A Letter to the Congregation	~Pastor Kathryn Newhall

I think of fall as a time to bring order and organization to our lives after the chaos and exuberance of the summer activities. The State Fair is over, the weather is changing, football games and marching bands start up. If you have young ones, the start of school comes and we change back into a completely different kind of schedule: weekdays are for work and weekends are for fun. How does this epic change of pace affect us at church?

For one, it's a great time to review some of the essential spiritual disciplines that shape our faith and to choose new goals and/or programs. Daily reading of the Scriptures (in any translation that you like) will help to increase your knowledge and improve your faith. It doesn't have to be an entire chapter each day--make a plan to read some areas that you are less familiar with, or use a year-long plan that rotates between the Old Testament, Psalms, the Gospels, and the Epistles. It's better to be consistent and read a short selection every day than to only pick up your Bible once in a while.

Daily prayer follows much the same pattern: it's better to be consistent and less wordy than to be erratic and in-depth. We're trying to build habits and strengthen foundations so that they are always available to us. Don't be afraid to use books of prayers or devotions to organize your thoughts. Some of them are very helpful. I know some people who write various prayers on slips of paper and pull one out of a bag when it's time to pray. Set the alarm on your phone for two or three times a day, and pray wherever you are when the alarm goes off.

Participating in the fellowship life of the congregation is also key. Attending Sunday morning worship, participating in social activities and learning groups, using phone or email to connect with each other: these are all great ways to be a part of the community.

One of the spiritual disciplines that no one likes to talk about is how we give back to God. Money isn't evil in and of itself; the problem occurs when the love of money becomes one of the driving forces in our lives. The reality is that we all need a certain amount of money--though perhaps less than we think. The trick is to figure out, consciously and conscientiously, where our giving fits in the grand scheme of our finances. Don't discount the value of time and energy, either.

We sometimes toss around the figure of giving 10% of our income–a tithe. That amount may be a goal that you want to work toward gradually, or it may be the standard that you have set for your budgeting. It may not be at all realistic for you, especially if you have high housing and/or transportation costs. I believe that it is a question you should look at prayerfully . . . and then quit worrying about it, once you've made a decision. Plan to rethink and renegotiate once or twice a year as your realities change. It should be an act of joy and gratitude for all we have been given, not a task that weighs us down. We should occasionally challenge ourselves to be sacrificial. And it needs to take place within the context of a rounded, grounded faith life.

Richard Dale Stanford

In Memoriam

Dick died peacefully at home on August 15, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte (their next anniversary was to be celebrated on September 19), and his children Robin Clinton, Terri and Bob Hirschfeld, and Steve Stanford. Bob delighted in his grandchildren Cydney Clinton, Sach Hirschfeld, and Nathan Hirschfeld. He is also survived by his brother Jack Stanford. He was proceeded in death by his parents, two sisters, four brothers, and his grandson Justin.

Dick served his country as a private in the US Army in Germany. He was a passionate ballplayer, playing 1st base and catcher in the Baltimore Orioles minor league system, and that passion stayed with him throughout his life. He was one of the three "Stanford brothers" from Quasqueton, all of whom played in the minor leagues. He went on to be a fierce competitor in the M and J League when he was working at MidAmerica. Ron Wood, who had been a major league pitcher, claimed that Dick could stare down a pitcher with more intensity than any major league player that he had faced! Dick also coached Little League for several years before becoming an umpire for the little guys. The children think that he was one of the more demanding, although extremely fair, umpires in the league.

Dick and Char met at the Danceland Ballroom. It took her a month, but Char finally inveigled the "sharp-looking guy" into taking her on the dance floor. He only knew the two-step, but that worked just fine as they danced to the "Blue Moon Waltz." On the way home from their first date, they sang in the car, including that song. A fine guitarist, he sang professionally on the radio when he was still playing ball, and music was definitely a part of their family life. The kids remember many evenings in the living room with Char and Dick on the instruments and everyone joining in on the harmony.

Dick was a dedicated and loving father--but a demanding one in his quest for precision. The three children thrived, developing their own interests and ideas. There was always a lot of laughter; Dick was well known as a joker and prankster, and if you know Char, you know that she was an active participant in the hilarity! One year at Easter Dick dyed a raw egg, wrote Mother on it, and handed it to Char to be peeled. Needless to say, there was egg everywhere!

Not long ago, Char came home late from a canasta game with her girlfriends, only to discover that Dick had locked her out because she had "missed her curfew." After substantial encouragement from her friends, he finally relented and let her into the house.

One of the greatest joys of Dick's life was becoming a grandfather. He carried the forbidden hard candy for the grandkids, played catch, and took them fishing–those trips becoming treasured memories. For 6 months he and Char stayed in Mississippi to take care of the kids while a family move was worked out, and he remembered that time fondly. One of the great sorrows of Dick's life was the death of his grandson Justin Clinton on November 23, 2009. This tragedy created an aching hole in everyone's heart.

Dick's facial expressions told the whole story when he was talking to you. He had a huge heart, one time driving 4 hours each way to be at one of the grandchildren's soccer games. He would do anything for Char, and cherished her dearly throughout the 60 years of their marriage.

August Administrative Board Meeting

The following items were addressed at the Board meeting on Wednesday, August 21.

• Cancellation of Buffalo's Trunk or Treat. Because of so many other Halloween-season options, we will not be providing treats this year.

• Ice Cream Supper went well with many desserts and pies to choose from. Although Chris reported during a Sunday worship service that we raised one million dollars, the final profits will be reduced because of advertising and mailing expenses.

• The Board approved that the Special Offering on August 25 would be for the Ingathering through UMW.

• Barb will contact Laurie Moody, Garfield counselor, about the backpack program; however, the backpacks will no longer be packed at church.

• Taizé Services were approved for December 5 and March 26 (services to begin at 7:00 pm). Bob and Margie Marrs will be responsible for planning and coordinating these services.
September 2019

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1

8:45 am: Worship Service

Communion Sunday	2

Labor Day	3

Mission of Hope: Preparing & Serving Lunch	4	5	6	7

8

8:45 am: Worship Service

9

Meeting of the Spic 'n Span Church Cleaning Crew (9:00 am)

10

11

12

Neighborhood Potluck (11:30 am)

13

14

Jollymates Gathering

15

8:45 am: Worship Service

16

Pastor-Parish Committee Meeting (6:00 pm)

17	18

Administrative Board Meeting (4:00 pm)

19

UMW Meeting (9:30 am)	20

21
22

8:45 am: Worship Service

23

First Day of Autumn	24	25

26

27

28

29

8:45 am: Worship Service

30

From the first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 4-7.

"Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud;

love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love is not happy with evil,

but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up;

and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Love is eternal."

~Scripture read at the memorial service for Richard Stanford

September Birthdays

3 – Linda Otto

7 – Pharoah James Carr

25 – Rev. Marilyn Buchanan

27 – Heather Goldsberry

September Wedding Anniversaries

3 – Ray & Joan Musil

9 – Bob & Margie Marrs

26 – George & Chris Gochenouer

Opportunities to Serve

We need people willing to serve on the Administrative Board and various committees. If you have an interest or just want more information, please contact Gary Hackney or Pastor Kathryn.

Pastor Kathryn's Office Hours

"I am going to change my office hours so they will now be on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. While I will still be in the office on most Thursday mornings, I will sometimes need to leave in order to drive my mom to church activities at St. Paul's. Of course, I am more than happy to meet you at any time if you just give me a call. I am also glad to visit with you in your home, although I may need directions as I am map-challenged." ~Pastor Kathryn

Buffalo Calendar

Important Upcoming Dates in 2019

September 14: Jollymates gathering at Buffalo

September 16: Pastor-Parish Committee Meeting (6:00 pm at the church)

October: Annual Charge Conference

October 12: Fall Bazaar (8:00 am to 3:00 pm)

November 5: City Election Bake Sale

December 5: Taizé Service (7:00 pm)

Buffalo Calendar

Important Dates in 2020

January 5: Christmas Dinner (12:00 noon)

March 26: Taizé Service (7:00 pm)

March 28: Pancake Breakfast (7:00 to 11:00 am)

June 11 & 12: Annual Rummage Sale

July 25: Ice Cream Social (4:00 to 7:00 pm)

United Methodist Women

Come join us on Thursday, September 19 (9:30 am) for the first UMW meeting of the current school year. Mary Fredericksen will provide the program and Becky Durand will provide the treats. We look forward to seeing everyone.

Neighborhood Potluck

Come join us on Thursday, September 12 at 11:30 am for lunch. Good food, good conversation, and no dishes! Place settings provided.

Special Offering in September

Christian Education Sunday "calls the Church as the people of God to be open to growth and learning as disciples of Jesus Christ."

Brighter Lights in Fellowship Hall

Thanks to Gary and Judy Hackney for installing LED lights in the Fellowship Hall.
Buffalo United Methodist Church:

A welcoming fellowship reaching out and caring for the community.

Buffalo United Methodist Church

1000 30th St

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402