Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 6:30 PM
Program: Lisa and Gene Kelsey of our church
Topic: The Power of Music in Worship

If you have been in church to hear the choir recently, you have experienced how music adds a powerful element to worship. All of that is thanks to Lisa Kelsey, our new choir director. Lisa, her husband, Gene, and their daughter, Ashley, all joined our church soon after Lisa joined our church staff last September. They have all become quite active in our church--besides Lisa leading the choir, Gene and Ashley sing in the choir. Ashley also helps direct the Cantus Choir.

At the winter dinner, we’ll eat a catered meal in Heritage Hall, with turkey, dressing, potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert. Then we’ll move to the sanctuary to hear Lisa’s piano talent, do some singing and hear her views on integrating music into worship to provide a God-centered experience.

A native of Minnesota, Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Luther College, Decorah, IA.  While at Luther, she studied organ performance with Dr. Bill Kuhlman, played in the Concert Band (flute/piccolo), orchestra, jazz band, and served as an accompanist and campus organist.  She has now been a vocal music director for more than 25 years, using music as the tool to positively change and impact the lives of her students. Her teaching career has taken her to various districts across the state of Iowa, including 10 years in Ankeny.  After voluntarily leaving the classroom to serve for five years in Music Ministry, she has returned to lead our choir. She also teaches at Woodside Middle School in Des Moines.   Lisa does extensive accompanying and judging throughout the state of Iowa. Lisa and Gene have five grown children.  They live in Ankeny and love spending their free time together, and with family and friends. 

Don’t miss this program. Call the church--279-0826--to reserve by noon Feb. 16. Catered dinner cost: $10 per person. Menu: Turkey, dressing, potatoes, green beans, salad, and dessert.

A seven-week Lenten Bible Study will be offered by Pastor Daniel beginning Wednesday, February 22. The study will focus on the Epistle to the Philippians, looking at some of the key themes of this book and its relevance for our daily spiritual lives. Come join us over the noon hour to learn and grow in God’s Word together during the season of Lent. A light luncheon will be served. A free-will offering will cover the cost of the meal; any remaining funds will go towards our mission to support the Trinity Supper Club.

Youth Strike for Christ is coming!

     Our youth group has gone to Youth Strike for Christ the last four years and always had a great experience.  It takes place February 3-5 (a weekend). Save the date! 
     Here is the website for more information and to print off your paperwork: http://www.youthstrike.com/index.html. If you are having trouble accessing the website you can pick up information and paperwork from Beth Underwood.
     Also, we are asking that all paper work and money be turned into Beth by December 18 so we can get the early bird price of $164 per person.  Think of it as a Christmas present for your youth! Maybe Grandma or Grandpa or an aunt or uncle would
like to give this as a present?  
     Please contact Beth, Jerry or Alison if you have questions or concerns. 

UMY meets on Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 309!  Questions? Contact me at bunderwood@wdmumc.org.

Beth Underwood
Director of Christian Education

If you’ve ever thought of singing in the Choir, now is the time to join!  Consider one of several opportunities:  Chancel Choir (rehearses on Wednesdays at 7:30pm); Praise Team (rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30pm); or participate in the Easter Drama, to be presented Sunday April 1 at 7:00pm.  Please contact Lisa Kelsey, Director of Choirs, for more information (klcsii@msn.com).

   “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2: 46-47

   The Lord has indeed “added to our number” here at our church this past year. With glad and sincere hearts we celebrate the following individuals who joined as members, from March through December 2011: Jack & Mary Collins, Marsha Nisley, David & Jenifer Grissom, Marnie Stein, Judy Kiger, Harold Millard, Bertha Parker, Mike & Libby Powers, Larry & Donna Johnson, Dale & Margaret Proctor, Linda Linn, Roger & Judy Anderson, Gene & Lisa Kelsey, Ashley Paulson, Carol Schiesser, Dawn Scott, Debbie Shineflew, Ann Gerdom, Beth Underwood, Paige Chapman.

   As a family of faith, we celebrate and praise God for the fellowship of believers he continues to bring together to be in ministry and serve alongside one another! A heartfelt welcome to each person listed above—we thank and praise God for bringing you into our midst.

Blessings in Christ,
Paige Chapman
paige_chapman@q.com Cell: (515)360-2139

The following items have been added to our web page.  Please check them out.

• Winter Jam is Coming!
• United Methodist Mens' Winter Dinner 
• Lenten Bible Study Starting

“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” 1 John 4:16

“The most wonderful word in heaven is love—for God is love … Take time in silence to meditate on the wonderful revelation of God’s love in Christ until you are filled with the spirit of worship and wonder.  As you pray, be assured of this: your heavenly Father longs to manifest his love to you.”  - from “Devotions on Prayer” by Andrew Murray

The coming week please pray for the following:
• A passion for worship
• A Spirit-filled New Year
• The changes in church staff
• Our pastors: Dr. Daniel and Pastor John
• Our staff, especially: Linda Plummer and Bob Jackson

“Heavenly Father, help me to share your love with those around me. Amen.”

Does anyone know where you can get a good meal—cheap? Here, of course! Please come join us every Wednesday from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall for a hot meal and good conversation.  After dinner there is plenty to do. You could join the choir or be part of one of the many small groups—or you could start one of your own.

Every week we offer a main dish, side dish, salad bar, dessert and a drink—with free refills! Best of all, you don’t have to cook or clean up afterward. Cost is just $2.00 for kids under 12 years old and $3.00 for 12 years and older.

Check out our menu of upcoming meals:

2/8 Chicken patty and corn
2/15 Breakfast for dinner
2/22 Pizza
2/29 Grilled cheese and tomato soup