A word from doug...

It has been an eventful week here at Coralville UMC. I received a call at 4:00AM Tuesday informing me that there had been a fire at the church which the fire dept. had successfully put out. It was started out in the play house on the playground where a teenager had sought shelter for the night. It was a cold night and she felt unable to go home so she started a fire to get warm. When it got out of hand she stretched a hose that didn't reach and then used her school backpack. I entered into the search for a frightened, wet, cold youth and when we found her, thanked God and then had a good grace-filled conversation. The church is not pressing charges. I have been in conversation with the girl's pastor about restorative work that might be done, but first and foremost rebuilding relationships at home.



A second less dramatic but more significant issue happened later the same day. The Home Repair Team came and discovered that the water damaged areas discovered earlier this summer need significant attention. They are concerned about the structural integrity of the sanctuary and suggesting we might need to consider worshiping elsewhere. The Administrative Council met last night and decided that we will worship in Fellowship Hall for the next four weeks while decisions are being made about the building.



Oddly enough, I am not discouraged, but God does have my attention! I have spent more time in prayer in the past few days and invite you to do the same. This church is not a building; we are a people with Christ at our center. I invite you to share your thoughts and insights, visions and dreams with Administrative Council members or myself as you are able.



Grace and Peace,

Doug

Sermon - What Is A Disciple? - 09-16-2007

In this continuation of our series "What is a Disciple?" Jenny Seylar examines what it means to walk, and to not walk, with God.

Are you willing to pay the price?

Luke 14: 25-33

Welcome...

Thanks for visiting our site. This is an exciting time for us, and we are honored that you might want to experience that excitement with us. Please check back soon, as we will beginning the podcast as early as next week. Also, stay tuned for notes from Doug, Jenny, David and the rest of the staff as we journey together.