Pastor’s Notes
Just about every magazine or book I read concerning the church, sooner or later, gets around to the topic of the declining membership. No church or denomination, it seems, is immune to this.
Membership in the PCUSA is declining, membership in the Missouri River Valley Presbytery is declining, and worship attendance at First Presbyterian Church here in Walnut also is in a decline.
There are many reasons for the decline. There are also as many suggestions and ideas about how to turn everything around. Most of the suggestions if implemented at just the right time, in just the right way, and with just the right amount of leadership will succeed in increasing membership and/or attendance, for a while.
The question I ask myself is, “What should we be doing?” Is there any one thing or any combination of steps that we could take that would ensure growth in attendance or membership?
Some folks would say, “If we just get the youth involved.” Others might suggest that we need more small groups. No matter what is proposed most every solution comes from the world's way of doing things.
Could there be another way, a better way to grow the church? I believe the answer is yes. No matter what technique is used study of God's Word and time spent in prayer with God is the number one priority.
After all, this Body of Christ is God's church and everything, even our mistakes and our weaknesses, God uses to fulfill His plan. So, wouldn't it make perfect sense that we look to Him for what to do?
What did God do with the early church? He sent the apostles out to tell the story. As the story, their story, was told, people believed the Message and were baptized with the Holy Spirit. The church grew, the apostles taught, they took care of each other's needs, and they continued to tell God's story of love and grace in Jesus Christ.
So, is this what we're missing? I don't know, but what if it's as simple as going into the world, the community where we live and work, and telling our story of Jesus Christ to those we work with, those we share bagels with, and those we meet at McDonalds and Kum & Go. What if?
God bless you my friends, Pastor David
Thank-You
Thank – you to the Schirm family for hosting a birthday party after church for Dixie’s 90th birthday. Ever though Dixie fell and broke her arm that morning she was able to get to the hospital and back to church by party time (10 AM).
Thank-you to Jim Tooley for all the work he has done as session member on the property and finance committee. He’s always willing to give of his time in this important position.
We all need to thank Robin Tooley and Connie Jensen for handling our weekly, monthly and yearly financial business. We are blessed that they give their time so generously.
Thank-you to Kathy Hansen, Bobbie McDermott, Larry & Charlotte Shepherd, Jim Tooley and Pastor David for wiping (bleach water) EVERYTHING in the basement to eliminate the white mold problem.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Ty Johnk, son of Kent and Carla Johnk and Bailey Nielsen, daughter of Jeff Nielsen and Pam Nielsen for their award winning 4-H exhibits that were
chosen to represent the county at the Iowa State Fair.
Sunday School
Sunday School will begin this fall on September 11th. Robin Tooley has a fun time planned for the children on this “Sundae Sunday”.
If people concentrated on the
Really important things in life
There’d be a shortage of
Fishing poles.
Doug Larson, American columnist
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry has a need for these items in September:
Macaroni & Cheese
Jelly
Hamburger helper
Canned fruit and veggies
Dry pudding mix
Put them in the basket at the back of the sanctuary and Pastor David will be happy to deliver them to the Food Pantry.
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
On September 18th from 11 AM-5 PM the Open Door Mission is holding a walk to raise money for their work. Participants will meet at Gallup University, donate $19.20 (which pays for 10 meals at the Open Door Mission), receive a T-shirt and walk to the Open Door Mission. While there they will enjoy a variety of soups (made by various chefs from the Omaha area) and bread. They will also be able to tour the New Lydia House and New Permanent Supporting Housing Complex. Children 8 and under can participate also for $9.60.
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“Here is a test to find out whether your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” Richard Bach
Antique Walk – Antique Walk – Antique Walk – Antique Walk – Antique Walk
Robin reported the figures she had (so far) –
Income - $13,023.35
Expenses - $5,845.20
Profit - $7178.15
October Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Darren Tooley, Jim Tooley, Robin Tooley
Communion Servers: Linda Ploen – chm, George Mertz, Robin Tooley, Pam Nielsen. September ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.
Flowers for Pulpit
September 4 -------Avis Mortensen
September 11------ Karla Helms
September 18 ------Julie Nash
September 25 ------Dixie Schirm
There’s not enough darkness in the entire universe to snuff out the light of just one little candle.
Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry ~ Older Wiser Livelier Saints
The POAM/Owls Celebration
When: September 20 & 21, 2011
Where: Calvin Crest Camp Conference & Retreat Center,
2870 County Road 13, Fremont, NE
Theme: SHALOM – GOD’S BLESSING OF PEACE
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that
you may be children of your Father in Heaven” (Matt. 5:45).
Come join friends and neighbors from across Nebraska and Iowa for the special two day
Fall Celebration planned for older adults (age fifty or more).
Enjoy a variety of speakers and presentations, worship, music, food and fellowship,
entertainment and much more. Stay in climate controlled motel style rooms with
private baths; assemble in comfortable meeting rooms; enjoy great meals and snacks
all in the beauty of nature. All facilities are handicapped accessible.
Share a Shalom Moment, a time when you or your congregation experienced God’s
blessing of Peace.
For more information and a registration form, click on or paste the following link in
your browser: http://calvincrest.org/index.php?customernumber=967405919545402&pr=OWLS_Forms__Brochures
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women will be visiting Mabel Stahl in Atlantic and then taking her out for lunch. We’ll be meeting at the church at 10:15 on September 7th. Please let Charlotte Shepherd know if you are going by September 2nd.
Session Minutes
August 9, 2011
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on August 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sunday School south annex. Those in attendance were : Jim Tooley, Jim McDermott, and Margo Matthies. Absent were Linda Krueger, Bonnie Holtz, Robin Tooley, Dennis Jensen, Jack Ploen, Linda Ploen and Ty Johnk.
Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and scripture from Romans 15: 1-3. He also had a reflection entitled “The Joy of Selflessness”.
The minutes of the June 14th meeting were approved as read.
The treasurer’s report was approved as given.
The pastor’s reports for June and July were read and approved. Pastor David traveled 72 miles in July.
One baptism was reported. Gary Wayne Sievers was baptized as a new member July 24,2011 in the chapel at Peace Haven Retirement Home, Walnut, IA.
Charles Wyatt has requested to be admitted as a member and reaffirm his baptism. It was moved and seconded to approve this request. The date for the affirmation is set for August 28th, 2011.
Stewardship & Mission-
David reported that the Open Door Mission in Omaha will be holding their 4th annual walk-a-thon ,“Will You Walk a Mile in My Shoes?”, on September 18th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It was moved and seconded to have David register for this event. Anyone wishing to participate in this event should contact David for more information.
Christian Education-
Vacation Bible School was held at the Peace United Church the week of July 5th. There was an average of 20 children attending each session. Pastor Steve Lewis shared teaching duties with Pastor David and there were many others who helped with the program. Most of the children and their parents attended the final program held during church services at Peace Church on Sunday, July 10th. A thank you was given to all who helped to make the program a success this year.
Jim McDermott reported that everyone who went on the fishing trip to Minnesota had a very good time. The boys caught enough fish to have a fish fry for the congregation which will be planned for later this year.
Several parents have suggested that Sunday school be held during the same time as church services and Robin is taking this under consideration.
Worship
Communion was served to 6 residents at Peace Haven on July 3rd with Linda Krueger serving as elder. 7 residents received communion on August 7th with Margo Matthies serving as elder.
It was discussed to train more people how to operate the worship slides. David suggested a rotation of elders and Jim McDermott will talk to some of the youth to see who would be willing to be trained.
Finance and Property
A resolution was approved to make Jim McDermott and Jim Tooley authorized signators of the Putnam Tax Free High Yield A account #0040-0483024237. It was moved and 2nd to have a letter sent to the firm with instructions to correct the address on the account and to liquidate the same.
The cabinet for the worship control center had been finished. It will be put in place at the back of the sanctuary and Midwest Lighting and Sound will come to get everything wired correctly.
The Antique Walk food stand showed a profit of $7,178.15. Mary Ellen reported that there is still some meat for sale.
It was moved and 2nd to go ahead with repair work on the organ. Financing for the repair work will come from donations received from members of the congregation and the Presbyterian Womens’ Organization. Any remaining expenses will be paid out of the general fund.
New Business
David reported that there will be an MRV Presbytery Meeting on August 19-20 at camp Calvin Crest .
The Presbytery is hosting a family day at Werner Park on August 21st at 2 p.m. Tickets are$7 and there were still 58 tickets left at this time. Anyone wishing to attend this event may get tickets at the presbytery office.
It was approved to have Jim Tooley contact a carpet cleaner to come take care of several spots on the basement carpet.
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s prayer.
The next meeting will be September 13, 2011 at 7 p.m.
Margo Matthies
Clerk of session, Pro tem
