January Gleaner 2014

Pastor Notes

        Another year is coming to a close and a New Year is only a couple days away. Some of us are ready for the old year to be over and some of us aren’t.

          Don’t you wonder what God has planned for the church in the next year? I do. Sometimes it makes me anxious and other times I’m excited about what’s waiting for us around the corner.

          We’re travelers on a journey and as travelers whose only road map is the Bible we’re never quite sure what God has for us to do next. We do know, as we discerned in the process led by the MRV committee on ministry, we believe God wants us to make disciples.

          Just how we make disciples might not be clear to us. I believe it all begins with the Christian Education program, Sunday school. We are fortunate in that we have people who have a passion for teaching the children about the stories in the Bible and living lives that are an example of living and being like Jesus.

          But, it shouldn’t end with the children. We’re never too old nor have we learned everything God wants to teach us therefore our education as adults should be ongoing. I’m afraid we can’t get it all by just attending worship once a week. I believe we need to stretch ourselves and give some of our leisure time to studying what God has for us in his Word.

          Why do we find it so hard to commit time to studying the lessons in the Bible? If we go to the doctor and he tells us we have high blood pressure don’t most of us try to learn as much as we can about it so that we can get it under control and maybe not have to take anymore pills?

          So, isn’t this life we’re living, trying to follow Jesus’ example, just as important? We surely haven’t learned everything there is to know about being a follower of the Way. Doesn’t it make sense that we’d want to be the best that we can be and the only way to accomplish that is by going back to the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to interpret and teach us what God would have us know at this time in this particular place? I believe it does.

          Maybe that’s what God would have us do this next year to prepare for what we may encounter next on our journey through this life, study. If you were given the task to make disciples, and we have been, how do we begin and how do we continue?

          Let’s work together to continue what God has begun here in Walnut and make new disciples for Jesus.

          God’s grace and peace be with you all in the New Year,

Pastor David

  ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – JANUARY 26^th after 10:30 Worship.  PLEASE HAVE YOUR REPORTS TO PASTOR BY THE 20^th.  Please bring a vegetable, salad or dessert for lunch before the meeting.

Sympathy

Our sympathy to the family of Norma Rasmussen of Walnut.  She passed away Friday, Dec 27^th.  She was Suzy (Mel) Larson’s mother.  Pastor David had her service Dec. 31^st.

Our sympathy to the family of Beulavon Beatty of rural Hancock. Pastor David had her service Dec. 28^th.

Our sympathy to the family of Allan Sams of Avoca.  Allan passed away at his home Dec. 27^th.  His service was Dec. 30^th.

Food Pantry

Food pantry needs for January are: Any Wholesome Food or Paper Product

“Heaven goes by favor.  If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.”      Mark Twain

                                                                                   

                                          Thank-you

Thank-you to everyone that made the Sunday School Christmas Program such a success.

Thank-you to Dianne Book for filling in as pianist Christmas Eve.

Thank-you to Michelle Mertz for buying and bagging the Christmas fruit and candy and Thank-you to Kathy Hansen for delivering them to our shut-ins.

Once again our church was in charge of the Angel Tree.  We thank Linda Ploen and Margo Matthies for making it a success.

We thank Pastor David and Jim McDermott for helping pack and distribute the Good Guys

boxes to the recipients in Walnut.

Pastor David and Linda would like to thank everyone for the Christmas cards and gifts they received.

Flowers

January 5 ----------- Flowers Provided

                                           January 12----------- Willa Petersen         

                                           January 19---------- Linda Krueger

                                           January 26---------- Michelle Mertz

‘You can’t always control who walks into your life but you can control which window to throw them out.’

Golden Oldies

                                                Jan 21 – First Presbyterian - Walnut

                                                Feb 18 – St Mary’s Avoca

                                                March 18 – United Church – Avoca

                                                April 15 – Peace Church – Walnut

‘You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.’

Congratulations

Congratulations to Samantha Jensen, daughter of Dustin and Cyndi Jensen, on being named 2013 Daktronics –

NAIA Scholar – Athlete.  Samantha, a junior defensive specialist on the volleyball team has a 3.64 Cum. GPA with

a major in biology.

Congratulations to Walnut’s LEGO team.  They are now going on to compete at the state level.  Of the six members on the team, five of them attend our church.  They are Collin Shutters, Brady Canada, Jolene Jensen and Mason Griffith.

Big, Big congratulations to Dave and Robin Heilig on the birth of their son, Noah David.  Noah

was born December 15^th at 10:11 AM and weighed 1 lb 14 oz and was 13.2  in long (arriving at 27 weeks).  Grandfather is Jim Tooley

“A baby is such a nice way of starting people.”    Don Herold

POINSETTIAS

Donated by:                                                                                        In memory of:

Presbyterian Women                          (3)                         Church Family                     Larry & Charlotte Shepherd                   (2)                         Family, friends & Gloria Myers

Margo & Doug Matthies                                                  Margo’s Father

Jean & Joe Schmitt                                                          Herb & Marie Mertz

Julie Nash                                                                       Ryan Nash

Ross & Jean Bornholdt                                                   Laurie Bornholdt

Leo Rechtenbach                                                            Jeanette Rechtenbach

Les & Teri Abel                                                              Paul & Aletha Abel

Steve & Marie Livengood                   (2)                         John & Twyla Bero

Betty, Steve & Michelle Sunderman    (2)                         Darrell & Sam Sunderman,

Joe, Dorothy & Larry                    Beckenddorf

Chuck & Linda Ploen                                                      Margie Ploen &                       

                                                                     Melissa Manhart

Barb Eslick                                                                     Bill Eslick

Anonymous                              Greenery on piano           Louis, Jean, Gloria & Ed Myers

Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow”.

                   February Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Charles & Gloria Walter, Greg & Michelle Mertz

Communion Servers: Jack Ploen-chm., Greg & Michelle Mertz & Charles Walter.   January ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

If we’re not supposed to have late night snacks, then why is there a light in

                                           the refrigerator?

    Session Minutes

December 10, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on December 10, 2013 at 7 pm in the Sunday school south annex.  Session members present were: Linda Ploen, Michelle and Greg Mertz, Kathy Hansen and Cathy Shutters.  Absent were: Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen, Allan Sievers, Jim Tooley and Mike Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and scriptures.  Our reflection was entitled “Sharing Your Faith Story”.  We were given sheets to help us discuss and share our faith story with others.

The minutes of the November session meeting and the Nov. 17^th meeting with the Avoca session were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was approved as written.

David’s pastor report was approved as given.  He had 416 miles this month due to many visitations and meetings.  He also provided us with a report on days he’s had off: continued ed., illness, vacation, etc.

Clerk’s report: Linda reported on our upcoming statistical report, mission report and our per capita.  This year our per capita is $34.48 per member for a total of $4,827.20.  She also stated that our books did very well when they were reviewed in Council Bluffs.

New Business

Kelsey Griffith requested baptism for Hayden Marie Griffith and Hadley Jaymes Griffith on January 5, 2014.  Motion made and approved to permit the baptism. The annual meeting is scheduled for January 26^th.  Sunday School will be at 9:00 and worship at 10:00 with a meal and meeting following.  REPORTS NEED TO BE AT THE CHURCH NO LATER THAN JANUARY 20^th.  Nominating committee for new elders is Linda Krueger, Robin Heilig, and Chuck Ploen.

Stewardship and Mission

Kathy Hansen reported that she had delivered 3 more “Welcome Baskets” to new Walnut residents.  She also noted that there was $179 in the jar at church.  After some discussion, we decided to check on giving this money to the “Weekend Back Pack Home Project” which provides for children on weekends.  David and Linda delivered bags of hats and coats to Castelar Church and stuffed animals to Micah House in Council Bluffs.

Christian Education

The Sunday School Christmas program will be Sunday, December 22^nd during worship.  We have around 17-19 children participating.

Worship

Communion was served to 11 residents at Peace Haven on December 1^st.  Michelle Mertz was the serving elder.  Thanks went to Jack Ploen for decorating the Christmas tree.  It was also mentioned that perhaps we should start having our older kids learn how to run the video machine and make out a list like that for ushers, so that not just one person has to run the machine every Sunday.  We discussed gift baskets for shut-ins and Sunday School kids.  Greg and Michelle will buy the supplies and bag them so they can be delivered.  We also had a list for Robin so she can get the Christmas gifts for church volunteers.  We decided to keep the price the same.  Sunday School teachers, janitor organist, Sunday School superintendant, clerk of session, secretary, treasurer, financial secretary-$25, and Pastor David-$250.

Finance and Property

Since no one was present from this committee, we had no reports on heating and air bids or the ad hoc committee.  We did however; have to work on the 2014 budget.  With a few changes, our 2014 budget is $82,777.20.

Personnel

David reported that we must get our by-laws reviewed. 

The meeting was closed with prayer and The Lord’s Prayer.

Our next meeting will be January 14^th at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

◄ Dec 2013	~ January 2014 ~					Feb 2014 ►
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1 New Year’s Day	2 Avis Mortensen Amy Hansen	3	4
5  9:00 Church (baptism)  10:15 Sunday School  11:00 Communion  @ Peace Haven Hunter Nielsen	6	7 Nellie Popp	8	9 Emily Mitchell	10	11 Kim Hoffman
12  9:00 Church  10:15 Sunday School	13 Tyler Hansen	14 Allen House 11 AM Session 7 PM Bryan Mertz	15	16 Peace Haven 7 PM	17 Dave/May Woltmann Brenda Walter	18
19  9:00 Church  10:15 Sunday School	20 Josie Cable Linda Krueger	21 Golden Oldies (our church) 11:30	22	23 Rosemary Pedersen	24	25 5:30 Church Service Diana Sievers
26 9:00 Sunday School  10:30 Church  Annual Meeting  Brinda Shirley  Brian Popp	27	28 COM at New Horizon P.C. 4:30 PM Avoca Nursing & Rehab, 2 PM	29 Salem Lutheran Homes 9 AM Blake Wood Paula Griffith	30	31	Notes:

January Ushers:  Dennis & Dustin Jensen, Allan Sievers & Shannon Griffith

January Communion Servers:  Allan Sievers-chm, Dennis Jensen, Craig & Linda Woltmann

December Gleaner 2013

PASTOR’S NOTES

       Another year is over. Next Sunday begins a new year; the first Sunday of Advent. And that means, for me, a new preaching series. We will continue to follow the Old Testament prophets. By ‘follow’ I mean we will be walking a path, maybe not the same path they walked, but figuratively we’ll be considering what it means to journey with them as they share God’s Message with the people of Judah and Israel.

          “Prophetic Pathways” is the title for the series which comes from one of our friends in Scotland at New Kilpatrick Presbyterian Church, Roddy Hamilton. He and a group of friends put together a package of material with a Scottish flavor that helps me come up with the messages you get to listen to on Sunday morning. The material is called “Spill the Beans.”  You know, it’s to help all of us understand how to tell our story to the folks God introduces us to on the path we walk every day.

          Since I retired from the bearing factory I do quite a bit more walking, burning calories instead of gasoline, wearing out shoe leather instead of the rubber tread on my pickup. I meet way more people this way, at the bakery, the library, the post office, the bank, city hall, and McDonald’s. Some of them have time to visit and I have time to listen.   

       That’s the path I walk. What’s your path like? Who do you meet in your daily commute to work or to coffee? Have you noticed that sometimes God’s hand has been there too, kind of mixing and stirring the pot, just a little?

          There are many days when we don’t notice because we’re so focused on our ‘to do’ lists. Friends, think what we miss because we haven’t taken the time to slow down and pay attention to what’s going on around us.

          It happens to me way to often. One day this fall I was walking home and this tree was so beautiful I had to stop, get my camera, and take a picture. I’d walked by this tree for weeks without noticing just how God had created this colorful painting using the leaves of a maple tree. So, I went to visit my daughter and convinced her to get her camera and come with me and take pictures. It was something I’ve always wanted to do but had never taken the time. We had a wonderful time strolling, stopping, snapping pictures, and talking.

          That’s just one path here in Walnut. Where do you suppose God will lead us this next year? What path has God chosen for us? And are we ready? Come, and join us, walk with us. I’m sure it will be nothing like we imagine since God’s hand is always there mixing things up and turning them upside down.

          May your days be filled with wonder and thanksgiving. Stop and listen and wait for God’s message for you. Tell your story and come and share it with us at First Presbyterian Church here in Walnut.

Advent blessings to you all,

Pastor David

Sunday School Christmas Program

The annual Sunday School Christmas program will be December 22^nd during worship at 9:00 AM.  Come and enjoy watching our youth (and adults) perform and sing.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight worship service will be held this year at 10 PM. Our friends from United Church of Avoca will be joining us for worship.

Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.

Food Pantry

Food pantry needs for December are: Any Wholesome Food or Paper Product

Roberta Gillette, the food pantry coordinator, is retiring at the end of December.

If you who would like to volunteer for her job, or you know of someone, contact Pastor David.

          

Counting other peoples sins does not make you a saint.

GOOD GUYS FOOD BASKETS

The Food Pantry needs names, addresses, phone #’s & number of people in the family by Dec. 9^th for food boxes for people in need.  The boxes will need to be picked up by the client on Dec. 21^st between 9-10AM at our church.  Help is always needed to fill the boxes.  Meet at the United Church in Avoca at 7:30 AM on Dec. 21^st if you can help.

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say Thank-You?

                                          Thank-you

Thank-you to EVERYONE for making the Fall Supper/Bazaar a success.  Around three

hundred people were served.  It’s always such a heart-warming time to see our congregation so actively working together.

“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands.”          Robert M. Persig

.

United Church of Avoca Annual Christmas Tree Bazaar & Luncheon With Nativity Display

Sat. Dec 7^th from 10-1

Luncheon 11-1

Creamed Turkey over Biscuits, Relishes, Salad and Cake

$6/Adults and high school - $3/K-8^th grade

Cookie Walk, Bake Sale, Tree Decorations & Homemade Items

Over 30 Nativity Sets on Display

Free Admission

“Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money.”

Golden Oldies

                                                Jan 21 – First Presbyterian - Walnut

                                                Feb 18 – St Mary’s Avoca

                                                March 18 – United Church – Avoca

                                                April 15 – Peace Church – Walnut

“Peace on earth will come to stay

When we live Christmas every day.”   

Helen Steiner Rice

Congratulations

Congratulations to Ron and Brittni (Johnk) Van Woesik on the birth of their son

Ronald Franklin Van Woesik III.  He was born Oct 28^th at 5:51 PM and weighed 6 lb 6 oz.

His grandparents are Kent and Carla Johnk and great-grandmother is Carolyn Johnk.

Congratulations to Eric and Cheyenne (Pedersen) Mertz on the birth of their daughter

Willow Rose.  She was born Nov 25^th at 12:35 PM and weighed 7 lb 9oz. Her

grandparents are Louis and Rosemary Pedersen and great-grandfather is George

Mertz.

Walnut’s Angel Tree

For the past several years the people of Walnut have provided assistance top families with Christmas gifts for their children through the Angel Tree Program. These gifts helped to make the holidays a memorable time for families that may need a little help at this special time of year.

The Angel Tree will be located at the Walnut Public Library beginning November 30th. Anytime the library is open, you may pick an angel from the tree, fulfill the wish of a child, and return the gift to Walnut Communications office by December 13th.

If you would like to participate in the program but are not able to make it to the library, please call 784-3533 for more information.    Margo Matthies & Linda Ploen

That breath you just took…that’s a gift.

POINSETTIAS

Poinsettias will be placed in the sanctuary in memory of family and friends who have passed on.  Please let me know who your poinsettia is in memory of.

                    

“You will not be in Heaven unless you are leaning on the arm of someone you have helped.”

Edgar Cayce

                   January Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Dennis Jensen, Dustin Jensen, Allan & Shannon Griffith Communion Servers: Allan Sievers-chm., Dennis Jensen, Craig & Linda Woltmann.   December ushers and communion servers are at the bottom of the calendar.

    Session Minutes

November 12, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on November 12, 2013 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex. Session members present were: Linda Ploen, Michelle Mertz and Cathy Shutters. Absent were: Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen, Kathy Hansen, Allan Sievers, Greg and Mike Mertz and Jim Tooley. Also present was Dick Brown from the PMRV Committee on Ministry.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer. We then turned the meeting over to Dick Brown to explain the discernment process in looking for a new pastor. It is a two week process. The congregation will be asked two questions: What does God desire for our church and what kind of pastor will best serve this kind of church? Dick will come on Sunday, November 24^th to speak with us and explain things and come back on December 8^th to gather our information.

The minutes of the October session meeting were approved as read.

The treasurer’s report was approved as written.

David’s pastor’s report was approved as given. There were many visits and the Great Plains Pilgrimage.

Linda reported that our mission pledge is due, but we will put off discussion until our December meeting. She will be taking our church books to be reviewed on December 14^th. One death was reported, that of Mildred Joy Sievers died at Avoca Nursing & Rehab in Avoca, Iowa on October 2th, 2013, and was interred in the Layton Twp. Cemetery following service on October 22, 2013.

New Business

The session nominating committee is Linda Krueger, Chuck Ploen and Robin Heilig. Linda Ploen asked permission to use the basement on November 25^th for a meeting.

Stewardship and Mission

Mission pledges are due.

Christian Education

The Sunday School Christmas program will be Sunday December 22^nd.

Worship

David will be using Spill the Beans, Issue 10, Prophetic Pathways for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Seven residents were served communion at Peace Haven on November 3^rd with Cathy Shutters as the serving elder. The Christmas Eve service will be at 10:00 pm. We will be meeting at United Church of Avoca at 11:30 on November 17^th to discuss sharing ideas.

Finance and Property

There were no reports, as no members were present. Next month we will need to work on the 2014 budget. It was moved and 2^nd to allow David to purchase a new laptop computer for the church. Our old computer needed updating and a new pastor will need a new computer.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our next meeting will be December 10, 2013 at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

November 17^th, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in special meeting on November 17^th, 2013 at 11:30 at United Church of Avoca. Present were: Kathy Hansen, Jim McDermott, Linda Ploen and Pastor David. Chuck Ploen from the PNC committee was also in attendance as well as the Avoca session. After a delicious meal, the meeting was opened with prayer. David reported on where we are in the process of paper work in looking for a pastor. We will begin our discernment next Sunday. After this the PNC will be able to start meeting. We need to get our covenant agreement out to the congregations. We will move ahead on the yoke agreement. David closed this part of the meeting with prayer.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

Covenant Agreement

We, the First Presbyterian Church, Walnut, Iowa and the United Church of Avoca, Avoca, Iowa, do covenant to hire and support an energetic, conscientious pastor to provide pastoral care and leadership, spiritual development, and help us to build our Christian education program.

Our churches are working together in mission in our communities by supporting the local Food Pantry, the Good Guys financial assistance program, vacation Bible school, joint Lenten worship services, confirmation classes, senior citizen meals, and food stands during community events.

We desire to share a pastor for the long term to walk with us on this journey.

First Presbyterian Church, Walnut, Iowa

United Church of Avoca, Avoca, Iowa

December 2013

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Church 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Communion Service @ Peace Haven 11		COM mtg @ New Horizon 4:30 PM Alice Richter	Salem Lutheran Homes 9 AM Service Pres Women meet Emma Jean’s 12:30			United Church of Avoca Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon 10-1
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
Church 9:00 Mtg after Church “Discerning the Future..” Sunday School 10:15		Devotions @ Allen House 11 AM Session 7 PM	Cantata @ Peace UCC  7 PM	Xavier Gregory
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
Church 9:00 Sunday School 10:15	Xavier Gregory		Cantata @ Trinity Lutheran 7 PM	Peace Haven Service 7 PM JoJane Walter Michelle Mertz		7:00 Pack Good Guy Food Boxes at United Church in Avoca 9-10 pick them up at our church
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
Sunday School Christmas Program 9:00 AM	Trista Sievers Sam/Brinda Shirley	Christmas Eve Service 10 PM	Christmas	Donna Heiny		No Sat Evening Service Jeff Hansen
29	30	31
Church 9 AM		Avoca Nursing & Rehab Service 2PM New Year’s Eve

December Ushers –Ross & Jean Bornholdt, Craig & Linda Woltmann--Communion Servers—Michelle Mertz, chm, Jean Bornholdt, Allan Sievers, Mary Ellen Woltmann