February Gleaner 2013

PASTOR’S NOTES

            As I sit here writing this morning the temperature outside is 33 degrees and it’s very foggy. My sister in Massachusetts is preparing for another winter snowstorm. Of course it’s winter and that’s to be expected.

            All of us who have lived in the north central plains are more or less used to the 4 seasons and the extreme weather conditions. That doesn’t mean that we always “like” the heat or the cold, the rain or the snow.

            People who’ve been through periods of bitter cold, no electricity, piles of snow, and being housebound for long periods of time can probably empathize with those who experience similar feelings spiritually and emotionally.

            In the winter we can be isolated, cold, our resources could run low, and life can become almost unbearable. Our emotional and spiritual psyche can experience similar things.

            Think about what we do when this happens. What do you do when you begin to feel like no one cares, you’re all alone, and the sun hasn’t been out for days?

            When this happens we might turn to our faith in God. I read a blog this morning by Donald McKim at Gathering Voices where he referred to Samuel Rutherford who talked about the “winter” in our lives. In a letter he wrote he said, “I see faith growth best in the winter.” And in a sermon he said, “Faith is a grace for winter, to give God leisure to bring summer in his own season.”

            Have you ever considered that “grace grows best in the winter?”  McKim reminds us that “winter” is usually our time of greatest need. Therefore in “winter” God’s grace most often meets us where we most need him.

            Isn’t that so true? Think about those times when you were struggling and maybe times were pretty tough. What did you do? Where did you turn? When it’s happened to me I find that I go to God in prayer. Maybe you do to.

            We go to God because our faith, this wonderful gift from God, leads us to him. We go to him because Paul said that God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs. We go to him because Paul learned and told us that when he was weak God’s strength prevails. God’s power is perfect in our weakness.

            So, good friends, as you lament the fact that it’s bitter cold and the snow is piling up in the driveway and the woodpile is getting low or the gas bill is getting bigger remember this, “Faith grows best in the winter.”

            God’s grace and peace be with you all this winter,

Pastor David

In Memoriam

Edna Kutnink

November 19, 1915-January 18, 2013

          Edna May Kutnink was born on November 19, 1915, to Andrew and Anna (Pieper) Jensen in Minden, Iowa. She attended country school near Minden until the eighth grade. She worked as a housemaid until her marriage on January 19, 1934 to John Kutnink. The couple lived on a farm northeast of Walnut where they were self-sufficient with crops, cattle, hogs, chickens, and the biggest garden in the county. Edna had a 5-quart bucket of strawberries picked before most were out of be in the morning. She spent much of her time cooking for her family and the farm help and canning fruits and vegetables. After John’s death on November 23, 1980, Edna then moved into Walnut.

            To her family Edna is best known for her quilts. She spent thousands of hours making them, and each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren have at lest one on their beds. She enjoyed playing cards with neighbors and friends. She was a member of the garden club and the canasta card club. She taught many of her grandchildren to play and always made them earn their win: “No crying, be a good sport.” She enjoyed cooking, baking, and sewing, and having all her family around. She would make the birthday cake of choice for her grandkids. All her family would request her meatballs and Christmas cookies during the holidays. Her wedding present for each was a quilt and hand-embroidered dish towels and pillow cases. She made many of her own clothes, and taught her grandchildren to sew. She enjoyed helping her grandchildren with their many 4-H sewing and cooking projects. She would examine their report card, and each A would earn them a dime. They also earned money by running across the acreage to turn off the windmill and other various chores around the farm. Grandma Kutnink made an everlasting impact on the lives of all of her grandchildren.

            She enjoyed traveling and attempted to visit every state in the U.S. She ended up a few states short, but was able to see Hawaii and Alaska. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut and was active in the church’s Women’s circle. She would make small quilts and kimono robes to send to under-privileged children around the world. She was a woman on-the-go. Most days you could find Edna in her high heels, clip on earrings and necklaces. Edna said she never retired; she was “just tired.” Who could blame her after all those activities?

            Edna moved to the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center and was there for only three weeks before her death on Friday, January 18, 2013. She attained the age of ninety-seven years, one month and twenty-nine days. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; nine brothers and sisters; her son Donald Kutnink and his wife Karen; and grandchildren Vanessa Kutnink, Louis H. Pedersen III, and Logan Blum.

            She is survived by her daughter rosemary and husband Louis H. Pedersen, Jr. of Walnut, Iowa; her grandchildren: Valorie Baggenstoss, Felicity Pedersen, April Pedersen, Gwendolyn and her husband Richard Blum, Melanie and her husband Tim Simpson, Tuesday and her husband Bruce McDonald, Cheyenne and her husband Eric Mertz, Kent Kutnink and his wife Terri, Bob Kutnink Sunny Joy and her husband David Anderson, and John Kutnink and his wife Lucille; twenty-five great grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty – they merely move it from their faces to their hearts.

Thank-you

Thank-you to David and Mary Ellen Woltmann for preparing the meat for our Annual

Congregational Meeting.

Thank-you to Kathy Hansen for the wonderful decorations (and prizes) for our Annual

Congregational Meeting.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Katie (Shepherd) and Justin Fuller on the birth of their son, Brensyn Tate.

Brensyn was born on January 7^th and weighed 9 lb 3 oz and was 21 in long.  He joins a sister,

Hailee at home.  Brensyn's grandparents are Doug and Susan Shepherd.  His great-grandparents

are Larry and Charlotte Shepherd and Larry and Judy Kay.

Congratulations to Kelsey (Helms) and Seth Griffith on the birth of their twin girls.  Hayden

Marie was 4 lb 10 oz and Hadley Jaymes was 6 lb 9 oz.  Grandparents are Larry and Carla

Helms and Courtney and Paula Griffith.  Great-grandparents are Carolyn Johnk and Bill and

Opal Griffith. 

Some of us grew up playing with tractors and trucks.  The lucky ones still do.

                                                              

March Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Brett & Bonnie Holtz, David & Mary Ellen Woltmann

Communion Servers: Jim McDermott-chm, David & Mary Ellen Woltmann, Bonnie

Holtz

February ushers and communion servers are at the bottom of  the calendar.

I exercised once, but found I was allergic to it.  My skin flushed and my heart raced.  I got sweaty and

short of breath.  Very dangerous…

                                                Flowers for February

                                      February 3--------Alice Richter

                                     February 10-------Pam Nielsen

                                      February 17-------Linda Sieck

                                    February 24-------Gloria Myers

“Iindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”   Mark Twain                                  

                                            

Session Minutes

January 16, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on January 16, 2013 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex.  Those in attendance were: Margo Matthies, Jim Tooley, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Michelle Mertz, Kathy Hansen, Allan Sievers, and Mike Mertz.  Absent were: Linda Krueger and Jack Ploen. 

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer.  Our reading based on Mark 10:39 was from Font & table Resources for the renewal of sacramental life. “We are washed and fed by God”.

The minutes of the November minutes were read and approved.  The December minutes were also read and approved after a correction.  Jim Tooley and Jim McDermott were present at the December meeting, but Linda Ploen was absent.

The Treasurer’s report was approved as given.

The pastor’s report was given and approved.  Pastor David traveled 278 miles.  He also officiated the funeral of Dan Weihs in Walnut and the funeral of Dorothy Schroder at the Hancock United Methodist Church. 

There was so clerk’s report.

Reflecting On the Past Year

After discussing our accomplishments as a church, we listed the Antique Walk, the children’s Christmas program, our collection of hats, coats & blankets, the painting of the church interior, we hosted the blood mobile, our Saturday night services, the joint Lenten services, the Angel Tree project & Good Guys, Bible School, and our baskets to new Walnut residents.  Lessons learned: our Saturday night services were not as well attended as we had hoped.

Stewardship & Mission

In 2013 we would like to continue to help with local missions.

Christian Education

The 2013 Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be held at Lafayette, Indiana on July 16-20, 2013.  The theme is “I am”.  The cost is $469 per person.

Worship

Communion was served to 3 residents at Peace Haven on January 6^th.  Allan Sievers served as elder.  It was asked again if we want to continue the Saturday night contemporary service.  Installation and ordination of new elders will be February 3^rd during morning worship. David reported that Ash Wednesday service will be here at our church on February 13^th at 6:00 pm.  The community services will be on Wednesday evenings as follows: February 20^th-Peace church, February 27^th-St. Mary’s in Avoca, March 6^th-Trinity Lutheran in Avoca, March 13^th-United church in Avoca, and March 29^th-First Presbyterian.  Easter is March 31^st.

Finance & Property

Jim Tooley reported that the new tarp for the Antique Walk should be shipped soon at a cost of $80.  Scholarships will be paid to Megan Ehlers, Ty Johnk, Bailey Nielsen and Jared Ploen.

Personnel

We received word from Jeff Nielsen stating that from now on he will be donating his time in snow removal and lawn mowing-there will be no charge.  We truly appreciate that.

New Business

The 2013 budget has been approved.  The annual congregational meeting will be on January 27^th.  Sunday School will be at 9 am, worship at 10:30 am and then a noon meal followed by the Corporate Congregational meeting.  PMRV Presbytery meeting will be in Council Bluffs on February 23^rd.  Linda Ploen asked for permission to use the church basement on February 25^th, Jim McDermott asked for a date in April and David stated the use for the blood mobile on May 30, July 29, and September 23^rd.  All the above were approved.  Permission was also given for David to perform the wedding of Sarah Sievers and Jessie Lindeman on September 14^th.  David also reported that we are now sending out 189 Gleaners instead of 200.  The charge is $37 a month and an annual fee of $120.  There was a discussion on this cost, but we feel that many people still enjoy receiving the Gleaner in the mail.  Jim McDermott also discussed the summer fishing trip.  There could be many kids going this year.  He has reserved 2 cabins.

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

Next meeting will be February 12^th, 2013 at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

◄ Jan 2013	~ February 2013 ~					Mar 2013 ►
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					1	2 Mike/Cathy Shutters
3    Church 9:00    Communion    Peace Haven 11:00    Sunday School 10:15	4	5 Rhys Griffith	6 Services @ Salem Lutheran  9:00 UPW – Dutch Treat Time/Place to be announced Choir Prac. 7:15	7 Darlene Stuart	8	9 GPPP mtg Discovery Pres. 9:30 AM
10   Church 9:00    Sunday School 10:15   CAP Mtg 5:00   Peace Church	11 Harley Ploen	12   Allen House 11:00 Ben Krueger	13   ASH WEDNESDAY   Services 6:00 Tyler Schaben	14 Gloria Myers John Woltmann	15 Jolene Anderson Janet Grush	16
17   Church 9:00   Sunday School 10:15	18	19  Golden Oldies 11:30  St. Mary’s/Avoca Teri Abel	20   Lenten Service   Peace UCC 6:00 PM	21  Peace Haven 7:00 PM	22	23   Pres. Mtg Evening Service 5:30 PM
24    Church 9:00    Sunday School 10:15    Lauren Sievers	25   Vic Nielsen   Cyndi Jensen	26 David Woltmann	27   Lenten Service   St. Mary’s/ Avoca Shane Lohoff	28 Craig Woltmann Valerie Sievers	(29) Alyssa Becerra

 

February Communion Servers:  Jack Ploen-chm, Greg Mertz, Michelle Mertz, Charles Walter

February Ushers:  Charles & Gloria Walter, Greg & Michelle Mertz

Gleaner January 2013

Pastor’s Notes

            Christmas Day has come and gone. By the time you read this the decorations and trees may have all been put away or carried to the curb or the landfill. We might think now it’s time to settle in for a long winter’s nap. While that might be nice, wrapped in your new fleece blanket, I would like to suggest that you try something different.

          If you’re one of those folks who like to plant vegetable or flower gardens then you know that come January the new seed catalogs begin to arrive. You would think that corn is corn and beans are beans but someone always seems to discover a new variety or they have modified the seed genetically to be resistant too or more drought tolerant or something else that you can’t resist ordering the seed packet and trying it out.

          Well, what our spiritual walk? Is there anything new out there that might refresh and/or revitalize our journey with God? There might…be a few things out in The Cloud, the Internet, or the library.

          One I might suggest, that I’m going to check out, is “My One Word” written by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen. They propose instead of making a one sentence resolution in the New Year to take time to come up with “one word” that will be your focus for the year.

          Just think about it. How many resolutions have you made and two weeks later abandoned? “One word”…that should be so much easier to keep track of, to concentrate on…to live. What “one word” is God placing on your heart to commit to this year? What “one word” is God asking this congregation to concentrate their time and talents on in 2013?

          “One Word” that’s pretty simple. Too simple you think. What will it hurt to try it? Surely God is laying “one word” before you. As you spend time sitting wrapped in that cozy fleece blanket, ask God to reveal your “one word.”  

          You can find their book on Amazon.com in paperback or for your kindle. I’m getting ready to check it out. Or go ask your library to order it and pass it around. 

          May God lead you to your “one word” and give you, and me, the discipline to stay focused on His “one word” for us in 2013.

          Remember, God loves you and so do I,

          Pastor David

           

Thank-you

Huge thank you to Robin Heilig, Kathy Hansen, Michelle Mertz, Cathy Shutters and Bonnie Holtz for organizing and directing our Christmas Program.

Thank you to Connie & Denny Jensen for putting up the outside Nativity Scene.

Thank you to Gloria Myers for decorating the sanctuary.

Thank you to Linda Ploen for buying and bagging the fruit and candy for the

children and shut-ins (and Kathy Hansen and Pastor David for delivering them).

Thank you to Margo Matthies, Kathy Hansen, and Linda Ploen for being in charge of the “Angel Tree” again this year.

Thank you to Les and Teri Abel for giving the church their stove.

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

Thank You

Eight little letters,

One little space,

Tell you the reason

For the smile on my face.

I want you to know

That for all that you do

I sincerely appreciate,

Love and thank you.

Thank you to everyone for all your prayers, gifts and well wishes during the time I wasn’t feeling well.  I truly appreciate everything.  A special thank you to everyone who helped with the angel tree project since I couldn’t be there.

May God Bless You All.  Linda Ploen

                   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.

God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things.  Right now, I am so far behind I will live forever.

          Poinsettias

Donor:                                   In Memory of:

Steve, Marie Livengood            John & Twyla Bero

Barb Eslick                               Bill Eslick

Chuck & Linda Ploen               Marge Ploen & Melissa Manhart

Ross & Jean Bornholdt             Laurie Bornholdt

George Mertz                           Mertz Family

Dave & Robin Heilig                 Jan Tooley

Pres. Women                            Church family & friends

Betty, Steve & Michelle

Sunderman                               Darrell & Sam Sunderman

          Joe, Dorothy & Larry Beckendorf

Gloria, Ed and Katie

Myers

Ross, Tina and Xavier

Gregory (Basket of

greenery on piano)                    Louis & Jean Myers

Larry & Charlotte Shepherd      Family & friends

Julie Nash                                 Ryan Nash

Joe & Jeannie Schmitt               Herb & Marie Mertz

Leo Rechtenbach                      Jeanette Rechtenbach

                  

Annual Meeting

The annual Congregational Church Meeting will be January 27^th. Sunday School

at 9:00, worship at 10:30 with the meal and then the meeting.  Meat will be provided,

please bring a veg, salad or dessert. Please have your reports to the office by

Jan. 13^th.As in the past, this is the time we bring gifts to the church (paper towels,

toilet paper, janitorial supplies etc.).

Football Signals

A 3-year-old regularly watched football games with his father.  In fact, he watched so much that he knew

some of the signals the referees make.

On a recent Sunday, the three-year-old attended church with the family.  As the pastor raised his hands

high to offer a blessing, the child interrupted the service by shouting, “Touchdown!”

Golden Oldies

Golden Oldies will be at our Church January 15^th at 11:30.

I used to have a handle on life but it broke.

Food Pantry

Roberta reports that any contributions would be welcome.

I (Linda Krueger) would like to share part of a letter that was received by the Good Guys this year:

 “As I read the Walnut Bureau I saw the article about being an Angel this Holiday Season.  Years ago the Good Guys would bring a box of food for my family and friends to enjoy for the Holiday Season.  As I was struggling to raise my three children it was a Godsend.  My mom also shared in those meals and I cannot even express the gratitude I felt.  So please forgive me for taking umpteen years to thank you and the Walnut Community for helping us out.  I was always grateful but not very good at letting you all know.  It was true in my case ‘it takes a village’ to raise children.  Please accept this humble donation.”  (enclosed with the letter was $100.)

Session Minutes

December 11, 2012

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

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer.  Reflection was from Font & Table for the Renewal of Sacramental Life.

The minutes of the October meeting were approved.

The Treasurer’s report was read and approved.

The pastor’s report was approved as given.  David traveled 316 miles.

No deaths reported.  David officiated at Danial Weihs funeral.

Stewardship & Mission

Linda Krueger reported on Micah House in Council Bluffs.  It was voted to send them $50.

The Joy Offering will be collected Dec. 23^rd.

Our collection to a family in Walnut was discussed and a family was chosen to receive this gift.

Reminder to Bring a Friend to Church

Gifts for children & shut-ins were put together by Linda Ploen.  Kathy Hansen and Pastor David will deliver them to shut-ins.

Margo reported 17 angels were still left on the tree.  There were 67 to start with.  If all the angels aren’t taken, the Church will cover the cost of any left over.

Be thinking of goals for next year.

Christian Education

Sunday school has been practicing for the Christmas Program Dec. 16^th.

Kathy delivered two welcome baskets to new residents of Walnut.

Pres. Youth Triennium is in Indiana July 16-20 for $469.

Be thinking of public service projects for youth.

Jim M. is planning a fishing trip for next summer.

Be thinking of goals for next year.

Worship

Communion was served to 3 residents at Peace Haven on Dec. 2^nd.  Linda Krueger served as elder.

Do we want to continue the Saturday evening Contemporary Worship?  Session members should talk to younger members to see if they want to continue.

Finance & Property

Megan Ehlers, Ty Johnk, Bailey Nielsen and Jared Ploen need scholarship money paid in 2013.

Jim Tooley will look in to a new light for the back of the church.

Jim T. found a heavy tarp for the food stand and it was voted unanimously to order it for $200.

Jim T. reported we can rent tables for the Antique Walk for $7.25 each for three days.

We would need 10 of these.  They would be delivered and picked up, $72.50 for the three days.  It was voted to do this.  We voted to buy three 8 foot tables for the food stand as they need to be put up early.

Jim T. had a quote for a new kitchen floor from Rick Rasmussen of Harlan for Flexmar Flooring.  His estimate was $1724.64.  The old floor would have to be torn out.  Session discussed doing the back room also.  After much discussion it was decided to table this item until January.

Many compliments to Jim Tooley on the great job he’s done on Session.

Personnel

More work was done on the budget.  Pastor was given a 2.5% increase in salary after much discussion about the good job he’s doing and wishing they could give him more.

New Business

Annual Congregational Meeting set for January 27^th.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting will be January 8, 2013 at 7:00 pm.

Linda Krueger

(Substituting for Linda Ploen, Clerk of Session)

December 2012 Gleaner

Pastor’s Notes

            Finally, the election campaign ads are gone; the Thanksgiving turkey and/or ham have been consumed by the myriad of family members and friends. Finally, the Advent season is here, the season of hope and anticipation!

          As much as I dislike the chilling winds and cold air that takes my breath away when I’m walking the boys, our canine family members, I do begin to anticipate the celebration of Jesus the Christ’s birth.

          There’s something about this time of year, maybe it’s the words from the Scriptures, maybe it’s the decorations, maybe it’s…my age, that gets me to thinking about what it is we’re all waiting for, hoping for, looking forward to in this coming year in our individual lives and…in the life of God’s church.

          Have you thought lately what you’re hoping for, waiting for, working for? What are you anticipating? What is it that gets you excited and your heart racing?

          A friend stopped in the other day and gave me a book to read. It was about the experience of one pastor who was declared dead but then came back to life. The whole book is about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, heaven, angels, prayer, and those saints who have preceded us. That’s part one. Part two was that God in that mysterious way that he has led me to a Walter Wangerin, Jr. book, The Manger Is Empty.

          Since the first Sunday of Advent was close I thought, “Why not read it for inspiration.” So, I came upon this story that I shared with the congregation this last Sunday, “Behold, the Day Cometh.”  What do you know, it was about Christ coming again and the excited anticipation of the author for the arrival of his friend, who we found out was, Jesus. 

          As if that’s not enough of a sign, the first Sunday of Advent is also about the coming of Christ to the world a second time.  Jesus told his disciples this wasn’t just for some future generation but for the one in which they were living too. And so, in their lives, they were continually anticipating, waiting for Christ to come again.

          Did he come and they not know it? Is Christ coming to us and we don’t know it? What do you think? If his words were for that generation…and future generations doesn’t it sound like Christ is always coming to us? It certainly gives us pause.

          So, besides anticipating what may be under the Christmas tree, are our hearts filled with hopeful anticipation for Christ to come…again? I pray that they are.

          May God’s grace, peace, and joy be yours this Advent season,

          Pastor David

         

           

          The Four Stages of Life

1.      You believe in Santa Claus.

2.      You don’t believe in Santa Claus

3.      You are Santa Claus.

4.      You look like Santa Claus.

Thank-you

Thank-you to everyone for making the Fall Supper/Bazaar a success. 

JoJane Walter won the pots and pans, Adam Winterhof’s wife won the afghan and Nancy Hullinger won the Fareway gift card (which she gave to Pastor David to give to a needy family!).  We served 199 people in the church and had 110 carry-outs.

Thank-you to Linda Ploen and Kathy Hansen for hosting our

“Celebration of Service”.  Delicious cake was served and Gloria Myers, Barb Eslick, Jim Tooley, JoJane Walter and Pastor David provided the music.

If you don’t have Christmas in your heart yet…you won’t find it under a tree.

Sunday School Christmas Program

The annual Sunday School Christmas program will be December 16^th during

Worship at 9:00 AM.  Come and enjoy watching our young people perform and sing.

Christmas is weird.  What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

     

BRIDAL SHOWER

All the church ladies are invited to a “come & Go” bridal shower for Brittni Johnk.  The shower will be held December 23^rd from 1-3 at Gwen Blum’s house (201 Country St).

Brittni is registered at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Macy’s.  Brittni (and Ron)

Would love to have a copy of your favorite recipe.  A basket is at the back of the church for you to drop your recipe in.

                   January Ushers and Communion Servers

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

Communion Servers:  Allan Sievers - chm, Dennis Jensen, Linda Ploen, Linda Woltmann.  December ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

                             Children don’t Need your presents, they need your presence.

          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.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not

giving it.”- William Arthur Ward

                                                                                                     

Angel Tree

The Angel Tree is up at the library again this year.  If you can help out a family this

Christmas pick out an angel or two and buy the gift suggestion on it.  Bring the gift (with angel

attached) to Walnut December 14^th.  Linda Ploen, Margo Matthies and Kathy Hansen will

collect them, wrap them and distribute them.  If you would like to contribute wrapping paper,

tape or boxes for the gifts please bring them to the church before December 14^th.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we

Give.” - Winston Churchill

Golden Oldies

No Golden Oldies in December.  The next meal will be at our church on January 15^th.

Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry has no special requests for December since the drive in November filled their shelves to overflowing. Whatever you’d like to donate is appreciated. A new list of needs will be coming in January.

Session Minutes

November 13, 2012

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on November 13^th, 2012 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex.  Those in attendance were: Margo Matthies, Jim Tooley, Linda Krueger and Linda Ploen.  Absent were: Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen, Kathy Hansen, Allan Sievers and Michelle and Mike Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer.  Scripture readings were from 2 Corinthians 3:18, 5:17.  Our reflection was on Font & Table (Baptism).

The minutes of the October meeting were read and approved.

There was no Treasurer’s report, as it was not available.

The pastor’s report was approved as given.  David traveled 135 miles.

Linda Ploen reported that we had received our Theological General Mission Pledge.  It was moved and 2^nd to give $1300 for mission support and $200 for the Theological Education Fund. Motion carried. There were no deaths or membership changes. 

Stewardship & Mission

Linda K. and Margo reported that the Christmas Joy offering will begin the first Sunday of December and will be received on December 23^rd.  We will have “Bring a Friend” Sunday on the first Sunday of the new year.  David also continues to encourage us to choose and support a mission project.  Linda P. will get supplies for the children’s and adult’s Christmas goodie bags.  We also approved the Christmas gifts of $25 for Sunday School teachers, helpers, janitor, Sunday School Superintendant, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Clerk of Session, $50 for the pianist and $250 for Pastor David.  David also told us of a couple mission opportunities, one from Foley, Mn. First Presbyterian Church.  A group of young people are wanting to come to our Presbytery to do any kind of project.  Also the Presbytery of Transylvania in Kentucky is looking for groups that would be willing to come down and help with some projects.  They were some interesting ideas for some mission trips for our church. 

Christian Education

Since Kathy was unable to attend the meeting, David read a report from her.  She has delivered three more “Welcome Baskets” to new Walnut residents.  There were 19 children that attended a fun Halloween party.  She also has donated a $100 food gift card to be raffled off at the church dinner to help a needy family at Christmas.  The 2013 Presbyterian Youth Triennium will by held in Lafayette, In. on July 16-20, 2013.  David also asked about ordering an adult course called “Animate Faith”.  We decided to discuss this later to see if there is any interest in this.

Worship

Communion was served to 5 residents at Peace Haven on November 4^th.  Kathy Hansen served as elder.  Plans are being made for the “Celebration of Service” on November 18^th.  Thanksgiving Eve service will be at Trinity Lutheran in Avoca at 7:00 pm.  Advent begins December 2^nd.  Permission was given to David to purchase a new Advent wreath if our old one can not be fixed.  There will be no Saturday night service in November. We need to get some feedback on our contemporary service.  Do we want to continue this?  

Finance & Property

David received word on the new policy to update our bulk mail.  We have to have an endorsement on each piece of mail.  David chose “address service requested”.  We have to mail out 200 items and we are charged $1.12 for each piece returned.  We need to know when members move.  Jim t. reported that we need a new tarp for the Antique Walk.  He will check into purchasing this.  He will also check with Gene Larsen about renting some tables for the Walk so we don’t have to buy new ones.  He also stated that we need a brighter light in the back of the church, as it is so dark.  He will talk to Allan Sievers about this.  Another concern is the floor in the kitchen.  We should maybe think about replacing it.  We need to check with a flooring company to see about our options.

Personnel

The 2012 nominating committee is: Chuck Ploen, Greg Mertz and Jim Tooley.

New Business

Gloria Myers was given permission to use the church basement on December 4^th.  We then worked on the 2013 budget.  The per capita this year is $33 per member, so our per capita budget will go from $3,967.48 to $4620.  We need to encourage members to help pay their per capita.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting will be December 11^th at 7:00 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session