To Bless Backpacks

Church to bless backpacks

From Staff Reports WAVERLY The First United Methodist Church of Waverly will be celebrating their annual“ Blessing of the Backpacks” on –Sunday, Aug. 10. With school starting next week, the backpack will be a student’s constant compan-ion for the next nine months. The blessing will occur during the 10 a. m. worship service. Have your child bring his/ her backpack to celebrate God’s faithfulness. Each child will receive a backpack tag symbolizing the blessing. Blessingofthe Backpackstobe heldthisSunday The Wood River and Alda United Methodist Churches will mark the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year with their second annual “Blessing of the Backpacks” on Sunday, August 10, at their worship services. Ser-vices begin at 9: 30 a. m. in Wood River and 11:00 a. m. in Alda. All school age chil-dren are invited to bring their backpacks to worship this Sunday. The blessing will alsoalso include all teach-ers,teachers, administrators, and staff from thethe area schools. CHURCH: Blair Methodist marks 145 years Bla ir Methodist FROM PAGE 1 Some members recall hearing stories ofof the first celebrates and second churches asas they grew up. Member Terry Thomp-sonThomp- -y g son ofof Blair recalls how 145 e a r h er i t a e his youth group helped home to be with their parents that day. raiseraise money for the latest BY TRICIA BARBER church building by going [email protected] “It was meaningful to be back at church the depot remembering those people out after the corn harvest and picking up ears left inin Helen Seefus, 82, describes the im-pact in 1869 who had that vision to move to Blair,” Hjelle the fields ofof member Dick her church, First United Method-ist, said. The fi rst church’s membership con-sisted Lippincott and putting has had on her life. people. them in bushel baskets. “All of the important events in my of 40 them in bushel baskets. They soldsold the corn and life have taken place at the Methodist donated the money for the Blair, building SEE CHURCH, 8 church in in either this new building. or the one before,” she said.“ It is not With theirtheir work gath-eringgath- special person one minister, teacher or ering corn, the youth it is just the church whole that as a encouraged the church played big part my the church has a in life.” fathers, very fathers, who had become Her words are similar to those discouraged, to continue of other members as they described the building project, their— church, which is marking 145 com-piled GabbyGabby said,said, who has com- years of worship in Blair this month. piled the church history. preached Members enjoyed their First sermon from boxcar first service inin the present Four months after Blair was found-ed church building on Aug. in 1869, residents heard their fi rst 15,15,1951.1951. Methodist sermon preached by the Thompson also recalls Rev. Jacob Adriance from a boxcar at how it feltfelt to sing inin the the railroad station. The Methodist church choir as a high church building was moved by rail-road schoolschool sophomore. from Cuming City, which today is just a survey township, and was then placed on the lot where all of the Meth-odist churches have stood, what is now 16th and Colfax streets. After reading about that fi rst ser-mon, mon, members planning for the 145th celebration thoughtthought“"HowHow could we not go celebrate at the depot?”depot?" Pastor Rebecca Hjelle said. So on Aug.Aug. 3,3, about 180180 people gath-gath-ered ered atat the Depot in the Park for wor-wor-ship ship and a potluck meal to celebrate the anniversary. Adult children came COURTESY REBECCA HJELLE A stained-glass window in the United Methodist Church in Blair depicts the fi rst church, moved by rail car from Cuming City, in 1869. pastors. were beginning to plan The second church it’s still thinking creative-ly Thompson’s mother, for the 125th anniversary was erected in 1883 and about its mission, that Mae, said in a piece she in 1994, Pam Wilhelm featured a tall spire and I think is exciting,” Hjelle wrote for the 125th anni-versary:“ found a communion belfry. said.“ We’re not done yet. Grandfather did pitcher from the first The church was remod-eled There is more to be done.”done." everything for his church church, with“Christmas again in 1931, and the but attend. Grandmother, 1881” inscribed on it, in spire was removed after on the other hand, never the back of a closet in the damage from a twister missed a Sunday.” church. Finally, they had had weakened it. The bell Thompson said it’s been something from the early from the second church is important for him to know church. onon the grounds outside the where he came from and “We were planning a present church. about his church. big event for the 125th an-niversary,” Gabby said they decided Gabby said she thought Gabby said.“ It in 2000 to keep the church it was good that the was almost like we were downtown instead of confirmation class this being led.” possibly buying land and year studied the church’s The first two churches rebuilding elsewhere. history. still have a visible pres-ence, The church now has 650 Gabby recalls her par-ents, depicted on stained-glass members, Hjelle said. Bud and Louise Bel-lows, windows installed “To see that it’s still being very involved inin the current church as growing, to see that it’s and leading programs at memorial gifts. still vibrant, to see that the church. Her brother, Vernon Bellows Jr., paint-ed the mural of the Last Supper that is on the back wall of the sanctuary. “I think of it always as a church family,” Gabby said of her church where she had served as educa-tion director for 24 1/ 2 years. “It’s my recharge every week,” Thompson said. “It’s your opportunity to listen to a good sermon and have fellowship with people you know, be able to help them out in times of trouble.”trouble." Gabby also recalledrecalled an amazing historical discovery. As members Let 'em fly: Arrows to Aerospace returns Leader's own Swanson to marshal Olde Towne parade By Mike Bell Leader Staff Writer The 47th annual Arrows to Aerospace celebration will kick off Friday with two events: a

luncheon and bingo hb^^^^^b session at the Bellev- ue Senior Center from f Q f 3 |jstifig 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., ° and then the twilight naraHo criterium bicycle races U *I |J Cl ICIUC at Washington Park 4:3 oto8 0p m, entries, see fro^On Saturday,c ? - the ' Olde Towne Grand Q**^** AO Parade will begin, rain iCIgC Mfc or shine, at 10 a.m. Events will be held across Olde Towne for most of the day. The Downhill Mile at St. Mary's School on Mission Avenue will start at 8 a.m. At Washington Park, the pancake breakfast with the Pancake Man will be 8 to 11:30 a.m. The Bellevue police and fire departments will hold a display of equipment and vehicles at the park from noon to 3 p.m. Crafts and vendor stalls will sell their wares from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A bounce house for children will be in operation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Pet Idol contest will be held at noon and a dunk tank will be there from noon to 4 p.m. Being dunked will be Bellevue Police Chief Mark Elbert, city officials, and Bellevue Public Schools officials. A bicycle drawing for boys and girls will be held at 3 p.m., and Little Taste of Bellevue is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Sunday, for the first time, a Paddle and Skedaddle event at Bellevue West High School will be held. A combined run-and-swim race, the long course is 300 yards of swimming and a 5-kilometer run, while the short course is a 150- -yard swim and a 1-mile run. First set begins at 8 a.m. and runs till noon. Leader file photo For more information on Arrows to Aero- Hundreds of Bellevue residents line Mission Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon during last year's Arrows to space, to or con- go Bokiwanis.org/Page/15459 Aerospace Parade. This year's event will be held Saturday, same place, same time. tact Karen Mier at 402-291-6528. See A to A: Page 2 A to A blasts off Friday Continued from Page 1 This year's grand marshal of the Ar- rows to Aerospace parade is Paul Swan- son, current special projects manager for the Omaha World-Herald and the Bellev- ue Leader. Swanson, born and raised in Omaha, graduated Creighton Preparatory School in 1981, then graduated from the Uni- versity of Nebraska at Omaha in 1985. He began work at the Bellevue Leader as a sales representative in 1987, and has worn many hats over the years for the pa- pers in Sarpy County and Omaha. In the past, he was board chairperson of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Bellevue Artist Association and has been a member of the Bellevue-Offutt Kiwanis Club since 1992. In that time he has served on many committees, and has been the Arrows to Aerospace marketing chairperson. Swanson is married to Bellevue East High School graduate Katrina Methot, and they have two children, Libby and Shane. "I was very excited," Swanson said about the news he was chosen as grand marshal. "I was first exposed to the Ki- wanis Club by the Arrows to Aerospace parade, and thought this is a great group I could join." Looking Ahead Aug. 23 Lefler United Methodist Church, 1501 Madison St., will host a chuck wagon dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pork sandwiches, side dishes, ice cream and more will be sold. Prices are $7 for adults and $3.50 for children ages 4 to 12. Take-outs are available. Non perishable items are being collected at a dinner for the United Methodist Food Pantry. For more information, call 402- -733-7653. United Methodist Church in Friend rises from the ashes

Beaver Crossing declines FEMA aid, damage covered by Amanda Woita When a disaster happens, FEMA does not help individu-als The Village of Beaver the town has blanket coverage repair their homes, as the Crossing has turned down aid they can pull money from for organization only covers public from the Federal Emergency repairs. property. Management Agency. “They [ LARM] were the Chesnut said 65 percent of According to Beaver Cross-ing key to get this all done,” Ches-nut Beaver Crossing’s population Village Clerk Shannon said,“ Within 24 hours, in-surance is low to middle income, which Chesnut, the damaged caused surance people were on site to makes repairing homes and by the May 11 tornado was write checks.”checks." cars financially stressful. covered by the village’svillage's insur-insur-ance. Chesnut saidsaid 98 percent ofof The people of Beaver Cross-ing ance. the debris was removed from have received individual Beaver Crossing by Aug. 5. help from the Long-term Re-covery “They [ LARM] were The landfill that took the debris Team, a conglomerate has been fullyfully paid and dam-ageddam- non-profit organizations key get has been and of that the to this all aged tresstress havehave alsoalso been re-movedre- includes the Great Plains Con-ference done. Within 24 hours, moved and paid for.for. of the United Meth-odist insurance people were “We"We figured we’dwe'd do ev-ev-erything Church, the Red Cross, erything we could ourselves Veterans’ Affairs and others, on site to write checks.” - that’sthat's our mindset. We'reWe’re on according to Chesnut. the tail-end of everything,"everything,” Chesnut said this group Shannon Chesnut Chesnut said.“said. "FEMAFEMA said it'sit’s has helped citizens of Beaver Beaver Crossing virtually unheard ofof - people Crossing get in touch with car Village Clerk pulling- out of these disasters.”disasters." dealerships to replace damaged Chesnut said Beaver Cross-Cross-ing cars and repair their homes for ing has received $1 million discounted rates. Chesnut said Beaver Cross-ing from LARM. He saidsaid- more Because FEMA only covers has an insurance policy than 1,0001,000 volunteers put in public property, and the only through League Association of more than 38,000 hours ofof time repairs leftleft for Beaver Crossing Risk Management. between May 1111 andand June 5.5. are at the baseball field,field, The commissioners made He said Beaver Crossing, According to Chesnut, the Chesnut saidsaid the process plans to discuss the issue with along with other Nebraska only things left to repairrepair are would bebe expedited to work Chesnut. No action had been towns and villages, pays into a the baseball field'sfield’s fences through insurance, rather than taken as of presstime. pool. and grandstand.grandstand. He also saidsaid going through federal regula- Back-to-school blessings The Clinton and Gordon and a special prayer that God United Methodist Churches will care for the students, will offer back-to-school teachers, and administrators blessings at this Sunday’s during the coming school worship services. The services year. The blessings will be a will be held at 9:00 a.m. in source of hope, direction, and Clinton and 11:00 a.m. in encouragement. All students, Gordon. teachers, and administrators During each service, the are encouraged to attend. All churches will offer a blessing, are welcome. A detailed look at Milford’s church history The Methodist Church congregation. In 1926 the con-gregation Milford Evangelical United Methodist Church histo-rians decided to tear down Brethren congregation be-came“ say the first sermon the old church house and erect one flesh.” The Rev. W. preached by a Methodist a new building. A new brick T. Israel was appointed pastor minister in Nebraska was building, costing $ 18,000, was by the Conference to serve the preached by a Circuit Rider in dedicated debt free on Dec. 12, new Milford United Methodist 1850. 1926. A new Educational Wing congregation, now numbering A permanent mission was costing $ 43,000 was finished over 500 members. first established by the Rev. and dedicated in 1961. At this time the United Skaggs in 1866. Other early In 1966, the Conferences of Methodist Conference became pastors involved in the work the Methodist and Evangelical owner of Riverside Park and at Milford included the Rev. denominations agreed to unite camp grounds. Hawkins, the Rev. Oliver, the forming one denomination. At a meeting held May 16, Rev. Brannon and the Rev. Methodist G. Alan Dunlap and 1982, members present voted Blackwell. Evangelical member Frances in favor of renovating exist-ing In 1874, the Rev. Gallagher Mundhenke were appointed facilities and constructing was sent to Milford to orga-nize delegates to represent the additional space as per plans a congregation and build State of Nebraska in the so presented by the building a church. In 1878, a Seward called“ Uniting Conference” committee.committee. Ground breaking newspaper reported that 184 held in Dallas, Texas. servicesservices were held Oct. 3,3,1982.1982. Methodist members were liv-ing Bringing back a favorable ing inin Seward County, 46 of report, on June 9, 1968, the (continued page 6) these belonging to the Milford Milford Methodist and the on (continued from page 5) located south of Waco. Construction began Dec. 1, Needing more room, a 1982, although the cornerstone nearby vacant church building laying ceremony was post-poned was purchased and moved in until June 26, 1983. The to add an additional wing. first worship services were Some say the building held in the new sanctuary, moved in was the early Meth-odist costing $ 613 on Aug. 14, 1983. church, while some say Salem Methodist it was another abandoned German Methodist immi-grants church building east of Salem. settling north and west The first addition, moved in of Milford in the early 1880s, by steam power, was added first met for worship in mem-bers’ around 1910. Several additions homes. A small church and improvements were added was erected several miles later. The congregation had north and east of the present about 70 members when they location in 1882. A small cem-etery observed their 100th anniver-sary and a few trees remain to in August 1982. mark the spot. Early names on From 1938 to 1972, they were the still readable tombstones well known for their Thanks-giving include Gehrke, Becktel and Festivals. The Male Leitz. Chorus, under the direction About 1886 newly arriving of Albert Ebers, was very immigrants, namely, Ebers-pachers, popular in the community. The Vogts, Casts, Barths congregation never enjoyed and Wursts decided to build aa a resident pastor. Due to a larger building. A new build-ing,build- decrease in membership, the ing, erected atat the present well preserved building is now location was dedicated in 1893.1893. home to a Mennonite con-gregationcon- For many years the congre-congre-gation gregation known as“as "SalemSalem gation sharedshared a pastor with Country Church. the Ebenezer Congregation Nebraska Faith Leaders Call for Compassionate Treatment of Child Migrants Religious leaders from across Nebraska are calling on the state to "Over and over again in Sacred Scripture, the Lord makes it clear that respond compassionately to refugee children who are fleeing violence in what is most important is how the most vulnerable are treated. We have their home countries and seeking safety in Nebraska. thousands of vulnerable children coming to our borders seeking help. To A coalition of more than 140 people of faith •■•■ including more than 80 turn our backs on them or return them without due process back into a life clergy members - have signed the letter, which was organized by Omaha of poverty, violence and in many cases, certain death, violates our most Together One Community (OTOC), and calls for the humane reception basic principle to protect the life and dignity of all people," said Fr. Mike of the more than 200 child migrants who have been released into the care Eckley, of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Omaha. "This is a pro-life issue, of relatives or caretakers in the state of Nebraska. Nebraskans working and as people of faith, we need to respond to it as a life issue." with OTOC, Catholic Charities, Nebraska Interfaith Network and United The full text of the statement, which was organized by Nebraska Methodist Ministries have pledged their support for migrant children Appleseed, Omaha Together One Community and other faith organiza- on the letter. As legislation to provide aid for these children stalled in tions, is included below: Congress, people of faith across the country are coming together to fol- "We are distressed by the cries of the young mothers, children, and low the biblical mandate to "welcome the stranger." adolescents who have risked their lives to flee terrible violence and now "While our nation seeks to perfect its policy regarding policing our are seeking safety in our state. This situation demands we act in accor- borders and ordering immigration, it is the right thing to care - right dance with our best values of compassion, and humanity. Nebraskans now - for those who come looking to us for help," said the Right Rev. J. are good people and good neighbors who value peace and protection for Scott Barker, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska. "I know that vulnerable children who have fled terrible violence. countless churches, ministries and individual Christians stand ready to "Lashing out against these children violates our integrity as a nation help in every possible way. This is the time to stand together and do the and as people of faith: '... show kindness and mercy to one another, do right thing." not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let "I cannot think about the children coming for refuge without think- none of you devise evil against another in your heart.' (Zechariah 7:9- ing about Jesus' words, 'Let the little children come to me and do not -10.). stop them,'" said Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker, pastor of Grace Evangelical "We take seriously our government's concerns for national security Lutheran Church in Omaha. "My faith compels me to stand with those and the orderly control of immigration affairs. However, the solution who are the least and offer them a safe place amidst the violence and suf- does not lie in punishing the children. We must welcome our brothers fering that has brought them to seek refuge in the United States. I have and sisters seeking safety and ensure they receive the proper screening, heard the stories of family members who have sought refuge here in the protection, and legal counsel that our laws demand as well as the peaceful United States, and I cannot turn them away." protections commanded by our faith." Praying Circles Around Our Schools

Courier photos by Jim Edgecombe WALK — The second annual community-wide prayer walk was held in Minden on Sunday, August 10th. Walk- ers circled around each of the schools, the football field, and the outdoor classroom. At each school they stopped for prayertime lead by a local ministerial leader. (At right) Reverend Paul Blanchard from the United Methodist Church in Minden leads a prayer at the Minden High School. Approximately 53 people participated and the group received many donations for their fund drive to provide school supplies for families in Pilger who were affected by the tornadoes earlier this summer. Vota Coming To Ord With Free Show And Purpose Lincoln-based pop/rock band made Christian Hit Radio's Top 10, Vota will be performing at the First and they have shared the stage with United Methodist Church in Ord on artists of international fame such as: Aug. 20. The concert will begin at 7 Switchfoot, Needtobreathe, and p.m. Newsboys. VOTA recently released its latest "Their presence here in Ord will album, entitled "Love Found Me", be a full blown concert with and and is offering the entire album for opening act," Pastor Trever Rook free to raise awareness to stop said. "They will be bringing their human trafficking in Nepal. The complete touring show with lights album can be downloaded and more and sound and will transfer our information on the campaign can be church into a concert hall." found by visiting www.love- The band, whose members include foundme.org. VOTA has been fea- Bryan Olesen, John Wooten, Justin tured on www.foxnews.com to Wantz, Stefan Carlson, formed in discuss the campaign. 1997. They are currently on the ros- The concert will take place at 7 ter of Big Box Records. Their songs p.m. at the church, located at 304 S. "Alright" and "Hard to Believe" 16 th Street. Donald Christensen Memorial Services The Reverend Donald They both graduated from his family moved to the Mil- Glen Christensen, 81, died Nebraska Wesleyan Univer- itary District of Washington July 5, 2014 in Lincoln. sity with BA degrees in June where he served as Army Memorial services were of 1958. Chaplain at Ft. Myer, Vir- held Sunday, August 3, 2014, He entered Perkins ginia and Arlington National at the First United Methodist School of Theology, SMU, Cemetery. In 1980, he be- Church in Lincoln with Pas- Dallas, Texas in September came the Post Chaplain at tor Larry Moffet and the Rev. of 1958. He graduated with a the Military Ocean Terminal, Richard Turner officiating Master's Degree in Theology Bayonne, New Jersey. He re- and Brent Shaw, minister of in June of 1962 from the Iliff tired from the U.S. Army music and evangelism. Lisa School of Theology in Den- Chaplaincy with 22 years of and Steiner was the cantor ver, Colorado. military service and retired soloist and ushers were Gre- While at Illiff, he served with the rank of Lieutenant Mike Juniata and gory Podkovich and student charge at Colonel. He returned to the Sterns. Wallace Methodist Churches Nebraska Conference of the Interment will be held at in Nebraska. While the cou- Methodist Church Ceme- and Wal- United Arlington National ple were at Juniata serving charge at Beaver tery in Virginia at a later lace they adopted two Crossing/Seward Salem and date. children, Steven Donald and Dewitt/Pickrell, and Ains- Memorials are suggested David Glen. worth/Johnstown. He retired First United Methodist In June of 1964, he was to from the United Methodist Church, 2723 N. 50th, Lin- appointed to the Wesley Park Ministry in June 1994 mov- coln, NE 68054 or can be Methodist Church in Lin- He a 1966, ing to Omaha. accepted sent to the Christensen fam- coln, and in October of pastor of the Lincoln, War he position as ily, PO Box 29137, during the Vietnam Community Church U.S. Chap- LaPlatte NE 68529-0137. became a Army LaPlatte from June 1994 He entered the U.S. in He was born July 16, lain. December 1998. The cou- Chappell, the son of Army Chaplain School in to 1932 in ple moved to Lincoln in Howard A. and Amelia W. October of 1966, and then in April of 2006. (Sick) Christensen. He grad- December, went to Ft. of the for He was a member uated from Deuel County Leonard Wood, Missouri Lodge #205, September of Golden Fleece High School in Chappell in active duty. In Chappell, the Nebraska transferred to A.F.A.M. at 1950 and attended 1967, he was American Legion, the VFW, in Lin- to Ft. Ord, Cali- Wesleyan University Korea, then Purple Heart Association entered the ministry fornia. He volunteered to go the coln and and the Nebraska Confer- September 1950. Vietnam and from there in to ence of the United he to Cambodia, In June of 1952, joined went serving Church. On Novem- with the first Calvary Divi- Methodist the U.S. Navy. was in death 1954, he married sion in combat receiving a He preceded ber 14, by his wife, Bethel; and is Bethel Kathryn Frandsen of Purple Heart. In February of survived two sons and a St. Paul at Corpus Christi, 1971, the family moved to by and Ho- daughter-in-law, Steven Texas. Neu-Ulm Germany Vir- honorably dis- Christensen of Lorton, He was henfels, Germany. Jayne charged from the Navy in Christensen en- ginia and David and The Rev. of Lincoln; 1956 and the couple tered the U.S. Army career Christensen June and a reentered Nebraska Wes- course in 1974 for 12 months seven grandchildren a sister University as first se- and June 1975 he and his great-granddaughter; leyan in and brother-in-law, Phyllis mester juniors while serving went to Ft. Hood, family and Marvin Pebley; three as student pastor of the Eagle Texas. In June 1977, he and Methodist Church in Eagle. nieces and other relatives and many friends. Part One: Building a Church on Faith Editor's note: On Septem- of Methodists pledged Rev. Donnely with the ber 21st, the Palmer United their efforts to carry on help of Rev. High and Rev. Methodist Church will cel- an organization known as Foot, the District Superin- ebrate its 125th Anniversary. the Methodist Episcopal tendent at the time. Dur- Over the next couple of weeks Church of Palmer. Those ing this time, sixty mem- the Palmer Journal will fea- members were Mr. and bers joined the Methodist ture a series of stories, detail- Mrs. H.C. Wells, Mr. and Church. As the group of ing how the congregation has Mrs. A.C. Curtis, Mrs. M.C. Methodists grew, there survived for 125 years and Cole, Mr. and Mrs. John was an increased need the impact it has had on the Davis, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. for a church building. Rev. community. Templin, Mr. and Mrs. Z.E. Donnely, known as the Peck, Mrs. Pierce, Mr. and "boy preacher," was ea- ■ IN THE BEGINNING Mrs. Ramoth Sears, Miss ger to promote such an In the 1870s, before Palmer Carrie Hull, Mrs. Hannah endeavor and worked was even a town, a small Davis and A. Wadsworth. with great enthusiasm to group of Christians realized Three years after mak- make it happen. When the need for a church. This ing that pledge, the con- the campaign for a new church was called the Meth- gregation would find its church got underway, Mrs. odist Organization and in- catalyst for growth when Wesley Templin donated cluded a handful of members. a young Irishman, the the first $100. Those first members were Reverend Donnely, came The Methodist Church Mr. and Mrs. Will N. Templin, to Palmer to be their has grown and changed Hazeline Davis, Hannah Da- new minister. Reverend over the years, with this vis, Wm Cole, Mr. and Mrs. Donnely had originally only being the beginning John Davis and Mary (Molly) been trained in the Catho- of the story of how a small Copland. lic Church for the priest- town church grew and af- ■ See METHODIST. ..page 3 hood, but he soon found fected the community. Since there was no that being the religious Congregants and com- town or church building, leader of this small group munity members are en- services were first held in of people was something couraged to mark Septem- the school house at Dis- that he enjoyed and later ber 21, 2014 on their cal- trict 36, then known as the he made the decision to endar, as on that Sunday, John Knapp District. Later, join the Methodist Con- the church will celebrate in 1888 when construction ference. its 125th anniversary. Fes- on the Church of Christ From 1892-1900, Palm- tivities planned include a was completed, the young er, Gage Valley, Archer and morning worship service congregation would hold Fairview were all united as at 11:00am when long- afternoon services there. one church with the par- time members will be However, that arrange- sonage located in Archer. honored. A catered free ment soon proved to be In 1900, the parsonage will donation lunch will unsatisfactory, causing the was built in Palmer on follow that service. At 2:30 church to rent the opera the comer of Valmont and there will be a special ser- house. Services were held Templin, one block north vice with time for sharing there until a new church of the old church, now memories of the church was built. the home of Greenway by members, previous It was on the 20th of Funeral Home. ministers, and district su- January, 1889, under the During the winter of perintendents, and after leadership of Reverend 1892, a number of revival that service there will be Leedom, that this group meetings were held by cake and ice cream. One of the early obstacles faced by the young Palmer Methodist Orga- nization was finding a place to meet. Above, is a picture of the congregation's first permanent home, whose cornerstone was laid 125 years ago this week. Saturday morning, the United Methodist Church had a variety of treats available for its annual Bake Sale and Farmer's Market. Proceeds from the event, which has been done at the church for over 20 years, will go to the Missions Committee, which will distribute it to Just Neighbors, Young Life, Camp Norwesca and Gospel For Asia. Also for sale were several produce items donated by local people.

Photos by Mark Dykes/Times-Herald Communion Chalice Stolen in Ong The Ong United Methodist that the cup was stolen. Church is believed to have been It is also known that when mem- robbed of its communion chalice. bers of the church arrived the morn- Members of the church have re- ing of August 3, that several doors ported that between the afternoon leading into the church were open. of Thursday, July 31, and before Those who may have any idea of church services held on Sunday, Au- the whereabouts of the cup, which gust 3, the silver chalice communion was given to the church in memory cup has gone missing. of a loved one, are asked to contact Ashes from a cigar or cigarette the Clay County Sheriffs Dept. were found around the altar inside with information by calling 402- the church, leading them to believe -762-3528. COMMUNITY CONNECTION Books for mission school pile up, thanks to teen BY AMANDA PUSH student. “He said that they didn’t have The number soared far beyond her WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER many books.” expectations. She now has 3,117 books, with Some of the students had stopped going more to count and more still coming in. Amanda Cardey, 15, loves to read and to school as a result, the Rev. Jerry Rogers “People drop them off at church, and we can’t imagine living in a world in which she told the visitors. pick them up on Sunday,” Cardey said. would out of books. Cardey by reality ever run was struck this and She plans to talk with officials from the But when Cardey joined a mission trip decided to start a book drive for the school. mission school —about when wrap up the to Red Lake Indian Reservation in north-ern She posted fliers at her church, St. to Minnesota in July, she learned from Andrew’s United Methodist Church in drive and deliver the books. a priest at St. Mary’s Mission School that northwest Omaha, and asked for help from Meanwhile, Cardey and her parents, there was a real shortage at the school. friends and their families. Ron and Lynn Cardey, are organizing the “He talked about how all the kids who The response was overwhelming. thousands of new and gently used books enjoyed reading had already read all the “Really, to start, I was going to be happy that have a temporary home in their living books,"books,” said the Millard North High School with 300,” said Cardey. room. Thursday bingo scheduled Bingo will take place at the First United Method-ist Church in Scottsbluff Thursday, Aug. 28, The event will be at 1: 30 p. m. in Wesley Hall. There will be fun and fellowship. No monies are exchanged. white elephants, candy, paper products and more will be given as prizes. Coffee will be served. Church hosts annual ice cream social Sunday The First United Meth-odist Church of Scottsbluff is hosting its fourth annual Homemade Ice Cream Social, Sunday from 3 to 5 p. m. There will have a sing-a-long with organist Stan Haemmelmann, playing the piano, around 3: 30 p. m. All kinds of flavors if ice cream with all kinds of toppings, top it off with a wonderful brownie. It’sIt's a free-will offering,offering, with thethe monies going to-wardto- ward holiday decor.décor. Bellevue home gets the Paint- a-Thon treatment By Eugene Curtin Leader Associate Editor A Bellevue house at 3114 Evelyn St., was among 78 houses painted metrowide Sat- urday as part of the 2014 edi- tion of the Brush-Up Nebraska Paint-a-Thon. A team from St. Paul's Unit- ed Methodist Church of Papil- lion spent Saturday morning applying a fresh coat of paint to the house. Old paint had been scraped and a primer coat applied the previous weekend. Brush-Up Nebraska is a 25-year-old community organization whose members paints the homes of elderly or disabled persons. All labor and materials are donated, resulting in no cost to the homeowner. During the past 25 years, Paint-a-Thon volunteers have painted the homes of 2,578 metro-area residents and donated more than 686,000 hour of labor provided by 76,000 volunteers.

Photo by Eugene Curtin Many hands make light work as a team from First United Methodist Church in Papillion bring new life to a Bellevue home Saturday. Photo by Eugene Curtin Katie Ervin, left, and Jordan Long spend Saturday morning sprucing up a home at 31 14 Evelyn St., in Bellevue. They were part ot a team from St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Papillion who gave the house a fresh coat of paint as part of the 2014 Brush-Up Nebraska Paint-a-thon. VOLUMEVOLUME 132132 USPS 517-580517-580 THE HUMBOLDT STANDARD, HUMBOLDT, NEBRASKA, THURSDAY, AUGUST 21,201421, 2014 PRICE 75^75¢ NUMBER 3434 Pennsylvania Colony

DedicationAugust 9th and 10th were the celebrationHelda large area capable of comfortably seating of the 140th year since the Pennsylvania 75-80+ people. It will be available to the home and also the 100th year since the fami-lies and other events. Persons wanting to book began a tradition of meeting yearly for a an event may do so by contacting either Mi-chelle reunion. This first reunion was a picnic on Heim ( 402) 855-2285 or Marilyn Ogle the lawn at the Henry Heim home, now the ( 402) 855-4225. home of the Pennsylvania Colony & Commu-nity The main goal of this phase of the Penn Buildings. Colony Museum/ Community Building is to It was especially fitting that the Dedica-tion preserve the history and artifacts from the of this building was honored by the par-ticipation Dawson community as well as provide a se-rene of Father Hoesing from St. Mary’s and special place with a spectacular Catholic Church along with Howard Blecha view of the village of Dawson to come to-gether from the Humboldt Christian Church. The to remember the past and enjoy the Pennsylvania Colony would not have been present. able to survive their first winters in the One of the most impressive artifacts in Dawson area had it not been for help from this new building is the chapel area created the Irish families already settled there who in the northwest corner of the building and helped them after they arrived in Nebraska. filled with a cross flanked by windows, the The Pennsylvania Colony was incorpo-rated cornerstone, pulpit, pews and other articles in 1998. Following restoration and from the former Dawson Bethel Evangelical furnishing of the Henry Heim home on prop-erty United Brethren/ United Methodist Church. erty given by descendants Lloyd and DonnaDonna Also of special mention are two quilts; one is ((Heim)Heim) Epley, it became apparentapparent that moremore made up of pictures and signatures of fam-ily spacespace was needed toto house all of thethe artifacts members incorporated into a beautifully being donated by family as well as commu-commu-nity pieced quilt and another containing photos nity members.members. of the complete constructionconstruction of the museum The constructionconstruction ofof thethe 40'40’ X 60'60’ commu-commu-nity building from beginning to end which was nity building was begun inin autumn 20122012 presented to our president DanDan and wife and completed just prior to itsits dedication on Charol (Heim)( Heim) Pleiss by Bob and Phyllis Wil-liamson.Wil- reunion weekend. The building is handicap liamson. accessible with handicap restrooms,restrooms, aa kitch-en,kitch- Submitted by en, office/office/storagestorage area, display cabinetscabinets and Marilyn (Thacker)( Thacker) Ogle Henry HeimHeim home and thethe new Penn Colony Community Building. Introducing The New Methodist Pastor He was born in Broken He worked for UPS while at-tending attended Rockbrook UMC, Bow, NE, July 29, 1951. At UNO and continued and was involved in a young there until 1986. The couple adult group, led Bible stud-ies on a farm near Mason City, moved to Denver, CO where and worked with youth. NE. In 1954, they moved to he attended seminary at Iliff He enjoys spending time a farm near Rockville, NE School of Theology, graduat-ing with Pat, taking vacations in where he grew up. Much of ing in 1990. Iliff is aa United Colorado in the mountains, his grade school was at a Methodist Seminary. reading, playing sports, country school. He attended While living in Omaha, he mostly golf.golf. high school in Loup City, graduating in 1969. He at-tended the University of Ne-braska in Lincoln for three years before joining the U.S. Air Force. Three of his four years of military service took place at Offutt Air ForceForce Base near Omaha, where he worked asas a ground radio technician for the Control Tower and Radar Approach Control. After leaving the Air Force, he remained in thethe Omaha area working for Sky Har-Har-bor bor Air Service, atat Eppley Airfield and Postal Finance before returning to college in 1978 at the University of Ne-braska in Omaha. He gradu-ated in 1981, with a degree inin Business Administration. He met Pat in 1982, and they were married August 6,6,1983.1983. Pastor Dean Joy and wife Pat. Former Baker music camp attendee returns as university minister By Steve Rottinghaus Special to The Signa As a baritone bugler for the Sky Southwestern College's campus and of worship since 1996. Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps from as dean of students and campus pas- "It is vitally important to have many Hutchinson, during his youth, Kevin tor at Kansas Wesleyan in Salina. He students involved I campus ministry," Hopkins always enjoyed attending previously held faith-based leadership Hopkins said. "Campus ministry is music camps at Baker University. positions at Southern Illinois Univer- their program — it is for them. I can Those fond memories have remained sity in Carbondale, 111, and Northwest- plan all kinds of activities and spiri- for more than 30 years as Hopkins, ern University in Evanston, 111. tual opportunities, but I value their now known as RevKev, prepares to Hopkins, who earned an undergrad- ideas and vision for campus ministry return to the Baldwin City campus uate degree from Kansas University through chapel, Bible studies and this summer. and a master of divinity from Garrett- whatever other opportunities are Hopkins, the senior pastor at Evangelical Theological Seminary in there for their spiritual growth. I want Leavenworth First United Methodist Evanston, 111., is eager to return to a to build a program based on what Church since 2009 became Baker's campus setting. they feel is meaningful for their lives. minister to the university on July 1, "I embraced my calling to serve I hope that through campus ministry succeeding the Rev. Ira DeSpain. God because of my involvement in we can equip and send graduates back "I have been affiliated with several into local churches as dedicated, pas- campus ministry," Hopkins said. "I private colleges in Kansas, and Baker sionate clergy and lay people. I do feel have always called has always been the school that is felt to serve on that campus ministry can strengthen and give back. highly respected by other regional a campus Hopefully the local church." I can help students juggle academic schools," Hopkins said. "For the past Hopkins and his wife of 24 years, and social expectations while at the several years now, I have felt God Joni, who works for the Federal time them to calling me to return to campus min- same encourage grow Reserve Bank in Kansas City, Mo., in faith. istry and when this position became their For those students who have six children. The Hopkins family have a faith background, I hope to available I knew I wanted to apply. recently moved to Baldwin City. He them to continue to And based on my memories of Baker, encourage grow has served as a chaplain with the Kan- in their faith. And for those students my higher education experience, and sas Air National Guard for 14 years who are seeking, I hope to create an my passion for campus ministry, I and recently completed a six-month thought it would be a good fit." open, welcoming environment to ask deployment to Dover Air Force Base, His other experience in campus questions." where he worked with the Air Force ministry includes stints at Grace Unit- In his role at Baker, Hopkins will Mortuary Affairs Operations, welcom- ed Methodist Church in Winfield, on continue to lead weekly services at ing home fallen soldiers and working Osborne Chapel, the university's place with their families.

Waverly 'Back 2 School Bash' is Sunday WAVERLY For the second each attendee's donation of a parking spaces at the new year, a Back 2 School Bash will school supply item or cash. gymnasium. be held from 68p. m. Sunday, All proceeds and supplies This event received Aug. 24, at Waverly City Park. gathered are utilized by the tremendouscommunity support from The event is being hosted by Waverlyteachers and students of its local businesses this year. the Waverly Awana Club, Elementary School and Their generous donations will Waverly United Methodist Waverly Junior/ Senior High cover all expenses, ensuring Church, Prairie View United School. that all proceeds are used to Methodist Church, Waverly The supply wish list support the Waverly First Baptist Church and St. includesgraphing calculators communityteachers and students. Joseph's Catholic Church. ( new or used in working sponsors Those attending are asked order),glue sticks, large This year's are SSS to wear their Bulldog gear to containersof Elmer's glue, prizes Sports and Health, Ottawa show their hometown pride. for prize box, wet wipes, kids' CoOp, Grand Central Station, The funfilled family scissors, crayons, markers, The McNabb Law Firm, First eveningincludes a wide array of pencils, clear book tape, yarn, National Bank of Kansas, Wolf kids' games, a bounce house, craft or popsicle sticks, file Creek Nuclear Operating face painting, football throw, folders, paint brushes and Corporation,Waverly Insurance duck pond, miniature horse coloredpencils. Agency, Carol's Beauty Salon, petting zoo, Grandpa Pokey's Four sets of items will be City of Waverly, Waverly balloons, book walk and dunk included in a silent auction: LumberYard, Wheeler Lumber, tank. Also, new to the event two junior/seniorjunior/ senior footballfootball and Central Kansas Insurance this year, former Kansas State volleyball home season passes, Agency, Coffey HealthHealth System, University player, junior/ Waverly football Tre two junior/seniorseniorpasses,basketballbasketball the Waverly Branch ofof thethe Cof- Walker, will deliver a home season passes, twotwo Coffeyfey County Library,Library, Hoover'sHoover's seasonparking spaces re- motivationaltional message toto thethe students.students. reservedserved parking spaces atat the Thriftway andand Foster'sFoster's ToolTool A freefree meal isis providedprovided with football field andand two reservedreserved Service/Snap-On.Service/ SnapOn. Methodist Church hosts bikers

On Aug. 9, members of Winside United Methodist Church hosted a rest stop for bikers from the Seven City Century Bikers group from Norfolk. Of the 160 registered bikers, 120 of them stopped for a break and re- freshments of water, juice, bars, bagels and fresh fruit. Church members enjoyed visiting with the bikers and noted that one biker was from as far away as Mesa, Ariz. The group also made stops in Hoskins, Carroll, Belden, Ran- dolph, and Osmond during their two-day trip. Teacher luncheon The Franklin United Methodist Church hosted a Teacher Appreciation Lunch- eon, for the teachers and staff, Monday, Aug. 11 , 2014. This is the fifth year the church has hosted the luncheon for the teachers and staff. This year sandwich fixings, and a great selection of salads, were on the menu. Rev. Roger Frederick gave the blessing before FHS Principal Adam Boettcher in- troduced the new teachers to the ladies of the church, and thanked them for the meal.