CHIMES
First Presbyterian Church
Volume 47 Issue 9 Published monthly – Deadline for articles 20th of the month
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First Presbyterian Church
The Pastor’s Ponderings…
Published Monthly- Deadline for articles 20th of the month
Volume 47 Issue 9
December/January 2008
Pastor: Andrew Hilla
Church Website: USIAPCUSAFPC6
Church Phone: 949-3847 (Sec. Office) 949-3810 (Pastor’s Study)
Church E-mail:
Church Address: 103 West Groesbeck P.O. Box 469 Paullina, IA 51046
| It’s hard to believe that Advent has arrived and before we know it Christmas will be here. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” Advent is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, in other words, the period immediately before Christmas, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I’d like to speak about three aspects of the “coming of Christ” similar to the classic Christmas movie, “Scrooge,” which deals with the past, the present, and the future. First, we have the historical nature of the coming of Christ as was announced to the world by John the Baptist in his famous words, “Prepare the way for the Lord.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God the Father, came into this world as an innocent baby conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and was born into the arms of the Virgin Mary. He came to be known as a prophet, a priest, a teacher and a King. The theme of Jesus’ teachings was that of repentance, unconditional love, forgiveness of sin, grace and the coming of the Kingdom of God. It is now historical fact that Jesus was crucified upon a cross as an innocent man (being fully human and fully divine). He died upon that cross and was buried in a tomb, but on the third day He arose from the dead, and later ascended into heaven, and we believe that He is now seated on the right hand of God the Father. This is the past, historical nature of Christ and His coming into the world. Secondly, we have the present nature of Christ in our lives. Having been ‘called to follow’ Christ by the grace of God, through faith, our lives have been changed. We have been justified by faith (just as if I have never sinned). Sin is in essence, separation from God, because it is contrary to what God desires for our lives; but because of Jesus Christ coming into our lives, our lives take on a new direction, a new purpose, which is living our lives for God’s glory rather than our own. As Christ’s followers everything that we do and say should be held to the standard of whether or not it glorifies God in some way. No one is perfect, and as the apostle Paul says, “We all fall short of the glory of God.” But the important thing that we all need to remember is that there is forgiveness for those times when we make mistakes, when we mess-up, when we fall short. It’s just as important, especially in those times, that we get back on the right track and continue our journey toward Christ, to follow Christ. It was our Lord, Jesus Christ, who promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us. This is the present nature of Christ in our lives – and it is the power that we inherit as His followers… “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) And lastly, we have the future nature of Christ in our lives, because we have been promised that through our faith in Jesus Christ we will be saved… “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) And also, later in John’s Gospel we also hear the words of Christ, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater |
Pastor’s Ponderings continued…
than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:28-30) Our doctrinal belief is that Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead – as described for us in the Book of Revelation.
Advent, a time of waiting and preparing for the celebration of the “Coming of Christ,” not only into the world but into our lives as well, is a time of deep personal reflection. I challenge you to consider how Jesus Christ has changed your life, how Christ continues to change your life, and how Christ will change your life – if you are just willing to surrender your life to His control.
May these Advent and Christmas seasons be life-changing experiences for you and yours,
In Christ’s endless love,
Pastor Andrew Hilla
******
Session will meet at the home of Vickie Frisbee on December 17, 2008, @ 7:30pm with new members and spouses.
Head Deacon for December is Gina Paulsen and for January is Tim Aberson.
Special Offering for December will be
Joy Offering. This offering will be collected December 28, 2008.
Special Offering for January will be
Youth for Christ. This offering will be collected January 25, 2009.
There will be a brief congregational meeting after worship on December 14 to nominate an addition to the Deacon list.
Annual Reports are due in the office by December 15.
Information for the February Chimes is due in the office January 20.
Women
Dec. 4 – Thursday
Faith Circle 9:30am
Hostess: Doris Rausch
Co-hostess: Doris Rausch
Program: All Members
Charity Circle 2:00pm
Hostess: Uneva Berntson
Co-hostess: Uneva Berntson Program: All Members
Hope Circle 7:30pm
Hostess: Elaine Mastbergen
Co-hostess: Elaine Mastbergen
Program: Connie Nervig
Flowers: December – Faith Circle
Jan. 8 – Thursday
Faith Circle 9:30am
Hostess: Muriel Simm
Co-hostess: Muriel Simm
Program: Belle Innis
Charity Circle 2:00pm
Hostess: Betty Simm
Co-hostess: Betty Simm Program: Maxine Ewoldt
Hope Circle 7:30pm
Hostess: Church
Co-hostess: All Members
Program: Elaine Mastbergen
Jan. 15 – Thursday
Volunteer Sewers 1:30pm
Flowers: January – Charity Circle
*****
~New Members~
We welcome Bryan & Tisha Halverson to our congregation along with their children Carter and Avery.
~Baptisms~
Avery Marie Halverson
Daughter of Bryan and Tisha Halverson
~
Nickholas Johnpaul Sage
Son of John and Jamie Sage
New address: Austin Buurman
376 Village Circle
Sheldon, IA 51201
Mailing address: Ruth Durst
3990 W. Capital Ave. #133
Grand Island, NE 68803
“What is Christmas All About?” on December 21, 2008, at 10:45 am. This year the 3 year olds through 6th grade Sunday School children will be presenting a short skit following the church service. Plan to stay after the service for the soup dinner provided by the UPY as a fundraiser.
Come and join the Shipmates on Sunday, December 14, at 5:00pm for an evening of Christmas Caroling. We will be caroling to the area nursing homes and local shut-ins. Soup and warm beverages will be served after caroling. Please bring a plate of goodies. You do not need to be a Shipmate to join us and help share the Christmas joy.
Poinsettias will brighten our sanctuary
Poinsettias may be purchased anytime during Advent and placed in the sanctuary in memory of or in honor of a loved one. Please have your name attached to the plant. There will be a list in the kitchen. Please sign your name, who the plant is in honor of and if you want to take the plant home (or have Deacons deliver it on December 26). Call Doris at the Church office (949-3487) if you have questions. The poinsettia list will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
For the Giving Tree please consider bringing items that will keep on giving throughout the coming year. SOS has informed us of the need for these particular items…
Deodorant Liquid Dish Detergent
Toilet Tissue household cleaning items Kleenex Laundry Detergent
Paper Towels Toothpaste
Shampoo Lysol Cleaning Wipes
Mouthwash Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruits Soups
Canned Salmon Canned Ham
Canned Chicken Tuna (spring water)
Beef Stew Sugar
Flour Salt (iodized)
Black Pepper Cereals
Rice Pasta
Mac & Cheese Peanut Butter
Crackers
As you shop for you and your family, consider purchasing a few items and drop them off at the church and place them under the giving tree in one of the wrapped Christmas boxes. Weekly trips will deliver the items up to SOS in Primghar. As always, our shopping cart in the Narthax will remain there for donations to SOS throughout the year. Cash donations will also be accepted. Contact Sally Hilla if you have any questions, or if you need help with getting your donations to the church. Many thanks from the Shipmates and all of those who benefit from our local food pantry at SOS in Primghar.
Join the Church Choir Today or any day!!
Choir practice is at 6:45pm on Wednesday evenings. If you have an interest in joining the church choir, please come to practice any Wednesday evening. Both men and women are welcome to join. If you have questions, please talk to Jack Grosvenor.
Shipmates plan pizza party...
Shipmates will meet Sunday, January 4th at 6:30pm. We will take down the Christmas decorations, have a brief meeting and enjoy pizza and fellowship.
Scheduled for……
December & January
Nursery –
Dec. 7 Brian & Christine Feltman
14 Dan & Marj Feltman
21 Glenn & Pam Fuller
28 Belle Innis & Doris Rausch
Jan. 4 Scott & Mindy Louscher
11 Ron & Kath Negus
18 Mike & Jill Rausch
25 Tom & Karen Roed
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Children’s Message -
Dec. 7 Steve Lemke
14 UPY Members
21 Elaine Mastbergen
28 Dick Nervig
Jan. No List Available
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Fellowship Coffee –
Dec. 7 Kevin & Bobbie Massmann
14 Ross & Elaine Mastbergen
21 UPY Soup Dinner
28 Dick & Colleen Simm
Jan. No List Available
--------------------------------------------------------------------Greeters –
Dec. 7 Kevin & Lori Tesch
14 Marv & Bertha Sjaarda
21 Wally & Betty Simm
28 Steve & Barb Lemke
Jan. 4 Kevin & Karen Brasser
11 Lorin & Ragean Brookfield
18 Maxine Campbell
25 Dick & Connie Nervig
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A follow up to the informational meeting held 11-16-2008
Some good discussion points have begun in regards to the B&P projects. Maybe a point of clarification should be made. First the presentation asked for the members to prioritize, which means you could support more than one. Second none of the projects are dependent on one another. Third the addition/remodel floor plans are not to be considered our final choices. With this project the members need to think more about whether the idea of the project is supported, not a specific design. Then if the idea is supported a committee will be established to work out the details. Again please feel free to contact any member of Session or B&P with your thoughts.
Paul Struve, Chairperson
Building & Property Committee
Some History on the Chancel (Alter) Area Remodeling Proposal
In May of this year the Christian Education Committee voted unanimously to proceed with the following recommendation: "It is recommended that changes be made to the Chancel area of the church. These changes include making the lectern and pulpit movable and making steps across the width of the whole area. This would eliminate the need for the portable stage."
In June the Building and Property Committee voted their support of the Chancel project and brought the idea back to the Session. The Session then discussed that since this would involve a change in the sanctuary, we should bring the idea to the whole congregation. This proposal was then discussed at the meeting on November 16, 2008 along with several other building projects which are under consideration. However, this Chancel area proposal is entirely separate from any of the other projects discussed.
Several benefits of modifying the Chancel area would include:
1. Eliminating the need for the large, heavy stage to be brought down from the storage area above the Pastor's Study and set up for programs such as VBS and Christmas.
2. Widening the center steps area for better visibility during any gathering at the front of the church: such as baptisms, weddings, installations, etc.
3. Providing flexibility for drama or musical groups during worship.
It is our wish to make the Chancel area more "user friendly" and still remain a beautiful place to praise God in His Sanctuary.
Karen Roed, Chairperson
Christian Education Committee
Mark your calendars: No Sunday School December 28
Per Capita Sunday, January 11, 2009!
As a result of our Per Capita ‘straw poll’ which was collected from members of this congregation by way of a 3 choice voting slip that was distributed both in the bulletins and in the Chimes back in 2007, the session of First Presbyterian Church of Paullina has decided, once again, to hold a Per Capita Sunday on January 11th, 2009 for the purpose of collecting Per Capita assessments from anyone who wishes to contribute to the Per Capita funding. The Per Capita assessment amount for 2009 is $26.22 per active member.
Per Capita is a voluntary assessment that is levied in a manner very similar to membership fees of secular organizations. The Per Capita funds are used to offset administrative expenses at the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly levels of the Presbyterian Church USA. Even though the Per Capita assessment is voluntary on the part of each member and each congregation, the amount assessed per active member must still be paid by each local Presbytery to the respective Synod and General Assembly (i.e. whether or not you pay your Per Capita, the Presbytery of Prospect Hill MUST pay your Per Capita to the higher denominational forms of government… they have no choice in the matter).
Looking back at our Per Capita ‘straw poll’ from 2007, we received 77 responses out of a total membership of 238 (not impressive). Of those 77 responses, 46 either wanted their Per Capita paid out of their regular offerings or they said that they would designate a separate offering for that purpose. The other 31 responses said that they did not want any of their offerings to go to pay Per Capita. In order to be fair to the wishes of everyone in the congregation (at least those who took the time to respond to the ‘straw poll’), the session felt that the Per Capita assessment should be given the same attention that we give to our monthly missions. Those who wish to pay their voluntary Per Capita assessment of $26.22 for 2009, please either bring a separate check marked ‘Per Capita’ on January 11th, OR attach a note to your regular offering – requesting that your Per Capita be deducted from your regular offering amount on that Sunday.
The date that we selected for this ‘Per Capita Sunday,’ January 11th, 2009, is also the same Sunday of our Annual Congregational Meeting.
~ We want to express our thanks for all the prayers, cards and expressions of caring that we received during Ed’s health problems. Our church family is truly a source of strength and support during difficult times. God bless all of you.
- Ed and Marva Brown
~ I would like to thank each of you for your prayers, cards, calls, visits and food after my second fall. A special thanks to my Shepherd.
-Bernice Iverson
~ I would like to express my gratitude for all of the cards and surprises that I have received over the past several weeks for Pastor Appreciation month! It is a privilage to serve as pastor of this church; and we feel very much appreciated!
Thank you for your kindness,
Pastor Andrew and Family
~ The O’Brien County SOS thanks everyone for all the items recently dropped off. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
KIDS KORNER
ALL CHILDREN 6th grade and under are invited to join us after church at the Kids Korner Kool-Aid stand for some yummy treats before they head upstairs to Sunday School. The selection of treats will vary as different foods are donated and purchased. Stop and get a glass of lemonade from Phil and visit with Miss Sally and Miss Muriel.
A special thank you to all those who have placed items in our Kids Korner box in the kitchen. All of these items allow us to offer a different variety each week.
With the holidays approaching, you may want to test out some new cookie recipes. Please allow the children to be your taste testers by bringing in some of your cookies. Just leave them in the kitchen and mark them Kids Korner.
Don’t forget…if you made that New Years resolution to eat less sweets, bring in your holiday leftovers. We’ll make them disappear without adding any additional weight to you and yours. THANK YOU for supporting this new ministry to our youth.
8 Katie Roed
10 Kyle Paulsen
13 Treyton Vortherms
31 Harley Drum
January
14 Tori Hurtig 15 Christian Sage
19 Nicole Feltman 19 Levi Feltman
20 Mara Rohwer 28 Justin Hurtig 28 Nathaniel Sage
Youth Club
Youth Club 2008-2009 continues to meet on Wednesdays directly after school from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. During the month of December we will conclude our series of lessons entitled Mothers and Others and then have two fun weeks singing Christmas songs and making arts and crafts. As is tradition, when there is no school…there is no Youth Club. Below is our schedule for December and January.
Dec. 3 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Dec. 10 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Dec. 17 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Dec. 24 NO YOUTH CLUB-Christmas Vacation
Dec. 31 NO YOUTH CLUB-Christmas Vacation
Jan. 7 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Jan. 14 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Jan. 21 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Jan. 28 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Feb. 4 Youth Club 4 p.m - 6 pm
Feb. 11 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Feb. 18 Youth Club 4pm - 6pm
Feb. 25 NO YOUTH CLUB -
Ash Wednesday Service 7pm
Our New Year will begin with a new series of lessons entitled, A King Is The Thing. I have a shiny nickel (5 cents) for anyone who can name the 3 kings that we will be learning about. Offer expires December 7th. See Sally Hilla to claim your nickel.
Senior (UPY) and Junior High (JETs) Youth Groups
UPY and JETs continue to meet on alternating Wednesday evenings at the manse (512 S. Maple St. in Paullina). All youth in the respective grades are invited to join us. No registration or fees involved; not even Church membership is a requirement. Just stop on by and join us. There are always treats to eat.
UPY and JETS Scheduled meeting times:
Dec. 3 UPY (9-12 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Dec. 10 JETS (7 & 8 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Dec. 17 UPY (9-12 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Dec. 24 NO MEETING- Christmas Eve Service 7:30pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec. 31 NO MEETING HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jan. 7 UPY (9-12 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Jan. 14 JETS (7 & 8 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Jan. 21 UPY (9-12 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Jan. 28 JETS (7 & 8 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Feb. 4 UPY (9-12 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Feb. 11 JETS (7 & 8 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Feb. 18 UPY (9-12 grades) 6:30pm-8:00pm
Feb. 25 NO MEETING –Ash Wednesday Service 7pm
Event Calendar Dec. 14 – 5:00p Shipmates Soup/Caroling Dec. 15 – All Annual Reports are due Dec. 19 – 7:30p Session at the Vickie Frisbee’s with newly elected Elders & spouses Dec. 21 – Choir Sunday -Children’s Christmas Program @ 10:45am -Soup Dinner sponsored by the UPY Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve - 7:30p Worship/Communion/ Candlelight Jan. 4 – 5:30pm Shipmates Pizza Party & take down decorations Jan. 11 – Per Capita Sunday - Ordination & Installation of Elders & Deacons - Annual Congregational Meeting Jan. 13 – 7p Deacons Mtg. Jan. 15 – Volunteer Sewers Jan. 20 – “Chimes” newsletter information due Feb. 1 – Souper Bowl Sunday
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Prayer List
November 23, 2008
Praises!
• Praise that Bob Nervig (Dick’s brother) had his 4th surgery and is doing very well!
• Praise for the hiring of a new band director at the high school – Kevin Linder!
• Praise the Lord, always, for healing and answered prayers!
Concerns: Individual
• Your prayers are requested for our Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day; for those who will be preparing and for those who come.
• Continued prayers are requested for Bernice Iverson as she recovers from additional foot surgery.
• Continued prayers for Ruth Durst, being treated with medication prior to having a stent inserted.
• Continued prayers for those who were injured in the Westwood school bus accident and for their families and friends
• Continued prayers are requested for Jackie Dau, hospitalized in Sioux Falls with complications in her pregnancy
• Continued prayers of strength, healing, and recovery are
requested for Dennis Templer (Tisha Halverson’s dad),
Ed Brown, Sue Feltman (wife of Dave Feltman), Dawn Harry, Kay Grosvenor, Vivien Jones, Mikaela Sienkiewicz, Caleb Sybesma and his family (related to Elaine Mastbergen), Joyce McIntosh, Dareld Johnson, Evelyn Postma (for strength), Ray Gillespie (Bernice Iverson’s brother), Bob Nervig (Dick’s brother), Theresa Grosvenor and Dan Feltman
• Continued prayers are requested for Drew of Hampton - friend of Dick Nervig, Sandy Berntson Rentschler - daughter of Curtis and Uneva Berntson, Julie Jack (19 years old) -Teri Harshbarger’s niece, Phil Dice, Julia Watson, Sandy Johnson, Eva Weseman’s daughter – Beverly, Delores Ewoldt, Jackie Rolstad (cousin to Wally and Betty Simm), Julie Ann (Jackie Hughes’ niece), and Rick (Marj Feltman’s brother) – in their continuing battle with cancer
• Continued prayers for Care Center residents: Catherine Miller (Sutherland care center), Bert Louscher (Sanborn care center), and Marvin Hartong (now at the Orange City care center)
Church
• Please keep in your prayers…Pastor Andrew; Church
Staff – Doris Van Leeuwen and Sharla Rupert; Current
Elders on Session – Allen De Vos, Brian Feltman, Jac
Grosvenor, Ragean Brookfield, Kath Negus, Elaine
Mastbergen, Dave Platt, Karen Roed, Paul Struve, Vickie
Frisbee, Chuck Postma and Katie Roed (Youth Elder)
• For our Christian Education teachers, choir directors, church organists/piano players, our choir members, our children’s choir, sound technicians and screen technicians
• For our Deacons: Tim Aberson, Gina Paulsen, Maxine Campbell, Tony Lundquist, Ruth Deverwaere, Teri Harshbarger, Karen Brasser, Joel Van Leeuwen, Jen Vortherms, Scott De Jong, and Evan Postma (Youth Deacon)
• For Tim Rupert (for perseverance and strength) as he continues in his final year of seminary
• 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
• For President George W. Bush, President Elect Barak Obama, Dick Cheney, Roberts Gates, Condoleezza Rice, and members of Congress
• For peace in the Middle East; for an end to terrorist bombings and warfare anywhere in this world
• For the safety of all of our troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world
• 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
• 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