January Gleaner 2015

Pastor’s Notes

The old year is over and a new year has already started. Christmas has come and gone and we, the Church, begin a new journey, and only God knows where it will end.

During the Advent season we have been thinking about “time,” how much we have, how we use it, and hopefully, how God would have us use it. Each of us is given 86,400 seconds every day. What do we do with it?

So, not really knowing how much time we have to accomplish what God has for us to do, we should be getting on with living into what God would have us be and do. With the time I have left to share God’s word with you I plan to have us consider how we can and do that very thing.

Of course you know I’m thinking about retirement and wondering how God will have me use those 86,400 seconds every day. I know what I’m thinking but I’ve learned my thoughts aren’t God’s thoughts necessarily.

Consider your life today. We live in a country where we’re free. Unless we’ve had our heads in the sand we know that not everyone in the world enjoys the freedoms we take so much for granted.

With our freedom comes temptation. Instead of living lives of simplicity and sharing our wealth with those in the world who don’t have what we have we’re tempted to acquire the latest technologically advanced car, home, computer, or toy. Some people call that “the life.” Those who win the lottery find that their new-found wealth isn’t “the life” but a curse.

In the Bible we find this wonderfully long word describing how we should live with God. That word is “righteousness”, kind of a long word that means we need to live rightly with God, doing what God would have us do.

Since we know that we’ll never achieve perfect righteousness the question is, “How are we to live?”

The answer(s) can be found in God’s word for us in the Bible. I’m not going to give you the answer(s) because I think the only way it will stick with us is if we put in the “time” reading, studying, talking, praying, and worshipping.

Doing that doesn’t ensure that we’ll be perfect, but by “doing” we are taking the steps toward “living” rightly with God.

It’s like trying to change habits. At first it’s so hard we think we’ll never be able to change but if we persevere eventually the old is gone and a new, hopefully better, habit has taken its place.

The same is true of our spiritual life. At first it’s hard and we fail some days but the longer we stay at it the easier it becomes to live a right life with God. You know what I mean. It’s hard to commit the time to have devotions, to be with God every day. After all, remember this, we only have 86,400 seconds every day.  Some folks think they don’t have “time” to spend with God reading and praying.

If a doctor told you that in order to see another year you’d have to change your diet and exercise habits don’t you think you’d try really hard to change. Well, God has told us we should live righteous lives in order to achieve eternal life. Maybe we should make more of an effort to come to God in His word and in prayer and then, maybe, it’d be easier to live in love with our neighbors and the world.

May the peace of Christ be with you my friends,

Pastor David

RETIREMENT PARTY FOR PASTOR DAVID

The session is inviting EVERYONE to church Jan. 25^th for David’s retirement party.

It will be part of the worship service and also downstairs immediately following worship.  The committee is “...hoping for and expecting a large attendance to show appreciation to David for the impact he has had in our lives.”

     The annual congregational meeting will follow the lunch.  Please have your report to David by the 19^th.  Please bring a vegetable, salad or dessert for the lunch.

ALSO ON JAN.25^th the confirmation students will be confirmed during worship.

There is no key to happiness…the door is always open.

Congratulations

We welcome Eunice Smith as a member of our church.  Eunice reaffirmed her faith on December 28^th.

Congratulations to Christy Matthies, daughter of Doug and Margo Matthies, on receiving her Master’s Degree in Business Administration on December 13^th from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.  Christy graduated with high honors, achieving a 4.0 grade point.

Food Pantry

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

                                                       

                                          Thank-you

Thank-you to Gloria Walter for decorating the church sanctuary.

Thank-you to everyone that made the Sunday School Christmas Program such a success.  Cathy Matthies, Robin Tooley and Michelle Mertz planned and directed it.

Thank-you to Michelle and Greg Mertz for buying and bagging the Christmas fruit and candy, and Kathy Hansen for helping deliver 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. 19 children received 2 gifts each plus toys that The Knights of Columbus contributed and books from the English Class in Avoca.

We thank Pastor David, Linda 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.

Is tossing and turning at night considered exercise?

Flowers

January 4 ----------- Flowers Provided

                                           January 11----------- Willa Petersen         

                                           January 18---------- Linda Krueger

                                           January 25---------- Michelle Mertz

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.”

                  Mark Twain

Golden Oldies

                                                Jan 20 – First Presbyterian - Walnut

                                                Feb 17 – St Mary’s Avoca

                                                March 17 – United Church – Avoca

                                                April 19 – Peace Church – Walnut

‘The secret to having it all is knowing you already do.’

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

Jean Bornholdt                                                               Ross & 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 Beckendorf                

Chuck & Linda Ploen                                                    Margie Ploen &                      

                                                              Melissa Manhart

Barb Eslick                                                                    Bill Eslick

David & Linda Krueger                                                  Family & Friends

Eunice Smith                                                                 Clifford Smith

“Don’t shine so others can see you.  Shine so that through you others can see Him.”  C. S. Lewis

                   February Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Charles & Gloria Walter, Greg & Michelle Mertz

Communion Servers: Greg Mertz-chm., Michelle Mertz & Charles Walter and Linda Ploen.

   January ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side.

   

Secretary Position

The church is in need of a secretary (this is a paid position).  Main responsibilities would be the monthly newsletter (Gleaner), the weekly bulletins and putting the worship slides on the sanctuary computer.

The church is also in need of someone to operate the audio-visual slides on Sunday mornings and send out birthday cards to our members.  I (Linda Krueger) have given the Traveler’s Aid folder and checkbook to Steve Lewis (Peace Church) to manage.

Talk to a session member or Linda Ploen (Clerk of Session) if you would like to help with these jobs.

Session Minutes

December 9, 2014

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on December 9, 2014 at 7:00 pm. in the Sunday School south annex.  Session members present were: Cathy Shutters, Greg Mertz, Gloria Walter and Dustin Jensen and clerk Linda Ploen. New pastor Joel Jackle-Hugh was also present.  Absent were: Kathy Hansen, Michelle Mertz, Allan Sievers and Jim Tooley.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and we watched a brief video from Theocademy on lessons for new elders and deacons.

The minutes of the November meeting were approved.

The treasurer’s report was read and approved.

The pastor’s report was given and approved.  David traveled 342 miles.  He had many visitations and two funerals.

Linda gave the clerk’s report.  Our per capita is due, as is our Presbytery mission pledge.  She also received a letter from Calvin Crest asking for donations.

We had one death, that of Betty Clark, Jensen, League.  Her funeral was November 15^th in Atlantic, Iowa.

 It was moved and 2^nd to accept Eunice Smith as a member of our church through reaffirmation of faith.  Motion carried.  We also received a letter from Linda Sieck asking that her name be removed from our membership list.

 

New Business

The nominating committee of Margo Matthies, Jim McDermott and Linda Ploen were reminded they need to find new elders for the coming year.  Jim Tooley has asked to resign as a ruling elder.  It was so approved.  This year it was approved to have only seven members.  It was decided to divide up members and speak to the paid employees for evaluation and feedback.  We next worked on the church budget for 2015.  The congregational meeting will be January 25^th with worship at 10:00 AM.  We will have confirmation during worship, recognition of Pastor David’s retirement.  After worship will be a potluck rib meal and our meeting will be at 1:00 PM.

Stewardship and Mission

Three bags of hats, coats, mittens and gloves were collected and delivered to Castelar Presbyterian Church in Omaha.  Greg and Michelle Mertz will get supplies for the Christmas bags for the Sunday School children and shut-ins.

Christian Education

The Sunday School Christmas program will be December 21^st during worship.  A youth confirmation class with 14 young people was started December 7^th using “New Member” videos and worksheets from Theocademy.com. They will be received as members on January 25h.  “Ed’s Story” from Flannel.com is being used by Sunday evening youth group.

Worship

Christmas Eve service will be at 10:00 pm.  There will be no Saturday evening service in December.  Pastor Joel will be preaching on January 4^th and serving communion, so worship will be at 8:30 am.

Finance and Property

No report this month.  We need to have a joint session meeting with Avoca to discuss Pastor Joel’s compensation package.

Personnel

Need to do By-laws!

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting will be January 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

A man went to a church meeting with both ears bright red.  A friend asked him, “What did you do to your ears?”

“A terrible thing,” the first man said.  “While I was ironing my shirt to come here tonight, the phone rang, and, well, I picked up the iron instead of the phone.”

“That is terrible,” said the friend sympathetically.  “But what happened to the other ear?”

“The guy called back.”

January 2015
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
				1	2 Avis Mortensen Amy Hansen	3 Robin Heilig
4 Church 8:30 Comm. Sunday School 10:15 11:00 Peace Haven 5:30 Confirmation Les Abel	5 Hunter Nielsen	6	7 Salem Lutheran 9 AM Nellie Popp David/Mary Ellen Woltmann	8	9 Emily Mitchell	10
11 Church 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Confirmation 5:30 Kim Hoffmann Kim Hoffman	12	13 Allen Place 11 AM Session 7 PM Tyler Hansen	14 Bryan Mertz	15 Peace Haven 7 PM	16	17 Brenda Walter Sara Lindeman
18 Church 9:00 Sunday School 10:15 Confirmation 5:30	19 M L King Day	20 Golden Oldies 11:30 Avoca Nrs/Re 2 PM Josie Cable Linda Krueger	21	22	23 Rosemary Pedersen	24
25 Church 9:00 Confirmands rec’d RETIREMENT PARTY Annual Meeting Diana Sievers	26 Brinda Shirley Brian Popp	27	28	29 Blake Wood Paula Griffith	30	31

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

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

December Gleaner 2014

Pastor’s Notes

My friends, as this Christian year ends and a new year is set to begin with the first Sunday of Advent I’m reminded, again, that God calls us to be his Church in the world. We are called by God to minister to the people in our congregations, in our communities…and in the world.

So, as we prepare to watch and wait and pray for the coming of God’s gift to the world I pray that we take time every day to sit and listen for God’s voice that speaks, just to us, calling each of us to a particular work in a particular place at a time God has chosen. May we take the time to not only read God’s word and pray but also to listen for God’s voice.

For First Presbyterian Church here in Walnut it will be a time of change as a new pastor begins his call to serve God’s people here and in Avoca. It will be a learning experience for both congregations as they begin to work together, pray together, worship together, and serve God’s people together.

I pray that just as our children bubble over with excitement and joy in anticipation of Christmas that we also overflow with the same degree of excitement and joy as the new Christian year begins.

Friends, as you talk with God keep Joel and his family in your prayers and also the leaders of each congregation. Remember Jesus instructions to his disciples, love your God with your whole being, love your neighbors as much as you love yourself, and make disciples everywhere you go. Do this knowing that you aren’t alone. God is with you all the way.

God loves you, my friends, and so do I.

Pastor David

  

Sunday School Christmas Program

The annual Sunday School Christmas program will be December 21^st during worship at 9:00 AM.  Come and enjoy watching our youth (and adults) perform and sing.

Food Pantry

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

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women’s group will meet on Dec. 3^rd at 12:30 at Emma Jean’s.

All women of the church are invited to attend.

You know you’re grown up when none of the things you want can be bought in a store.

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. 20^th 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. 20^th if you can help.

‘When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.’

                          Jimi Hendrix

                                          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.

‘Trying to be happy by accumulating possessions is like trying to satisfy hunger by taping sandwiches all over your body.’                                     

                                                                                                                                    George Carlin

Golden Oldies

The first Golden Oldies meal will be at our church at 11:30.

                                                Jan 20 – First Presbyterian - Walnut

                                               

‘There’s something about Christmas that’s magical.  Money seems to disappear into thin air.’

                           Melanie White

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 27th. 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 12th.

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

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree.  In the eyes of children they’re all 30 feet tall.

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.

                    

   ‘The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home.’

                   January Ushers and Communion Servers

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

“Joy does not simply happen to us.  We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

                           Henri J.M. Nouwen

New Minister Starting In Avoca

Our new minister (starting in Feb.) has moved to Avoca and began preaching there Nov. 24^th.  Pastor Joel Jackle-Hugh, wife EmJ, and son Kyle have moved from Dubuque where Joel attended seminary.  Pastor Jackle-Hugh will be in a ministry partnership with our church and the United Church of Avoca.

    Session Minutes

November 11, 2014

Moderator Pastor David Krueger opened the joint session meeting with United Church of Avoca and Walnut First Presbyterian Church with prayer.

Chuck Ploen from the Avoca and Walnut Joint Transition Team presented their recommendations for worship times and secretary.  The worship times suggested were 8:45 AM for Walnut and 10:30 AM for Avoca. It was also proposed to share a part-time secretary (10 hours per week) between the two churches.

Also presented to the sessions were the dates for Joel to begin worship services at United Church of Avoca and the date for the moving van to arrive.  The total moving cost is $4,005.16 to be divided equally between the two churches.  A check needs to be available for the movers at the time of arrival.

Joel and EmJ will be staying at the Super 8 Motel in Walnut until the manse is ready and their household items are moved in.  The cost for lodging will be divided equally by both churches.

Preparation of the manse and where to store the household items if the manse wasn’t ready was discussed. It was decided to unload the items in the United Church of Avoca fellowship hall if the manse wasn’t ready.

The worship times agreed to by both sessions was 8:30 AM for Walnut and 10:15 AM for Avoca.

The joint meeting was adjourned.

First Presbyterian Church Session Meeting

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on November 11th in the south Sunday School Annex.

Those in attendance were Cathy Shutters, Greg Mertz, Kathy Hansen, and Gloria Walter.

The minutes of the October meeting, the treasurer’s report, and the pastor’s report were approved.

There was one death. Russ Lehnhardt died November 1, 2014 at the Allen House, Atlantic, IA. Graveside services were held November 5, 2014 at Layton Township Cemetery where his cremated remains were buried.

New Business

Youth group fund signatories are to be changed to Cathy Shutters and Robin Tooley. This action was approved.

The estate of Joy Sievers has been settled. The final report was presented to the session.

The Christmas Eve service will be held at 10 PM. The Youth Group will decorate the Christmas tree.

It was moved decrease the number of elders on session from 9 to 7 members. This action was approved.

Employee evaluations were discussed as well as financial compensation. It was approved to increase the hourly rate for the janitor.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy Shutters, Clerk pro-tem

December 2014
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Confirmation classes will begin Dec. 7 at 5:30 PM	1 Joel/EmJ Jackle-Hugh Anniversary	2 COM at New Horizon P.C., 4:30	3 Salem Lutheran Homes, 9 AM 12:30 UPW @ Emma Jean’s Alice Richter	4	5	6
7 Church 9:00 Communion Sunday School 10:15 Peace Haven 11:00	8	9 Allen Place, 9 AM Session, 7 PM	10	11	12 Xavier Gregory	13 Joel Jackle-Hugh ordination at UCA, 1 PM
14 Church 9:00 Sunday School 10:15	15 Noah Heilig	16	17	18 Peace Haven, 7 PM	19 Michelle Mertz JoJane Walter	20 Kyle Jackle-Hugh
21 Sunday School Christmas Program  9:00	22	23 Trista Sievers Sam/Brinda Shirley	24 Christmas Eve Service 10:00	25 Christmas Day	26 Donna Heiny	27
28 Church 9:00 Jeff Hansen	29	30 Avoca Nursing, 2 PM	31

December Ushers – Jean Bornholdt, Craig & Linda Woltmann

Communion Servers—Michelle Mertz, chm, Jean Bornholdt, Allan Sievers, Gloria Walter