Pastor’s Notes
I’m so glad that spring is here and Easter is only two weeks away. Winter seemed especially long this year. It wasn’t that it was a bad winter with a lot of snow and cold, it was just long and I for one am ready for warmer temperatures. How about you?
We (I) need to be reminded that as winter is a time for the earth to rest and be rejuvenated so should we slow down and allow our minds and bodies to rest and be renewed. I fail to do that, as I’m sure most of you reading this do too. Sometimes God imposes times of rest and renewal by sending storms our way that keeps us inside and close to our families. Do we take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy the other members of our households or do we gripe that there is more winter to shovel or too much winter to shovel. We can’t get to our workplaces and the work continues piling up on our desks. And so we fail to give ourselves any chance to be renewed or refreshed. That’s really too bad. It may be why so many folks of my generation are having heart related issues or other health issues.
Even though we may be eating healthy foods we aren’t taking care of our spiritual needs which may include taking time to get out into God’s wondrous creation.
During our 40 days of Lenten reflection we heard some great messages at the Sunday evening ecumenical services in Walnut and Avoca. We were reminded of the necessity of healing our wounded relationships. Last night Father Frost talked about confessing our sins to God and others and then being assured of forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ on the cross.
Our Wednesday evening Lenten worship services have been different this year in that we were studying Gospel Portraits of Jesus. We were learning about the different titles which Jesus was known by, what they meant, and how the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One was prophesied about in the Hebrew Bible.
Even with the opportunities to listen to some great messages and participate in Bible studies we may have been neglecting our own daily time with God. Therefore our winter seemed too long and we don’t feel very rested or renewed.
It’s too late to do anything about the winter since spring is here now but it’s not too late to do something about renewing our spirits. As long as our bodies are still working and we are mostly conscious in the morning when our eyes open, then everyday God gives each of us the opportunity to spend time in worship with him.
Friends, we all need this. And we really have no excuse for not doing it. If we make time for God then be assured that he will make time for us and we will be able to accomplish more than we thought it was ever possible to do, because with God everything is possible. Believe it! Live it! Share it with your friends!
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Pastor David
In Memoriam
Marian League
I’m so glad that spring is here and Easter is only two weeks away. Winter seemed especially long this year. It wasn’t that it was a bad winter with a lot of snow and cold, it was just long and I for one am ready for warmer temperatures. How about you?
We (I) need to be reminded that as winter is a time for the earth to rest and be rejuvenated so should we slow down and allow our minds and bodies to rest and be renewed. I fail to do that, as I’m sure most of you reading this do too. Sometimes God imposes times of rest and renewal by sending storms our way that keeps us inside and close to our families. Do we take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy the other members of our households or do we gripe that there is more winter to shovel or too much winter to shovel. We can’t get to our workplaces and the work continues piling up on our desks. And so we fail to give ourselves any chance to be renewed or refreshed. That’s really too bad. It may be why so many folks of my generation are having heart related issues or other health issues.
Even though we may be eating healthy foods we aren’t taking care of our spiritual needs which may include taking time to get out into God’s wondrous creation.
During our 40 days of Lenten reflection we heard some great messages at the Sunday evening ecumenical services in Walnut and Avoca. We were reminded of the necessity of healing our wounded relationships. Last night Father Frost talked about confessing our sins to God and others and then being assured of forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ on the cross.
Our Wednesday evening Lenten worship services have been different this year in that we were studying Gospel Portraits of Jesus. We were learning about the different titles which Jesus was known by, what they meant, and how the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One was prophesied about in the Hebrew Bible.
Even with the opportunities to listen to some great messages and participate in Bible studies we may have been neglecting our own daily time with God. Therefore our winter seemed too long and we don’t feel very rested or renewed.
It’s too late to do anything about the winter since spring is here now but it’s not too late to do something about renewing our spirits. As long as our bodies are still working and we are mostly conscious in the morning when our eyes open, then everyday God gives each of us the opportunity to spend time in worship with him.
Friends, we all need this. And we really have no excuse for not doing it. If we make time for God then be assured that he will make time for us and we will be able to accomplish more than we thought it was ever possible to do, because with God everything is possible. Believe it! Live it! Share it with your friends!
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Pastor David
In Memoriam
Marian League
September 27, 1926 – March 12, 2009
Thank-You
Thank you to the Schirm family for the coffee and doughnuts in celebration of Al’s 90th birthday March 9th.
Thank you to Linda Ploen and Bobby McDermott for helping with the church service March 1st after Pastor David’s surgery.
Thank you to everyone that helped with all the Lenten Services. As always, the food was delicious, the tables inviting and the service impeccable.
Thank you for all the Get Well cards sent to us through our surgeries. Special thanks to Linda Woltmann, Linda Sieck and Jean Schmidt for the delicious food.
David and Linda
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Josie Cable and Valerie Sievers for being part of the Music Carnival Royalty.
Also congratulations to Mason Griffith for being a crown bearer for the Music Carnival and being the “Character of the month for Cooperation” in his kindergarten class.
Congratulations to Ryne Johnk for being placed on the Dean’s List at Iowa State University.
May Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Chuch & Linda Ploen, George Mertz & Alice Richter
Communion Servers: Robin Tooley-Chm, Chuck & Linda Ploen, Leo Rechtenbach
April ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.
Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women will hold their monthly meeting at the church on April 1st at 1:30.
On Tuesday April 7th Peace Church is hosting their Guest Day. Speaker for the event will be
Medical Missionary Cheri Geise. She will share the stories of her life in Cote d’lvoiure, Africa.
On Saturday April 25th the Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering will be held at Faith Presbyterian
Church at 8100 Giles Road, LaVista, Nebraska. Speakers will be Deb Kipley & Dr Neal Earley.
The title of their talk is “Mission Malawai: Africa in Omaha”. The gathering will be from 9-12.
Holy Week Services
Thank-You
Thank you to the Schirm family for the coffee and doughnuts in celebration of Al’s 90th birthday March 9th.
Thank you to Linda Ploen and Bobby McDermott for helping with the church service March 1st after Pastor David’s surgery.
Thank you to everyone that helped with all the Lenten Services. As always, the food was delicious, the tables inviting and the service impeccable.
Thank you for all the Get Well cards sent to us through our surgeries. Special thanks to Linda Woltmann, Linda Sieck and Jean Schmidt for the delicious food.
David and Linda
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Josie Cable and Valerie Sievers for being part of the Music Carnival Royalty.
Also congratulations to Mason Griffith for being a crown bearer for the Music Carnival and being the “Character of the month for Cooperation” in his kindergarten class.
Congratulations to Ryne Johnk for being placed on the Dean’s List at Iowa State University.
May Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Chuch & Linda Ploen, George Mertz & Alice Richter
Communion Servers: Robin Tooley-Chm, Chuck & Linda Ploen, Leo Rechtenbach
April ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.
Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women will hold their monthly meeting at the church on April 1st at 1:30.
On Tuesday April 7th Peace Church is hosting their Guest Day. Speaker for the event will be
Medical Missionary Cheri Geise. She will share the stories of her life in Cote d’lvoiure, Africa.
On Saturday April 25th the Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering will be held at Faith Presbyterian
Church at 8100 Giles Road, LaVista, Nebraska. Speakers will be Deb Kipley & Dr Neal Earley.
The title of their talk is “Mission Malawai: Africa in Omaha”. The gathering will be from 9-12.
Holy Week Services
Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday Services at Peace UCC at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunrise Services at 7:00 a.m.
Flowers for Pulpit
April 5-12 PW EasterLilies
19 Bonnuie Holtz
26 Enola Pagliuso
SESSION MINUTES
March 10, 2009
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on March 10, 2009 in the south Sunday School Annex.
Those in attendance were: Darlene Stuart, Gloria Myers, Leo Rechtenbach, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Bobbie McDermott and Dennis Jensen. Absent were: Valerie Sievers, Robin Tooley and Bonnie Holtz.
Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and a scripture reading from Matthew 16:15-20. The reflection was from Conversations with Jesus entitled “But who do you say that I am?”
The minutes to the February 10th meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.
The Pastor’s report was presented and approved. Pastor David traveled 248 miles. Communion was served to 16 people at Peace Haven, and also to Bill and Marian League, Edna Kutnink and Vic and Edna Nielsen.
During the Clerk’s report, Linda read a letter from the Presbyterian Coalition concerning the presbytery vote on Amendment B. The amendment is intended to remove “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” as an ordination standard in the PC(USA). There were no deaths or new members. We received a receipt from the Neola Presbyterian church on Josh Abel’s letter of transfer.
David asked for permission to perform the marriage of Misty Thomas Burg and Matthew Amdor on August 1, 2009 at Sunny Side Park in Atlantic. It was moved and 2nd to allow this. Motion carried.
Stewardship & Mission
Linda reported that she and Chuck would like to have a planning meeting for Mission trip to Wyoming. David also stated that there are several Presbyterian Disaster Assistance trips to the Gulf if anyone is interested in going or helping with funding.
Christian Education
Rev. Regina Maas, Associate Pastor for Education Ministries from Church of the Cross in Omaha came and spoke to us about our goals for Christian Education in our church. She stated that it needs to be a whole program: children through adults. She asked us “What do you want, and where are you going?” We need to spark interest in adults. Her presentation was very informative. It was moved and 2nd to pay for Rev. Maas’ mileage to Walnut. Motion carried.
The Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #5 will be April 16-19, 2009.
A Presbytery Education event will by March 21 at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Omaha.
No word on Vacation Bible School as of yet. It will be at the Peace Church this year. Gloria reported that Kelsi Helms had sent in her scholarship application. She will be attending Upper Iowa University. We will pay her $500. David also asked if we should get gifts for the confirmation class. It was moved and 2nd to do so. Motion carried. David will look into teen study Bibles.
Worship
Pastor David thanked Bobbie and Linda for helping with the service on March 1st. Maundy Thursday service will be at our church at 7:00 p.m. It was moved and 2nd to have communion during the service. Motion carried. The joint Good Friday service will be at the Peace Church – time not yet set. David will order the palm fronds for Palm Sunday on April 5th. He is checking on prices. The April 12th Easter sunrise service will be at 7:00 a.m.
Finance and Property
We had no update on the sound system, however David reported that Trinity Church in Avoca may have a used lapel mike we could have. He will look into this. We need to choose a spring cleaning date to clean up around the outside of the church. Leo will get a new lock set for the basement door, as the old one is not working. Water came in the furnace room, so the down spout needs to be fixed.
Leo reported that our Tier One CD for $100,000 has matured. It was voted to renew it with DUPAC Credit Union at a rate of 3.5% for 27 months. Motion carried.
Personnel
We still need 2 people to serve on the Community Assistance Program. Darlene will help. They will meet on March 29th at 6:30. David again reminded us to turn in our pastor evaluations.
New Business
The Presbytery meeting will be at Church of the Master on March 21st. David asked us to think about how we are serving God!
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Our next meeting will be April 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session
Good Friday Services at Peace UCC at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunrise Services at 7:00 a.m.
Flowers for Pulpit
April 5-12 PW EasterLilies
19 Bonnuie Holtz
26 Enola Pagliuso
SESSION MINUTES
March 10, 2009
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on March 10, 2009 in the south Sunday School Annex.
Those in attendance were: Darlene Stuart, Gloria Myers, Leo Rechtenbach, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Bobbie McDermott and Dennis Jensen. Absent were: Valerie Sievers, Robin Tooley and Bonnie Holtz.
Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and a scripture reading from Matthew 16:15-20. The reflection was from Conversations with Jesus entitled “But who do you say that I am?”
The minutes to the February 10th meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.
The Pastor’s report was presented and approved. Pastor David traveled 248 miles. Communion was served to 16 people at Peace Haven, and also to Bill and Marian League, Edna Kutnink and Vic and Edna Nielsen.
During the Clerk’s report, Linda read a letter from the Presbyterian Coalition concerning the presbytery vote on Amendment B. The amendment is intended to remove “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” as an ordination standard in the PC(USA). There were no deaths or new members. We received a receipt from the Neola Presbyterian church on Josh Abel’s letter of transfer.
David asked for permission to perform the marriage of Misty Thomas Burg and Matthew Amdor on August 1, 2009 at Sunny Side Park in Atlantic. It was moved and 2nd to allow this. Motion carried.
Stewardship & Mission
Linda reported that she and Chuck would like to have a planning meeting for Mission trip to Wyoming. David also stated that there are several Presbyterian Disaster Assistance trips to the Gulf if anyone is interested in going or helping with funding.
Christian Education
Rev. Regina Maas, Associate Pastor for Education Ministries from Church of the Cross in Omaha came and spoke to us about our goals for Christian Education in our church. She stated that it needs to be a whole program: children through adults. She asked us “What do you want, and where are you going?” We need to spark interest in adults. Her presentation was very informative. It was moved and 2nd to pay for Rev. Maas’ mileage to Walnut. Motion carried.
The Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #5 will be April 16-19, 2009.
A Presbytery Education event will by March 21 at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Omaha.
No word on Vacation Bible School as of yet. It will be at the Peace Church this year. Gloria reported that Kelsi Helms had sent in her scholarship application. She will be attending Upper Iowa University. We will pay her $500. David also asked if we should get gifts for the confirmation class. It was moved and 2nd to do so. Motion carried. David will look into teen study Bibles.
Worship
Pastor David thanked Bobbie and Linda for helping with the service on March 1st. Maundy Thursday service will be at our church at 7:00 p.m. It was moved and 2nd to have communion during the service. Motion carried. The joint Good Friday service will be at the Peace Church – time not yet set. David will order the palm fronds for Palm Sunday on April 5th. He is checking on prices. The April 12th Easter sunrise service will be at 7:00 a.m.
Finance and Property
We had no update on the sound system, however David reported that Trinity Church in Avoca may have a used lapel mike we could have. He will look into this. We need to choose a spring cleaning date to clean up around the outside of the church. Leo will get a new lock set for the basement door, as the old one is not working. Water came in the furnace room, so the down spout needs to be fixed.
Leo reported that our Tier One CD for $100,000 has matured. It was voted to renew it with DUPAC Credit Union at a rate of 3.5% for 27 months. Motion carried.
Personnel
We still need 2 people to serve on the Community Assistance Program. Darlene will help. They will meet on March 29th at 6:30. David again reminded us to turn in our pastor evaluations.
New Business
The Presbytery meeting will be at Church of the Master on March 21st. David asked us to think about how we are serving God!
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Our next meeting will be April 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session
