Sheridan and Malcom UMC members host ‘Church in the Park’

9/5/2025

Sharon Wheeler, right, enjoys a laugh while visiting with Bev Keisters at the Sheridan and Malcom UMC "Picnic in the Park" at the Malcom City Park Shelter on Sunday, Aug. 23. The message on listening to God was led by Pastor Boyd Sparks, 91, who oversees both churches. Following the service, guests were invited to enjoy pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, potato salad and baked beans prepared and provided by the McCammant and McDonald families of Malcom and Brooklyn areas.

By J.O. Parker

It was a perfect day from the weather to the food, music, sermon and fellowship with friends at a “Church in the Park,” service at the Malcom City Park on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Members of the Sheridan and Malcom United Methodist Churches held the joint service and picnic as a way to reconnect and enjoy the blessings of God.
“It was a way to get people together and have a good meal and worship the Lord,” said Pastor Boyd Sparks, who ministers at both churches.
Pastor Sparks, 91, has ministered in the pulpit at both churches for three years.
Special music and singing of hymns was led by Jennifer Kriegel, and daughter, Sawyer, Pastor Sparks and Patti Collins. Hymns included, “This is the Day,” “Amazing Grace,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” that was sang by request.
The service included children’s church led by Dawn Frost Hamilton.
An offering was taken using hats, including Pastor Boyd’s cowboy hat.
The message centered around “Listening to God” based on scripture from Hebrews 12:18-29 and Luke 13:10-17.
Pastor Sparks said the original thought was to have a Cowboy Church service.
“We did that in Montezuma one year,” he said. “That didn’t work out this year, so it was decided to have a “Church in the Park” service and picnic.
The McCammant and McDonald families of the Malcom and Brooklyn area prepared the meal of shredded pork, chicken, baked beans, potato salad and homemade pie. Harold and Pat Wheeler of Montezuma made and served their special Wheeler ice cream.
Of the nearly 40 attendees, three families present represented four generations. They included Bernice Sleeuwenhoek with daughter, Jody Allen, granddaughters, Kristine Wheeler and Sharon Burke and great-grandchildren, Jaylene Wheeler, Kalleen Wheeler, Gracelynn Burke and Addie Mae Burke.
“I’m proud of my family,” said Bernice Sleeuwenhoek, who calls Grinnell home. “Four generations of my family were able to attend the service.”
Also in attendance were two four generation families on the McCammant side. They included: Beverly McCammant, daughter, Terri Posehn, grandson, Brett LaKose and great-grandchildren, Koen LaKose and Ethan LaKose.
Also representing four generations include Beverly McCammant, daughter, Dee Dee McDonald, granddaughter, Sam Boyd and great-grandchildren, Mayson Boyd and Evelyn Boyd.
“It was a great community church service, meal and fellowship,” said Dee Dee McDonald, a member of the Malcom UMC.
“We need to do this more often,” said John Smith, a member of the Sheridan UMC. “This is a good turnout today. The weather was nice.”
“It’s great for the churches to come together and worship,” said Duane and Carna Simmons of Keller, Texas.
The couple has a family farm near the Sheridan UMC.
“It’s nice for the two churches to come together,” noted Duane Simmons. “When it is a small group, its more personal and everybody enjoys visiting with everyone.”
“The fellowship of the two churches coming together to worship and reconnect was wonderful,” said Kristine Wheeler with the Sheridan UMC.
“Bringing people together for church services is great,” said Dawn Frost Hamilton, a member of the Malcom UMC. “The special music by Jen and Sawyer, the fellowship, food and friends really showed us all there are angles among us all the time.”
“I thought overall it was good day,” said Pastor Sparks. “We had a good meal and we had good music. It went well.”