What does this hot summer heat and “Frozen” have in common? They both led me to a weekend in Maryville, Missouri to visit family and watch the junior musical. While there, I experienced some new things, thoughts, and God moments. 

If you’ve never seen the movie, “Frozen,” it’s a story about two sisters who are of course Disney princesses. The older sister Elsa was born with the ability to manipulate the environment around her through ice – freezing things, the air, the water, whatever is around in powerful ways. Hence the title, “Frozen.” After accidently hurting her sister Anna, she’s warned that fear will be her enemy so she spends most of her childhood trying to hide her powers. Her fear leads her to withdraw from her community. Her fear drives her into isolation. Her fear sets her up to build an ice castle in solitude.

Meanwhile, the younger sister, Anna doesn’t remember her sister’s powers or the accident that injured her when she was a child. All Anna wants is to be with her big sister. She’s the kind of person who loves with a big heart and she loves her sister with everything. When she rediscovers her sister has these dangerous powers, she’s determined to help her sister have a life of acceptance. 

Despite Anna’s efforts, Elsa runs away in fear. She’s afraid she’ll hurt someone. She’s afraid of what people will think. She’s afraid of becoming a monster – which some accuse her of being. Fear truly becomes her enemy. Ultimately, Elsa’s fear causes her to once again hurt Anna.  

This time, the wound will cost Anna her life. The only cure for her wound is an act of true love. We’re led to believe that the act of true love must be from someone who truly loves Anna. Yet, it is that Anna sacrifices herself, in an act of true love, to save her sister Elsa. Anna becomes frozen dead. 

Upon realizing the sacrifice Anna made for her, Elsa discovers true love through her sister. In that moment, her own heart is unfrozen and Elsa able to experience true love within herself because of and for her sister. Somewhere, in these moments of true love, two things happen. Anna comes back to life – she’s unfrozen! And, Elsa learns that love conquers fear. Love is the key to freedom. Through love, Elsa is able to control her powers and use them for good. 

Friends, this is a resurrection story!

How often are we driven away from God, the people we love, and a community of hope by fear? How often do we lash out, create barriers, and hurt others because of our fear? How often do we allow fear to be our enemy?

1 John 4:8 tells us God is love. Verse 18 says that love drive out fear. In the gospel story, we see Jesus who becomes one of us to demonstrate God’s love for us. Then, despite our fear and everything violent, selfish, and wicked fear leads to, Jesus acted out in true love giving his life for us. Yet, through that act of true and perfect love, of sinless faith, Jesus overcame death. He freed our frozen hearts from the fear, hate, and evil that binds us. He offered us new life where love gives us the freedom to do what is good, right, and pleasing in God’s sight. 

Through God’s grace, we discover true love. This love affords us a newfound freedom within our faith that conquers fear. This love and freedom enables us to truly be disciples and make new disciples as faithful followers Jesus who make life better and YOU better at life through Jesus Christ. 

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Daniel

We’re taking principles of motorcycle riding – like many of you, I love riding motorcycles! – and we’re tying them to scripture and applying them as practical ways to live out our faith. This will be fun and meaningful, thought provoking and practical. So, come and worship with us each Sunday at 9 or 11 AM. If you ride, bring your bike! As always, bring a friend or invite someone new. I hope to see you then!

Also, keep an eye out for special Sundays where we will talk about our baggage (tail bags, tank bags, saddle bags, and more!) and our riding gear (helmets, leathers/jackets/pants, gloves, boots, and more!) and bring your gear to participate. 

You’re welcome to wear your gear to church, but know I don’t recommend it. I once preached in my track leathers and it got miserably hot!

Finally, we’re planning an after church ride on August 27th! More details to come!

Stewards:
Charleen Ahrensdorf
Vicki Kauth
Christine Valenti

9:00 Servers:
Alan & Becky Harper
Cindy Long

11:00 servers:
Sandra Bainbridge
Judy Dieter
Margaret Schmidbauer

Jason & Mary Smith, married May 20th, 2023

Mike & Sue Strop, married June 10th, 2023

Congratulations to Tim & Amanda King on the birth of their baby boy, Hunter Douglas, born July 14, 2023! 

Cheyenne King, daughter of Tim & Amanda King
 Baptized June 18th, 2023

Technology has become integral to church ministry. From the sound operators to the video operators to the computer operators, our Tech team is an imporatant part of how we experience worship.  Whether it is in person, online, on television or on the radio, it takes a team of volunteers to make sure we see and hear the pastor as he preaches, the chancel choir, the handbells or the praise team as they make beautiful music, or the visual aids that help to get the gospel point across in a meaningful way.

Volunteers are essential for this important part of ministry.  I know tech can seem overwhelming to some, but many of these volunteer positions are much more simple than you might think.  If you feel led to serve, but prefer to do something a little more "behind the scenes", this might be just the thing for you.

Whether you attend contemporary or traditional worship, your help is wanted. Contact Laura if you are interested in serving on the Tech Team or would like more information.

With the start of the new school year coming up this month, it's a good time to remind everyone about our can tab collection program.  Many Hackler Intermediate School students in need look forward to the help you give by collecting can tabs for recycling.  The money received from the recycling center helps school personal purchase supplies for the student in need such as food, school supplies, tooth brushes, haircuts and occasionally lunches.  Please keep your can tabs from, fruit, vegetables, soda, dog or cat food, etc. and bring them to the church office.  

Wehave an opening in our handbell choir for a ringer this Fall. You do not need to read music to ring bells, you just need a love for music and the desire to be involved in a music ministry that is a lot of fun! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Shirley Poynter @ 870-425-2493.

Backpack Food 4 Kids needs 3 people who would be willing to join already existing teams and help deliver the backpacks to the schools. Once per month, each team picks up the bins, loads them in the trailer, and delivers them to the schools. We also need several people who would be willing to be a substitute team member if someone on a team is unable to help during their team’s week. Please contact Kathy Bauer, (870) 321-0019, or Fran Thueson, (479) 719-5000, if you would like to be a part of this great ministry!

On Thursday, August 24th we will begin a new study on the book of Ruth entitled  “The Girl’s Still Got It” by Liz Curtis Higgs. This is a 12-week study will focus on the life of Ruth as told by the very humorous and inciteful  Liz Curtis Higgs as only she can!    The study’s subtitle is “Take a Walk with Ruth and the God who Rocked Her World!”  A study book is recommended and costs $14.50 if ordered through class. 

Thursday Morning Joy meets Thursday mornings at 9:30 AM in the Seeker’s Classroom, room #213. New members are always welcome - just come, listen and try us out.  It’s a great way to spend a Thursday morning!  

Call or text Sandra Bainbridge at 870-656-3950 for more information or to order a book.

Our Dollar Sundays Campaign held in the month of July raised $393.00 for Hope For All, our homeless ministry. Thank you for your generosity!

Baxter County Fair is August 23-26.  First United Methodist Church will have an indoor booth this year and we are looking for volunteers to man the booth in shifts.  We would like at least 2 people at each shift. If you would like to sign up for a shift or several shifts, a sign up sheet is located in the office during the week and will be at the welcome desk Sunday Morning. Or you can call the church office. and we can get you signed up.

Did you know that you may be just who our church needs to add to our Crossroads Worship Band?  If you are a dynamic (active) musician and are looking for a meaningful and fun way to serve the church through contemporary music, contact Tim or Kristi Nelson personally or via email.  We would love to talk to you about our group and invite you to a rehearsal! 

If you are a dormant musician that played or sang in the past and stopped sharing your musical gifts due to time restraints, lack of interest or other reasons, dust off that guitar you have in the corner and contact us!  We’d love to provide some motivation for you to join others praising God through music.

If you are a developing musician, we need you too!  We have instrumentalists and singers who would love to work with you to develop your musical skills.  

Worshipping God through music is a gift and a ministry.  It’s vital to our church and our worship services.  Consider if music is a way for you to get involved in your church and bring others to Christ through music.

Hello All!  

It's been a great but hot summer so far! We had fun going to the movies to see Disney's Elemental! Last week we had a great time at Hickory Park and finished the afternoon with some ice cream at Scoop. This week one Tuesday evening August 1st, we are excited for Family Bowling from 6:00-8:00pm at Driftwood Lanes. The following weekend will be our Back tyo School Bash here at the church we will have water slides, water ballons, etc.  All are welcome.  We will have pizza and popsicles! The next Day is our Back to School Backpack Blessing so bring you backpacks to church with you that Sunday to be blessed and get a backpack tag!

Wednesday afternoon ministry will start back the Wednesday after Labor Day, September 6th, so make sure you go on the church website to the Children's Ministry page and register your child(ren) for the upcoming school year. If you are an adult and you are interested in volunteering with the children on Wednesdays, please let me know.  Thank you for all your support!

God Bless!
Laura Law

UPCOMING EVENTS
August 1: Family Bowling • 6:00-8:00pm
August 12: Back to School Bash • 3:00-6:00pm
August 13: Blessing of the backpacks • both services

Join FirstKidz on Social Media!

Children, youth, and their families are invited to come bowling at Driftwood Lanes on Tuesday, August 1st from 6:00-8:00pm. Make sure and wear or bring socks for renting shoes. The cost is $8 per person.  We hope to see you there!

We will be going axe throwing on Wednesday, August 2nd from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at Sharp Edges. The cost is $20 (scholarships available).

This year we will be having our back to school bash here at the church. There will be water slides, water balloons, kiddie pools and more! We will have pizza and popsicles at 5:00pm.  Bottled water will be available but you are welcome to bring your own drinks if you like. All are welcome to join us!

Before school starts back, we would like to bless not only the backpacks of the students, but also the students themselves and the educators.  Sunday, August 13th we will be doing the blessing of the backpacks at each service.  All students and teachers are encouraged to bring their backpacks/bags to worship that day to be blessed.  Each student & teacher will recieve a backpack tag to place on their backpack as a reminder of God’s presence with them at school and the prayers of their church family.  We will pray over the students and educators and ask God to equip them with all they need for a wonderful 2023/24 school year.

We are planning a float trip on the Buffalo River with Wild Bill's.  This Saturday, August 5th. We are leaving the church by 8:30am to caravan and returning by 5:00pm. The cost is $20 per person for a canoe (2 person minimum) or $40 for a kayak. Scolarships are available. You can bring your own canoe or kayak if you have a way to transport it. Email Pastor Daniel if you plan to go or would like more information.

GENERAL FUND
In memory of Jim Brown
Kelly & Patricia Shay
Bobbi Brown

BACKPACK FOOD 4 KIDS 
In honor of their Wedding Anniversary
Greg & Michele Elders

WESLEY KITCHEN
In memory of Jim Brown
Shirley Poynter
In memory of Mark Mucha
Larry & Peggy Hoffmeister

SUMMER FEEDING
In honor of their Wedding Anniversary
Greg & Michele Elders

MUSIC
In memory of Ed & Connie Baldwin
Roy & Pat Rush
In memory of Ed Baldwin
June Wilborn

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
In honor of Mike Cannon
Bob & Sharon Jones

Prayers after Loss:
Clint Sawyer & Family
on the loss of Catherine Sawyer

Concerns:
Carolyn Whisenant (7/30/23)
Clark Knight (7/30/23)
(Tommy & Brenda Knight’s grandson)
Eddie Verkler (7/23/23)
(Tarra Simmons father)
Monica Cole (7/16/23)
Donna Kimes (7/16/23)
Bob Biehl (7/9/23)
Cathy Millison (7/9/23)
(Christine Rohr)
Carolyn Densmore (7/2/23)
Janice Callicott (6/25/23)
(Umeca Pickett’s sister)
Mary Barcomb (6/18/23)
(Sharon Fabich)
Kay Wilson (6/4/23)
(Allison Booth’s mother)
Doris Nichele (5/21/23)
Gayle Jones (5/21/23)
Glenda Small (5/7/23)
(Kellye Cannon)
Devin Rogers (5/7/23)
(Sharon Hamilton)
Marilyn Kobialka (4/30/23)
Sissy Czeschin (4/30/23)
Joan Beckham (4/23/23)
(Kevin Beckham’s mom)
Peggy Pawlak (4/23/23)
(Sheila Partee)
Ken Nelson (4/23/23)
(Teresa Kenyon)
Ron Czanstkowski (4/23/23)
(Sheila Partee)
Susie Welby-Bennet (4/16/23)
(Sue Storm)
Robin Luke (4/16/23)
(Gail & Dennis Hunger’s daughter)
Carol McKee (4/9/23)
Bob Dickerson (4/9/23)
Deborah Harrison (3/26/23)
Mike Thompson (3/19/23)
(Bev Thompson’s son)
Kristine Doornbos (3/12/23)
(Bill & Donna Kimes’ daughter)
Shannon Owens (3/5/23)
(Kay Owens granddaughter)
Kim Miller (2/26/23)
(Justin Long)
Scott Cain (2/5/23)
(Jill Chandler’s son)
Lonnie Burch (1/22/23)
(Terre Ware)
Ruth Clark (1/8/23)
Lyn Yarborough (11/27/22)
(Christine Rohr)
Rexene Watson (11/13/22)
(Dr. Tom Yoder’s sister-in-law)
Jackie Knight (11/6/22)
Nancy Reed (10/16/22)
(Mary Margaret Pearson)
Nira Wilkerson (10/3/21)
Doug Engle (9/4/22)
(Beth Pierson’s brother)
Bobby Myers (8/14/22)
(Gail House’s cousin)
Terri Chapman (6/26/22)
(Cindy Long’s sister)
Denise Rohr (5/22//22)
Joe Bodenhamer (5/1/22)
Richard Henderson (5/1/22)
(Hazel Long’s nephew)
Alan Erickson (2/020/22)