VOLUME XXVI NO. 7 July 2014

“And on I read until the day was gone; And I sat in regret of all the things I've done;

For all that I've blessed, and all that I've wronged. In dreams until my death I will wonder on. “

‘Like a Stone’ Audioslave

Hebrews 12:17 “Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.”

Regret is a kind of yearning. A yearning to change the past. A yearning for a second chance. A yearning to

make things different. Because yearning for days gone by does us no good, we often project our regrets

into the future. We dream big. We seek to accomplish things that are impossible because we have already

shoved possibility aside. We think, we wrestle, we turn things over and over. The only promise we have is

that something could be different.

Our yearning is our regret personified; it is a mirror to our false self. We can see our image

reflected back to us, though we cannot touch it or feel it. Mirrors can trick us into thinking we are viewing

reality. We look good in the mirror as we turn this way and that, able to hide the flaws as crane our necks

or suck in our stomachs. We see possibility in that reflection. But to those who see us in reality, who can

touch and feel, they see no difference between our actual and our projected selves. The mirror to them is

a reflection of present reality, not of possibility. They can see our flaws for what they are, big and small.

They see us in true scale while the mirror of yearning and regret distorts our perceptions of who we are.

The writer of Hebrews begins the 12th chapter by commending the reader to learn from the great

cloud of witnesses. Yet the only witness named in this chapter is Esau. Esau, who failed the test of faith

and fortitude. Esau, who did not quite measure up. Esau, who lived a life of regret. Esau, this faithless man

who lived completely through ‘the flesh.’ Don’t live your life like Esau, the writer tells us. But there is

hope. Esau would not be used as an example if the author of this book did not think we could improve on

his example.

In Christ we have the power to change for the better. The message of the gospel is that when we

turn ourselves toward the mirror and “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:2) we are able to see clearly. In

Christ we see our true selves, transformed in appearance and perfected in faith. Our regrets from the past

and our yearning for something greater is really our longing for Christ. Whatever ‘great’ or ‘good’ is, we

find in and through the life-giving Spirit of the “author and perfecter of our faith.” In faith, even regrets

can come alive in ways that lift us up rather than drag us down. Now, it may take suffering. It may take

tears. It may take a sigh and a deep breath. But the power is there for us. Not merely a wish to

change...but possibility.

Pastor Nathan

=============================================

PUBLISHED BY

Community United Presbyterian Church

315 N. Vine St., P. O. Box 903, Hartford, IA 50118

(515-989-3426)

Email: hartfordupc@gmail.com Web: www.hartfordupc.org

Prayer Email: cupcprayers@gmail.com

PASTOR - Rev. Nathan Lamb Phone: 515-250-5814

PROPERTY & FINANCE COMMITTEE

Pat Griffin 360-9792

David Walker, Jr. 210-7191

MISSION COMMITTEE

Shane Laird 577-4191

Roger Beaver 989-4092

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Stacy Johnson 205-4398

Michele Clarkson 989-4276

CLERK of SESSION Ann Polito - 681-9519

SECRETARY . . . . . . . . Bill McNamar

P.O. Box 88 . . . . . . . . 245 West St. N.

989-0149 Hartford, IA 50118

=============================================

ATTENDANCE

May 18……………………………………….... 52

May 25………………………………………… 42

June 1………………………………………… 56

June 8………………………………………… 77

June 15………………………………………... 59

FELLOWSHIP for JULY

6 Carla Collins & Connie Goldsberry

13 Ann Polito & Erica Witherspoon

20 Ellie Bullington & Kathy Rodman

27 Melissa Etcheverry & Bonnie Nesler

If you need to make changes, please find someone to

trade with. Please call the church (989-3426) or Bill

McNamar (989-0149) so corrections can be made on

the church bulletin and in the newsletter.

VISITORS: Andrew Workman, Carlisle; Don Reyer,

Des Moines; E. Jackson, Des Moines; Allen Bruce,

Carlisle; Fred Hastie, Indianola; Ray & Linda Darr,

Knoxville; Bill Millison, Runnells; Liz Houghton,

Hartford

Secretary’s Notes

A big ‘THANK YOU’ to all who helped with Vacation Bible

School. A special thanks to Erika Laird and Stacy Johnson who

stepped in for Jenn Lamb (who was busy having a baby girl)

and served as co-directors. It is much appreciated.

July, and also August, are quiet months for extra church

activities as many are busy with summer activities and vacation

plans. Be especially careful traveling as the highways are very

busy at this time of the year.

Have a great 4th

everybody!

Remember, God loves you unconditionally.

Best Wishes and God Bless! Bill

=============================================

WHO’S DOING WHAT IN CHURCH?

USHERS

6 Ann Polito

13 Albert & Sharon Allen

20 Edna Rawson

27 Jim & Lynda Richards =============================================

GREETERS at ELEVATOR ENTRANCE

6 Frederic & Melissa Etcheverry

13 Karol Funke/Lori Hollingsworth

20 Mark & Connie Goldsberry

27 Pat & Deb Griffin

SPECIAL MUSIC

6 Michele Clarkson

13 Shane Hammond

20 Deb Griffin

27 Lisa Stocker-Ross

CHILDREN’S SERMONS

6 Pat Griffin

13 Sandy Hammond

20 Rev. Lamb

27 Ann Polito

Happy Anniversary!

On July 1, 2014, Pastor Nathan

and CUPC will celebrate their

seventh year in ministry

together!

Congratulations to ALL!

O say can you see

by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed

at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars

through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched,

were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Happy Independence Day! July 4, 2014

Noisy Collection

Sunday, July13

June Collection: $132.38

Total Received: $825.13

Goal: $1500.00

PRAISE GOD for our fabulous kids and the

congregation at CUPC!

Let’s have some fun, make some noise, and

support the mission of the church!

The Noisy Collection is received on the 2nd

Sunday of

each month—to benefit our General Mission Pledge

for 2014.

August Newsletter Deadline:

July 15, 2014

Your help in observing this deadline will be greatly appreciated!!

DORCAS CIRCLE

will meet on Tuesday, July 15 at 1:30 p.m. We

will be working on lap robes.

Worship at

Carlisle Care Center

CUPC will provide worship at the Carlisle

Care Center on:

July 20, 2014

Services are at 3:30 p.m.

All members and friends are invited and encouraged

to be a part of this special ministry.

CCA Food Pantry Challenge 2014

We are well on our way to the 500 item goal set for this year for those served through the CCA Food Pantry operated at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Carlisle, Iowa. THANK YOU for your generosity!

Please consider joining in the fun in 2014 by providing at least one item per month!!

July 6 Ketchup July 13 Macaroni July 20 Marshmallows July 27 Muffin Mix

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SOMEONE ELSE…WE’RE SURE TO FIND

IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN US!

Pastor Nathan!

We wish you a wonderful birthday

on Thursday, July 31!

May you be richly blessed with God’s

love and grace in the year ahead!

Your CUPC Family

ADOPT the

BULLETIN BOARD

The following people have signed up to decorate the bulletin board in the front entryway of the church!

July Erika & Shane Laird & family Aug Cinda Durrell Sept Gloria Clark Oct Kathy McCaughey

Be sure to thank those who are serving in this way. We will all enjoy this “creative” ministry of the church! Please contact Ann Polito at 681-9519 if you would like to help!

Saluting those who are

Serving with Pride

Thomas Blackmon

Bradley Burrell

Hunter Carter

Brian Casson

Jake Dingman

Mitchel Dingeman

Cody DeMoss

Bobby DuBois

Joseph Ermler

José Carlos Garcia, Sr.

Mark Eddy

Robert “Bobby” Edwards

Darcy “Doc” Hommer

Chris Johnson

Janna Johnson

Nick Johnson

Tanner Jors

Jamie Kinter

Neil Langgaard

Adam Lawrence

Rich Lawrence, Jr.

John Malone

Jeromy McGee

Mike McGough

Taylor McVay

Scarlett Merrifield

Trenton Merrifield

Turner Merrifield

Jared Newman

Charles “Chase” Oakley

Anthony Perdue

Raymond Reed

Mark Roach

Kent Ryan

Allyson Scott

Tyler Simmons

Jesse Smith

Adam Snook

Jacob Sperr

James Sperr

Tommy Thompson

Nick Vanderpool

Justin Vriezelaar

Rush Wyckoff

Chris Wysong

Please lift these military men and women and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Let there be Peace on Earth

And let it begin with me.

Please remember those currently deployed or stationed overseas:

Tom Blackmon Jacob Sperr

Please also remember to pray for their families for

the sacrifice they make while their loved one is serving our country.

A Soldier’s Story

April 23, 2011, was a life changing day for Alpha

Troop 1-113th. It was that day that 15 soldiers (with

an average age of 20 years old) jumped from a

helicopter to rescue a helicopter crew that had crashed

in northern Afghanistan. After serving a 12-hour

overnight mission, the platoon was less than prepared

to be swept up for this rescue mission. Even though

they were seriously outgunned, they fought like men

who had lived their whole lives doing nothing but fight

for survival. The firefight lasted for 6 ½ hours…the

longest firefight of the year, Air Force Times battle of

the year and most lethal firefight in that year.

During that battle, SSG James Justice was fatally shot

under the arm by a sniper and Specialist Zachary

Durham was seriously wounded when he was shot by

sniper fire to the chest. The bullet traveled through

Zac’s left lung, just missing his heart and important

arteries, out his side and into the left arm shattering the

humerus, damaging nerves, and destroying an artery.

Word of this event reached small town Iowa. Carlisle,

Iowa, to be exact. Knowing that there were numerous

young men serving in Afghanistan from this area,

everyone was anxious to know Zac’s condition and the

condition of the rest of our local “boys” that included

Brad Burrell, Cody DeMoss, Chris Johnson, Taylor

McVay, Anthony Perdue, and Nickoles Vanderpool.

Anthony Perdue, Taylor McVay, Zac Durham,

Brad Burrell, Nickoles Vanderpool, Cody DeMoss

& Chris Johnson (left to right)

Zac was transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical

Center in Germany and then on to Walter Reed Army

Medical Center in Washington, D.C. where he spent 2

months recuperating from his injuries. It was there he

put his injuries in perspective. He lost use of his left

arm and three years later still has no feeling in 80% of

his arm. This has meant loss of function in parts of his

arm and hand. BUT he has his arm. Many soldiers

suffered more debilitating injuries including the loss of

limbs, brain injuries, etc.

Physical healing for Zac is still in

progress…but the real deep healing

began on May 31, 2014, when he

traveled north to participate in Alaska’s

Healing Hearts (AHH) program…a

non-profit organization “serving the

battle wounded and battle weary.” The

organization is staffed solely by

volunteers who have connections with

the military…having served or having a

spouse who has served in the military.

The “pro-staff” includes a country

music artist, professionals in dog sledding, hunting,

fishing, and photography along with veterans—who

are all volunteers.

Zac was one of seven wounded soldiers invited to

participate in an all-expense paid 10-day Alaskan

adventure sponsored by AHH…black bear hunting,

halibut & cod fishing, white water rafting, and sled dog

riding—an adventure of a lifetime for heroes from

across the country. When first approached about the

trip, Zac was excited because he had always wanted to

go to Alaska. He was happy to submit his

application…telling the story that changed his life

forever.

The experience in Alaska proved to be more healing

for the participants than anticipated. They stayed in a

bed and breakfast where the owners donated their

services to AHH. The accommodations provided a

wonderful atmosphere for them to get to know one

another. Camp fires at the end of the day led to

talking, sharing stories, releasing feelings that were

easier to share with those who have “been there.” A

bond was formed between them as they traveled in

donated vehicles to their various excursions. The

brotherhood and comradery that existed prior to their

injuries, and subsequent separation from the military as

they had known it, was developing. Hearts were truly

beginning to heal.

Zac shares, “This trip came at the right time for me.

After anticipating a career in the Army, that all

changed when I was injured. It didn’t take very long

for me to discover (while in Alaska) the direction I

needed to go with my life.” The trip helped him

recognize there is a tremendous need for organizations

to be formed to help many military men and women in

their recovery from service. The invisible injuries can

be more devastating that the physical injuries. The

“small group” atmosphere is key to this recovery. And

even more important, the opportunity

for heroes to help one another provides

the greatest chance for healing.

Next year, Zac intends to return as a

volunteer for Alaska’s Healing Hearts.

His only expense will be his flight to

Alaska showing the commitment of the

organization to those needing support.

Zac is already researching what it takes

to create a non-profit organization for

the same purpose to be based in Iowa as

well as making connections with other

similar organizations around the country.

April 23, 2011, was a life changing day for Zachary

Durham. And there is no doubt; he will change

many lives because of it.

Zac currently serves as the finance manager for Fenders

Cycle and Motorsport in Des Moines, Iowa. He is also

taking online classes through Western Governors

University toward a degree in marketing. His fiancé,

Kaylee Free, is attending the University of Iowa. She will

graduate in December, 2014. The couple plan to marry in

April, 2015.

For information about Alaska’s Healing Hearts, see:

www.alaskashealinghearts.com

Ruth (Rawson) Cusack is a board member of AHH.

Each month our prayer list will reflect the prayer requests shared during the previous 4 weeks. If there are those who

need to remain on the list for multiple months, please contact Ann Polito at 681-9519.

In our prayers….. Please remember the following in your thoughts and

prayers:

Linda Akers as she receives cancer treatment.

Ariana (12 years old) as she is treated for leukemia

in North Carolina.

Phil Atkinson as he receives cancer treatment.

Bob Barrow as he receives treatment for leukemia.

Jim Beaver as he receives Hospice care.

Vera Beaver as she deals with health concerns.

Randy Bishop as she begins dialysis.

John Brown as he recovers from a bicycle

accident.

Kirby Bullington as he deals with health concerns.

Call/Witherspoon Family

Carla as she receives Hospice care.

Cecil Calvert

Kerry Campbell as he is treated for liver & colon

cancer.

Joel Clark as he receives cancer treatment.

Steve Clark as he recovers from open heart

surgery.

Kim Dingeman as she deals with lung condition.

Easter Lake Administrative Commission

Kay Eaton as she recovers from surgery and

prepares for radiation treatments.

Matt Edwards as he is treated for lymphoma.

Frederic Etcheverry’s parents as they deal with

various situations.

Rev. David Farris as he is treated for a tumor on

the spine.

Terri Foulke as she deals with health issues.

Marty Gardner as he deals with health concerns.

Don Hall as he deals with health concerns.

Mary Ann Hall as she deals with health issues.

Nick Hartmann as he receives cancer treatment.

John Herron as he deals with health concerns.

Harold Isley as he deals with health challenges.

Joyce Jensen as she recovers from knee

replacement surgery.

Nicole Jones as she receives cancer treatment.

Chris Jorgensen as he receives cancer treatment.

Terry Jorgensen as she receives lung cancer

treatment.

Don Kelley’s wife as she receives cancer treatment

in Switzerland.

Caitlyn King as she receives cancer treatment.

Sandy Kinter as she is treated for kidney cancer.

Theresa Link’s great nephew as he recovers

following bone marrow transplant.

Del Lane as he is treated for blood cancer.

Mighty Max Low as he battles leukemia.

Rev. Dave Madsen & Cottage Grove

Presbyterian Church

Nicky Malone as she receives cancer treatment.

Bill Martin as he is treated for pancreatic cancer.

Rev. George Mason as he deals with health

concerns.

Jarrod McCaughey as he receives positive

medical report following chemotherapy treatments.

Bill McNeeley as he receives cancer treatment.

Karen Meyer as she is treated for colon cancer.

Michelle Meyers as she receives breast cancer

treatment.

Seth Mohorn as he is treated for thyroid cancer.

Jackie Montour as she continues her recuperation

at home and prepares for college this fall.

Ray Morgan as he receives Hospice care.

Joyce Moulton following a case of shingles.

Ed Patterson as he deals with health issues.

Cindy Piper as she is treated for colon cancer.

Claren Rawson as he deals with circulation

problems in his legs.

Thelma Rhoades as she is diagnosed with cancer

and determines her plan for treatment.

Martha Richards as she deals with health

concerns.

Kathy Rodman’s mother as she deals with health

issues.

Kathy Rodman’s sister-in-law as she is treated

for breast cancer.

Mike Rodman as he recuperates from a fall

fracturing his hip joint.

Angie Sanders as she receives cancer treatment.

Session as they provide leadership for CUPC.

Allie Sandin (10 years old) as she has

chemotherapy for tumor on optical nerve.

Frances Smith as she deals with medical issues.

Sara Sutter as she continues in seminary.

Dave Walker, Jr. as he receives chemo and

radiation treatments.

Joe Walker as he is not eating.

Tiffany Walker as she receives treatment for back

problems.

Tom as he recovers from a heart attack.

Florence Warren as she deals with health

concerns.

Charlene Wilkening as she is treated for

pancreatic cancer.

Ty Williams as he is treated for a brain tumor.

Pray without ceasing!

Aurora Wynne Lamb

June 13, 2014

8 pounds .8 ounces

19 1/2 inches long

Congratulations to

Jenn & Pastor Nathan,

Big Sister, Isabelle,

Grandma Sue & Grandpa Ken Miller,

Grandma Mary Jo Ruppert and

Grandpa Ron Lamb!

We are sharing in your joy and

wishing you a lifetime of God’s

blessings of love and happiness with

your precious Aurora!

Operation Backpack School Supply Drive

As school quickly approaches, supplies are needed to assist in making sure all children have the items needed to begin the year! Please consider purchasing some school supplies or making a financial contribution (made payable to CCA). All supplies and donations are needed by Sunday, July 27 and may be returned to CUPC or delivered to Ann Polito. To pre-register for assistance, please contact Rhonda Ray at rhonda.ray@carlisle.k12.ia.us

Suggested Supplies

Binders—3 ring--1 inch wide—blue/white

Calculator (pocket)

Clipboard

Compass

“Crayola” crayons—24 count

“Crayola” markers—8 count/basic colors

Dry erase markers

“Elmer’s” glue – 4 oz.

Erasers-large (not gummy type)

“Fiskars” children’s scissors—pointed &

rounded blades

Glue sticks—large & small

Highlighters

Index dividers – 5 tabs

Ink pens—Blue, Black, Red

Paper

o Composition notebooks (not spiral)

o Notebook—wide lined

o Spiral notebooks—wide lined

Pencil boxes-(plastic)

Pencils--#2

Pocket folders (plain colors, please)

“Post It” notes—plain yellow 3 X 3

Rulers – 12 inch with cm & inches

Tissues

Toiletry items—travel size

Toothbrushes

Sponsored by Carlisle Community Elementary Schools

Christian Community in Action Kid’s Hope Program

CUPC GOES COUNTRY During the month of July, we will be enjoying music from our Country Western hymnals during worship! Please put your musical suggestions in the suggestion box in the Narthex!

A Prayer of Sympathy and Faith

for the family and friends of:

Gus Amelio

Dick Gardner

Ben Gutierrez

In the love of God,

may you find strength and peace.

In the prayers of friends,

may you find comfort and love.

Splinters from the Board

Splinters from the Board – May 26, 2014

A summary of the meeting follows:

Announced Fifth Sunday Event on June 29

will be “Gospel Sing Sunday”

Approved calendar dates: June 27 – 29 for

VBS

Approved Communion to be served on June

29

Approved VBS Staff

Confirmed financial officers

Discussed scheduling meetings on Sunday

Presented Administrative Assistant job

description for suggestions/approval

Provided list of volunteers trained on Child

Protection Policy

Received Elder Commissioner report of

Presbytery meeting

Reported $100 given to Give It Away 5K

Reported $50 given to Carlisle After Prom

Reported 18 Easter lilies were purchased

Reported 56 cards, 11 meals, 20 calls & 18

visits made by Outreach Committee in

March

Reported 93 items + $10 were collected for

CCA in March

Reported acceptance into PrairieFire

program beginning in September, 2014

Reported active membership of 113 and

inactive membership of 188

Reported assisting the Bob E. Smith family

with inurnment

Reported attendance in 2 CMA meetings,

South Central Partnership Dinner, and

meeting of Des Moines Presbytery

Reported average attendance in March was

65 and April was 66

Reported church copyright license renewed

in April

Reported church investments transitioning

to a managed account through Edward

Jones in Carlisle (Previously approved by

special Session meeting)

Reported church management system was

not renewed

Reported church sign (by highway) to be

repaired

Reported Communion served to 44 of 46

present on March 2, 2014, and 113 of 121

present on April 20, 2014

Reported conclusion of membership class

Reported door opener at the south entrance

has been resolved by Helland Construction

Reported Easter Egg Hunt organized by

Cinda Durrell

Reported graduation breakfast &

recognition attended by 9 seniors &

families

Reported involvement & planning of

multiple Holy Week services

Reported key storage locker has been

placed in the furnace room

Reported Lent/Easter services went well

including hosting of the Good Friday and

Easter Sunrise services

Reported Noisy Collection received

$116.20 in March

Reported officiating the memorial service

of Rosie Hunt

Reported on lawn mowing—volunteers and

contracted mowing

Reported on the financial condition of

CUPC—Giving vs. Expenses

Reported on women’s restroom project

Reported participation in Carlisle’s

Baccalaureate Service and Senior Awards

Night, centering prayer group, meeting with

spiritual counselor, Silent Saturday event

and Give It Away 5K

Reported pastoral care: 4 hospital calls, 7

in-home visits, 4 graduation receptions, 3

counseling sessions, 3 social visits with

Session members, and phone calls

Reported pulpit will be filled by Pat Griffin,

Ann Polito and/or Dave Walker, Jr. during

paternity leave

Reported Purple Sunday was very

meaningful and well received

Reported revised anniversary/birthday list

complete

Reported roof repair has been completed by

Helland Construction

Reported supplies to be purchased by

Property & Finance with expense to be

divided between PW, WAC, Camp LIFE,

and fellowship

Reported there is no liability concern with

skate boarders on the church property with

no posted signage to prohibit

Reported transitions to happen with church

pianos

Reported volunteer nursery staffing will be

handled by Worship & Admin Committee

Reported women of the church were given

candy treats on Mother’s Day

March, 2014

Income 15,739.71$

Expenses 18,420.14$

Account Balances

Camp LIFE 999.18$

Fellowship Fund 856.59$

General Fund 1,030.57$

Savings 6,692.96$

Youth Fellowship 2,679.20$

Balance Due on Elevator Debt 55,696.04$

April, 2014

Income 15,759.66$

Expenses 11,684.63$

Account Balances

Camp LIFE 891.77$

Fellowship Fund 925.08$

General Fund 5,105.60$

Savings 5,174.26$

Youth Fellowship 2,709.20$

Balance Due on Elevator Debt 54,886.04$

The next meeting was scheduled for Sunday, July

13, 2014, following a family lunch.

The Worship and Administration Committee is pleased to share that nursery care will be available beginning Sunday, July 6, 2014. At least two volunteers who have gone through the SafeChurch Training will be available to be in the nursery during worship each Sunday. Nursery care is available for children 0-4 years of age. (Older children are encouraged to attend Children’s Church during worship and enjoy the Kid’s Korner during fellowship.) Parents may bring their children to the nursery 5 – 10 minutes before worship begins. (8:50 a.m. or after) and pick them up immediately following worship. Please provide for your child’s needs while they are being cared for in the nursery. A bag with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes will be greatly appreciated. Please also bring whatever snacks and drinks you will allow your children to have! If you have any questions or wish to register your children for nursery care, please contact Ann Polito at 681-9519.

Made a Difference to That One Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.

~William James

Twenty years ago — in the very first Chicken Soup for the Soul book ever published — I read a story by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen that changed me forever. The story was entitled “One At A Time.” Its message? Just because you can’t save the whole world doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to make a little piece of it better.

Through the years, I was reminded of that message every time I helped a kid learn to dribble a basketball. Every time I delivered homemade oatmeal raisin cookies to a nursing home. Every time I picked up litter or took in a homeless kitten or let somebody who seemed more hurried and harried than I go ahead of me in the grocery checkout line.

But the message hit the hardest the summer Caroline came into my life.

She was standing in ninety-degree heat in the parking lot of the tiny branch library I’d just been hired to manage. “Hey,” she said, as I fumbled to unlock the door. “Are you the new library lady?”

“I am,” I told her. “Who are you?”

“Caroline,” she said. “And I just turned ten.”

Hmmmmm, I thought. Caroline was certainly the smallest ten-year-old I’d ever seen. But it was clear that she could read, for she had obviously noted the sign on the door that said: CHILDREN LESS THAN TEN YEARS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT.

“Come on in here where it’s cool, Caroline,” I said. “Let’s see if we can find you some good books.”

We did. And because not one other patron entered the library for the first two hours it was open, we had plenty of time to enjoy those books. I read to Caroline for a while and then she read to me. I helped her find kid-friendly games to play on the computer. I showed her where the restroom and the water fountain were. But as morning became afternoon, my stomach began

to growl. I’d brought a sack lunch — when you’re running a one-person operation, there’s no going out for a meal — but I hated to eat in front of Caroline.

“Don’t you think you ought to head home and get some lunch?” I finally asked.

Her eyes narrowed and she shook her head. “Nobody’s home at my house.”

“Did your parents leave you something to eat?”

“My mom locks the door every morning when she goes to work. She won’t be home till dark.”

I turned away so that Caroline wouldn’t see the tears welling up in my eyes. And, of course, I shared my bologna sandwich and tangerine and Little Debbie oatmeal creme pie with her. She stayed at the library all day. And as I watched her curled up in the yellow bean bag chair in the cool quiet, reading about Clifford the Big Red Dog and Horton the Elephant and Amelia Bedelia, I couldn’t help but wonder how many other children there were in this little town and in this big world, locked out and lonely and left to fend for themselves.

There were millions, no doubt. Just thinking about them made me want to weep. To gnash my teeth. To wring my hands in despair. How could I possibly make a dent in such a problem? Then I remembered the story of the man walking along the beach, picking up starfish and throwing them — one at a time — back into the ocean so they wouldn’t die.

Every day, that whole summer long, Caroline was waiting for me when I pulled into the library parking lot and climbed out of my car holding two sack lunches. She’d help me unlock the door and turn on the lights and fire up the computers. And then she’d plop down in the yellow beanbag chair and grin at me.

“Let’s start with Horton Hatches the Egg,” she’d say.

It’s true. One library lady in one little town couldn’t make a difference to every child on the mean streets of this planet. But I could make a difference to one.

~Jennie Ivey

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

JI.]LY 2OL4,A\Remember our

SHUT-INS

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

SElder

hane Laird

2 J

w^Independence

Day

Senior Citizens

cancelled

5

ffisUSHER 6A.nn Polito

7 11 l2

USHERS 13Albert & Sharon

Allen

Session following

church

t4 15August

Newsletter items

due ASAP

Dorcas Circle

1:30 pm

t6 t7 18Senior Citizens

l:30 pm

;"}l'r*!-,.i",j i*tu.* dffi

t9

UsHER 20EdnaRawson

2t 22 23 4 25 26

,-

:iiJi:

ffitufr

2',1US}IERS

Jim & Lynda

Richards

C.h(tlqeh Service 9:00 a,m

Children's Church durine

worsbio

foror*Xtnryrsh 1thsfuffi

COMMUNITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 903 Hartford, IA 50118

Celebrate Independence Day

Friday, July 4, 2014

JULY 1 - Chuck & Marilyn Casson, Anniversary Megan Sheets 2 - Travis Goldsberry; Taylor Johnston 3 - Marilyn Casson 4 - Karen Robinson; Lucy Maxwell; Pam Knight; Bill Schooler, Sr. 5 – Laila Pedicini; Claren Rawson 6 - Tim Thompson 7- Neriah Goldsberry 8 - Gerald Hammond 10 - Rebecca Campbell; Steve Robinson; Ryan Bailey Jeff & Theresa Link, Anniversary 11 - Bracy D. Hammond Steve & Lucy Maxwell, Anniversary 12 - Mathew Nesler; Dakota Buchanan 13 - Liz Overstake; Tyler Millard 14 - Ruth Rawson; Nathan Goldsberry; Don Russell Ryan & Heather Peacock, Anniversary 15 - Michael Van Hamme 17 - Allen Brown

_______________ 17 - Jeramie and April Kane, Anniversary 18 - Scott & Heather Worthington, Anniversary 19 - Stephanie Maxwell 20 - Fred Eaton; Danson Drake; Alexis Oakley Tom & Jennifer Blackmon, Anniversary 21 - Stephen Nesler; Shirley Gooch; Gloria Clark 22 – Brittney Burrell 23 - Shiloh Rawson; Kim Marble Zachary & Anita VanSickle, Anniversary 24 – Taylor Drake; Serena McCuen; David Ramirez 25 - Glen Gooch 26 - Todd Isley; Troy Johnston Ryan & Stacey Edwards, Anniversary 27 - David Walker, Jr.; Denise Peles; Don Hall 28 - Lynn Isley; Hayden Edwards; Tiffany Noble Brad & Robyn Witte, Anniversary 30 - Karol Funke; Larry Jack 31 – Rev. Nathan Lamb Jeff & Paula Menke, Anniversary Please call the church secretary (989-0149) with any additions or corrections you may see or know about. Thank you.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES