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Birthdays & Anniversaries   •   Cares, Prayers & Joys


Birthdays and Anniversaries

We extend birthday and anniversary greetings to our church family
who will be celebrating during the month of FEBRUARY.
Best Wishes to you!

Feb. 2  Nadine Baker
Feb. 4	Neil & Anita Mason (Anniv.)
Feb. 7	Kara Franken
Feb. 13	Kourtney Determan
Feb. 16	Jeff & Dawn Mentzer (Anniv.)
Feb. 18	Jodie Schmidt
Feb. 21	Nancy Cuthrell
Feb. 23	Marlys Engle
Feb. 26	Bob Toomer
Feb. 28	Wanda Bulten, Tim Galvin


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Notices and Prayer Requests


February 1, 2012 - Bulletin

   THANK YOU
      Thank you so much for your generous gift to Heifer International, where it has already been put to work toward igniting transformation in families and projects all over the world.
      While it’s winter here at home, thousands of families around the world are entering into their summer harvest, with an abundance of fruits and vegetables for the first time ever, thanks to the gift of livestock and training in their care. A new confidence in sustainable livelihoods allows project participants to grow ever more self-reliant, rather than face hopelessness and defeat.
      Best of all, through our cornerstone Pass on the Gift, another family will receive the animals and training to start a powerful and life-changing journey of their own. Thank you for making this possible.
                                 Sincerely,
                                         Pierre U. Ferrari
                                      President and CEO

THANK YOU
    Just wanted to thank all of you and the Men’s Ministry Group for the wonderful computer that you gave me to use for the church secretary’s job. It is so nice to be able to have it to work on things from home as well as at the church. I am still learning so much what these machines can do! Thank you all for this wonderful gift and for your confidence in me to learn how to use it with Anita’s amazing and wonderful help! God has truly blessed me.  Marla 

THANK YOU 
 EUMC Members, Thank you for the gift, it was greatly appreciated. Rick and I wish you all a very Blessed New Year. Rick and Cyndi Hatch

January 30, 2012

Friends,
 
We raise Sheila and Bill Cougill in our prayers upon the death of Sheila's grandmother Loretta Carreau this past weekend. And we lift them along with Randy and Deb Galvin in our prayers following the suicide of Bill and Deb's 16 year old nephew, Spencer Nelson, yesterday (son of Tammy and Kurt Nelson).
 
Heavenly Father,
 
Our hearts are heavy today, Lord, as we raise Bill, Sheila, Randy, and Deb as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. The circumstances are so different and the grief so real. We ask You to be with them and their extended family in these days, surrounding them with love and sending caregivers to meet their needs. Let them feel the warmth of Your presence and know with confidence You are their rock, their strength, their comfort, and when all else is chaotic, they can rely on You.
 
We ask these things in Jesus' holy and precious name. Amen.
 

January 29, 2012 Bulletin

Thank You
To Members of the Early United Methodist Church…

I have been blessed to serve as your church secretary for the last twenty-five years, and I cherish all the memories I have made in this ministry for Christ.  It’s been a joy working with such a faithful and caring church family.  Thank you so much for the wonderful retirement party, the beautiful roses and corsage, the thoughtful words, the many cards and gifts, and for sharing your lives with me throughout the years. I will treasure the beautiful garden statuaries and they will have a special place in the landscaping at our home.  I really appreciate all your thoughtfulness.  May God’s blessings be with you as we continue to follow His way.                                                                                Sincerely,  Anita Mason

 “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”   2 Corinthians 9:12 NIV

January 25, 2012

We pray for the family of Lenard Schmitt, who yesterday went home to be with our Savior and his wife, Mary.
 
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for receiving Lenard into Your glory. Comfort his family with glorious hope of the life eternal. Grant them grace to that “Your will is done” and that Your will is good and gracious even at the hour of death. Strengthen and help his weary children with the new sorrow of losing their father so soon after their mother. We ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

January 22, 2012 Bulletin

Brothers and sisters it is with the deepest gratitude we recognize and celebrate the years of faithful service Anita has devoted as our Church Secretary.  God has blessed us and the life of this congregation through her gifts, energies, and faithfulness.

January 20, 2012

Prayers are requested for Jerry and Sharon Irwin's almost 5-year-old grandson, Carson Irwin. He has been having headaches for almost a month, on one occasion even being awakened in the night by it. He is to have blood work and a CT scan tomorrow morning.
 
Our Dear Heavenly Father, We come to you on behalf of Carson and his parents. We ask you to be with Carson as he undergoes these tests on Saturday morning and give him knowledge of your being there with him. Keep him calm and comfortable during the tests. Be with Scott and Kayla and give them your strength and calm assurance. If it be your will, let there be nothing seriously wrong and help the doctors find the cause of his headaches. We also pray for anxious grandparents so far away. Give all comfort and calm as they await the test results for nearly a week. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

January 17, 2012

Friends,
 
We received this email from Beth Evan's son, Craig, yesterday:
 
Hi Early Folks
This is Craig Evans, Beth Evans' second son.  I would like to ask you to pray for Beth who is now nearing her time to meet her Wonderful Maker.
Hold her close to God in your thoughts.
Thank you.
Craig
 
Heavenly Father,
 
We ask you to be with Beth and her family in these days. Surround them with your love and provide for them all that is needed. Let them know the support of friends and family as they walk on life's journey with Beth. We praise you for your faithfulness, your blessings, and your unconditional love. In all things we give you the praise and glory due only to you, our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer.
 
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

January 8, 2012 Bulletin

THANK YOU
To Pastor DeeAnn Klapp and the Congregation of the Early United Methodist Church: Thank you for the generous gift of appreciation for the church website. I enjoy contributing a small part for an active and modern church. You do a great service by continuing to keep current information and messages displayed where everyone can read them.
                                                Marlys Waters

January 2012 Newsletter

Thank you  to everyone who donated to the Community Food Drive held on Wed., Nov. 16.  Your generosity is amazing!  Thank you also to the youth group and their leaders for organizing, collecting, and delivering the donated items. This drive would not be possible if it weren't for the help of these willing hearts!  

THANK YOU for your faithfulness in giving to the following:  The Hat, Mitten, and Scarf Collection for the needy of our community; to those who decorated trees and provided poinsettias to beautify the sanctuary during the holiday season; to the Sunday School children, youth & teachers for a wonderful Christmas Program; to the Community Crooners for sharing their beautiful music with us; and for your gifts to the Clothing and Toy Drive sponsored by the Schaller/Crestland Ministerial Association. 

To Members of the Early UMC…..
    My sincere thanks to you for the monetary gift I received at Christmas time.  Thank you for thinking of me during this holiday season.
    It has been a pleasure to serve as your church secretary for the last 25 years, and I appreciate all the friendships, kindness, and support I have received throughout the years.  I know Marla will find many blessings as she continues this ministry for Christ.
     Thank you for all that you are and have been.  May God’s blessings be with you as we continue to follow in His ways.  
                                              …Anita Mason 

THANK YOU….John and I wish to thank you all for the many cards and gifts we received this Christmas.  It has been and continues to be a great blessing to serve this Church responsive to the love of Jesus, faithful to His work, and actively engaged in His ministry.  Thank you and may God bless you as richly as you have blessed us.
                        …Pastor DeeAnn & John Klapp

December 29, 2011 Bulletin

A Big Thank You from the Methodist Men’s Group
On behalf of the Early United Methodist Men, Jodi Bihrer and Dennis Steele would like to thank each one of you who donated money to the fund drive to purchase the computer for the secretary’s office.  We have met our goal and each and every one of your donations have been greatly appreciated.  Thank you from the Early Methodist Men.

POINSETTIAS  •  December 2011

        GIVEN BY:	             IN MEMORY OF:           

Kathy Feilmeier		 	 Joe & Elaine Feilmeier
						  
Neil & Anita Mason Family 	 Our Parents

Nera Zimmer & Family		 Milton Zimmer

Jean Blass & Family 		 George Blass

Dennis & Mary Lou Steele Family  Foster & Ruth Steele

Dennis & Mary Lou Steele Family	 Ernest & Elsie Davis

Mike & Nancy Davis		 Donavon & Lois Mason

Pastor & John Klapp		 Our Parents & Their Parents

John & Jeannette Weber		 John & Doris Weber

John & Jeannette Weber		 Richard Fredericks

Steve & Barb Determan Family	 Urban Determan

Jodi & Kristi Bihrer Family	 Martin & Joann Bihrer

December 12, 2011

Friends,
 
We raise Sharon Irwin in our prayers as she is in the hospital in Storm Lake with jaw and chest pain.
 
Heavenly Father,
 
We intercede for your daughter, Sharon, who is in pain. Be with her as doctors run tests and determine the cause of her pain. Surround her with caring professionals who will care for her, restoring her to health and giving her comfort. Be with Sharon's family as well as they are by her side. Let them know and feel your presence. You are Sharon's Great Physician. We boldly ask for you for healing in Jesus' name.
 
Amen.

December 11, 2011

Friends,
 
We raise Clyde Campbell (Barb's dad) and Glen Ola Lee (Roger's mom) in our prayers as both are hospitalized.
 
Heavenly Father,
 
We ask you to be with both Clyde and Glen Ola as they are in the hospital and undergoing tests. Be their strength and provide all they need for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Surround them with compassionate caregivers who meet all of their needs. We ask you to be with Clyde and Glen Ola's families as well. Wrap them in your loving arms so they know your presence with them. Beloved Lord, you are greater than our needs. We give you all honor, glory, and praise. And we thank you for your constant, unconditional love.
 
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
 

December 8, 2011

Kathleen “Kathy” Wattier, age 66, of Nemaha, Iowa, died December 8th peacefully at her home.

Memorial services will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 17th at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Sac City, Iowa, with Father John McGuirk officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Friday, December 16th from 4pm – 8pm, with a Scripture Service at 7pm. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenhuffman.com.

December 2011 Newsletter

Dear Early United Methodist Church members…
    We would like to thank everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers while Ashlie was in the hospital.  The prayer shawl is lovely, and it’s very touching that you made it for us.  Thanks again,
               …..Barry, Traci & Ashlie Determan 

To Pastor DeAnn and the Church Family of Early UMC,
     I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve all of you and the Lord in the position of the church's secretary. It will be a learn- as-you-go experience for me so I ask for all of your prayers and patience. I hope someday I can be half as efficient and helpful as Anita has been in this position, and I know she'll be there to help whenever I need her. Thank you Anita! God's blessings to you all! Thank you,
                                   …..Marla Nees

November 27, 2011 Bulletin

THANK YOU:  Thank you so much for the warm, beautiful prayer shawl.  It was so comforting to me the week before surgery, and I brought it with me so I would have it after I am out of ICU.  I’m sure the blessing of it and its warmth will speed my recovery.
                                    In God’s Love,
                                    Jodie Schmidt 

     Thank you all for prayers, calls, and cards.  Thank God for His mercy and grace.  Jodie had successful surgery last Friday, Nov. 4th.  Because of fluid on her lungs the ventilator did not come out until Wednesday. On Thursday she began having some difficulty breathing and that evening it was found that swelling in her throat had almost cut off her airway.  A tracheotomy was done early Friday morning.  She is doing better at this time.  Praise God!
                                  ….Betty Schmidt 

November 20, 2011

Friends,
 
These prayer joys and concerns were raised during worship this morning. Please keep them on your heart and in your prayers this week.
 
Joys
  • our youth group and its leaders
  • beautiful weather
  • good medical check ups
  • prayers and phone calls from family and friends and this church family
  • the holiday of Thanksgiving and all it represents
Concerns
  • Jodie Schmidt
  • Eldon Cuthrell
  • Judy Kraft of Laurens
  • Anita's sister, Norma
  • Sam Wandrey
  • Mary Schmitt
  • Diane Leonard
  • Heath, Jenny and Avery Galvin
  • Fred Schultz
  • Kathy Wattier

November 17, 2011

Friends,
 
Please plan to attend the UMYF pasta dinner this Sunday in Furrow Memorial Hall at the Early UMC. Members and their leaders will be serving from 10:30 am to 1 pm and ask for a free will donation to support their missions and programs!
 
In today's Sioux City Journal, there's a front page feature article on our very own Ed Schramm! Read more. . .
 
Our prayers are requested for Kelsey Schomaker, daughter of Jane and Kenlee. She has been ill for six weeks and they can’t seem to find what is causing the problems.
 
Dear Father in Heaven, We come before you on behalf of Kelsey who is ill. Grant her strength and healing. Guide the doctors to determine what is causing her illness. Bless the doctors with healing skills. Bless Kelsey with members of the body of Christ, the Church, that they may impart the healing gifts of love and hope. Let Your gracious will be done. Attend Kelsey with a full measure of your grace, that her faith may be strengthened, hope confirmed and love increased. Unite us all as a family gathered about Your throne, praying for one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

November 13, 2011

Friends,
 
We continue to raise Jodie Schmidt in our prayers. She remains at Mercy in Des Moines following double bypass surgery on November 4. On Friday, November 11, they inserted a trach which has greatly improved her breathing so she's now able to sit up and has been on a short walk. Due to the trach, they expect her to remain in ICU this week.
 
Heavenly Father,
 
We continue to ask you for healing for your daughter, Jodie. Be with her, gracing her with your healing touch as she continues to recover. We thank you for her positivek attitude and the many blessings she's experienced on this journey. We ask you to be with Butch and Betty as well while they are with Jodie, giving them courage, strength, and refreshment for their spirits. You are an awesome God and we trust you to provide all they need.
 
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

November 13, 2011

Friends,
 
These prayer joys and concerns were raised during worship this morning. Please keep them on your heart and in your prayers this week.
 
Joys
  • Heath Galvin's recovery
  • upcoming UMYF pasta dinner
  • men and women who served - all veterans
  • God's healing power
  • praise God for the sunshine
Concerns
  • Anita Mason's sister - Norma
  • Jim Munns
  • Anita Coon's family
  • service men and women no matter where they are stationed
  • our nation and its leaders

November 10, 2011

Friends,
 
We are asked to raise Jodie Schmidt and her family in our prayers. Jodie has developed some scarring in her throat making breathing difficult. Butch and Betty are with her and need our support as well.
 
Heavenly Father,
 
We raise Jodie to you asking you to relieve her discomfort, heal her, and restore her to health. Wrap her in your loving arms and give her confidence, strength, and courage. Let her be aware of your Holy Spirit and your divine will for her life. Make your love evident in the form of angels ministering to her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Be with her family, too, as they support her, giving them all they need including your peace and refreshment. We honor you, Gracious God, for your love of all your children, praising and thanking you for all the blessings we've received.
 
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

November 10, 2011

Friends,

We received this update on Heath from Deb Galvin this morning:
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 
Heath suffered a heart attack on Friday evening. There has been some minor damage to his heart, but he is a strong young man. It is one day at a time now. We thank you all for your prayers, thoughts and phone calls. Please continue the prayers for his recovery and also keep Jenny and Avery in your prayers. He will be starting rehab today and out of work for a short period of time if things go well.

Heath, Jenny, Avery, Randy and I also appreciate everything and all the prayers that have helped us as far as support to get thru this bump in the road.

We know the Power of Prayer
*  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 
Heavenly Father,

Thank you for bringing Heath through this experience and be with him as he continues his recovery. We seek your protection for him as well as his family. Be their companion and continue to provide strength for them. We honor you for your faithfulness and mercy as well as for answered prayer.

In His name,

Amen.

November 9, 2011

Dear Heavenly Father, who leads us through all the changes of time, be near the family of Anita now in their bereavement. Comfort and uphold them. Make them know and feel that your children are eternally precious in your sight. Help them to be thankful for the life that has been, now to resign that life once more to You. Assist them to return to the scenes of their daily life, to obey our will with patience and to bear their trials with hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Dear Father in heaven. You have power over life and death. I ask You to help Jodie, who is sick. Remind her of Your Goodness and love; especially of Jesus’ suffering and death, that she may trust in You and have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Keep her from becoming discouraged, and help her to be patient when she suffers. Be with her family and the medical staff as they minister to her needs. If it is your will, make her well so that she may live a life of service. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

Anita Coon March 21, 1952 - November 08, 2011 Storm Lake, IA, formerly of Early, IA

Visitation: Friday, 3-8:00 p.m., November 11, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, 10:30 a.m. November 12, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. Vigil Service: Friday, 3:30 pm Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 pm November 11, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. Anita Jo Coon, long time art instructor, artist and musician, of Storm Lake, Iowa passed away on November 8, 2011, at BVRMC Hospice in Storm Lake after a 4 year illness with Pancreatic Cancer. Anita was born March 21, 1952, in Storm Lake. She was the daughter of Donald and Vivian (Gregersen) Toomer, of Nemaha, IA. She graduated from Crestland High School in 1970 and attended Drake University and then graduated from Buena Vista University in 1975, with a bachelor's degree in Art Education and Music Education. She married Jay Francis Coon of Early on March 3, 1973, at the United Methodist Church in Nemaha. She then attended Mankato State University where she received a Masters degree in Fine Arts.

During her college years she helped spearhead the Buena Vista Dozen and was active in musical theater and the visual arts. She taught high school art for 23 years at Crestland/ Schaller Crestland schools and taught 9 years at Storm Lake High School. She also did adjunct work for Buena Vista University. She received the outstanding secondary art educator award from the state Art Educators of Iowa in 1993. She presented art workshops locally and nationally.

She loved art, music, dance and theater; Anita participated in local community theater and was a member of the Chautauqua Dancers, Currier Carolers, Siouxland Master Chorale and Touch of Broadway. Anita operated a working art studio, “Studio Upstairs,” she was actively involved in solo and group exhibitions including A.R.T. She liked church music ministry where she served as choir director and cantor in the Catholic Church for many years.

Anita will forever be remembered by her devoted husband, Jay Coon of Storm Lake; son Joshua Coon, wife Christi, children Aubrey Grace and Ryan Evan of Mt. Juliet, TN; daughter Gabrielle Grooters, husband Scott, children Austin Jay and Maren Elizabeth of Spring Hill, TN; brother Greg Toomer of Early, IA, children Lisa, Mark, Erin, and John; sister Valerie Toomer and partner Nancy Manderfeld of Eden Prairie, MN, sister Jennifer Toomer Lasota, husband Randy and son Charles of Minnetonka, MN. Anita was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Vivian Toomer, along with her grandparents, Charles and Evelyn Toomer and Adolph and Marie Gregersen.

Anita touched the lives of many people with her beauty and grace. She maintained her blissful spirit all the way to the end. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Oncology & Hospice Programs.

November 6, 2011

Friends,
 
These prayer joys and concerns were raised during worship this morning. Please keep them on your heart and in your prayers this week.
 
Joys
  • Wanda's granddaughter, Kara, receiving a first place rating for her dance solo yesterday
  • our 50 year members - Marilyn Mentzer and Richard Mason
  • God's love and strength
  • God's love that encircles us with His comfort when we've had a hard day
Concerns
  • Anita's sister, Norma
  • Heath Galvin and his family
  • Anita Coon and her family
  • Jodie Schmidt and her family
  • family of Chrystal Oelrich
  • Kinzie Erpelding and her family
  • Dorothy Petersen whose brother, Wayne, passed away last week
  • those who don't know Jesus
  • our military, nation, and leaders
A prayer shawl was dedicated for Heath Galvin. 

November 4, 2011

Friends,

We raise Heath Galvin and his family in our prayers as he has had a heart-related health episode and is receiving treatment now. Randy and Deb are on their way to Des Moines.

Heavenly Father,

We come before you asking you to grace Heath with your healing power, restoring him and bringing him safely through this health issue. Give him strength, courage, and faith so he can face this bravely and confidently knowing you are on his side and able to do so much more than we can even imagine. Be with Heath's family as they go on this journey with him. Surround them with compassionate Christian caregivers who nourish not only body but soul as well. Wrap them in your loving arms, holding them up and filling them with your Holy Spirit.

These things we pray in Jesus' precious name. Amen.



External Links of Interest

You can sign up for a weekday email devotion from the folks with the
Purpose Driven Life ministry. You can go to
 http://profile.purposedriven.com/managesubscriptionssimple.aspx to sign up.

You can also visit www.upperroom.org/devotional for their daily reading if you prefer electronic format over the booklet available at our church.

You may use your "Back Arrow" to return from these links.

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Early United Methodist Church
402 Hickory St, PO Box 66
Early, IA 50535

Phone:   712/273-5241 (Church) 
Email:   eumc@ruralwaves.us      Website: www.umc1.org
Early UMC prayer chain email: earlyumc@gmail.com

Office Hours: 9-12 a.m. - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday