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F E B RUA RY

CHAPEL
CHIMES
growing in faith...sharing Gods love
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Februa versaries
Anni

KEEFERS KORNER
I once saw a bumper sticker that read, Coincidence is Gods way of
staying anonymous. I was reminded of that sticker as I was preparing
this weeks sermon. The scripture from 1 Samuel tells the story of the
young Samuel who has been dedicated to the temple and the Lords
work. One night as Samuel was sleeping, he was called by the Lord
three times until it was revealed that the voice was of the Lord and not
of Eli, the temple priest. You might wonder what the connection is.
As we get to know each other, you will learn that I am quite amazed that
I was called four years ago to serve at the Garwin UMC, and I have now
been called to serve with you in the Chapel Church. I think back on my
life, and much as Paul often wrote that he was chief among the sinners
and incredulous that he would be called to take the message of Christ
to the Gentiles, I am in equal amazement that I have been called to
serve the Lord in the capacity of pastor. Young Samuel could not hear
the Lords voice when he was first called. Neither did I.
Years ago, probably because I was dragged to church each week by my
folks, I came to have an unquestioning belief in God. I learned of Jesus
in Sunday School, but it took many years before I came to the
understanding that it is more than knowledge of Christ that redeemed
and saved me. I had to invite Him into my heart. Once He had control
of my heart, my brain soon fell in line, and my mind came to see Him in
every aspect of my life. I began to desire more knowledge of God,
Christ, and the Bible than what I had only superficially learned in
Sunday School. Perhaps, like Samuel, I just wasnt paying attention at
first.
But what about coincidence? Is it just a random course of events that
has brought me to a place in my life that I have the opportunity to do
what was initially pulpit supply? I have started to realize there has
been nothing random about this. It is Gods subtle nudging that has
allowed us to come together as a worshipping body. And thinking of
the body, I hope we all grasp the idea that, as the church, we are the
body of Christ. We are His hands, feet, and voice for the world.
As we begin our time together, as we work for a better community and
world for the sake of Jesus Christ, I ask for your prayers. I am a rather
uncoordinated person in getting my ducks in a row. I can forget things,
and I am not as disciplined as I could be in keeping an appointment
book. I ask for your patience with me, understanding that while I might
be a little addle-brained in my organization, I am committed to growth in
my (our) relationship with Christ.

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May God richly bless us all in our service for Him. See you in church.
Pastor Mark

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Megan Appelgate
Jennifer Sullivan
Sarah Beane
Dee Burt
Samantha Aman
Marcia Wiese
Don & Lori Carlon
Randy Beichley
Sam Schrodt
Leon & Carol Lamer
Jeff Strayer
Tom Handorf
Laura Evans
Jorell Handorf
Stephanie DeSchamp
Angie Lookingbill
Brady Hook
Emma Schaffer
Madison Krull
Gabrielle Kloster
Matt Kemp
Moriah Rachel Groth
Scott Sederburg
Matt & Ann Jackson
Christian Kloster
Alan Benoit
Lindsey Groth
Janet Yungbluth
Connie Appelgate
Lynn & Donna Beichley
Rick Bessman
Andy Little
Blayne Koster
William Lookingbill
Larry Collins
Joel Vint
Matt & Charity (Little)
Bandstra
Donald & Phyllis Mann
Marla Hlas
Ron Koster
Stan Koster
Gabriella Koopman
Mechiele Winters

Cha
pel N ew s
_
Committee Chairs for 2015
Nurturing/Worship: Ross Iverson or Bill Backoff
Witness: Tricia Steen
Missions: Linda Havelka
Age-Level: Marla Hlas
PPR: Darrel Burt
Committee Chairs - Nominations: Lori Somers
Trustees: Leon Lamer
Finance: Vaugn Kloster

_________________________________________________________
Snow Removal
Anytime snow removal is needed for special events at church, please
contact Ron and Jeff Koster at 474-2212.

____________________________________________________
Confirmation Class

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Pastor Mark & Dotti

Keefers address is 605

Fifth St, Traer, IA 50675;
319-478-8502; cell
319-239-4743; email is
mdkeefer@windstream.net.
He will be the pastor for
both Garwin UMC and for
Chapel and will start Feb. 1

Please refer to 2015

assignments on narthex
bulletin board.

Confirmation class has been postponed until this fall. Our records show
that the following Junior High students are eligible to take the class:
Madison Krull, Andrew Collins, Presley Bland, Jonah Daniel, Brook
Rosacker, Logan Anderson, Austin Strayer; Grace Schewe, Madisyn
Anderson and JJ Handorf. We apologize if we have missed anyone,
including any high school students who have not taken the confirmation
class.The class was offered two years ago.

Rose bowl on altar recently

Parents, please let us know if your child will be involved in confirmation

class, which will enable them to join Chapel Church: Pastor Mark,
319-239-4743, mdkeefer@windstream.net; Pastors Jen and Paul
Daniel, 641-752-0931, Jennifer-daniel@mchsi.com,
daniel3785@mchsi.com; and sponsors Chris and Marci Krull,
641-499-2250, marcikrull@ymail.com.

Congratulations to Siera

______________________________________________________________

Chapels Blog
Lori Somers maintains Chapels blog, and you are encouraged to look
at it at http://chapelfriends.blogspot.com. Besides reading pertinent
information, like the newsletter on the blog, you have a chance to listen
to the latest Chapel sermons. Thanks, Lori, for a job well done!

for baby Knox Raymond

PTL for people like Ann

Jackson, who volunteered

to take Heidi Langenbaus
Childrens Church position!
Richter and Matthew
Schwartz on their recent
engagement!

Thank you to the interim

pastors who filled the pulpit

between Pastor Dean
leaving and Pastor Mark
coming.

Cha pel N ew s
YF
We are very excited about our new year! We have many fun and
exciting things planned and hope all students in grades 7-12 will be
able to join us.

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Concer

Family of Cheri Richters mother,

who recently passed away in OH.
John & Cheri thank you for your
prayers.
Pastor Mark & Dotti Keefers
pastorate at Chapel
Nick Niedermann, health concerns
Matt Jackson, torn meniscus
_______________________________________________ Co-worker of Deputy Andrew
Steen, who was shot; in intensive
care
Help!
International affairs, including

Cheri Richter has organized and purchased all of the Jr. Sunday
France
School supplies each fall for many years. Of course, we all
Dennis Hass, GMG father, recent

know that she has moved, and so we are looking for a volunteer
heart attack; is home now
to fill her position. The job involves going through the caddies in
Family of Bishop Reuben Job, who

each of the four Jr. classroom, deciding what needs to be

died January 3; he was the son-inreplaced and purchasing the needed supplies: pencils, colored
law of Rev.Wm. Ellerbeck, who
pencils, crayons, markers, tape, stapler, etc. You may turn in
served Chapel many years ago
your bills to treasurer Rick Bessman. Please contact Heidi
Langenbau, langenbauheidi@gmail.com if you are able to help.
Family of Liesel Casto, GMG 7th
Thank you.
grader, who recently died in a
____________________________________________________
hunting accident
Pancake Supper
Family of Daniel Soto, 17, GMG
Pancake Supper for Ash Wednesday, Feb 18, 6 pm, by Chapel
sophomore, who died Jan 12.
men and service following.
Please give donations to Ann
Jackson or his mother, Ilene
Sevilla, 403 Rider St, Apt 3,
Garwin, IA 50632
____________________________________________________
Those working out in the cold
Boy Scout Sunday
Nancy Peshel, infection
Boy Scout Sunday is February 1. More than 600,000 youth meet
Deb Miller testing (Cimbers aunt)
in more than 8,000 United Methodist churches each year as
Dan & Sarah Beane leaving for
members of Scouts and other youth organizations. Chapel
Belize, travel and Saras health
sponsors the Boy Scouts who hold about two meetings a month
GMG School Community, teachers
in the church. The Boy Scout law says that a scout is reverent.
and students
Scouts of all ages promise to do their duty to God. These values
strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith.
____________________________________________________
Financial Record
If anyone needs a financial record of their contributions for tax
purposes (checks only), please contact church treasurer, Vaugn
Kloster at 641-473-2537 or via email, vkloster@gmail.com
January 25 - YF right after church - location to be announced.
February 1- Super Bowl Party at Marla and Doug Hlas' home. Each
student bring an appetizer or snack food. Come as early as 4 pm,
kickoff is at 5:30 pm.
February 15 - YF right after church, lunch provided, location to be
announced.
March 15 - YF right after church, lunch provided.

Cha pel N ew s
Thank you for your kindness in singing of Jesus Birth to us. May
God bless you and keep you always.
Mike and Marietta Wood (Marci Krulls parents)

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Look

March 1: Financial audit due to

District Supt.
March 7: Turn clocks ahead

__________________________________________________
Lynches in Mesa
We would like to let all of our Chapel friends and their family
members know that Darwin & Donna Lynch have sold their home in
Marshalltown and purchased a condo in Mesa, AZ at 2064 S
Farnsworth Dr. # 101; Mesa, AZ 85209 Tel: 480-984-4260. We kids
are all very happy that we have Dad & Mom nearby and we are all
living close together now. With Dad & Mom here we now have 16
family members living in the Phoenix area plus Stefanie & Chris are
expecting this Spring. Kerry is still in California and Misty is in
Chicago. Holidays will be fun, and we can help out with doctor
appointments, etc. for Dad & Mom.
Also, we are very grateful and thank you each for the many
prayers and lots of support during this transition for Dad and Mom
over the past year or so. We especially want to wish all of our
Chapel friends and family members a Very Merry Christmas and
Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year from all of us in the Darwin
& Donna Lynch family.
Doug Lynch

_____________________________________________________________________

Walk to Emmaus Spiritual Retreat

Walk to Emmaus is a 72 hour personal experience of learning how
to have a closer relationship with God. This is a great experience for
both men and women to deepen your faith.
Walk dates are
Mens: February 19-22, 2015
Womens: March 5-8, 2015
If you are interested in getting to know your Lord and Savior for a
closer relationship, now is the time to do it, by getting hold of
Barbara Burt, Chuck & Dana Rosacker, and Pastor Jennifer & Paul
Daniel. Mens registrations need to be mailed in no later than Feb 7,
so dont wait until the last minute to talk to those listed above.

March 12: 7 pm Volunteers

meeting (Janice Collins
devotions; Connie Buchman &
Lori Somers)

ance
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Wo

Dec 28: 56
Jan 4: 61
Jan 11: 67
Jan 18: 66

Cha pel N ew s
February Jr. Sunday School Teachers:
Jr SS Opening: Chris & Marci Krull
Preschool-K: Janice Collins
1st 4th: Tammy Burt
5th 6th: Chris & Marci Krull
7th-12th: Randy & Susan Beichley
M&M: Karen Handorf
March Jr. Sunday School Teachers:
Jr SS Opening: Heidi Langenbau
Preschool-K: Heidi Langenbau
1st 4th: Barb Plaehn
5th-6th: Carol Lamer
7th-12th: Marla Hlas
M&M: Dan Steen
______________________________________________________
Welcome
Gail & Richard Hass and their boys Joshua, Noah and Sam to
Chapel! Richard works at Fisher and Gail at the Veteran's Home.
Joshua and Noah are juniors at GMG, and Sam is in 2nd grade.
Richard & Gail Hass
208 4th St.
Garwin, IA-50632
g.hass1996@gmail.com

Pastor Mark & Dotti Keefers

605 Fifth St.
Traer, IA 50675
319-478-8502; cell 319-239-4743; email is
mdkeefer@windstream.net

dar
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Feb

Sun/Feb 1: 9:30 Sunday School;

10:30 worship with Pastor Mark,
communion; YF Super Bowl Party
@ Marla & Doug Hlas home, each
student bring appetizer or snack
food. Come as early as 4 pm;
kickoff at 5:30 pm.
Sat/Feb 7: 9 am 4-H; 6 pm Garwin
Roughriders
Sun/Feb 8: 9:30 Sunday School;
10:30 worship, Mission Minute,
Boy Scout Sunday; Childrens
Church (Frances, Wyatt & Violet
Jackson, treats)
Mon/Feb 9: 6 pm, Cub Scouts
Thurs/Feb 12: 3:30-5:30 pm Girl
Scouts
Fri/Feb. 13: Newsletter items due
Sat/Feb 14: Valentines Day; 9:30
am Marshall County Mounties
Sun/Feb 15 : 9:30 Sunday School;
10:30 worship; YF, right after
church, location to be announced.
Wed/Feb 18: 6 pm Pancake
Supper by Chapel men, then Ash
Wednesday service
Sun/Feb 22: 9:30 Sunday School;
10:30 worship, 9:30 am, Lenten
Study in Fellowship Hall, all invited;
6 pm, Belize meeting at Jay
Beichleys home, 211 C Ave,
Gladbrook.
Mon/Feb 23: 6 pm, Cub Scouts

O rg a n iza ti on M i n u t e s
Administrative Council

will talk with Kapaun & Brown about

the floor. That might wait until spring
to make sure that
the problem is solved about the
draining issue.

Members Present: Linda Havelka,

Doug & Marla Hlas, Dan & Tricia
Steen, Heidi Langenbau,Leon Lamer,
Nancy Peshel, Kathryn Burt, Chuck
Rosacker, Janice Collins, Phil & Karen PPR: Darrel Burt- No report.
Collins, Bill & Cindy Ormston, Rick
Bessman, Garrett Groth, Jake Hlas and YF: Marla Hlas- Marla is trying to get
Amy Niedermann.
schedules from the kids to have a
get together on Wednesday nights,
Chairman Dan Steen called the
which would include pizza and game
Administrative Council meeting to order night. As of now she has confirmed 4
on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at 12:00 or 5 youth. She is also planning a
noon. He thanked the Garwin
retreat/revival sometime next month.
Roughriders for the delicious lunch.
Marlas brother will tell history and
Karen Collins made the motion to
have music. This will most likely be
approve the minutes of the last
on a Saturday night to avoid
Administrative Council meeting as
basketball games and wrestling. In
printed in the Chapel Chimes. The
February or March, Jace is having
motion was seconded by Tricia Steen
surgery so things will slow down for
and motion passed.
her to be there for Jace. Dan offered
our help and she is to let us know.
Election of Officers- Tricia Steen
Marla said that a large number of
nominated Lori Somers for chair. Chuck them have snowmobiles and would
Rosacker seconded the motion, and Bill like to get together to go on a trail
Ormston stated we cast a unanimous
ride.
ballot for Lori. Motion carried. Marla
Hlas nominated Dan Steen for Vice
Sunday School: Heidi Langenbauchair. Bill Ormston seconded the
Nothing new.
motion. Marla Hlas moved to cast a
unanimous ballot for Dan. Motion
Jr. Sunday School: Nothing new.
carried.
Childrens Church: Next fall Ann
Treasurers Report: Vaugn Kloster- A
Jackson will take over Heidis
print out of the treasurers report was
position. The Christmas play was a
distributed to the council. The balance
success, and Ann already is planning
on hand at the end of December was
the next one.
$20,752.56. Linda Havelka moved to
approve the budget. Marla Hlas
Sunday School Treasurer: Rick
seconded the motion and motion
Bessman- Sunday School income for
passed.
the year was $1,059.00. Sunday
School expenses were $1,233.00.
Pastoral Report: Pastor Mark Keefer
The ending balance for Sunday
will start February 1st. Kathryn Burt
School was $2,798.00.
mentioned that the pastor would like to
be called Pastor Mark. Leon Lamer
Lay Leader, Allen Burt: No report.
spoke with Pastor Mark and there will
not be many changes. One of the
Witness Ministries: Tricia Steenchanges that the pastor will bring to our Just finished Advent. Organizing end
church is that he will furnish the bread
of February Lenten study. Not sure if
for communion. The other change is
gather as one group or go to Sunday
when we put the scripture up on the
School class. If you have an opinion
wall, Pastor Mark likes to explain the
give them to Kathryn Burt or Tricia
scripture so the congregation will
Steen. They will need to know how
understand it.
many books to order.
Trustees Report: Leon Lamer- Not
sure on the date that they will meet,
some Wednesday night to decide on
the new chair. They will also discuss the
prayer room, downstairs storage and

Missions Committee: Linda

Havelka- They met last week to get
organized. The group is thinking
about this summer doing work at the
Quakerdale Ranch. They are

wanting to do some things locally so

that everyone can participate.
Age-Level Committee: Marla HlasThe committee has not met yet. They
are planning on a couple of fun
events, no details as of yet. We have
Bible School this year and need to
pick a date. Leon Lamer moved to
approve the work area reports,
seconded by Jake Hlas and motion
passed.
Old Business: No report.
New Business: Chuck Rosacker
mentioned that they were thinking of
having a Valentines meal for all
couples, including members bringing a
friend. They are looking at a Saturday
night. The youth will serve the meal.
The next meeting will be Sunday, April
12 with Bill & Cindy Ormston and Dan
& Tricia Steen providing the meal.
Dan Steen closed our meeting in
prayer. The meeting adjourned at
12:35 pm.
Secretary,
Amy Niedermann

BELIZE MISSION TEAM REPORT

Seven members of the upcoming Chapel Mission team to the Cayo Deaf Institute in Belize met at the
church Sunday evening, January 11, 2015. The team plans to travel to Belize on July 20th where they will do
renovations and repairs on the deaf school facilities before returning on August 5th, 2015.
The team shared a pizza meal prepared by Susan Beichley.
Jay Beichley gave the devotions using Romans 12:1-2 and Romans 12:9-10 as his scripture. In his
remarks he stressed that offering yourself to God, such as in service to others, is one way to worship. He also
pointed out that it is more important to fit our day into Gods plans for us rather than trying to fit God into
whatever plans we might have for the day. We are called to be transformed from our culturally acquired ways
to become more and more like Jesus. He concluded by asking that we not to just pretend to love others but
to actually love them and take delight in honoring others in which listening to others is a practical way to love.
Susan Beichley gave instructions on obtaining a passport, a process which should begin soon.
Dan Beane presented power point program on the deaf school in Belize and possible projects we could be
involved in as a team.
Susan asked for ideas for a team Bible verse and theme which would become the team name.
Dan gave a brief sign language lesson and asked that team members learn how to finger spell their names.
While the major focus of the team will be repairs and renovation at the Cayo Deaf Institute the team is
exploring possibilities for a one day exposure in a rural Spanish-speaking village.
The meeting closed with the team members participating in a prayer circle
The next meeting will be held Sunday, February 22 at 6 p.m. at Jay Beichleys home.

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Chapel Friends,
The Worship Committee is planning the Lenten Study 2015. The study title is 'The Way, Walking in the
Footsteps of Jesus' by Adam Hamilton. This is the same author has our study last year (Journey to the Cross).
It is a 6 week study and will begin Sunday, February 22nd. The time will be at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning in
the Fellowship Hall. It will take the place of Sunday School opening time and Sunday School. We are asking
for two people, each Sunday, to take a turn at making coffee/tea and provide a small treat.
The cost of the book is $12.50. I am sending the bill on to the Sunday School treasurer but if you would like to
purchase your book please place the dollars in the Sunday offering plate.
I ordered 5 large print books and 10 regular print books. If we need more (I hope we do) I can easily order
more.
If you would like to help in any way, such as providing a small snack please let me know.
Put the date of February 22nd, 9:30 a.m. on your calendar.

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
amyniedermann@yahoo.com
Group Email: chapel@iastate.edu
Chapel Blog: http://chapelfriends.blogspot.com

Ushers
Feb.

Musicians

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

Bill & Tammy

Backoff

Paul & Jennifer

Daniel

15
22

Chris & Amy Kelly

Bland
Newcomb &
Kathryn Burt

Marla Hlas

Cindy &
Madison
Krull

Childrens Church
treats: Frances,
Wyatt & Violet
Jackson
Marci Krull

Cindy & Madison

Krull

David & Tanya

Collins
Darrel & Tammy Pastor Mark
Burt

Jake Hlas &

Garrett Groth
Jake Hlas &
Garrett Groth

Gayle & Cindy

Krull

Barb Plaehn
& Connie
Buchman

Marla Hlas

Dean & Michele Childrens

Messerly
Church
treats- Ross
Murty & Kyan
McBride

15

Bill & Cindy

Ormston

22

29

Nursery

Sunday School

Merlyn
Susan
Appelgate & Beichley &
Matt Jackson Kathryn Burt

March
1

Acolytes

M&M: Karen Handorf

Pre-K- Heidi Langenbau

Gr. 1-4: Barb Plaehn
Gr. 5-6: Ann Jackson

Jr SS Opening: Heidi Langenbau

Jr/Sr: Marla Hlas
Parenting: Dee Burt

Paul or
Jennifer
Daniel
Merlyn & Connie Marla Hlas
Appelgate

Jeff Hughes
& Tyson
Strayer
Jeff Hughes
& Tyson
Strayer

Dan & Tricia

Steen

Cole
Langenbau
& Jake Hlas

Pastor Mark

Preschool-K: Janice Collins

Gr 1-4: Tammy Burt
Gr. 5-6: Chris & Marci Krull
Jr SS Opening: Chris & Marci
Krull
Jr/Sr: Randy & Susan Beichley
Parenting: Dee Burt
Adult I: Kathryn Burt

Adult I: Kathryn Burt

M&M: Dan Steen