Congregational Life

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There is a new format for Beulah news. A pdf version of congregational information will now be available in this location. This is a large file which may take some time to download.

July Beulah Land

Dear Friends in Christ,
We all know how refreshing a good night’s sleep can be and, unfortunately, many of us know how frustrating a restless night can be. I saw a report on the TV show 60 Minutes recently about some new studies about sleep.

It seems that sleep is every bit as important to us as eating or breathing. It is as possible to die from not sleeping as it is from not eating. We are wired to rest.

God, in His wonderful care for us, gives us a beautiful rhythm to our lives . . . the seasons, breathing, and now, we know, the rhythm of being awake and asleep.

Our bodies and spirits need “down” time. We need to relax and refresh. We need balance in our lives. Sometimes we fill our calendars and engage in competitions about who is busier as if that in some way makes us more important.

Max Lucado, in his book Come Thirsty, tells of an encounter with a fly on an airplane (page 77):

"On a recent flight a fly buzzed about in the cabin. How odd. A fly flying inside a flying plane? Why would a fly fly during a flight? Was he helping the plane? Doing his part to keep the craft airborne? Why did the fly in the plane fly in the plane?

I asked him. Catching his attention, I inquired, “Mr. Fly, why do you fly? Why don’t you sit down and enjoy the journey?”

His reply smacked of smugness. “And let the plane crash? Why, this craft needs me. My wings are essential to our safety.” And with a puff of the chest he flew toward the front of the plane. As he returned some moments later, he didn’t look so confident. Fear flickered in his tiny eyes. “I don’t think I can keep it up!”

“Keep what up?”

“The plane! I don’t think I can keep the plane up. I’m flying as furiously as I can. But my wings are weary. I don’t know how long I can do this.”

I opted for frankness. “Don’t you know it’s not up to you? You are surrounded by strength, held aloft by power that is not yours. Stop flying! It’s not up to you to get this plane home.”

He looked at me as if I were crazy and told me to buzz off.

Some of you need to sit down. You fly furiously back and forth, ever busy, always thinking the success of this journey is up to you. Do you fear letting up?

Look out the windows. God’s wings sustain you. God’s engines empower you. You can flap like a fly and not accelerate this flight. It’s your job to sit and trust: to receive."

It is easy to get caught up in our daily lives. We all need to remember who we are and whose we are.

Relax! It’s summer time! Work as the Holy Spirit guides you but remember that we need balance.

Blessings and Love,
Sheila

Blended Worship Service Format – We are tabling the Blended Worship for now. We believe the structure of the worship service needs to reflect more of a non-traditional approach which requires more planning than just a change to music. Over the next several months, we plan to have more special music and highlight the musical talents of the congregation.

Congregational News

Dave Gould is turning 90!
You are invited to his birthday celebration on Saturday, July 14, 2-4pm in the fellowship hall. Come wish Dave “happy birthday” and enjoy cake and homemade ice cream!

Worship Start Time Changed for Summer – Worship Service start time will change for the Summer. The Worship Service start time will begin at 9:30 am CST from Memorial Day Sunday (May 27) through Labor Day Sunday (September 2).

Beulah Receives Witness Award From Churches United
Beulah was one of three churches in the Quad-City area to receive a Witness Award from Churches United. Beulah was being recognized for the mission work that we do. The award was presented at the 56th annual Delegate Assembly held March 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline.
Jean Daves and Jon & Wanda Cross were in attendance and accepted the award on behalf of Beulah. We at Beulah can be proud of the work we do and the way we reach out to help others in our community and beyond.

News From the Mission Committee:
Presbytery has given each church $200 to use as "seed money" for a project that will spread good deeds. Beulah's Mission Committee has decided to assist Churches United serve meals to those in need. Currently, Churches United serves meals at three sites, Moline, East Moline and Davenport with a total of 28,214 meals served in 2017. On Sunday evening, April 22, Beulah members prepared and served the meal at Hope United Church of Christ in Moline. The meat was purchased with the "seed money" and the side dishes were donated by church members. Twenty-five people were happy to be served a nutritious meal by Jan P., Mary G., Barb A. and Sheila S. Look for more opportunities to join in this service project in the months ahead.

News from the Worship Committee:
Communion Schedule – Communion will be served the first Sunday of each month through August 2018 as follows:

• June 3 – 2nd Sunday after Pentecost
• July 1 – 6th Sunday after Pentecost
• August 12 – 12th Sunday after Pentecost

Baptismal Font Location – The Baptismal Font will be moved to the right side in front of the Sanctuary. There will be a special worship service when the Baptismal Font is moved which will include a renewal of our baptism vows.

2010 Financial Report and 2011 Budget
2011 Financial Report and Proposed 2012 Budget
2012 Financial Report and 2013 Budget
2013 Financial Report and 2014 Budget
2014 Financial Report and 2015 Budget
2015 Financial Report and 2016 Budget

Thought for the day:

Gracious God, Living, Eternal Spirit, we thank you that you seek us in tender loving care, lest any be lost. Help us, in the same way, to reach out toward those who may feel alienated or excluded from the Christian Community. Send your Spirit upon us, that when we speak the word of your love, people may hear and understand in their own language; for we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Richard Miller has moved to Avonlea, 2025 E 1st Street, Milan, IL 61264. Please update your directories.

Please keep the following people in your prayers:

Addresses for our shut-ins:
Sonia Grafton
Avonlea Cottage Room 26
2021 1st St. E
Milan, IL 61264

Eleanor Garrison
c/o Dan Garrison
7624 Chapman Road
N. Richland Hills, TX 76182

Grace Day
Apt. 213
601 Hawthorne Crossing Drive SE
Bondurant, IA 50035

Doris Kenndy
4909 107th Ave.
Milan, IL 61264

Remember the following people serving the United States