my citizenship by edgar f. solís · watching movies and art film. · isaac lodwick is a senior...

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September 2020 Volume 67, Issue 9 Page1 Worship Sundays at 10:30 AM Mabaan at 12:30 PM

My Citizenship By Edgar F. Solís

After a long process that took ten years, I finally became US citizen. This is my fourth and probably last citizenship. Is it possible to have more than one citizenship? Of course! First, I am a citizen of the world, a human being created by God. This makes me one with all human beings of the world. I am created and called by God to be in solidarity with all of the human race and work for the good of all, mainly those who are struggling with poverty, isolation, illness and injustice. My second citizenship is inherited, I was born in the wonderful country of Mexico. It is a fascinating country with a rich culture, amazing places, world-class food, and an incredible heritage and history. Mexico is a place of wonder to people all over the planet. It was there, in my country of origin, and from my family and culture I learned the values of family loyalty, honest friendships and hard work. My third citizenship is spiritual. As a child of God I do believe my eternal citizenship is in heaven and it is sealed by the promise found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I received my spiritual citizenship by the grace of God. It demands faith, a heart given to God and the willingness to follow the pathways of discipleship in order to be an ambassador of God’s kingdom here on earth. It is through this citizenship that I am able to be transformed and express God’s presence to everyone! Let’s remember what the Bible says: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21) My fourth citizenship was a personal choice. Why did I choose to become a US citizen? First of all, God sent me here to serve, to love and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone. I believe that the United States was and is still called by God to fulfill a mission in the world and its history. As an immigrant and citizen of the world and of the kingdom of God, I do believe that the United States of America is a country where the values of freedom, equality, justice and honor must to be re-evaluated and recovered in order to show that it is possible to have a more just and compassionate society where the character of a person is more important than any other external factors. Among many other reasons, I value the strong roots of the Christian faith in this country and I hope to spread the flame of spiritual, social and political liberty in the world. Here I have found the best people whose hearts can be used to transform the world. Today we are facing a crucial time in history; a global pandemic, social, political, and economic turmoil but I do believe that this is the best time to become an American citizen. May God bless the United States of America, may God bless the Church and all the people of the world. Amen!

2 - THE LIGHT Sunday Worship at 10:30AM September 2020

Mabaan Worship at 12:30 PM

Fall Programming We were hoping that by September we would be back together but since that doesn’t appear to be the case, our fall programming will look different. We will continue to do pre-recorded worship services and hold meetings online until the reentry team deems it safe to return. Also we have decided to offer Sunday School classes virtually. This fall, all adults in the church are welcome to join us for a discussion on how to bring the church into the 21st century. As you know, our world has changed drastically and even if we were meeting in person, as they say…”the times they are a changing.” If the church wants to survive, we also must change. Change is difficult but necessary. Pastor Edgar will lead this virtual class using a book entitled Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century. You don’t need to purchase the book (though it might be helpful). Each week he will present one or two takeaways from a chapter and then the group will be able to have a conversation to share thoughts and ideas. These conversations will help us rethink mission and ministry and follow the Holy Spirit to a place we never dreamed of. We all know where we have been but isn’t it exciting to think about where we could go? As we move further into the 21st century, how can we make the church not only sustainable (financially) but relevant to the lives of those who we discover while on our spiritual journey? If some of these thoughts intrigue you, join us via Zoom on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15. Please let Pastor Edgar or Christine know of your interest (by September 7th) and you will be sent a link to join the conversation. If you do not have access to Zoom but have Facebook, you can watch us on Facebook. Zoom is fully interactive but on Facebook you will be able to watch and type in your comments. This series will begin Sunday, September 13th.

Christine

School Supplies Delivered A big thanks to those who participated in our school supplies drive. We collected several boxes of all kinds of supplies including hand sanitizer! On Thursday, August 20th they were delivered to Edmunds School where they will be put to good use.



M & M Sunday School Class to Disband

Scripture reminds us that for everything there is a season. All things have a beginning and an end. On September 25, 1956 a new church Sunday School class known as the Pioneers was formed with 20 members. Two years later, they changed the name of the class to M & M and at one time the class had 60 members! Charter members of the class include Ron Matson, Louise Dechant and Lee and Lila Kline. They have had a number of teachers over the years including Lee Kline and most recently Paul Strayer. The class has decided that they are no longer able to meet. Due to Covid19 they are not able to join together in celebration of this ministry, so together as a congregation, let us give thanks for this class, its members and their ministry to First Church, the community and the world.

Children’s/Youth Sunday School Plans Children’s/Youth Sunday School will be pre-recorded and posted to the church’s Facebook page and youTube channel each week. The last Sunday of each month class will be held on Zoom. Parents/students will receive a link so they may join. Sunday, September 13th is the start date. Thanks to Miss Laurie for her help.

Hop in your car and join us Sunday, September 27th at 10:30 AM for a socially distanced drive in worship service in the church parking lot. Enclosed in this issue of the Light is a reminder flyer for your refrigerator. Hope to see you then!



History Tidbits

In honor of our 175th anniversary, here are a few more history tidbits. Enjoy!

On June 1, 1906 the 9th St. Church was turned over to the Shriners while the church rented space in the basement until the new building at 10th and Pleasant could be completed. (Note: no photos of the inside of the 9th St. location are to be found in our archives. The Shriners were contacted but they were not able to find any photos either.)

The building committee looked into various ways of heating the new building at 10th and Pleasant. There was talk of piping heat from the hospital but decided there was value in the church having its own heating system.

Our current church home was completed in 1908. The building is constructed of Bedford stone and originally measured 105’ x 142’. The façade resembled the north portico of the Erectheum, on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. The church did add in the triangle above the front doors, a representation of the two tablets bearing the Ten Commandments.

The auditorium (sanctuary) had a seating capacity of nearly 800 on the floor and 500-700 in the balconies. Overflow crowds could be seated by pulling back the large sliding panels on each side.

The eight columns around the perimeter were dedicated to the lay-saints of the church and bear the names of Denman, Gatch, Martin, Howell, Phillips, Gatchell and Kauffman.

A new organ was purchased from the Austin Organ Company at a cost of $11,700.

The total cost of the building and grounds was approximately $175,000.



The past few months have certainly posted a lot of challenges to our routine. First Church music ministry is blessed with many gifted singers and ringers. THANK YOU to Chancel Choir, WhiteChapel Chimes, Chamber Singers, Summer Bells, guest musicians and friends who have provided special music for our worship services during these trying times.

· Chancel Choir: Eloise Cranke, Cookie Major, Adel McDowell, Shelley Miller, Kay Pudil, Nancy Rhines, Paul Strayer, Robert Thelen, and Wanda Wendt.

· WhiteChapel Chimes and Summer Bells: Katie Bonus, Carol Broman, Carolyn Gay, Cookie Major, Shelley Miller, Scott Miller, Jocelyn Mindrup, Kay Pudil, Will Sadler, Josh Sadler, and Jean Taft.

· Chamber Singers (Spring ‘20): Zach Barry, Ryan Besser, Paul Linville, Isaac Lodwick, Katelyn Mardis, and Jordan McCready.

· Guest Musicians: Rosa Balderrama (cello), Nathan Dishman (trombone), Ryan Doerr (cello), Robert Espe (tenor saxophone), Kevin Judge (bassoon), Kristin Maahs (harp), Leslie Marrs (flute), Sue Odem (oboe), Dan Stevenson (clarinet), and Linda Swanson (violin).

· Friends: Bruce Carr, Jacque Coulson, Linda & Steve Gehling, and Kara Smith. ·

This Fall, First Church music ministry will continue to offer meaningful and spiritual support during worship services either on-air or in-person. Starting in September, WhiteChapel Chimes will provide music ministry on the first Sunday of the month. Chancel Choir will assist in hymn reflections and special music offerings as alternatives to singing. Chamber Singers will lift up our hearts with hymns, choral responses and anthems. Singers for the Fall are Jordan McCready, Emma Ksiazak, Casey Cerveny, and Isaac Lodwick.

· Jordan McCready is a sophomore vocal performance and psychology major at Drake University. She hopes to someday perform Opera or study the creative process in children. Jordan is originally from Anchorage, Alaska and also has a passion for the outdoors and activities such as rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. As of now she is spending her quarantine days dancing with her roommates, studying, and training for ski season.

· Emma Ksiazak is a junior in vocal music education at Drake University. She enjoys looking at pictures of bulldogs in her free time.

· Casey Cerveny, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a junior vocal performance major with a minor in French at Drake University. After graduation, he hopes to attend grad school and pursue a performance career in opera before becoming a professor. In his free time, Casey enjoys watching movies and art film.

· Isaac Lodwick is a senior vocal performance major at Drake University. He enjoys listening to music, especially rap, opera, and R&B. He has a cat named Octavia. In the future, he wants to be an associate professor of voice at an academic institution.

THANK YOU for your continuous support of the First Church Music Ministry.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16 Article submitted by Tin-Shi Tam, Director of Music Ministry



Dorothy Strayer Memorial Scholarship

Again this year First United Methodist Church is offering college scholarships to church members and their families. If you are interested in applying for one of these scholarships for the 2020-2021 year, please contact Ned Johnson at 515-771-8875 for information and application forms. The deadline for applying is September 15.

Online Worship

You can watch the service live on facebook at 10:30 AM

Facebook/DSMFirstChurch/

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Missionary News

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Here's the latest news from Mongolia. The COVID 19 status in Mongolia: Confirmed 289 Recovered 222 Deaths 0 My parents, two children and wife Grace are in the United States so my prayers are with you all who reside in the U.S. May God have mercy and compassion on us all. God is always faithful and true. Thank you for all your prayers and encouragements for United Methodist Mongolia Mission. May God's peace, grace and health be with you all. ~ Chin Cho



DEADLINE FOR FUTURE LIGHT ISSUES IS THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH

First United Methodist Church

1001 Pleasant Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

(515) 244-6209

DMFirstChurch.org

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

DES MOINES, IA

PERMIT NO. 4308

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED



We want to see you! Join us for a socially distanced service in the

church parking lot. You may stay in your car or bring a lawn chair

and sit in front of it. If you move away from your car, you must

wear a mask and maintain social distance. You can even bring your

own after church treat but no sharing!

Sunday, September 27 10:30 AM

Rain date: October 11

my citizenship by edgar f. solís · watching movies and art film. · isaac lodwick is a senior...

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