CHIMES
First Presbyterian Church
Volume 48 Issue 8 Published monthly – Deadline for articles 20th of the month
_______________________________________________________________________
First Presbyterian Church
The Pastor’s Ponderings…
Published Monthly- Deadline for articles 20th of the month Volume 48 Issue 8 NOVEMBER 2009
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 | I very often praise God for the blessings of life and encourage you to do the same each and every day. Very often, I will begin a prayer by thanking God for yet another day of life. But I also have to ask, ‘if today were the LAST day of your life, would you be assured that you would be in heaven with your Lord tomorrow?’ Many people answer that question with answers like, “I hope so” or “I just don’t know for sure” or even “To tell you the truth, I’m afraid to die because I don’t know what’s on the other side.” How can we be sure, when it comes time to leave this life, that we will be embraced by God as one of God’s children? The Bible is very specific on this topic and I would like to review what the Bible says on this rather than waiting until I (or some other pastor) visits you on your death bed. I also want to review these things because it would be a shame to wait until the end of your life to begin living your new life in Christ. Romans states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The first step in being ‘saved’ is to acknowledge the fact that you are a sinner. At some time in your life you did or thought things that were contrary to the will of God. Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything? Have you ever looked at another person with hatred or envy or lust in your heart? Have you ever failed to act, when you could have helped another person? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these, then you are a sinner, and the Bible tells us in Romans that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is telling us that God has this gift to give us, the gift of eternal life, and it’s available to us through and because of Jesus Christ. The second step in being ‘saved’ is to repent of your sins. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” If we say that we repent, that we’re changing our ways so that we will no longer sin, we will no longer act contrary to God’s will for our lives… and then continue sinning, then we are liars. D.L. Moody once said, “Man is born with his back toward God. When he truly repents, he turns right around and faces God. Repentance is a change of mind, a change of heart, and it results in a change of action.” The third step in being ‘saved’ is to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Our focus for our Adult Education hour for the past several weeks has been John , “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.” You must believe that Christ substituted Himself for you, that He died for your sins, even though He never sinned, and that He was resurrected from death. The Bible also says in Isaiah 53:5, “The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him…” [Our sins nailed Him to the cross,] and “by His wounds we are healed.” “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved (Acts ).” And lastly, the fourth step in being ‘saved’ is to make this decision on your own. I can’t make it for you, no one can make this decision for you, YOU are the only one who can willingly accept Christ |
into your life. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” You must believe in Christ and receive Him personally into your life by faith if you are to be saved from the power of sin and its consequences.
“God, I’m convinced that I’m a sinner, and that Christ alone can save me. I willingly repent of my sinful life and believe that Jesus Christ died for me. I want to receive Him as my personal Savior here and now.”
If you have just prayed this prayer for the first time, or even if you have just recommitted your life to Christ, congratulations! I praise God for your commitment and for your fellowship as a brother or sister in Christ Jesus! Praise God for this day! Praise God for yet another day of life!
In Christ’s love and service,
Pastor Andrew Hilla
**********
Head Deacon for November will be
Teri Harshbarger.
**********
Special Offering for November will be AIDS (Robyn Moore-World Gospel
Session will meet onThursday,
**********
Next communion Sunday will be
Sunday, November 1, Daylight Saving Time ends. Set your clocks back at on Saturday evening, October 31.
Annual Reports are due in the office by December 15.
Information for the December/January Chimes is due in the office November 20. Please give some thought to upcoming events. There will not be a January Chimes, so anything that needs to be printed before February 1st will need to be included in the next Chimes. Late item will not be printed until the February Chimes.
The Harvest “Praise the Lord” Dinner
will be Sunday, November 8. This event will be
served. A free will offering will be taken.
Please note that Sunday School will
be at and the worship service
will be at .
· Thank you to everyone for your concern and prayers during my recent illness. The cards, phone calls and food were all greatly appreciated. –Orle Towe
Presbyterian
Women
Nov. 5 – Thursday
Thank Offering Dedication
Faith/Charity Circles
Hostess: Maxine Cooper
Program: Belle Innis
Hope Circle
( Meeting in Sr. High Room @ Church)
Hostess: Colleen Simm
Program: Christine Feltman
Flowers: November - Hope
Ever wonder what you should say when you talk to yourself?
We all talk to ourselves all the time. We evaluate everything we do, compare ourselves to others and even call ourselves names. We belittle who we are instead of telling ourselves the truth about who God says we are.
The study, Me, Myself, and Lies deals with our destructive, unrealistic, self-talk. In this study Jennifer Rothschild explores the power of self-talk. As she takes us through the things we commonly say to ourselves, she teaches us to practice godly and biblical soul-talk.
This Bible Study is open to everyone. It will be hosted by
*****
Love In The Name of Christ At Work
We continue our partnership with Love INC. There is a box in the foyer for collecting. Your donation IS appreciated!
Address: David Ewoldt
Scheduled for……
Nursery –
Nov. 1 Jerry & Barb Cullison
8 Scott & Mindy Louscher
15 Ron & Kath Negus
22 Tony & Cathy Lundquist
29 Tom & Karen Roed
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Children’s Message -
Nov. 1 UPY Members
8 Elaine Mastbergen
15 Phyllis Wallin
22 Barb Lemke
29 Drama
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Fellowship Coffee –
Nov. 1 Pat & Gina Paulsen
8 Fellowship & Memorial
15 Dave & Carol Platt
22 Tony & Kathy Lundquist
29 Maxine Busch & Marcella Ewoldt
-------------------------------------------------------------------Greeters –
Nov. 1 Jeff & Christie Griebel
8 Doris Rausch & Maxine Ewoldt
15 Joel & Doris Van Leeuwen
22 Dan & Marj Feltman
29 Kevin & Lori Tesch
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanksgiving Day Dinner 2009
If you remember, last year we hosted a free “all you could eat” Thanksgiving Dinner here at the church on Thanksgiving Day. We invited people to this dinner who would otherwise not be having Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day; who live alone, who don’t have family nearby, whatever the circumstances… these were people in this community who would otherwise not be celebrating Thanksgiving with a Thanksgiving Dinner.
The response to our dinner last year was overwhelming! We served approximately 50 dinners and delivered another dozen or so to people who were unable to make it to the church.
Well, we’re doing it again this year! The dinner will be held in Fellowship Hall at on Thanksgiving Day and we would love your help if you are not already committed to your own dinner with your family or friends. We need help in the kitchen with the preparation of the food. We need help filling and refilling drinks at the tables. We need help setting up and cleaning up afterwards. We can use donations of deserts such as pumpkin pies, apple pies, cakes, etc. We can use donations of 2 more frozen turkeys, boxed stuffing mix (Uncle Ben’s or Surefine – 12 boxes), bread for stuffing (5 bags), 6 large cans Surefine Chicken broth, cranberries, elbow macaroni (10 pounds), frozen string beans (French style – 10 pounds), Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup (10 cans), Durkee canned fried onions (2 large or 4 small cans), butter quarters (5 pounds), Velveeta cheese 2 pound box (4 ea), shredded Monterey/cheddar cheese (5ea 8oz packs), yams or sweet potatoes (20 pounds), regular all purpose potatoes (25 pounds), 2 liter bottles of pop (variety).
If you are able and willing to help with this dinner, with decorating for the dinner, if you would like to help donate some of the food items, or if you know of someone in the community who we should personally invite… please contact Pastor Andrew immediately (study 949-3810 or manse 949-2332). We would like to have our guest list and our volunteer list/donor list finalized by November 18th at the very latest.
This is our opportunity to give back to the community and to serve as Christ came to serve, not to be served (Mark ).
May God’s blessings continue to be with you and yours!
Pastor Andrew
**********
What follows are the lyrics to “In Christ Alone” by Brian Littrell… the words of this contemporary version of “In Christ Alone” resound with the faith found only in this “New Life in Christ” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone
In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone
Shipmates and all those interested in singing or eating are asked to meet at the church at to car-pool for caroling and then return to the church for a delicious bowl of soup. Bring a plate of goodies to share.
Bibles Presented in Sunday School
This fall each of the following third graders were presented with a new NIV Adventure Bible: Nicole Feltman, Levi Feltman, Christian Sage, Jeremy Struve and Brendon Sullivan. Our new 4th grader, Melissa Mikkelson, also received an Adventure Bible.
The newest members of our Sunday School, the 3-4 year olds, were welcomed with a Beginner Bible. They are: Aaron Funkhouser, Ryan Karli, Treyton Vortherms, Alexander Sage and Reese Lundquist.
The Bibles are a gift from the congregation and were presented during the Sunday School music time.
The ‘kick off’ for our Confirmation Class was held on October 11th at 6:00pm, when we met in Fellowship Hall with parents and youth over a meal prepared by Chef Pastor Andrew consisting of a variety of Casey’s pizza and Pastor’s Andrew’s homemade macaroni and cheese (lots of carbs for the hard work ahead!). At that time we discussed the schedule, goals and plans, and answered any questions or concerns that were raised. Workbooks and Study Bibles were handed out to the students during the first class session on October 14th.
Our 2009-2010 confirmation class commenced with 5 students under the guidance of Pastor Andrew. One additional student will be joining us for a total of 6 confirmation students! The 6 students for the 2009-2010 class sessions are Tanner Hedberg, Taylor Paulsen, and Rachel Struve, Kelly Puhrmann, Tori Hurtig, and Tayla Maier. Each of the students were presented with personally inscribed NIV Teen Study Bibles. This new class of confirmation students will once again be using the curriculum designed by Harvey G. Throop for the preparation of confirmation students in Presbyterian Churches (PCUSA). The curriculum is called “Journey to Discipleship” and has been used in hundreds of PCUSA congregations. I have been using this curriculum for the past 2 years and it has proven to be quite adequate for our purposes.
Our class sessions will continue to meet regularly on Wednesday afternoons in the Pastor’s Study to review lessons and view other materials that are pertinent to becoming Disciples of Christ. If the students complete their requirements for confirmation and they are approved by the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Paullina to be included in the membership of the congregation, they will be invited to profess their faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior before the congregation on Palm Sunday,
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Andrew Hilla
11 - Anthony Massmann
13 -
19 – Riley Karli
23 – Nic Massmann
26 – Philip Hilla
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 music and 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.
Children will be dismissed at and will enter the Children’s Chapel together as one large group for music. At the teachers will escort the children to their classrooms for their Sunday School lesson. The Christian Education team wants to keep all children safe while under our care!
Food donations of cookies, pretzels, M & M’s, gold fish crackers and other bite size-kid friendly finger foods can be brought into the church kitchen and left on the counter by the sink. There will be a small box marked for your donations. These special treats will be used on Sundays for all children in grades 6 and under between the church service and Sunday School hour.
If you have leftovers from Halloween and need to get them out of your house so you don’t ruin your ‘before the holiday diet’…consider donating them to KIDS KORNER or to the Jr. and Sr. High Youth Groups. THANK YOU!
There will be NO KIDS KORNER on Sunday, November 8th. Sunday School will begin at 9:30, Church at 10:30, and the catered Harvest Dinner will follow at .
Senior (UPY) and Junior High (JETs) Youth Groups
November 4 UPY (grades 9 –12)
November 11 JETs (grades 7 & 8)
November 18 UPY (grades 9 –12)
November 25 NO MEETINGS TONIGHT! Happy Thanksgiving!
December 2 UPY (grades 9 –12)
December 9 JETs (grades 7 & 8)
December 16 UPY (grades 9 –12)
December 23 NO MEETINGS TONIGHT! Merry Christmas!
December 30 NO MEETINGS TONIGHT! Happy New Year!
All meetings are open to all youth of our church and the youth are encouraged to invite their friends as long as they fit into the appropriate grade levels. We meet at the manse (the pastor’s house) unless other arrangements have been made. Come and join us for some food, fellowship and fun. Any questions, please contact Pastor Andy at the church office (949-3810) or at home (949-2332).
Youth may stay as late as with the agreement that their school assignments as well as their jobs around the house are completed and up to date. This should all be cleared with your parents! Youth Group is not a legitimate excuse for not having your homework assignments completed or for failing a test because you did not take the time to study!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM!!
Youth Club
Youth Club 2008-2009 has begun meeting on Wednesdays directly after school from to . Once the children exit the buses in Paullina they run over to the Church for a quick after school treat that is provided by the parents of our Youth Club kids.(Usually cookies and a glass of water that will hold them till the dinner meal at ).
We are continuing with our curriculum that has us in the Old Testament with Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego teaching King Nebuchadnezzar and King Darius to O-B-E-Y the only ONE TRUE GOD! Nothing is too difficult with God by our side. He is there to rescue us and keep us safe as long as we choose to do what is right! By choosing to listen and obey God we can help others as we finish the month with the story of Esther. The months of November and December will have us jumping into the New Testament with BREAKING NEWS, the birth of Jesus.
We have a great bunch of kids. We are presently averaging 28 children Wednesday afternoons; which is an increase in attendance from last year. We encourage the children to invite friends to join them. Church membership is not a requirement for our 2nd through 6th graders. We do have rules that we expect the children to obey, but what is most important is that the children share a loving spirit with one another and respect for everyone, especially our elders. Our adult volunteers are amazing! Should you read this and want to witness all the fun and wish to spend an hour with the kids, give a call to Muriel Simm at 949-3697. She schedules the volunteers. If her line is busy, give Sally Hilla a ring at 949-2332. FUN, FOOD, MUSIC AND YOU MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING NEW, TOO!!!
“Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.”
-Robert Caspar Lintner
Veterans Day has its roots in what was called Armistice Day, the day when a peace agreement was signed with Germany ending World War I. Armistice Day was established with a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson which reads in part: “Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” On
Coming Events Nov. 1 Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 8 Sunday School @ , Service @ followed by Harvest Dinner Nov. 14 Veterans Day Nov. 22 Worship/Communion Dec. 13 Children’s Christmas Program during worship. Shipmates Caroling & Soup Dec. 20 Worship with the Choir |
Around the Area Events
If you are recently widowed or divorce, you are probably experiencing the painful feelings that come when a love relationship ends. There is a proven 19 step process of adjustment to the loss of a love.
The 10 session study of “Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends” will be offered for all who are widowed or divorced. Meetings will begin at on Sunday, November 1, at the
324-3755 or
and someone will return your call.
