Pastor’s Notes
We are approaching the 2nd Sunday of Lent as I write these notes. The journey to the Cross is just beginning and already we are asking ourselves, “What is God saying to me this year?”
Every year during Lent the Scriptures lead us into a time of reflection and study. Some folks give up something from their busy lives and dedicate those freed up resources to God. They may be giving up texting or Facebook and use that time to be in the Word or to sit in silence with God. Or some of our friends will be giving up chocolate or one of their other favorite foods and donate the cost of those favorites to the local food pantry so that those who wonder where their next meal is coming from can eat.
And there are others who don’t give up anything but instead make the decision to give-to their church, to their community, to their neighbor, to a friend, or to someone they haven’t met yet. Instead of giving up something they decide to donate their time in service, dedicating it to God.
Either way folks are actively engaged in paying attention to God, what he is saying and where he is working.
I have been using this time in Lent to learn more about how God would have me share his story with people I meet everyday.
The Old Testament lessons began with the Fall and this coming Sunday focus on Abram’s journey to the Promised Land that began when his father, Terah, left Ur. We will be with Samuel when God sends him to Jesse’s family to anoint a new king to replace Saul. The Sunday before Palm Sunday we will hear the story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones.
Each of these stories helps us understand God and his relationship with his children, and us. Every one of these people made mistakes somewhere in their journey but God didn’t abandon them. He ached when they hurt. He was sad when they turned away. But he always gave them a way back. In these stories there is forgiveness, discipline, and love.
God hasn’t changed. He’s still there for us as we make our way to Jerusalem and the Cross. God still loves us and through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection we are able to experience that love and forgiveness. And then, share that same love and forgiveness with those we encounter on our journey.
My prayer is that you will all take time this Lenten season to sit with God, read his Word for us, and serve as you are able with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The blessing of the God of Sarah and Abraham,
The blessing of the Son, born of Mary,
The blessing of the Holy Spirit who broods over us
Be with you all,
Pastor David
Lent
Let us look afresh at the different interpretations of FASTING-
Fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things like giving up food or television. But here are many other creative ways we welcome Jesus’ healing touch.
Here are some suggestions you may want to consider:
1. Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day.
2. Fast from judging others. Before making any judgements, recall how Jesus overlooks our faults.
3. Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus’ promise that He has a perfect plan for your life.
4. Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you.
5. Fast from resentment and bitterness! Work on forgiving those who have hurt you.
6. Fast from spending too much money. Try to reduce spending by ten percent and give those savings to the poor.
Wishing you all Peace, Love, and Happiness during Lent.
Congratulations
To our youth named on the Honor Roll: Samantha Jensen, Ty Johnk, Emily Mitchell, Jared Ploen, Megan Ehlers, Sarah Ehlers, Kaitlyn Tooley, Lauren Sievers, Alyssa Becerra, and Chris Guthery.
To Karley Helms, Kelsey Helms and Josie Cable for being named to their college Dean’s List.
Thank-you
Thank-you to the Ehlers family for donating the meat for the youth group to make tacos.
Golden Oldies
Golden Oldies will be meeting for lunch at 11:30 at Peace Church on April 19th and at United Church of Avoca on May 17th. Please call ahead so they can plan accordingly.
May Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Chuck/Linda Ploen, George Mertz, Alice Richter
Communion Servers: Linda Ploen-chm., Chuck Ploen, Michelle Mertz, George Mertz
Presbyterian Women
On March 2nd a very interesting program was presented to the Presbyterian Women’s group by Amadeus Linzer, the school’s foreign exchange student from Austria. His talk included the
history of Austria, schools in Austria and he even brought the group several samples of
“sweets” that Austria is famous for. The next meeting will be April 6th at 1:30.
Spring Gathering
The “Spring Gathering” for Presbyterian Women “Discerning God’s Call” will be April 16th
in Plattsmouth, NE. Registration 8:45, Welcome 9:00, Meeting 10:00, Lunch (optional $6.00)
12:15. Featured speaker will by Pat Hammond, “Hearing God’s Call Through Rahab’s Rope”
(stories of God’s love in India). Charlotte needs to know by April 8th if you want to attend.
More info? Find a link to “The Bridger” at http://pmrv.org/pwomen.htm.
Flowers for April
April 3-----------Michelle Tooley
April 10----------Bonnie Holtz
April 17----------Easter Lilies
April 24----------Easter Lilies
One Great Hour of Sharing
The One Great Hour of Sharing offering provides all of us the opportunity to share in helping
the people in the world who are victims of natural disasters and other unfortunate events.
Special offering envelopes will be in your bulletins on March 20th until Palm Sunday when they
will be due. Remember the words of our Lord who said, “Do you love me?...Feed my sheep.”
When we consider all that Christ has done for us, let us consider this a privilege and our way
of saying thanks for His gifts to us.
The Legend of the Easter Lily
The Easter lily is the traditional flower of Easter and highly regarded as a joyful symbol of
elegance, beauty, spirituality, hope and life. The bulb buried in the ground represents the
tomb of Jesus and the white, trumpet-like, fragrant flowers symbolize the resurrection. The
snowy white color stands for the purity of Jesus and the joy of the resurrection, while the
trumpet shape signifies Gabriel’s trumpet call to rebirth and new life.
Earthquake in Japan
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is working to respond to the massive earthquake and
resulting tsunami that struck Japan March 10, killing unknown numbers of people and
sending tsunami waves across the Pacific.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has set up a direct response account for
donations. Click on or paste this link in your browser to donate via the web:
http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/pda/japan/
Individuals may also give through their congregation, by calling PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283, or by sending a check to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. Gifts should be designated for account DR000117 — Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
From Presbyterian News Service
Bethany Furkin
Youth Group
Our 6th grade thru college age youth are holding a 30 Hour Famine/Homeless Awareness
Event April 15th and 16th. They will be starting to fast at 12:30 PM on Friday until 6:30 PM on Saturday. Along with this they will be sleeping outside the church in cardboard boxes to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless. They are accepting contributions for their efforts and will send them to World Vision.
Session Minutes
March 8, 2011
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on March 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sunday School south annex. (We had no February meeting due to the absence of Pastor David.) Those in attendance were: Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen, Dennis Jensen, Robin Tooley, Linda Krueger, and Jim Tooley. Absent were: Bonnie Holtz, Margo Matthies and Ty Johnk.
Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and a video entitled “Made to Make a Difference” by Max Lucado.
The minutes to the January 18th meeting were read and approved with one correction. Any extra money from the “Men’s Breakfast” will go towards “a” fishing trip instead of “the boys fishing trip”.
The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.
The Pastor’s report was read and approved. Pastor David traveled 47 miles.
Linda Ploen reported that she had received the commissioned Lay Pastor Agreement for David. She also received a letter and check from Wanda Sievers. David also reported that Presbytery meeting will be April 30th and they will be voting on change of order on Amendment 10A.
The clerk’s report was approved as given. There were no deaths. We received new members during our February 6th worship service. By letter of transfer we welcomed Todd, Darla, Alex and Megan Ehlers and Darren and Michelle Tooley.
Stewardship and Mission
Linda Krueger reported on our One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Envelopes will go out March 2oth and will be collected on Palm Sunday.
Christian Education
Robin stated that the Sunday School lock-in at the church will be April 30th with a PJ day at church on May 1st during worship service. The children will also sing at church on Mother’s Day. Robin also has now set up a Face Book account for church. Jim M. reported that 4 boys are planning on going on the fishing trip. The confirmation class will be going on a retreat to Calvin Crest from April 8-10. David will contact Roy Fox for a pulpit supply on April 10th since he will be with the confirmation class.
Worship
Communion was served at Peace Haven on January 2 and February 6th to 7 residents each Sunday. Serving elders were Linda Ploen and Bonnie Holtz. Community Lenten services begin March 16th at 6:00 at United Church in Avoca, March 23rd at St. Mary’s in Avoca, March 30th at Peace Church in Walnut, April 6th at Trinity Lutheran in Avoca and April 13th at First Presbyterian in Walnut. It was moved and 2nd to hold a joint Maundy Thursday service with United Church of Avoca at Peace Haven. We will serve communion. Motion carried. It was also moved and 2nd to hold the Easter sunrise service at 7:00 a.m. Motion carried.
Finance and Property
A report was given on the Midwest Lighting and Sound. Total invoice for the sound and graphic system was $23,069. We have paid $10,500, and will cash in a CD due on March 16th to pay the remainder. After discussion it was moved and 2nd to have Gary Blum construct a counter for the sound equipment at an estimated cost of $1,500. Motion carried. It was also moved and 2nd to send $20 to “Our Daily Bread” devotional booklets.
New Business
Jack Ploen, new elder, agreed to serve on the worship committee to replace retiring elder, Bobbie McDermott.
Meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting will be April 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session
