Last night I arrived back home, after being away at Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage for 5 days. I came back renewed and literally filled to overflowing with the God’s Spirit and his love.
When I come back from Pilgrimage I find that it’s impossible for me not talk about it. We listen to 14 talks about God’s grace and how to live in God’s grace. Not all the talks are given by pastors so it isn’t like listening to a preacher talk all the time. Eight of the talks are given by lay people and six are given by pastors. It’s not preaching.
This was my 7th Pilgrimage and it was even better than the last one. I am constantly amazed at how God accomplishes things, how he works in and around us to achieve this plan he has for us and his world. It is his world since he created it.
People come as God’s guests, and most of them don’t know each other, and then they leave as members of a growing family. They become sisters and brothers. They leave knowing that God truly loves them.
Wouldn’t you like to have that feeling? Wouldn’t you like to go somewhere and come away knowing deep in your heart that you are loved, by God and everyone of your new sisters and brothers?
That’s one of the reasons I keep going back, to be filled up again with God’s love. The other reason is so that I can serve God by serving others. You see every team member is working the whole weekend to make this the best experience these guests have ever had. And we get by on not much sleep. But it’s worth it.
Do you feel God’s love for you? Do wake up every day knowing that you are loved? Do you share that love with those you meet as you go through your day?
In the gospel of John chapter 15 Jesus talks about a vineyard in which his Father is the Farmer taking care of the vineyard. Jesus is the Vine and everyone who is touched by his Spirit is the branches. The branches are fed by the Vine. They are all cared for and tended by the Farmer, God.
Friends, we are all branches. We are connected to the Vine and nourished by the Vine. And sometimes the Farmer comes in and prunes off some of the dead branches that aren’t producing. It sounds harsh but it helps to get the dead branches out so more of the Light can shine through and the vines can produce a better crop.
Pilgrimage feeds this branch and it can feed yours. Talk to me if you would like to have your spirit renewed and your faith strengthened and get just a little closer to God.
God loves you my friends and so do I, Pastor David
In Memoriam
Tom Fell
March 21, 1921 – October 16, 2010
Tommy Newell Fell, son of Thomas and Bernice (Sewell) Fell, was born on March 21, 1921 at Emmetsburg, Iowa. He attended grade school in Emmetsburg and after his family moved to Walnut Tommy completed his education and graduated with the class of 1941.
After high school, Tommy enlisted into the U. S. Marines in Texas and then was transferred to the Merchant Marines in California where he served his country during World War II. On October 17, 1944, while on leave in Kansas City, Missouri, Tommy was united in marriage to Velma McDermott of Walnut, Iowa. To this union, four children were born: Jane, Jeff, Bill and Brett. After their marriage, Tommy continued his service for the Merchant Marines where after his discharge, he returned to Walnut and worked for the Northern Natural Gas Company. He went on to start a trucking and corn shelling business helping local farmers transporting livestock. He later expanded his trucking service to making longer trips to the east coast. He worked in Walnut for a Chevy car dealer as mechanic and when he discontinued trucking for a few years, he began driving school bus. At that time he also drove his portable grinder, used for grinding livestock feed for harmers. Tommy then drove three different cream and egg routes where he made trips throughout Shelby, eastern Audubon and eastern Pottawattamie counties.
Tommy returned to trucking this time hauling hanging/swinging hogs to California and returning to the Midwest with fresh produce. He drove for Ernie Hogeland for a few years then purchased Ernie’s freight company and operated it out of Walnut until his retirement in 1983. In the early 80’s, Tommy and Velma began spending winters in Texas where they met numerous couples and became longtime close friends. Tommy and Velma loved dancing and won several awards while dancing the waltz.
In 2003, Tommy became a resident of the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn until July of 2004 when he moved to the Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling, Iowa. It was here that he died having attained the age of eighty-nine years, six months and twenty-five days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Shari Fell, his brothers and sister: Clarence, Avery, George, Wilbur, Phil, Harold and Beverly Kiesel and his son-in-law Dale Dyson.
He is survived by his wife, Velma Fell of Walnut; his children: Jane Dyson of Carson; Jeff Fell and his wife Peggy of Walnut; Bill Fell and his wife Laurie of Avoca, Iowa and Brett Fell of Simla, Colorado; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends
In Memoriam
Jeanette Joy Rechtenbach
February 25, 1935 – October 19, 2010
Jeanette Joy Rechtenbach was born on February 25, 1935 to James Donald and Annabell (Sturdy) Wight at their home in Adair County. She had two sisters Susan and Patsy, and one brother William Donald Wight. She attended country school at Prussa No. 7 and graduated from Greenfield High School with the class of 1953.
Jeanette had various jobs including secretarial, newspaper, and in an antique shop. She belonged to the Federated Women’s Club, the Presbyterian Church, and Eastern Star, for over 40 years she was a member of the Birthday Club and a card club.
On November 8, 1959 Jeanette was married to Leo Rechtenbach at the Presbyterian Church in Greenfield, Iowa
Jeanette was an artist. She enjoyed painting pictures, knitting and photography. She enjoyed reading books and magazines and watching her favorite television shows. She traveled on many trips, raised chickens, and rode horses. She ran a bed and breakfast for 7 years. However, she still made time to raise her children: Bobbie, Scott, Marc, and Eric. Jeanette also loved her dogs and cats, feeding the birds, and taking time to enjoy her flowers.
Jeanette died on October 19, 2010 having attained the age of seventy-five years, seven months, and twenty-four days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her baby daughter Earnest Ellen, her brother William, and brothers-in-law Paul Robison and David Darling.
She is survived by her husband Leo from Walnut, daughter Bobbie McDermott and husband Jim of Walnut, son Scott Rechtenbach of Hemingford, NE, son Marc Rechtenbach of Shelby, son Eric Rechtenbach and his wife Tamara of Dubuque, IA. Four grandchildren: Megan Andersen and her husband Brian of Omaha, NE, Nellie Popp and her husband Brian of Omaha, NE, Anna Rechtenbach of Dubuque, IA, Arron Rechtenbach of NE, and great-granddaughter Nora Andersen of Omaha: sisters Susan Robison of Kansas City, MO, and Patsy Mattas and her husband Bill of Des Moines, IA; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends.
Fall supper work schedule is included in this Gleaner. Please check to see your duties. The supper is Nov. 17th.
Mary Ellen will be picking up the turkeys for the annual dinner on November 13, 2010. They will in the church freezer. You can pick them up after church on Sunday or if you need them delivered please let me know.
This year the turkeys weigh between 16-18 pounds. Please thaw them before roasting and then cook them in a cooking bag. Deliver them to the church on the day of supper (November 17) by 3:30 to 4.
Thanks for all your help. Any questions you can call Mary Ellen at 712-784-3677.
Harvest Party
Robin Tooley hosted a Harvest party on October 24th. She had seven helpers and over thirty children attend. I wish you all could have seen the basement before the party. She had the tables full of so many fun activities that I know the children had a great time.
Stewardship Sunday
Stewardship Sunday is November 7th. Please bring your pledges to Church on or before that day.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
Thank-You
Special thanks go out in this November (Thanksgiving) Gleaner to all our Church volunteers:
Sunday School teachers Robyn Tooley, Cathy Shutters, Bonnie Holtz, & Teresa Griffith Helpers: Sarah Ehlers & Kaitlyn Tooley
Choir Director Darlene Stuart
Piano Player Connie Jensen
Clerk of Session Linda Ploen
UPW President Charlotte Shepherd
Church Treasurers Robyn Tooley and Connie Jensen
Session Members
Flower Contributors
All workers at the Church Bazaar and Supper
All workers at the Antique Walk Food Stand
Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you!
BACON
There is still quite a bit of bacon for sale, $2.00 a package. Please write bacon on your check so Connie can get it in the right account.
November Food Pantry
Items needed in November at the Food Pantry are: soup crackers, cookies, cereal (she has cheerios & corn flakes), oatmeal, Kleenex, and chili beans
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Bailey Nielsen for being inducted into Harlan School’s National Honor
Society.
December Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Ross & Jean Bornholdt, Craig & Linda Woltmann Communion Servers: Linda Krueger-chm, Jean Bornholdt, Jim McDermott, Craig Woltmann. November ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.
Flowers for Pulpit
November 7 –Linda Woltmann
November 14- Gloria Walter
November 21- Charlotte Shepherd
Angel Tree
Reminder: The Angel Tree will be up at the Walnut Library November 13th.
Gifts (with Angel attached) need to be turned in to Walnut Communications by Dec. 13th. Questions: contact Margo Matthies or Linda Ploen
Poinsettias For Sale
The Music Parents will again be selling poinsettias to raise money for the WCS music program. If you would like to order call Teri Harmon at school 784-3615, or contact Charlotte Shepherd. The deadline for ordering is November 7th.
Session Minutes
October 12, 2010
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on October 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the south Sunday School annex. Those in attendance were: Jim McDermott, Linda Ploen, Robin Tooley, Bonnie Holtz, Margo Matthies, Jim Tooley and Linda Krueger. Absent were: Bobbie McDermott, Val Sievers, and Dennis Jensen. Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and a scripture reading from 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 and one from Colossians.
Our reflection was about how we all need mentors, especially our youth.
The minutes of the September meeting and the special meeting on October 3ed were read and approved.
The Treasurer’s report was approved as given. David presented the Pastor’s report. He traveled 127 miles and had many member visits. He also reported that Shannon and Jason Wood have requested the baptism of their daughter Blake on November 14th. It was moved and 2nd to approve this. Motion carried.
Linda Ploen read a letter from Calvin Crest asking that we remember them in our 2011 budget.
David and Linda P. will also be taking our church books for review at new Horizon church on October 19th. There were no deaths or membership transfers.
Stewardship and Mission
Linda Krueger reported that the Stewardship envelopes have been sent out and are due on November 7th. She also reported on the Joy offering which goes to mission and retired pastors in need. It was moved and 2nd to accept this offering which will be received on December 19th. David also reported that a missionary from the Czech Republic will be available to speak to our congregation if we would be interested.
Christian Education
David Reported that the confirmation class had met with their parents in Avoca on September 26. The Sunday School Youth will sing in church on October 24th and then have a Fall Festival from 2-4 that day. We will be hosting a Bluefish youth Bible Study on Wednesday , October 27 at 6:30 p.m. for area youth.
Worship
Heather Ploen will serve as supply pastor on October 24th while Pastor David is at Pilgrimage. There were 9 residents served communion on October 3rd at Peace Haven. Linda Ploen was the serving elder. Communion was served to Leo and Jeanette Rechtenbach. Jim Tooley was the serving elder.
Finance and Property
A committee will be meeting with Midwest Lighting and Sound on October 13th to discuss our new sound and visual needs. It was also discussed that we need to have the basement carpet cleaned. Jim Tooley has looked into this and is waiting on return calls for bids. We will wait until after church dinner to do this. The Rolling Hills CD, that we previously had voted on, was discussed. After discussion we voted to put the entire amount of $26,837.83 into the general fund instead of just $10,000. This can be used for carpet cleaning and to help supplement the new sound equipment. It was also mentioned that we possibly paint the front of the sanctuary after the new equipment is installed.
New Business
It was brought up that we need a new trash box outside the back of the church. Jim Tooley said that Justen could make a new one.
The meeting was closed with prayer and the Lord’s prayer.
The next meeting will be November 9th at 7:00.
Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session
