery

Feb 7
Feb 14
Feb 21
Feb 28

Bill & Cindy Ormston

David & Tonya Collins
Darrel & Tammy Burt
Gayle & Cindy Krull

June 5
June 12
June 19
June 26

Ross & Beverly Iverson

Dain & Tonia McBride
Lori Somers
Mike & Cathy Vint

Mar 6
Mar 13
Mar 20
Mar 27

Dean & Michele Messerly

Trisha Slifer
Merlyn & Connie Appelgate
Randy & Susan Beichley

July 3
July 10
July 17
July 24
July 31

Chris & Amy Bland

Chuck & Dana Rosacker
NA/Visitation Sunday
Stan & Sue Koster
Donald & Phyllis Mann

Apr 3
Apr 10
Apr 17
Apr 24

Ron & Lois Groth

John & Pam Fleming
Lynn Beichley
Bob & Marcia Wiese

Aug 7
Aug 14
Aug 21
Aug 28

Karen Handorf
Mike & Barb Plaehn
Sean & Deanne Raymond
Dale & Heidi Langenbau

Sept 4
Sept 11
Sept 18
Sept 25

Kendall & Diana Collins

Tom Handorf
Amy Niedermann
Allen & Dee Burt

Oct 2
Oct 9
Oct 16
Oct 23
Oct 30

Nov 6
Nov 13
Nov 20
Nov 27

Nancy Peshel
Bill & Linda Havelka
Phil & Karen Collins
John & Pam Fleming

Dec 4
Dec 11
Dec 18
Dec 25

Connie Buchman
Matt & Ann Jackson
Dan Beane
Lee & Patti Cornwell
Leon & Carol Lamer
Shirley Svendsen
Jeff & Cimber Strayer
Barbara Burt
Doug & Linda Svendsen

Extras: Myrene Appelgate, Jason & Janine Anderson, Ryan & Crystal Anderson, Rick Bessman, Steve Bishop, Rusty
Brown & Kristen Rhodes, Don Carlon, Larry Catherwood, Matt & Steph DeSchamp, Pete Hoing, Wade & Stacy
Raymond, Lisa Stanley

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Dear 2016 Ushers,

You have the honor of being one of two ushers at Chapel for one month in 2015 (see below). Your job is very
important to make our service run smoothly and on time. Here are a few suggestions to help you:
1. 10:10
Be in narthex to start getting ready.
You are the official greeters - Greet guests/newcomers and make sure they are comfortable finding seats.
Pass out bulletins to those already seated. Then, stand at door to hand out bulletins to those entering sanctuary.
Also, give bulletins to those in overflow and those who enter sanctuary from overflow.
Adjust fans, if needed. There is an automatic thermometer so you should not need to adjust.
Ask two other people to stand at the side aisles to help gather the offering.
Make sure speaker system is turned on - Open left door below secretarys door. If red light is not on by left/north
wall, turn on switch (left of speaker system).
If last Sunday of month, encourage people to pick up their newsletters (or give newsletters to them)
2. 10:15 or before
Confirmands should light candles Jan-Easter, 2016, and after that, too, if they want. If they are not in the narthex by
10:20, ask any two youth. Help them put on white robes. Only light two main candles until Easter.
Help acolytes light their wicks (matches in secretarys desk or bring own) and send acolytes to front between
10:20-10:25 am. Light ALL candles on Easter and Christmas Sundays; then just the main two candles. You may
need to turn off fans when acolytes go down or wicks may go out. They should light candles before praise team
gathers at least by 10:28 so they have a place to walk.
Remind acolytes to return to narthex when last hymn starts.
3. During offering (will be right after special music)
*Count church attendance and write number on the wall calendar on the correct day. Include all children and
adults in one number. Two ushers go up middle, two others on each side of pews, pastor will give you offering plates,
turn around, collect offering, and stay at back until we start singing the doxology.
4. During last hymn
Make sure acolytes extinguish candles during last hymn.
5. After benediction
Turn off speaker system and fans.
If possible, throw away bulletins in hymn racks and put 2-3 hymnals & one Bible in each hymn rack.
6. Communion is the first Sunday of each month.
Ask pastor how he wants communion served that day. Remind pastor to announce everyone is welcome to
participate in communion. Usually Pastor Mark holds cubed bread and two people hold juice trays on each side of
bread. Ushers invite people to come up front, starting in overflow & then from back to front of sanctuary. People put
empty juice cups in basket on side tables. Serve handicapped people after others in pews, then musician, then
ushers & pastor last.
Jan:
Feb:
Mar:
Apr:
May:
June:

In case you need to trade Sundays or months, here are the ushers for 2016:
Duane Mann, Bill Havelka
July: Bill Ormston, Cindy Ormston
Matt Jackson, Kendall Collins
Aug: Dale Langenbau, Dain McBride
Chris Bland, Amy Bland
Sept: Lynn Beichley, Darrel Burt
John Fleming, Sean Raymond
Oct: Rick Bessman, Chuck Rosacker
Don Carlon, Steve Bishop
Nov: Doug Hlas, Jeff Koster
Rusty Brown, Larry Catherwood
Dec: Bill Backoff, Merlyn Appelgate

Thank you for your willingness to help. If you have any questions, please contact the 2016 head usher, Lee Cornwell,
641-752-0473, lcornwell@dybb.com

CHILDRENS SERMONS 2016

Thank you for serving! Please trade if you have a conflict with your time.
Suggested maximum time: 10 minutes
(edited 9.21.15)
Jan 3 Marla
Jan 10 Childrens Church: Owen Collins, Cayden Slifer treats
Jan 17 Susan
Jan 24 Marla
Jan 31 Pastor Mark

Feb 7 Marla
Feb 14 CC: Carter Anderson, Matthew DeSchamp, treats
Feb 21 Marla Hlas
Feb 28 Pastor Mark

Mar 6 Marla
Mar 13 CC: The Great Egg Hunt, leaders
Mar 20 Susan
Mar 27 Pastor Mark (Easter)

Apr 3 Marla
Apr 10 CC: Kyan McBride
Apr 17 Claire
Apr 24 Pastor Mark

May 1 Marla
May 8 CC: Betula & Dinjinia Zeller
May 15 Cathy
May 22 Pastor Mark
May 29 NA/Memorial Cemetery

June 5 Claire
June 12 Marla (VBS at Garwin?)
June 19 Susan
June 26 Pastor Mark

July 3 Marla
July 10 Claire
July 17 Visitation Sunday
July 24 Cathy
July 31 Pastor Mark

Aug 7 Marla
Aug 14 Susan
Aug 21 Claire
Aug 28 Pastor Mark

Sept 4 Marla
Sept 11 CC: Jacob Collins
Sept 18 Cathy
Sept 25 Pastor Mark

Oct 2 Marla
Oct 9 CC: Max & Lincoln Handorf
Oct 16: Susan
Oct 23 Claire
Oct 30: Pastor Mark

Nov 6 Marla
Dec 4 Marla
Nov 13 CC: Jordan Rhodes
Dec 11 CC: Violet Jackson
Nov 20 Claire
Dec 18 Susan
Nov 27 Pastor Mark
Dec 25 Pastor Mark
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR 2016
Work Area on Nurturing Ministries [Worship Committee)
Gives attention to educational, worship, and stewardship components of ministry and plans Memorial Day Service at cemetery,
arranges schedule for childrens sermon, acolytes and organize graduation recognition: Bill Backoff, Phil Collins, Linda Svendsen,
Susan Beichley, Karen Handorf, Connie Appelgate
Work Area on Witness Ministries [Evangelism]
Gives attention to evangelistic outreach to persons, membership care, spiritual formation, communications, lay speaking ministries,
and witnessing through the sharing of personal and congregational stories of Christian experience, faith and service. Organize
Lenten & Advent studies, recognition for Mothers/Fathers Day: Vaugn Kloster, Matthew Burt, LeAnn Fleming, Lois Groth, Cimber
Strayer, Tammy Backoff
Work Area on Missions
Gives attention to local and larger community ministries of compassion and advocacy, church and societal issues, global ministries
concerns, health and welfare ministries, Christian unity and interreligious concerns, religion and race and status and role of women:
Doug Svendsen, Dan Beane, Mike Vint, Ann Jackson, Lisa Stanley, Connie Buchman
Work Area on Age-Level & Family Ministries [Education]
Gives attention to planning Family Night, Retreat Planning, Vacation Bible School, Childrens Church , Fourth of July picnic, appoints
Christmas Eve Program Committee, promotes church camps: Carolyn Kloster, Janice Collins, Kelly Newcomb, Marla Hlas, Cindy
Krull, Tammy Burt
Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee
Recognizes pastor during Pastor Appreciation Month, plans Laity Sunday, fills pulpit in pastors absence, meets regularly in best
interest of our missions and pastor, mediates between members and pastor: Lynn Handorf, Darrel Burt, Leon Lamer, Dee Burt,
Chuck Rosacker, Linda Havelka, Allen Burt

Nominations/Personnel Committee
Annually nominates members to fill expired terms of those serving on work-area committees; oversees other committees, worship
personnel, fills vacancies as needed and confirms workers each year including: newsletter, ice cream social, financial audit, memorial
committee, musicians, music & flowers, communion stewardesses, head ushers, nursery chairperson, cemetery recorder; annually
reviews Jr. SS superintendents and confirms workers: Pastor Dean (chair), Lori Somers (standing member): Susan Beichley, Carol
Lamer, Barbara Burt, Claire Handorf, Cathy Vint, Kathryn Burt
Board of Trustees
Oversees maintenance of building and grounds: Bill Havelka, Beverly Iverson, Stan Koster, Matt Jackson, Rick Bessman, Don
Carlon
Finance Committee 2016
Rick Bessman, Shirley Svendsen, Allen Burt, Mark Keefer, Vaugn Kloster, chair Ad Council, Representatives from Trustee and
Mission commitees.
Membership Audit Committee
Mike Vint (chair), Mark Keefer, Lori Somers, Lori Somers, nurturing representative
At Large Administrative Council Members: Stan Koster, Nancy Peshel, Donald Mann, Karen Collins, Lynn Beichley, Jim Fleming,
Ross Iverson, Barb Plaehn, Bill Ormston, Cindy Ormston, Tom Handorf
Youth Members (age 12-18): Kasey Winters, Jacob Burt, Jake Hlas
Young Adults (age 19-30):
Matthew Burt, Derek Mann
Pastor: Mark Keefer
Church Treasurer/Finance Secretary: Vaugn Kloster
Lay Leader:
Allen Burt
YF Counselors: Doug & Marla Hlas
Newsletter Committee: Sue Koster
Ice Cream Social: Matt & Ann Jackson, Rusty Brown & Kristen Rhodes; Outgoing: Dale & Heidi Langenbau, (need 2-4 more
people)
Advisory Dcor Committee: Lois Groth, Tammy Burt, Sue Koster
Committee on Financial Audit: Mike Vint
Membership Secretary: Lori Somers
Historian: Kathryn Burt
Memorial Committee: Connie Appelgate, Shirley Svendsen
UMW: Susan Beichley
Volunteers: Carol Lamer, Sue Ksoter
Musicians: Marcia Wiese, Susan Beichley, Kelly Newcomb (substitute); Kathryn Burt, Sue Koster
Praise Team: Sue Koster, Randy & Susan Beichley, Claire Handorf, Barbara Burt, Cimber Strayer, Vaugn & Carolyn Kloster
Projectionists: Ron Groth, Linda Svendsen, Vaugn Kloster, Susan Beichley
Nursery Committee: Barb Plaehn
Communion Stewardesses: Carolyn Kloster, Barbara Burt, Cindy Krull (backup), Claire Handorf
Communion Servers: Vaugn & Carolyn Kloster, Mike & Cathy Vint, Bill & Cindy Ormston
Head Usher: Lee Cornwell
Nursery Chair: Sue Koster
Cemetery Recorders: Merlyn Appelgate, Duane Beichley
Childrens Church: Heidi Langenbau, Bill & Tammy Backoff,, Janice Collins, Janine Anderson, Trisha Slifer, Ann Jackson
Advent Candles: Carolyn Kloster
SS Superintendents: Vaugn Kloster, Lynn Handorf, Randy Beichley, Mike Vint
SS Secretaries: Shirley Svendsen, Karen Handorf, Carol Lamer, LeAnn Fleming
SS Treasurer: Rick Bessman

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
LCA
The Chapel Ladies Cemetery Aid met Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Mama Digrados for lunch. Our meeting was
opened by Shirley Svendsen reading a prayer for Veterans Day. Kathryn Burt read two poems by Helen Steiner Rice:
Make Every Day Thanksgiving and In All Things Give Thanks. She closed with a prayer.
President Connie Appelgate called the business meeting to order. Roll call, telling our Thanksgiving plans, was
answered by five members. The minutes of our October meeting were read and approved. There was no
correspondence. The treasurers report of $2960.83 in checking was presented and placed on file. Karen Handorf
made and Kathryn Burt seconded the motion we pay the Smiths for the trimming and spraying at the cemetery. Motion
carried.
Committees~ Hiring: the Smiths have trimmed and sprayed the cemetery; Cards: two have been sent;
Flags: they are up today, Veterans Day.
New business: Election of officers: nominations were: president, Vivian LeVier, vice president, Karen Handorf,
secretary, Carolyn Kloster, and treasurer, Shirley Svendsen. Kathryn Burt made and Shirley Svendsen seconded the
motion we cast a unanimous ballot. Motion carried.
Our December meeting is December 9 at the Binford House in Marshalltown. This will be a luncheon meeting at 12:30
pm. The cost is $15 per person. We are encouraged to invite a guest.
President Connie Appelgate closed the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Kloster, secretary

UMW
The Gladbrook Chapel UMW met Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 1:30 pm in the church fellowship hall. Our Thank
Offering lesson was led by Shirley Svendsen and Cindy Ormston.
Susan Beichley called the meeting to order. Roll call was answered by ten members telling what they cook best or what
their families liked best. Minutes of our October meeting and trip to Iowa Falls were read and approved.
Correspondence was read from the Gladbrook Crayon Corner Preschool and Learning Center. The treasurers report of
$555.01 in checking and $1003.63 in savings was placed on file. There were no bills presented.
Carolyn Kloster presented a Social Action report by reading an article written by our conference Social Action leader, Rita
Carter. Rita encouraged us to open our eyes to see several different areas where we need to act and do something
about.
Four cards have been sent. Sue Koster handed her cards to the new person for 2016.
Old Business: The Christmas Child shoeboxes are due this coming Sunday, November 8.
New Business: Our project for this month is donating postage for the Christmas Child shoeboxes. Jeannie Burt and
Marcia Wiese have donated for this project. Sue Koster made the motion, and Cindy Ormston seconded we add $50 to
this fund. Motion carried. Sue Koster handed out our program books for 2016.
Janice Collins needs pumpkins and gourds to decorate the church next Sunday.
Harvest Home dinner is Sunday, November 22 with decorating for Advent afterward.
Our next meeting is December 3 at 1:30 pm.
Prayer requests were received, our monthly scripture was read in addition to our UMW Purpose. Susan Beichley closed
the meeting with prayer.
A delicious pumpkin dessert was served by Kathryn Burt and Phyllis Mann from tables decorated in a Fall/Thanksgiving
theme.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Kloster, secretary
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Administrative Council

Members Present: Vaugn and Carolyn Kloster, Bill Backoff, Bill Ormston, Ann Jackson, Pastor Mark, Stan & Sue Koster, Chuck
Rosacker, Kathryn Burt, Rick Bessman, Lori Somers, Nancy Peshel, Linda Havelka, Darrel Burt and Amy Niedermann.
Pastor Mark opened the meeting with a prayer.
Chair, Lori Somers, called the Administrative Council meeting to order on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 12:30. Kathryn Burt and
Nancy Peshel provided the delicious lunch. Stan Koster made the motion to approve the minutes of the last Administrative Council
meeting as printed in the Chapel Chimes. The motion was seconded by Darrel Burt and motion passed.
Treasurers Report: Vaugn Kloster- A print out of the treasurers report was distributed to the council. The balance on hand as of
October 31, 2015, was $23,694.33 with $12,000.00 put into a trustee reserve fund.
Pastoral Report: Mark Keefer- Pastor Mark wondered about purchasing new United Methodist hymnals so that the liturgy for
baptisms, communion, etc. would be included. Other options were discussed for the congregation to have access to the liturgy via wall
projection and/or small booklets. Since Pastor Mark does not use his office very much, discussion followed about turning his office into
a prayer room. The desk could be replaced with comfortable furniture and a small table. The desk would be stored in case a future
pastor wanted to use it. Lori Somers will go through the filing cabinet before it is moved. Pastor Mark suggested having two combined
upcoming services with Garwin UMC: Thanksgiving Eve services at Garwin at 7:00 pm and Christmas Eve at Chapel at 6:00 pm.
Chapel has not had a Thanksgiving Eve service but has always held a Christmas Eve service. More details later.
Trustees Report: Stan Koster The nursery has new carpet along with a fresh coat of paint and blinds. Curtains are also being
made. The Volunteers paid for most of the carpet and the rest of the updates were paid for by donations. Stan also mentioned that the
canopy is on hold for now and that it might be addressed this spring, with the $12,000 still in the reserve fund. They are looking into
replacing the non-efficient windows and doors on the SE and SW corners in the summer. It was also mentioned that the stairs going to
the basement need to be fixed. Stan replaced the old carpet on the podium as it was not in good shape. Lori Somers had asked if
there was any nursery paint left over to paint the office and if we paint the office we will need volunteers to help. Stan asked everyone
to keep an eye on the church and if they see something that needs addressed to tell a trustee and not to assume that someone has
addressed the issue. Please make sure that the lights are off. New signs have been put up on the north and south sides of Abbott
Avenue to direct people to Chapel. Note was made that it would be helpful to have signs to direct visitors on where the bathrooms are
located,

Stan will look into this. Vaugn Kloster suggested putting a cabinet under the television in the fellowship hall to hold the DVD player. This
will be looked into.
PPR: Darrel Burt- It was decided at Charge Conference to keep Pastor Mark on for another year. Pastor Mark's salary will be the same
as last year.
YF: Marla Hlas- N/A.
Sunday School Superintendent: Vaugn Kloster- Election was held last Sunday for Sunday School Superintendent. They are Randy
Beichley, Lynn Handorf, Vaugn Kloster, Dan Beane and alternate Mike Vint. Treasurer, Rick Bessman and secretaries were reelected.
Sunday School: Heidi Langenbau- Report was given by Ann Jackson. The Jr/Sr group is helping with Sunday School's Christmas
program due to lack of kids. The Jr/Sr kids should be complimented on how well they are doing. The children will practice in the
sanctuary right at 9:30 while Adult Advent Study will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Ann Jackson volunteered to chair the Christmas
program, which is December 20th at 6 pm.
Childrens Church: Ann Jackson- It is a small group but they are having fun and going well. Ann mentioned that we need more kids.
Sunday School Treasurer: Rick Bessman- Sunday School income for the last three months is $209, expenses $294 with an ending
balance of $2086.21. Advent books will come out of the Sunday School budget. Rick asked if we should continue with the apples and
candy this year, and it was decided to stay the same but cut back on the apples. Rick will take care of getting these items.
Lay Leader: Allen Burt- N/A.
Witness Ministries: Kathryn Burt- The group needs to meet with the ones coming on, which are Tammy Backoff and Cimber Strayer.
Kathryn mentioned that she has a lot of historical papers at her home and will need to look into something to store them that is
protected from fire.
Missions Committee: Linda Havelka- Linda presented a print out, provided by Dan Beane, for the Transformer's trip to Belize. Linda
Havelka moved to use the Noisy offerings for local mission projects, like gas cards, students education, etc, and to keep about $300
local emergency fund in the account if not used. This would show a total mission budget of $4300 for 2016. Sue Koster second the
motion, and it passed.
Age-Level Committee: Marla Hlas- Information was given by Carolyn Kloster that Chapel had the "Chapel's Christian Cowboy Chuck
Wagon Celebration" in our Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 4th.
Nurturing Committee: Bill Backoff- N/A.
Old Business: The Ice Cream Social is looking for two to four more people to help on the committee. If we do not get any volunteers
maybe we should not continue with the Socials. Darrel mentioned about just doing it for Chapel members and family. Vaugn reminded
us that the social part is why we do the community-wide project. Sue Koster will write an article in the newsletter about needing more
people to volunteer.
New Business: Vaugn Kloster asked about getting an audit committee together for the end of the year. It was decided to have Mike
Vint look at it before he leaves for the winter or when he comes back. Kathryn Burt mentioned that Chapel will celebrate their 150th
anniversary in 2017. Rick Bessman mentioned that he had movies put on a DVD from when they were digging the basement at
Chapel. Discussion followed about isolating the Chapel movies from Ricks family movies. If not resolved, Sue Koster will ask Dan
Lastovka who is GMGs technology coordinator at the school to assist with this project. At Charge Conference this year they were
challenged from the Bishop on how to help the schools with education. The group at Charge Conference brainstormed different ideas
of how to get books in the hands of school-age children, and shared those ideas with Ad Council today. Pastor Mark, Nominating
Committee Chair, presented the officers for 2016 as a motion. Kathryn Burt seconded and motion carried. We now vote on the officers
in our local Ad Council rather that at Charge Conference.
Pastor Mark led us in a closing prayer. The next meeting will be Sunday, January 10, 2016 with Lori Somers appointing the lunch
committee. The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 pm.
Secretary
Amy Niedermann

CHAPEL
CHURCH
growing in faith...sharing Gods love
A monthly publication of
Chapel United Methodist Church
1597Abbott Avenue
Gladbrook, Iowa 50635

Pastor Mark Keefer (319) 479-8502; cell (319) 239-4743;

mdkeefer@windstream.net
Secretary Amy Niedermann- (641)499-2530; cell (641) 691-3315
amyniedermann@ymail.com
Group Email: chapel@iastate.edu
Chapel Blog: http://chapelfriends.blogspot.com

Ushers

Dec

Bill Backoff &

Lee Cornwell

Musicians

M&M

M u s i c & F l o w e r s Childrens sermon

Kathryn Burt &

Susan Beichley

Nursery

Sunday School

Contact usher if nursery

attendant is needed.

Amy Niedermann

13

Jeff & Cimber Strayer Childrens Church:

Treats: Betula & Denjinia
Zeller

Advent and Christmas program practice

Barbara Burt
Doug & Linda
Svendsen

Advent and Christmas program practice

Pre-K: Ann Jackson (opening)
1-3: Heidi Langenbau
4-6: Bill & Tammy Backoff Jr/Sr: Randy &
Susan Beichley
Adult: Advent Study

20
27

Jan

Dan Beane

Marla Hlas

Marla Hlas
Pastor Mark

Duane Mann & Susan Beichley Karen

Bill Havelka
& Kathryn Burt Handorf

Duane & Tina Mann Marla Hlas

10

Larry & Janice

Collins

17

Doug & Marla Hlas

24

Vaugn & Carolyn

Marla Hlas
Kloster
Bill & Tammy Backoff Pastor Mark

31

Advent and Christmas program practice

Childrens Church:
Treats: Owen Collins &
Cayden Slifer
Susan Beichley

Contact usher if nursery Pre-K:

attendant is needed.
1-3: Kristen Rhodes & Rusty Brown
4-6: Carol Lamer (opening)
Jr/Sr: Marla Hlas
Adult: Kathryn Burt
Life Application: Dee Burt