CHIMES

First Presbyterian Church

Volume 48 Issue 5 Published monthly – Deadline for articles 20^th of the month

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CHIMES

First Presbyterian Church

The Pastor’s Ponderings…

Published Monthly- Deadline for articles 20th of the month Volume 48 Issue 5 June – August 2009 Pastor: Andrew Hilla Church Website: http://forministry.com/ USIAPCUSAFPC6 Church Phone: 949-3847 (Sec. Office) 949-3810 (Pastor’s Study) Church E-mail: Pres1st@tcaexpress.net Church Address: 103 West Groesbeck P.O. Box 469 Paullina, IA 51046

What follows is a true story. I repeat it here because I think we, as Christ’s followers, need to constantly be reminded of the privileges that are slowly being taken away from us by those in power. This is a statement that was read over the PA system at a football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod on September 1, 2000, the statement was later read into the Congressional Record on September 20, 2000, by Representative Zach Wamp of Tennessee. "It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to honor God and Country." Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate life style," and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable! means of birth control." If someone is offended, it’s no problem... I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology." I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicted people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment." However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. "However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet." One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. On the field they prayed in the team huddles, getting down on one knee. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box!

PASTOR’S PONDERING’S continued…

The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the Seat of "Justice" in the "One nation, under GOD."

Just this morning (May 19, 2009), I read on the news the following… ” The Pentagon said Monday it no longer includes a Bible quote on the cover page of daily intelligence briefings it sends to the White House.” On April 15, 2009, Georgetown University reported that it covered over the name of Jesus Christ inscribed on a pediment on the stage where President Obama spoke in order to comply with a White House presidential request.
Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee, remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains!

JESUS said in Mark 8:38, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER."

As we begin the “Summer season” of 2009, may we always have the courage to never deny our Lord before anyone. He promised never to abandon us; can we say the same of HIM? He promised that He would always love us; can we say the same of HIM? May we always remember and never forget that we are first and foremost, Christians, followers of Christ, wherever we go and in whatever we do, may all we do and say be done to honor and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May Christ be with you,

Have a GREAT SUMMER!

Pastor Andrew Hilla

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Head Deacons…

…for June is Karen Brasser

…for July is Jean Struve

…for August is Pat Engel

Special Offerings this summer are:

June will be Church Mission Trip. This offering will be collected June 28.

July will be BEECIN. This offering will be collected July 26.

August will be Family Crisis Center. This offering will be collected August 23.

Session will meet on June 24, 2009, @ 7:00pm .

There will be no July or August Chimes. Information for the September Chimes is due in the office August 20. Late item will be printed in the next Chimes.

Presbyterian Women

June 4 – Thursday

Faith Circle 9:30am

Hostess: Sally Hilla

Co-hostess: Sally Hilla

Program: Bertha Sjaarda

Charity Circle 2:00pm

Hostess: Uneva Berntson

Co-hostess: Uneva Berntson

Program: Maxine Ewoldt

June 18 – Thursday

PW Spring Outing

Flowers:

June – Faith Circle

July – Charity Circle

August – Hope Circle

*****

You are invited to a

Come and Go Bridal Shower

For: Emily Simm, future bride of Chad Diekevers

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Place: First Presbyterian Church, Paullina

All Church Family

Campout

June 12-14, 2009

Shipmates once again invite everyone to our annual camping outing at Yankton. This is a great weekend of fellowship. Contact Philip & Muriel, 949-3697, or Brian & Christine Feltman, 949-2742, as soon as possible if you would like to be a part of this family fun.

Lakeside Service on June 14

Mark June 14 on your calendar. This is the date for our Lakeside Sunday Service. Breakfast will begin at 8:00am and worship will begin at 9:30am. Bring your lawn chairs

* Prayers of support and comfort for the Jones family as Vivien Jones is now in the Lord’s eternal care.

* Prayers of support and comfort for the Dice family as Phil Dice is now in the Lord’s eternal care.

Prayer Chain is being updated...

We are in the process of updating the prayer chain list. If you would like to be added or subtracted, or if you have any other input, call Pat Engel 949-2539 or Colleen Simm 448-3881 before June 15th.

Scheduled for…… Nursery –

June

7 Tim & Michelle Aberson

14 Kevin & Karen Brasser

21 Brian & Christine Feltman

28 Dan & Marj Feltman

July

5 Glenn & Pam Fuller

12 Belle Innis & Doris Rausch

19 Jerry & Barb Cullison

27 Scott & Mindy Louscher

Aug.

2 Ron & Kath Negus

9 Tony & Cathy Lundquist

16 Tom & Karen Roed

23 Mike & Jill Rausch

30 Steve & Sharla Rupert

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Children’s Message -

June 7 Steve Lemke

14 Scott De Jong

21 Karen Brasser

28 Christine Feltman

July

5 Barb Lemke

12 Phyllis Wallin

19 Ashley Mastbergen

26 Pam Fuller

Aug.

2 Allen De Vos

9 Scott De Jong

16 Steve Lemke

23 UPY Members

30 Drama

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Fellowship Coffee –

June

7 Wally & Betty Simm

14 Lakeside Service/Deacons

21 Dick & Colleen Simm

28 Tim & Michelle Aberson

July

5 Curt & Uneva Berntson

12 Kevin & Karen Brasser

19 Paul & Cindy Struve

26 Lorin & Ragean Brookfield

Aug.

2 Ed & Marva Brown

9 Maxine Ewoldt

16 Jerry & Barb Cullison

23 Scott & Jennifer De Jong

30 Brian & Christine Feltman

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Greeters –

June

7 Scott & Jennifer De Jong

14 Pat & Gina Paulsen

21 Bert & Louette Gnade

28 Jerry & Barb Cullison

July

5 Ed & Marva Brown

12 Joyce & Lowell McIntosh

19 Dave & Carol Platt

26 Chuck & Sara Postma

Aug.

2 Brad & Becky Puhrmann

9 Les & Deanie Richter

16 Tom & Karen Roed

23 Bruce & Carol Rohwer

30 Steve & Sharla Rupert

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· Thank you to family and friends for your prayers, visits, flowers, cards, phone calls and food brought to our home. Thanks to Pastor Hilla for his many visits while I was hospitalized. God bless each of you. –Ida Wiese

· I can't begin to thank everyone for your prayers, cards and visits during and after my surgery. I want you to know how very much it meant to me. Thank you to our shepherd, Doris R., and our wonderful Pastor and family. Thank you Presbyterian women for the warm quilt which I'm using everyday.  -Bert Gnade

· Thank you to the choir for this past year. The dedicated attendance and talents helped form a great choir. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!  -Jack & Kay

· We would like to thank you for celebrating our 50^th wedding anniversary with us by stopping in, sending a card or wishing us well. Thanks again for making it a wonderful day.  –Jerry & Barb Cullison

2^nd Annual Church Treasure Sale

The Treasure Sale will be held the same weekend as the Paullina City Wide Garage Sale. Dates and times that have been chosen are Friday, June 26^th, 8am-8pm and Saturday, June 27th, 8am-2pm.

The sale will take place at the Manse (512 S. Maple Street). Please pray for a weekend that will attract many visitors to Paullina (warm, dry, and very little wind).

All proceeds will benefit the mission trip to Romania in Eastern Europe. Information on this trip was printed in the May Chimes.

What you might consider trash could be someone else’s treasure. Please donate your ‘White Elephants’, gently used household goods, glassware, books, knick knacks, holiday decorations, plants, gently used furniture, etc. We will even have a baked goods table for those who wish to donate something from their kitchen.

All items for the Treasure Sale may be dropped off at the Manse. Items will be marked to sell at a reasonable price, and all items left over from the sale will be donated to the Treasure Chest in Sheldon and the Bibles for Mission Thrift Shop in Orange City. No shoes or clothing, please!

If you have any questions, please contact Sally Hilla at 949-2332. Please call if you have items to donate and need assistance getting them over to the manse. We will be more than happy to come and pick up your donations. Thank you for your support!

Birthdays!

June

8 Ryan Karli

20 Sophie De Jong

24 Ryan Brasser

July

11 Crystal Puhrmann 13 Peter Hilla

18 Kaitlin Aberson 18 Zeke Lundquist

20 Jeremy Struve 23 Matt Padilla

August

10 Erin Brasser

13 Carly Lundquist

21 Kelly Puhrmann

23 Cordell Tesch

Summer Camp at Presbyterian Camp on Lake Okoboji This summer campers will explore miracles from the Old and New Testaments. An interactive Bible study and lively worship will be conducted each day at camp. Fun activities and lifelong friendships will be formed at camp, but the primary purpose is for each camper to develop a deeper relationship with Christ.

It is still not too late to register for camp. Please contact Sally Hilla or Pastor Andy if you would like your child to attend one of the camps.

Please keep this list handy and refer to it on a weekly basis. For many of these children it will be their first experience away from home. PRAY for OUR children who will be attending camp. PRAY for ALL the children who will be attending the camp this summer. PRAY for the staff that they will be patient and nurturing to the children and that they will be shining examples of Christ’s love. If you so desire, send a note of encouragement to the children while they are at camp. There is a daily mail call and I know that they would love to hear from their church family in Paullina. Just address the letter/postcard with their name, Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji, 1864 HWY 86, Milford, IA 51351.

June 13 Hayden Case

FUN DAY Kari Maier

Nathaniel Sage

June14-20 Randa Karli

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Aquatics

June28-30 Christian Sage

Lil’ Presbys Jeremy Struve

July8-9 Jackson Louscher

Super Duper Zeke Lundquist

Sleepover Joshua Simm

July 10-12 Harley Drum & Mom (Crystal

Sheep and Shepherds Padilla)

July 19-25 Tanner Hedberg

Night Owls Tori Hurtig

Shay Lund

Carly Lundquist

Amber Miller

Matt Padilla

July 26-Aug. 1 Chloe DeJong

Discovery Camp

VBS 2009

It's Vacation Bible School time! This year Becky and Lynn from the Follow Hard Ministries will be leading our VBS. The theme is "Stand Firm". VBS will again take place in the morning during the week of June 22-26. The plans are all in progress, but we still need some help! If you can help, please let us know. The sign-up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall or you may contact Jen Vortherms or Phyllis Wallin.

VBS registrations forms are on the table in the Fellowship Hall. Please complete a form for each child attending. PRE-registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. So ask your neighbors, bring your friends, sign-up soon, and we will have a GREAT time!

Senior (UPY) and Junior High (JETs) Youth Groups

We know that the summer gets very busy with softball, baseball, camps, fairs and summer vacations. Here is a tentative schedule for meetings at the manse (512 S. Maple Street), Pastor Andy and Sally’s house. Weather permitting we will have the volleyball / badminton net set up outside. We will also enjoy an occasional marshmallow roast with chocolate and graham crackers (s’mores). And we always have chips, pretzels and other treats as well. Stop on by and bring your friends (those who are age appropriate). Offering a safe place to hang out and be amongst friends! Any questions…just give a call to Sally or Pastor Andy at 949-2332.

June 3 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

June 10 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

June 17 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

June 24 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

July 1 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

July 8 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

July 15 NO MEETING

July 22 NO MEETING

July 29 NO MEETING

Aug. 5 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm Aug. 12 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm Aug. 19 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

Aug. 26 combined group (grades 7-12) 6:30pm-9:00pm

Upcoming events that may interest you!

June 12 –June 14 Church Campout at Yankton, SD

(fees for camping and food)

June 20 Orange City-Rise Fest 2009

(ticket charge) Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson and other bands

June 22-June 26 Vacation Bible School (volunteers are needed to help with the activities)

June 26 & June 27 2^nd Annual Treasure Sale at the Manse (this year will benefit the mission trip to Moldova). Donate some of your treasures or stop by and purchase some new treasures.

IT IS STILL NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR A WEEK AT CAMP ON WEST LAKE OKOBOJI! (see Sally)

Love INC – Our Love At Work

· The Tuesday morning Prayer group receives

prayer requests from Love INC and includes

them in their prayers.

· Donations of furniture were made from two families of the congregation.

· Furniture delivery made by a volunteer family.

· Diapers were collected to add to the Love INC diaper project.

Around the Area Events

Bethany Christian Services will hold their Annual Golf Tournament at Landsmeer Country Club, June 4. For more information, contact Renee at 712-737-4831 or rwynia@bethany.org

Hope Haven

“One Body Together In Christ:” An Interactive Conference on Inclusion, Saturday, August 22, 2009

Circle the date of August 22 for a one-day conference. Rev Jim Kok, Pastoral Care Chaplain, at the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California, will be our keynote speaker. There will also be a 3-panel discussion on issues regarding disability and the Church, Family and Outreach. The conference will be held in Rock Valley, at the Trinity Christian Reformed Church, sponsored by Hope Haven and the Disability Concerns Ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. Pastors, council members, friendship leaders and mentors, parents, family members, students, and anyone interested in disability issues are invited. You do not want to miss this event.

Village Northwest Unlimited

~ 4^th Annual Run,Walk & Roll – You are invited to walk, run or roll in your wheelchair for a great cause. There will be a 5K and 10K run, and a 1 mile walk/roll event on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 8am. Pre-register by calling Judy at (712) 324-5416 or online at www.allsportcentral.com . You may also choose to raise sponsorship from family & friends.

~ Independence Day Celebration – The Village grounds will again be alive with carnival booths, food, live music by the Celebration Iowa singers, horse & wagon rides, petting zoo, kettle corn, a gigantic fireworks display and much more on Friday, July 3. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the festivities. The food stand opens at 5:30pm with other attractions beginning at 6:00pm.

~ Garden Party 2009 - You are invited to join them for a tour of four unique & beautiful yards & gardens in Sheldon. The self-guided Garden Tour is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 (rain date July 16) from 3-8pm. Tickets will be available from 3-6pm on the day of the tour at Fantasia(Hwy. 18 East), and all proceeds will benefit people with disablilities at Village Northwest Unlimited.

~ Village Northwest Benefit Golf Tournament - You are invited to get involved in their 9^th annual benefit golf tournament at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City on Monday, July 20. Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, noon lunch, catered evening meal and prizes. Pre-register by calling Judy at (712) 342-5416. What a great opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of golf while supporting people with disabilities.

Prayer List May 31, 2009

Praises!

• Praise the Lord, always, for healing, protection and answered prayers!

• Praise for the ministries of this church and the many ways in which the needs of our communities and beyond are being met!

Concerns: Individual

• Prayers of healing and strength for Luetta Carlson, who suffered a fall and is now recovering at the Sutherland Care Center

• Prayers of healing for Jeremy Bollout of Spirit Lake (friends of Nervigs), who underwent a second brain surgery about a week ago

• Prayers of healing for Wayne Gillespie of Lake Park, IA (brother of Bernice Iverson), as he fell and broke his hip

• Prayers for the following people as they have been laid off from their jobs… Jen DeJong’s parents - Ron and Mary, Andrew S. Hilla, David Ewoldt

• Continued prayers of strength, healing, and recovery are requested for Les Richter, Muriel Simm, Jenn Devereaux, Ruth Durst, Kay Grosvenor, Bert Gnade, Joyce McIntosh, Dareld Johnson, Theresa Grosvenor, Rick (Marj Feltman’s brother), and Dan Feltman

• Continued prayers are requested for Dr. Julie Grosvenor Acom, Jack Mau, Arnold Schneider (brother-in-law to Adeline Schipper), Julie Jack (Teri Harshbarger’s niece) , Julia Watson, Beverly (Eva Weseman’s daughter), and Julie Ann (Jackie Hughes’ niece) – in their continuing battle with cancer

• Continued prayers for Care Center residents: Catherine Miller (Sutherland care center), Bert Louscher, Louette Gnade (Sanborn care center), Marvin Hartong (Orange City care center), Evea Weseman (Primghar Rehabilitation & Care Center)

Church

• Please keep in your prayers…Pastor Andrew; Church Staff – Doris Van Leeuwen and Sharla Rupert; Current Elders on Session – Paul Struve, Steve Lemke, Jack Grosvenor, Ragean Brookfield, Kath Negus, Phyllis Wallin, Kevin Brasser, Karen Roed, Christine Feltman, Vickie Frisbee, Chuck Postma, Maxine Ewoldt, and Philip Hilla (Youth Elder)

• For our Christian Education teachers, choir directors, church organists and pianists, our choir members, our children’s choir, sound technicians and screen technicians

• For our Deacons: Tim Aberson, Jackie Hughes, Maxine Campbell, Tony Lundquist, Ryan Dau, Teri Harshbarger, Karen Brasser, Joel Van Leeuwen, Jen Vortherms, Jean Struve, Pat Engel, Scott De Jong, and Ryan Brasser (Youth Deacon)

• For our Presbyterian Women, Women’s Circles, Shipmates, JETS and UPY Youth Groups and Youth Club children

• Prayers for our Shepherd Program shepherds and their sheep

Community

• For the SOS School District; prayers of encouragement and support for our superintendent, school board members, teachers, staff, and students

• For the community of Paullina and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ

World

• Prayers of support for President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, their cabinet members, and members of congress

• For peace in the Middle East, and for an end to terrorist bombings and warfare anywhere in this world

• For tensions with Iraq and North Korea

• For the safety of all of our troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world

• Prayers for the safety of Evan Postma as he enters basic training in the United States Air Force

• Prayers for the safety of Michael Van Schepen, Marcella Ewoldt’s grandson from Hull, serving in Iraq

• Prayers for the safety of Andrew, Mara Rohwer’s brother, as he enters the armed services

• For the people of Afghanistan, Darfur-Sudan, Iraq, Ethiopia, Kenya, and other places around the world where oppression takes place

• For those in Africa suffering with AIDS and other diseases

• Prayers for the orphaned children of Romania and Moldova

• Continued prayers for Dr. Barb Oolman and her ministry in Kenya

• Continued prayers for Marlin and Sally Vis and their ministry in Jerusalem

• For all people around the world who are in poverty, suffering from illness, malnourished, persecuted, or have not yet come to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior

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In December 2008 First Presbyterian Church of Paullina made the commitment to partner with Love In The Name of Christ . Love INC’s mission is:

“To mobilize the church to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.”

In an attempt to continue to keep the members of First Presbyterian informed of the needs being met in our communities and the number of volunteers helping towards the transformation of lives in our communities, the following information is for you. A description of the Transportation Ministry is at the bottom of this page. This is just “one” ministry that our church and Love INC are involved in. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this ministry, please contact Jill Rausch at 448-2764. If you are a person in need of this ministry, please feel free to contact Love INC at 324-9707 for more information.

Requests/Needs Met (April, 2009)

Number of Requests made to Love INC:	177
1. # of requests from churches:	1
2. # of requests from agencies/schools:	79
3. # of requests from individuals:	97

Number of Needs Referred by Love INC to Agencies/Organizations/Business Partners: 5

Number of Needs Met by Churches/Volunteers	135
Furniture and Appliance Ministry:	50
Transportation Ministry:	21
Baby Layette Ministry:	0
Good Night Sleep Tight:	0
Computer Ministry:	0
Deliveries:	14
Chore:	2
Bedding and Blanket Ministry:	5
Household Items:	7
Friday Backpack Ministry:	32
School Supplies:	0
Respite Care:	1
RTF Personal Supplies Ministry:	3
*These numbers do not include the Loving Help Program

Transportation Ministry – A ministry of all our partner churches working together. Transportation continues to be a high need in our community. Many church volunteers have committed themselves to meeting various transportation needs. Rides are given to medical appointments, treatment sessions, and places of employment. For someone dealing with various health issues, having a church volunteer bring him/her to an appointment is a true blessing! In 2008: 248 rides were given by church volunteers!