<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=129MBV_0wFenaOb00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=129MBV_0wFenaOb00" width="1531" height="1128" ><figcaption>Buy Now Members of the Osceola County Ministerial Association gather for their monthly meeting on Sept. 12 at the Ocheyedan Methodist Church. Those in attendance were (front, from left) Jordan Geffre, Lee Khang, Justin Schultz, Tim Nappe; (back) Ryan Austin, Josh Tangeman, Brian Carpenter, Josh Lucas and Steve Swenson. Sandra Jenson sjenson@nwestiowa.com</figcaption></figure>REGIONAL—Area pastors active in the Osceola County Ministerial Association resolve to do their part to work together to make a positive impact on county residents, as discussed at the monthly meeting held Sept. 12 at the Ocheyedan Methodist Church.An influx of new leadership over the past few years also helped bring a mindset of cooperation to better the efforts to spread the Gospel.Pastor Tim Nappe from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sibley described a trend that will likely make collaboration more common going forward.“Culturally, the issue is not going to be, ‘What denomination?’ The trajectory is, ‘Are you a believer or not?’” Nappe said. “Those who are believers need to be working together.”Brian Carpenter, who began his position as pastor at First Reformed Church in Sibley on July 1, already shared that he would like to figure out how to cooperate with other churches better.“Each church individually does not have the resources to do adequate ministry,” Carpenter said.Celebrate Community Church pastor Josh Tangeman also voiced to his fellow pastors that each congregation can’t do it all.“We’re not going to do everything and we’re going to do a few things and we’re going to do them very well,” Tangeman said. “How can we take advantage and come alongside each other? As long as you guys profess the name of Jesus, I hope your church grows. If you’re not, then I hope it either closes its doors or you start.”Cooperative effortsGradual progress toward this goal of cooperation has taken place over the past several years.The Good Friday Passion Play dates back over 30 years and depends on participation not only among the churches but the community as a whole.Youth groups will soon begin the yearly OCMA food drive to collect nonperishable items for Upper Des Moines Opportunity of Osceola County.Another annual project completed by the OCMA is the backpack program for students needing school supplies at the start of each school year.First Reformed Church serves as the distribution hub around the same time as school registration in early August.This year, Carpenter invited members of The Gideons International in Hull to pass out Bibles in English or Spanish to the families attending. After hearing positive feedback, the organizers plan to make this a yearly addition to the program.Youth pastor Josh Lucas from First Reformed Church said they’ve been asked why backpack distribution isn’t done at the school anymore like when it first started. The increasing number of families that register online instead of attending in person decreases traffic at school, but Lucas said the main reason it will stay at the church is the outreach opportunity the event provides.Another more visible activity brings together not only the pastors and adults from county congregations, but students as well.For the past three years, OCMA has hosted a youth kickoff night in August to connect with students, share information about youth programs at county churches and give students encouragement and support as they begin a new school year.One area of outreach the group discussed expanding at a recent OCMA meeting involves the county’s elderly population.“When I worked hospice, I realized there’s as many old people that need Jesus as there are young people, and the old people are a lot closer to meeting Him,” Carpenter said.Carpenter helped organize a weekly gathering he referred to as “youth group for old people” at his previous congregation in Ohio. He welcome the chance to extend evangelistic efforts to a wider range of people.Other ways the OCMA has supported Osceola County residents is through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program of the Sibley-Ocheyedan School District, fundraisers for flood relief and sponsoring a movie night at Max Theatres.Modern IsaiahsMuch like the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, the pastors serving the churches of Osceola County also answered, “Here I am. Send me!” to God’s question, “Who shall I send?” in Isaiah 6:8.Steve Swenson is one of the veterans of the active OCMA members. In his eight years of serving as a pastor at the Sibley and Ocheyedan United Methodist churches, and now at the Ocheyedan Methodist Church, only Lucas matches his longevity.With so many transitions in the organization, the active members shared a summary of their background and ministries:Ryan AustinCongregation: First Baptist Church in Sibley.Age: 37Years of ministry in Sibley: Two years.Number of years in ministry/experience: Children and youth pastor in Lancaster, PA, for six years and eight years working for Sight &amp; Sound Theaters in Ronks, PA.Service time: 10 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: 9 a.m. Sunday school; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday prayer meeting; 7 p.m. Wednesday Telos youth ministry.Ministry priorities/goals: Preaching to help people respond to the Word.Family: Wife, Ashley; Three sons, three daughters and a baby due in December.Brian CarpenterCongregation: First Reformed Church in Sibley.Age: 55Years of ministry in Sibley: Over three months; started on July 1.Number of years in ministry/experience: 20 years, plus pastorships while in college.Service time: 9 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: 10:10 a.m. Sunday school; Wednesday night youth group 6:30-7:30 p.m. for first- to eighth-graders and 7:30-8:30 p.m. for ninth- to 12th-graders.Ministry priorities/goals: I want to be the kind of pastor that actually shepherds his people.Family: Wife of 32 years, Laura; daughters Evelyn and Jordan.Jordan GeffreCongregation: First Presbyterian Church in Sibley.Age: 30Years of ministry in Sibley: Three years.Number of years in ministry/experience: First full-time ministry position. Volunteered at several churches and worked as a camp counselor.Service time: 10 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: 9 a.m. Sunday school; AWANA, Trek and Fellowship of the Carpenter classes Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for first- to 12th-graders and a meal starting at 5:45 p.m.; Bible studies.Ministry priorities/goals: To help youth come to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and equip parents to disciple their children in their homes.Family: Married for 10 years to his wife, Shauna; twins Charlotte and Malachi.Maggie GischCongregation: United Church of Christ Congregational in Sibley.Age: 34Years of ministry in Sibley: Seven years.Number of years in ministry: 14 years.Service time: 10 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: Tabletop worship; rides to and from church.Ministry priorities/goals: Nurturing the small congregation that allows for a family-like setting for new and old members, and focusing on local ministry to help the community.Family: Husband, Jacob; sons, Tobias and Greyson.Brad and Sue HicksCongregation: Sibley United Methodist Church.Years of ministry in Sibley: Two months; started Aug. 1.Number of years in ministry/experience: First pastorship but served in prayer ministry, teaching, preaching and leadership roles.Service time: 9 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: Post-worship fellowship; home visits; kindergarten through sixth-grade Sunday School; Wednesday afternoon kindergarten through sixth-grade J.A.M.s; Wednesday night seventh- to 12th-grade program; Women in Faith; Bible studies.Ministry priorities/goals: To help people in their faith walks with Jesus, and to become confident witnesses as followers of His way to the Father.Family: Adult sons Joshua and Aaron.Lee KhangCongregation: Ocheyedan Christian Reformed Church.Age: 41Years of ministry in Ocheyedan: One year.Number of years in ministry/past experience: 14 years.Service times: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays.Programs offered: GEMS; cadets; youth group; Bible studies; quilting ministry.Ministry priorities/goals: To glorify God, strengthen Christ’s church, and reach the lost with His Gospel.Family: Wife, Molly; daughters Esme and Naomi.Joshua LucasCongregation: First Reformed Church in Sibley.Age: 31Years of ministry in Sibley: Seven years.Number of years in ministry: 10 years.Service time: 9 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: 10:10 a.m. Sunday school; Wednesday night youth 6:30-7:30 p.m. for first- to eight-graders and 7:30-8:30 p.m. for ninth- to 12th-graders.Ministry priorities/goals: To magnify and glorify Christ in my teaching, preaching, and ministering. To reach the lost with the Gospel. To make faithful disciples who will go out into the world and preach the Gospel message. I want to see more community worship services.Family: Wife, Hannah; daughters Joanna and Allegra and a baby due in December.Tim NappeCongregation: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sibley.Age: 65Years of ministry in Sibley: Four years.Number of years in ministry: 36; also has directed Reaching the Unreached/West Africa mission for 11 years.Service time: 10 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: 9 a.m. Sunday School; youth group for seventh- to 12th graders at 7 p.m. two Wednesdays per month.Ministry priorities/goals: To help believers grow deeper in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ as they become more and more mature, while learning that Bible study, discipleship and learning to be comfortable sharing their faith are important.Family: Wife of 44 years, Bev; adult children Matthew (Margaret), Jenny (Gabe), Rachel (Jaco); one granddaughter.Justin SchultzCongregation: Youth director at First Baptist Church in Sibley; Bailey’s Lodge at The Lantern Coffeehouse &amp; Roastery.Age: 36Years of ministry in Sibley: Three years.Number of years in ministry: 16 years.Programs offered: Haven held 6-9:30 p.m. Fridays for seventh- to 12th-graders from Sept. 13 through July.Ministry priorities/goals: For every young person to be seen and known, welcomed and understood. Bailey’s Lodge was born out of tragedy, when we lost our son, brother, and friend, Bailey Hoyer to suicide. Our heart is to connect with young people, to help them find hope and life in Jesus Christ, and never walk the dark roads of life alone.Family: Married for 14 years to his wife, Kelsey; four children.Steve SwensonCongregation: Ocheyedan Methodist Church.Age: 66Years of ministry in Ocheyedan: Eight years.Number of years in ministry: 18 years; 10 years at Doon United Methodist Church, seven years at Sibley and Ocheyedan United Methodist churches, one year at Ocheyedan Methodist Church.Service time: 9:30 a.m. Sundays.Programs offered: 9:15-10 a.m. Sunday school; junior and senior high youth group the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.; community food pantry.Ministry priorities/goals: Share Jesus with everyone in the community of Ocheyedan and surrounding area. Be a community church for everyone no matter their history and background.Family: Married for 44 years to his wife, Lisa; adult children Amanda (Matt) Travaille, Cassie (Tony) Frerk, Maggie (Tyler) Lloyd, Stephanie Swenson and Robert Swenson; seven grandchildren; dog, Ginger.Joshua TangemanCongregation: Celebrate Community Church of Sibley.Age: 48Years of ministry in Sibley: Four years.Service time: 5 p.m. Sundays.Programs offered: Prayer meeting at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.Ministry priorities/goals: Continue to seek lost people, live in obedience to God’s Word and share the love of Christ with all.Family: Wife, Heather; daughter, Makayla; sons, Lane (Eve) and Damon; one grandson.Ben WiersmaCongregation: Sibley Christian Reformed Church.Age: 40Years of ministry in Sibley: Three years.Number of years in ministry: Nine years.Service times: 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays.Programs offered: Food pantry on the fourth Thursday each month; English classes; Celebrate Recovery; Bible studies.Ministry priorities/goals: Seeking to glorify God through worship, building community and living out our faith.Family: Wife, Lisa; daughters Sydney and Lydia.Additional OCMA members:<ul><li>Al Honken of First Reformed Church in Melvin.</li><li>Judith Johnson of American Lutheran Church in Melvin and Melvin United Methodist Church.</li><li>Dan Kunnari of Ashton Bible Church.</li><li>Richard Milbrandt of St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan.</li><li>Siby Punnose of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley; St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashton.</li><li>Sedar Shako of Harris/Lake Park United Methodist Church.</li></ul></div></body>

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Area pastors striving for unity in the community

REGIONAL—Area pastors active in the Osceola County Ministerial Association resolve to do their part to work together to make a positive impact on county residents, as discussed at the monthly meeting held Sept. 12 at the Ocheyedan Methodist Church. An influx of new leadership over the past few years...