November Gleaner 2012

Pastor’s Notes          

          Since sometime in August the messages I’ve given to the congregation in Walnut seem to have revolved around how we should be living our lives as followers of Jesus, followers of the Way of Jesus.

            Most of the time I’m asking questions and, on purpose, I don’t provide answers.  Partly because it’s best if we answer the questions in our own minds with the help of God’s Spirit.  My answers may not be the same as yours…and that’s okay.

            So, as we, more quickly than we want, approach the season of Advent it’s good for us to focus on why God did what he did by coming into the world, our world, in the person of Jesus the Christ.  Why did he want to do that? What’s it mean for us today and…, “How do we find answers to all this?”

            There are many resources available for adult studies, family oriented studies, maybe a sermon series, new books to be read by modern theological people, and commentaries to help us understand what we read in God’s word.

             Again I think there’s no one right answer. What might help one person wouldn’t do a thing for the person sitting right beside them. Study groups work for some. Listening to those who have devoted their lives to studying and discerning what is written in the Bible might be just the ticket for someone else. And then there are those who want to know and understand but neither of these helps them.

             Maybe we should begin with another question.  In the gospels, especially in Mark, when someone comes to Jesus for healing he asks them first, “What do you want me to do for you?” Maybe that’s the question we should start with. What do we want Jesus to do for us?

             Some folks do know what God did for us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus but there are others who don’t even know who Jesus really was or is. So, our answer depends on where we are in our journey. And then again maybe the question I’ve proposed is the wrong one.

             For example I read new and old books to help improve my understanding of the Bible. I listen to speakers. I read blogs online. I pray. I think. And yet, I may not have the answers to your questions. And what I want God to do for me today may be different tomorrow.

             What do we do? Well, friends, besides changing the decorations from fall to Christmas season some of us may benefit from a study group, some of us may just need a “group” where we can unload the burdens we carry around all day, and some of us may enjoy and learn from a group that focuses on praying for each other, the community, and the Church.

             What do we want God to do for us? Blind Bar Timaeus just wanted to see. Maybe that’s what we want…and need.  As we move into the Advent season think about what it is you want. And if it’s something First Pres can help with just give us a call.

 

God’s peace and grace be with you all,

Pastor David

 

Fall supper work schedule is included in this Gleaner.  Please check to see your duties.

Don’t judge someone just because they sin differently than you.

Sympathy

Our sympathy to Betty, Steve and Michelle Sunderman on the loss of Betty’s nephew and Steve’s cousin, Larry Beckendorf, 57, of Exira.  Larry was the son of Bob and Beverly Beckendorf.  Larry passed away at his home September 25, 2012.

A yawn is a silent scream for coffee.

 

Volunteers

Special thanks go out in this November (Thanksgiving) Gleaner to all our Church volunteers:

Sunday School teachers: Robin Tooley, Teresa Griffith, Michelle Sunderman                       and Bonnie Holtz

Piano Player: Connie Jensen

Clerk of Session: Linda Ploen

UPW President: Charlotte Shepherd

Church Treasurers: Robin 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!

A special “Celebration of Service” party will he held after church on Nov. 18^th.  Please plan to attend to honor the people that work to make our little church so special.

 

    When the past calls, let it go to voicemail.  It has nothing new to say.

Thank-you

Thank-you to all who donated blankets or money for local shelters.  We have two high chairs donated for the basement.

Reminder – Drop your change into the water jug at the back of the church to help a needy family at Christmas.

Reminder – Donate hats, gloves, and coats for the needy.

I used to be indecisive.  Now I’m not sure.

 

Christmas Program December 16^th!!

The Sunday School’s Fall Party on October 21^st was enjoyed by 19 children!!  After pizza at church they went to the Pumpkin Patch in Atlantic.

 

      Some people come into your life as blessings; others come into your life as lessons!  

  

                   December Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Ross & Jean Bornholdt, Craig & Linda Woltmann  Communion Servers:  Linda Krueger-chm, Jean Bornholdt, Kent Johnk & Craig Woltmann.  November ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

“If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to serve as a horrible warning.”  Catherine Aird

 

          Flowers for Pulpit

                                                             November 4 –Linda Woltmann

                                                 November 11- Gloria Walter

                                                 November 18- Charlotte Shepherd

                                                     November 25-Charlotte Shepherd

 

A little girl had just finished her first week of school. “I’m just wasting my time,” she said to her mother.  “I can’t read, I can’t write, and they won’t let me talk!”

 

Food Pantry

Again this year the area churches are in a competition to win the “Tom

Turkey Award”.  This award is given to the church that donates the most

items for the food pantry.  Bags are in the back of the church to take home and bring back with your items.  Pastor David delivers them on Monday afternoons.  (The pantry also takes money donations.)

 

You can’t control everything. Your hair was put on your head to remind you of that.

 

Session Minutes

October 9, 2012

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on October 9, 2012 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex. 

 

Those in attendance were: Margo Matthies, Linda Ploen, Kathy Hansen, Michelle and Mike Mertz.  Absent were: Linda Krueger, Jim Tooley, Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen and Allan Sievers.

 

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer.  Scripture readings were from Isaiah 43.  The reflection was an article on worship space from “Font & Table”.

 

The minutes of the September meeting were read and approved.

 

The treasurer’s report was accepted as given.

 

The pastor’s report was given and approved after the addition of 32 miles to deliver blankets.  David traveled a total of 138 miles.

 

Linda Ploen reported that the book of session minutes will be reviewed at a meeting on October 25^th.  Pastor David baptized Brielle Helen Ruth Lohoff during the church service on September 23^rd.  Her parents are Tara and Shane Lohoff.

 

Stewardship and Mission

Discussed was “Bring a Friend Sunday”.  We need to welcome new people to church.  The committee will work on planning this.  Our stewardship campaign will begin this month.  Margo also reported on plans for the Angel Tree project.  Applications will go out soon.  David also mentioned again his desire that we get involved in a mission project for the church.

 

Christian Education

Kathy asked for permission to have a Halloween party for the Sunday School on October 21^st.  They will meet at noon at the church for pizza and then go to the pumpkin patch in Atlantic.  She also reported that they want to continue the water jug coin project again to help a family in need at Christmas.  The Sunday School Christmas program will be on December 16^th during church.  There will be a retreat for senior high youth at Calvin Crest on November 2^nd.  There is a cost of $40.  The 2013 Presbyterian youth Triennium will be held at Lafayette, In. on July 16-20, 2013.  The theme is “I am”.  The cost is $469.

 

Worship

Communion was served to 2 residents at Peace Haven on October 7^th.  Linda Ploen was the serving elder.  Linda P. and David will be working on plans for the Advent season.  Linda also mentioned that we have been trying Saturday night services for a year now.  Do we want to continue them?

 

Finance and Property

No action or discussion.

 

Personnel

The 2012 nominating committee of chuck Ploen, Greg Mertz and Jim Tooley have been asked to try and find a new choir director.

 

New Business

We were given worksheets of the 2012 budget.  We need to review them and decide what we will need to change for the 2013 budget.  It was moved and 2^nd to allow Maria Peck to use the church basement on November 17^th at a cost of $75, and the Kent Johnk family on December 23^rd.  Motion carried.  We will have a fish fry after our Saturday evening service on October 27^th.  We will have no church service on Sunday morning October 28^th.  It was also decided to have our “Celebration of Service” after worship service on November 18^th.  This will be a celebration for all those that do and have served our church in one way or another.  It was also moved and 2^nd to include $100 in our 2013 budget to support the Great Plains Wee Kirk Conference in Sioux City.  Motion carried.

 

 The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer.

 

The next meeting will be November 13^th, 2013 at 7 pm.

 

 Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

October 2012 Gleaner

PASTOR’S NOTES

          As I sit to write today I’m thinking about the worship service yesterday, September 23^rd. The sanctuary was full, so full that there were folks standing at the back. Not only was it full there were 21 young people at worship.

          Now that may not mean much to some but our attendance at Sunday morning worship has been way less. Let me just say that there haven’t been any people standing in the back searching for a place to sit.

          The reason the pews were full was two-fold. We had a cute little girl to baptize and the Sunday school had new study Bibles to handout to those who were advancing to our older class. So, we had parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends here to support the new Mom and Dad and the young folks receiving their new Bibles. That’s why the sanctuary was overflowing.

          The last few weeks I’ve been reading and thinking about worship, why we worship on Sunday morning, how we worship, and is it pleasing to God.

          Most folks, my age and older, come to worship every Sunday morning because that’s what they’ve always done. It’s part of the Sunday morning ritual; it’s an ingrained habit that started way back when.  Some Sunday’s their hearts may be lifted with an inspiring sermon and other Sundays maybe not so much. So why do we continue to come?

          When we look at the bulletin do we ever ask ourselves why we do this prayer here and sing this song there and say the Lord’s Prayer here…and why do we pray two or three different prayers? Why do we have a prayer of confession?

Does anyone ever ask these questions or are we more concerned with getting the whole process over in 60 minutes?  As a pastor I think about these things. I wonder if the words spoken during worship have any impact on those listening…and is God pleased.

Whether we think about it or not God’s the one who calls us together to worship. He’s the one who began this process by calling every one of us into being. And so we respond to his call by gathering Sunday morning, the day of Jesus’ resurrection, to give God our thanks and praise and focus our thoughts on God and His kingdom.

That’s why we worship. The how is a different thing because God in his ultimate wisdom created each of us with different characteristics which means we don’t all worship or process things in the same way. And so, every person receives something different than their neighbor sitting beside them at the exact same worship service.

I may not have answered the question why we worship but I pray that now you will consider why it is you do what you do when you come to worship on Sunday morning...or Saturday evening.

May God bless your day today and forevermore,

Pastor David

                                         Thank-You

Thank-you to Jim Tooley, Kathy Hansen, Margo & Doug Matthies, Chuck & Linda Ploen, Pastor David & Linda Krueger, and Dennis & Nancy Hullinger for providing and serving a Sunday evening meal at Peace Haven.  We had a really fun time and the residents not only complimented the food but remarked that they loved hearing so much laughter.

Thank-you to Jim Tooley and Barb Eslick for providing us with special music on Sept 9^th and 23^rd.

Thank-you to our Sunday School for a HUGE ice cream party celebrating the start of a new Sunday School year.  I don’t know how many different toppings there were but I do know they were all delicious.

Thank-you to Dave Heilig, Jim, Justen and Robin Tooley for hanging the big cross which had been taken down for the painting of the sanctuary and the new cloth which was put up behind the cross.

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.

                                       CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Wilma Newton and Dennis Hullinger on becoming members of our church on Sept. 9^th.  We welcome them from the United Church in Avoca.

Congratulations to Shane and Tara Lohoff on the baptism of baby Brielle on Sept. 23^rd.

Congratulations to Eric and Cheyenne Mertz of Council Bluffs on the birth of their baby boy, Ruger Michael Hegner Mertz, on Sept. 20^th.  He weighed 6 lb 1 oz.  Eric is George Mertz’s grandson and Dennis Mertz’s son.  Cheyenne is the daughter of Louis and Rose Mary Pedersen and the granddaughter of Edna Kutnink.

Congratulations to Brian and Nellie Popp on the birth of their daughter Teagan on Sept. 23^rd.  Nellie is the daughter of Jim and Bobbie McDermott and the granddaughter of Leo Rechtenbach.

      A thief broke into my house last night…he started searching for money so I woke up and searched with him.

Golden Oldies

The Golden Oldies will meet for lunch at Trinity Lutheran Church October 16 at 11:30 AM.  There will be NO Golden Oldies in November and December.  The next meal will be January 15^th at our church.

Sympathy

Our sympathy to the family of Sylvia Reddie.  Sylvia passed away on August 28^th at the age of 87 in Washington State.  Sylvia was a former Walnut resident who operated a Bed and Breakfast and was an active member of our church.

My memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.  Also, my memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.

                   November Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers:  Teri Abel, Darlene Stuart, Margo Matthies and Cathy Shutters

Communion Servers: Kathy Hansen chm, Bobbie McDermott, Darlene Stuart, Jim McDermott.  October ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

                             It’s scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker.

          Flowers for Pulpit

                                                             October 7--------Cathy Shutters

                                                 October 14--------Teri Abel

                                                 October 21 ------Bobbie McDermott

                                                 October 28 ------Janet Grush

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”  Mother Teresa

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women meet Wednesday, October 3, 1:30 pm in church dining room.
Business __ Annual PW Mini Bazaar and Dinner

Missouri River Valley Presbytery (PW women of churches in western Iowa and Omaha)FALL GATHERING at New Horizons Presbyterian Church in Council Bluffs, Saturday, October 6. If you plan to attend w/Charlotte please let her know by September 29 so luncheon reservations may be made.

Please have your Snicker candy bars (2.07 oz) turned in by September 30 -Sunday so they can be taken to the Fall Gathering, also if you are making Christmas stockings for HELP Adult Services please bring them by that date.

Today I will live in the moment – unless the moment is unpleasant, in which case I will eat a cookie.

Session Minutes

September 11, 2012

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on September 11, 2012 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex.  Those in attendance were: Margo Matthies, Linda Krueger, Jim Tooley Linda Ploen, Kathy Hansen and Allan Sievers.  Absent were Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen, Michelle and Mike Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer.  Scripture readings were from Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:4, Mark 10:38, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 2:38-39, 1 Corinthians 12:13, and Colossians 2:12.  Our reflection was a discussion and personal stories of baptism.

The minutes of the August meeting were read and approved.

The Treasurer’s report was accepted as given.  The Antique Walk report was also given.  We had a net income of $5,968.59.

The pastor’s report was given and approved.  Pastor David traveled 47 miles this month.  He also thanked everyone for their prayers and concern since the death of his sister.

There was no clerk’s report and no deaths.  Dennis Hullinger and Wilma Newton were accepted into membership on September 9^th by letter of transfer from United Church of Avoca.

Stewardship and Mission

“Bring A Friend Sunday” needs to be rescheduled, perhaps as a community effort.  Peace Offering will begin September 16^th and will run for 4 Sundays.  Part of this offering stays here in walnut for anti-bullying.  We need to try the 30 hour famine program again.  Also mentioned was passing out bags for the Food Pantry and having people bring them back with supplies.  We need to keep thinking about a mission project for our church.

Christian Education

The first day of Sunday School “Sundae Sunday” was a big success.  There has been a good attendance with helpers: Robin Tooley, Kathy Hansen, Bonnie Holtz, Michelle Mertz and Michelle Sunderman.  Kathy Hansen also reported that she had delivered 3 more welcome baskets to new Walnut residents from our church.  The 2013 Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be held at Lafayette, Indiana on July 16-20, 2013.  The theme is “I am”.

Worship

Communion was served to 4 residents at Peace Haven on September 2^nd.  Jim Tooley served as elder.  Linda Ploen also wanted to remind everyone of our Saturday night services on the 4^th Saturday of each month at 5:30.  Refreshments are included.  We are also looking at things to make our Advent season more meaningful and visual. 

Finance and Property

Jim Tooley reported on our Wells Fargo account.  It was moved and 2^nd to put the money into a CD since it was gaining only .01 percent interest.  We will renew our CD with Great Western Bank.  We received a bid for new doors and windows for the church.  After discussion we decided to list all the improvements we need or would like, to see what the congregation feels about them and the priorities of projects.  The list is as follows: interior doors, south door, replace accordion doors, new windows, trim and molding around windows, refinish floors, new furnace and air conditioner, and new pews or replace with chairs.  We welcome any input on these projects.  Perhaps we could have a special fund raiser for any of these projects.

Personnel

The 2012 nominating committee is: Chuck Ploen, Greg Mertz and Jim Tooley.  We also discussed our “Celebration of Service”.  It will be an appreciation celebration for all those who serve the church.  We may try to have it in November.

New Business

Our by-laws were reviewed with suggested changes noted.  We will be hosting the Sunday evening meal at Peace Haven on September 16^th at 5:30.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting will be October 9^th, 2012 at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

September Gleaner 2012

Pastor’s Notes

            Beginning September 9 our denomination begins to celebrate a “Season of Peace.” This runs from September 9 through October 7, World Communion Sunday; the Sunday we will receive the Peacemaking offering. Twenty-nine days to contemplate “peace.”

          Our session last night decided to receive the Peacemaking Offering and to give the 25% portion our congregation is allowed to keep to the Walnut Community School to support their anti-bullying program.

          As we think about what a “season of peace” might be like I urge you to pick up your Bibles and read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It’s only 6 chapters; you can read it in less than 30 minutes.

          Eugene Petersen wrote in The Message that this letter was about belief and behavior. In this letter Paul talks about how God has a plan worked out by Christ, a plan to bring healing and unity into the world that is so torn apart by a sinful nature.

          Through God’s grace in Jesus Christ there are no longer outsiders or insiders. We’re all one body. Paul said, “Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals.”

          So, what would it be like to experience peace, in our homes, in our schools, in our communities, in our world? Can you imagine that?

          Every day we listen to the news about US soldiers in Afghanistan being killed by Afghanistani policemen. We hear of people being shot, and killed, in parts of Omaha. We hear the candidates for political office speaking in ways that don’t do much to promote peaceful relations. And if we’re honest with each other it’s not too peaceful in our own homes either.

          In this Season of Peace what are we to do to begin making changes that will make this world peaceful? Please don’t think I have all the answers because I struggle with the same things you all do.

          One thing I do know and believe and that is God had a plan that he put into motion in Jesus the Christ. God came into the world, a violent world, and through the example of Jesus’ life showed all of us how to live in peace, how to reconcile our differences in non-violent ways. His example was that God was, is, and always will be love. Love cannot exist without peace. And neither can exist without God’s grace.

          So, friends, as I’ve said these last couple weeks it begins with us, it begins first in our very own homes; it begins by making a commitment to change our old habits for a Christ-like life, a life of peace, and love.

          Please take the time to read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and when the information is distributed for the Peacemaking Offering read it and prayerfully consider what you can do to bring peace into this world.

          All my life I’ve heard of war and killing and if it’s ever going to stop it’s going to have to start right here with you and me. Let’s commit to leaving this world in a better state than it was when we were born.

          God’s peace and grace be with you all,

          Pastor David

           

       

                                        Thank-You

Thank-you to everyone for your prayers, cards, and gifts during Pastor David’s heartache over his sister June.  June Smith, 55, of Mt. Ayr, surrounded by her husband, three sons and brothers and sisters, lost her battle with cancer August 15^th.

Thank-you to Kathy Hansen for all the work she did on our float for the Fireman’s Funfest and for providing and delivering gift baskets to new residents in Walnut.

Sympathy

                Our sympathy to the Tooley family on the death of Jim’s brother-in-law,

                Doug Marsh.  Doug died August 24^th at his home in Omaha.  Doug’s wife if   

                Deb (Tooley) Marsh.

                                                                

                                 A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.     

            

Congratulations

Congratulations to Shane and Tara Lohoff on the birth of their daughter, Brielle Helen Ruth Lohoff on July 11^th.  Brielle weighed 6 lb. 12 oz. and was 20 in. long.

Congratulations to Michelle Tooley and Shannon Wood for passing the EMT test.

Congratulations to Hunter Nielsen for his Champion and Grand Champion Honors for his livestock at the Shelby County Fair.

Congratulations to Ty Johnk for his Championship awards for his heifer at the East Pott.

County Fair and his purple ribbon at the State Fair.

Congratulations to Jeff and Kathy Hansen’s daughter, Amy, on receiving her Master’s Degree in “Master of Healthcare Administration” from Bellevue University in Nebraska.

    

Being Thankful

A Pastor said to a precocious six-year-old boy, “So your mother says your prayers for you each night?  That’s very commendable.  What does she say?”  The little boy replied, “Thank God he’s in bed?”

Sunday School

Sunday School will begin this fall on September 9^th.  Robin Tooley has a fun time planned for the children on this “Sundae Sunday”.  The beautiful Christian calendars will again be sold this year by the Sunday School.

Blankets, Blankets, Blankets

Extra blankets at your house???  We have a use for them.  The month of September we will be collecting CLEAN blankets to be delivered to Women’s Shelters and Homeless Shelters.  The blankets do not have to be new, just clean.  You can bring them to the church and they will be delivered.

I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.  Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

Save The Date

Kathy Hansen is hosting a bridal shower for Robin Tooley and Dave Heilig on October 14^th.  Everyone is invited!  Men, Women and Children!  Kathy is planning a FUN, FUN event!  Mark your calendars.

Needed

The basement has a need for a high chair and a pack-n-play.  It would be nice for our young parents to have a high chair when we have meals downstairs and a place to lay their baby if they fall asleep.

School

If you would like to help out our local school/teachers you may purchase items and drop them off at the school office.  Along with the usual paper, erasers etc. items most needed are: glue stix, Kleenex, Lysol wipes, pencils, and notebooks.

Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry has a need for these items in September:

Canned fruit and veggies                               Peanut Butter

Dry pudding mix                                           Soup

Shampoo and Conditioner                               Juice

Tuna                                                            Jell-O and pudding

Cereal                                                                   Spaghetti Sauce

Put them in the basket at the back of the sanctuary and Pastor David will be happy to deliver them to the Food Pantry.

Snickers Sunday

On any Sunday Sept. 16-Oct. 14 churches are asked to participate in HELP Adult Services 3^rd Annual Snickers Sunday.  Bring Snickers (2.07 ox only) to donate to the Christmas stocking program.  The Christmas Stocking program has been providing handmade stockings filled with goodies to nearly 3,000 incarcerated adults and youth in our area for over two decades.  These stockings are often the only Christmas gift that an inmate will receive.  At least one Snickers bar will be in every stocking.

Antique Walk – Antique Walk – Antique Walk – Antique Walk – Antique Walk

            Robin reported the figures she had (so far) – approximate

            Income - $12,128.95

            Expenses - $5,132.38

            Profit - $6,996.57

Anyone that wants input on next year’s Antique Walk Food Stand should attend the meeting on Sept. 11 at 6:00 at the church.

           

  October Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: 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.

                  God sometimes takes us into troubled waters.  Not to drown us, but to cleanse us.

          Flowers for Pulpit

                                                             September 2 -------Avis Mortensen

                                                 September 9--------Karla Helms

                                                 September 16 ------Julie Nash

                                                 September 23 ------Dixie Schirm

                                                     September 30 ------Margo Matthies

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don’t know what you are doing, someone else does.

                                                                                                                                                        

Session Minutes

August 21, 2012

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on August 21, 2012 at 7 pm. In the Sunday School south annex.  Those in attendance were: Margo Matthies, Linda Krueger, Jim Tooley, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Kathy Hansen and Allan Sievers.  Absent were: Jack Ploen and Michelle & Mike Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and scripture from Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-16.  The reflection was “Knowing Where You’re Going” from Seasons of God by Richard Blackaby and a reading from Font & Table: A Guide to Sacramental Practice.

The minutes of the June meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report for June and July was accepted as given.

The pastor’s report was read and approved.  Pastor David traveled 142 miles in June and 64 miles in July.

There was no clerk’s report and no deaths.  It was moved and 2^nd to approve new members Dennis Hullinger and Wilma Newton who are transferring from United Church of Avoca.  Motion carried.  We also approved the baptism of Brielle Helen Ruth Lohoff, the daughter of Tara and Shane Lohoff on September 23^rd. 

Stewardship & Mission

Linda Krueger reported on the Peace Making offering which will be taken on October 7^th.  The offering can be used for anti-bullying campaigns.  It was decided to do this.  We also discussed “Bring A Friend To Church Sunday”.  Kathy Hansen reported that she has given out 6 baskets to new residents of Walnut on behalf of our church.  She would also like to start a blanket drive for the month of September.  Blankets can be brought to the church or the city clerk’s office.  They will be donated to a homeless shelter or women’s shelter.  David also asked that we think about getting involved with a mission project, perhaps Open Door Mission, the Crop walk, Bread for the World or World Vision.  Hopefully we can decide on something by next meeting.  It was also mentioned that the Walk-a-Thon at the Open Door Mission will be September 23^rd for anyone interested in walking.

Christian Education

Bible School went well.  Sunday School will be starting again on September 9^th with Sundae Sunday.  Thanks were also given to Kathy Hansen for the float for Fun Fest.  It was also ok’d to have Kathy order the calendars to sell for Sunday School. 

Worship

David asked to have a meeting with the worship committee to discuss plans for Advent.  Communion was served to 4 residents at Peace Haven on July 1^st and August 5^th .  Linda Krueger and Margo Matthies, respectively, served as elders.

Finance & Property

The painting of the sanctuary is complete.  It was moved and 2^nd to replace the door into the sanctuary.  Motion carried.  Jim Tooley will get bids for this.  We also voted to get bids for new windows in the sanctuary, as they are getting bad.  We would like to keep the stained glass and have them all double paned.  We received our American Red Cross shelter agreement.  Our church can now be used as a shelter during a disaster.  Audio interface, cables and mike risers have been ordered and will be installed soon.  Antique Walk went well, making well over $6,000.  We will meet September 11^th at 6:00 to discuss the Walk-what went well and what could be improved.  Kathy was given permission to use the church basement for a shower Robin Tooley and Dave Heilig on October 14^th at 2:00.  Everyone is invited. 

Personnel

We need to be looking for a choir director replacement. 

New Business

No action has been taken with our church by-laws.  It was voted to host a Sunday evening meal at Peace Haven on September 16^th at 5:30.  We will serve brisket, salad, bars and bread. 

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our next meeting will be September 11,2012 at 7 p.m.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

July/August Gleaner 2012

Pastor’s Notes

       Summer has officially begun in Walnut with the Amvet’s 2012 Annual Antique Walk now complete.

A whole lot of work goes into preparation and coordinating all that it takes to have a successful church food stand. Many things take place behind the scenes that most folks don’t ever know or think about.

          Things like making sure there’s enough of every supply to serve folks for the whole weekend, meat, ice cream mix, pop, water, cups, forks and spoons, napkins, dill pickles, ice, and…volunteers to serve our guests who come to eat. It’s all takes time and effort to make lists, make phone calls, send emails, and follow up when someone doesn’t answer as quickly as we think they should. And sometimes some of us don’t sleep too well because we worry about this or that thing that we’re unsure of.

          Now it’s over for another year. We won’t think about it again, at least some of us, until May or June next year and then we’ll dig out our notes and lists and the process will begin all over again. That’s how life goes.

          Doesn’t it make you wonder what the world would be like if we put the same amount of effort and sweat and worry into spreading the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to people we meet everyday many who we know don’t know one thing about Jesus or King David or Samuel or Moses. Many who we know don’t have a church family to support them, pray for them, laugh and cry with them. They think they’re in this all alone.

          What would our community look like if there were folks, not just the pastor, who made lists, sent emails, made phone calls, stopped to visit, and…maybe didn’t sleep some nights because they worried about Sam or Dora whom they hadn’t had a chance to tell Jesus’ story to yet? What would the world look like if that same process that makes the Antique Walk a success was put to work spreading the Good News?

          Friends, there are some people doing just that. Think about the Open Door Mission, Sienna Francis House, World Vision, Crop Walk, and the Food Pantry. That’s one small step.

          So, what if there was a leadership group that made it their job to plan, coordinate, and organize this congregation to share the Good News with people here in Walnut? What if they made phone calls, sent emails, and begged people to go out in teams, just like Jesus sent his disciples out, just like someone begged you to bake pies or work the food stand or help set up and take down? What if?

          If someone asked you to be part of the team how would you respond?

Pastor David

                                       Thank-You

---to EVERYONE who helped in any way at our FOOD STAND for the Antique Walk.  Chairman Mary Ellen Woltmann works tirelessly for MANY days, Charlotte Shepherd organizes, purchases and delivers the supplies, Larry Shepherd takes charge of the setting up and tearing down of the stand along with helping everywhere, Kathy Hansen was everywhere doing everything, Barb Eslick for her work on the ice cream machine (and the tea), and Pastor David for all his help and his calm demeanor when faced with all our frazzled nerves.

“I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God…”

Upcoming Events

Rockin’ Robin’s Day Care – Robin Tooley is having a Grand Opening on July 13^th from 5-7 PM at the day care.  Stop in to welcome this new business to the

community. 

“Outrageous Olympics” will be held August 25^th from 4-8 PM at Faithful Shepherd Presbyterian Church (8100 Giles Road, Omaha).  This is a fun evening for Preschool-Adults.  If interested contact Kathy Hansen.  Registration is due by August 13^th.

Fireman’s Parade will be held August 4^th (Saturday afternoon).  Kathy Hansen, Michelle Mertz and Robin Tooley will head up the committee for our float.  If interested in participating contact one of these ladies.    

BBQ & Quilt Auction – August 25^th Calvin Crest, Fremont NE is hosting their annual BBQ and quilt auction.  Quilts will be on display at 10 AM, BBQ is from 12-1:30, and the auction will begin at 1 PM.

‘O Lord, please keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth

Congratulations

Congratulations to—Drew Cable for passing all his classes and THE TEST to                                 

                                  become an EMT!  Drew will be majoring in criminal justice

                                  at Iowa Western this fall.

                             ----Our softball/baseball players (high school) Lauren Sievers,

                                  Kaitlyn Tooley, Emily Mitchell, Alyssa Becerra, Ty Johnk,

                                    Jared Ploen, Chris Guthry, Josh Guthry, Drew Cable and

                                  Michael Mertz.  They had a VERY SUCCESSFUL season.

Anniversary Congratulations – Al and Dixie Schirm – 69 years – on July 24^th

                                               --Vincent and Phyllis Hansen – 68 years – June 24^th

                                               --Don and JoJane Walter – 64 years – June 23^rd

Sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel – but you know what that means …more laundry!

      August Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Kent & Carla Johnk, Jim & Bobbie McDermott  

Communion Servers:.Margo Matthies-chm.,Alan Sievers, Barb Eslick, Teri Abel

“Some people care too much… I think it’s called love.”  Winnie the Pooh

                                         September Ushers and Connunion Servers

Ushers:  Kathy Hansen, Larry & Charlotte Shepherd   

Communion Servers:  Jim Tooley-chm., Gloria Myers, Larry & Charlotte Shepherd

July Ushers and Communion Servers are on the July Calendar

I don’t like to gossip but I heard The Father telling The Son to tell The Holy Spirit to tell the

 Angels to protect you today, tonight and always!  It’s in the Word.

                                           Flowers for Pulpit

                                                            July 1 -------Betty Sunderman

                                                July 8------Michelle Sunderman

                                                July 15------Connie Jensen

                                                July 22------Shannon Wood

                                                July 29------Kami Bruck

                                                Aug. 5-------Mary Ellen Woltmann

                                                   Aug. 12------Mary Ellen Woltmann

                                                   Aug. 19------Carla Johnk

                                                   Aug. 26------Jean Bornholdt

                “Some folks are wise and some are otherwise.”  Tobias Smolle

June 2012 Session Minutes                                                                             

June 12, 2012

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on June 12 at 7 p.m. in the Sunday School south annex.  Those in attendance were: Linda Krueger Jim Tooley, Linda Ploen and Kathy Hansen.  Absent were: Margo Matthies, Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen, Michelle Mertz, Allan Sievers and Mike Mertz.  A quorum was met.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and scripture from 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10.  His reflection was entitled “God’s Strength in Our Weakness.”

The minutes of the May meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was accepted as given.

The pastor’s report was given and approved.  David traveled 110 miles this month.  It was moved and 2^nd to allow David two Sundays of vacation from July 22-July 29^th.  Motion carried.

Linda Ploen then reread the letter on “Culture of Invitation”.  This will be the Sunday before school starts and we are asked to invite and bring someone who doesn’t have a church to come to our church. David then asked us “How are you engaged in study and evangelism in your community?”  He is going to compile a list from churches in the presbytery for a committee he is involved with.  Ideas mentioned were: joint Bible School, Angel Tree, joint Lenten services, Golden oldies, church dinners, Traveler’s Aid fund, food pantry, Good Guys Assistance and the pastor’s visits.  Under membership it was moved and 2^nd to reinstate Jean Schmitt to active membership.  Motion carried.

Stewardship and Mission

No action taken.

Christian Education

Kathy reported on the “Outrageous Olympics” at Faithful shepherd Church.  She will get more information on this.  She also stated that Vacation Bible School went well.  It had been a good week.  She received a donation of $100 which she donated to the “Splash Pod” for the use of it during the week.  Kathy also asked about making “Welcome Baskets” for new residents to Walnut informing them about our church.  We thought that was a good idea.

Worship

Communion was served to 4 residents at peace Haven on June 3^rd.  Jim Tooley was the serving elder.

Finance and Property

It was moved and 2^nd to purchase audio interface and misc. cables for the sanctuary PC at a cost of $125.  This will improve the volume control on the sound system.  We will also get 2 mike stand boom arms at a cost of $60.  Motion carried.  David reported that the air conditioning unit for the south annex has not been working.  The unit is 31 years old.  It was decided to give finance and property permission to replace the unit and A-coil.  We have one bid and they will get another.  We also discussed replacing the other units at a later date.  David reported on notes from Mary Ellen Woltmann about the Antique Walk.  We need to think about raising the price of our sandwiches. The interior painting project is progressing.  It was also noted that we begin paying Robin and Connie beginning in May.  This will be retroactive.

New Business

The by-laws for First Presbyterian church were reviewed with changes noted.  No other action was taken.  We will review them later.  Robin Tooley suggested we have a church float for the Fireman’s Parade on August 4^th.  We ok’d this.  Kathy will talk to Robin.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

The next meeting will be August 14, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session