June Gleaner 2009

Pastor’s Notes
This coming Sunday we will celebrate the birthday of the Church. Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Easter or the seventh Sunday, is remembered as the day the One who was promised by Jesus came into/upon the disciples who were gathered in the Upper Room. On that same day Peter, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, preached his first powerful evangelistic sermon to those who were gathered in Jerusalem for the Festival of the Weeks, fifty days after the Passover.
This Sunday we will receive 5 confirmation students as new members in our congregation. As we studied over the last 35 weeks all of us in the class thought about God the Father, Jesus His Son, the Holy Spirit, God’s Word for us in scripture, and the Church. Together we talked about our own explanations of these and why we believe as we do. We all wrote down what is what we believed and why and throughout the process we learned that we had questions. Some of the questions we had no answers for and some we worked on together. We discovered that we are all still learning. God isn’t done teaching us yet.
So, I guess that means that we still have much we can learn about God and what he is doing in our lives. This month at our session meeting I put this question before the elders, “What is God up to in our community? What does our community need us to be?”
I believe we need to be reminded that the God we worship isn’t dead. He is very much alive and active all around us. God isn’t waiting for us to begin his mission. He is still out there, in front and behind us, preparing the fields. God has a mission and he has a church for his mission as Rev Lyle Meester reminded us at the Presbytery meeting held here May 19th.
There is much to be done and the numbers of workers available don’t seem to be enough to accomplish what God would have done. That sounds like what Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Things haven’t seemed to change much have they?
Last Sunday’s lesson from the gospel of John reminded all of us that Jesus is praying for us as we are sent out into the world to be his hands and feet. God has something for all of us to do. It may not be what we imagine but it is part of God’s plan for the world. We are all called to be ministers. I pray that you will answer his call in whatever it is he calls you to do.
God started his church with just a few disciples in Jerusalem and that same day 3,000 more were added to their rolls after Peter’s Message. Just look at the Church today. We worship a God who empowers his people to accomplish wonderful and amazing tasks that are beyond everyone’s imagination.
May you be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit as you walk this road God has placed before you. Tell everyone you meet what God has done in your life and what he can do in theirs.
God’s grace, peace, love, and joy be with you all,
Pastor David



In Memoriam
Dr. Lauren Weir
October 14, 1917-May 19, 2009


Thank-You
- Chuck Ploen for putting new light in round stained glass window
- Leo Rechtenbach and Chuck Ploen for cleaning our gutters (and Pastor for cleaning up all the water in the basement
- Gloria Myers for speaking at the Presbytery meeting about the history of our church
- Leo Rechtenbach and Bobbie McDermott for painting the door to the office and scraping the windows and painting them, also for getting the new restroom sign
- The Choir for singing at the Presbytery meeting
- To everyone for their generous donations of food for the numerous funerals we’ve had
- For helping and providing cakes for Peace Haven birthday/bingo (for P.W.)
- To everyone that provided cookies for the Presbytery Meeting
- Big, Big Thank-you to Jim McDermott for filling in for Pastor David when he was sick.


CONGRATULATIONS
- Collin Shutters, kindergarten good citizen of the month
- Tori Sievers, second grade good citizen of the month
- Jessica Ploen named to the Dean’s List at Creighton University and was inducted into Alpha Gamma Delta (an honor society)


DON’T WAIT FOR SIX STRONG MEN TO TAKE YOU TO CHURCH!




July Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Jack & Judy Ploen, Gloria Myers & Barb Eslick Communion Servers:Valerie Sievers-chm, Brittni Johnk, Mary Ellen Woltmann, Jack Ploen. June ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

Did You Know?
Did you know that Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson were Elders in the First Presbyterian Church in
Dodge City, Kansas? Presbyterians have always been known to be “straight shooters”!


Sunday School
May 10th the Sunday School sang for the congregation. What a nice addition to our
Mother’s Day service.

Confirmation Class
The confirmation class of Hunter Nielsen, Michael Mertz, Alyssa Becerra, Emily
Mitchell and Chris Guthrie did a great job of leading the service on May 10th.



Hunter Nielsen giving the Children’s Sermon.

Chris Guthrie and Alyssa Becerra putting on a skit for Church

Emily Mitchell leading the service May 10th.

Flowers for Pulpit
June 7 -------Barb Eslick
June 14------Bible School program at Peace Church
June 21------Antique Walk
June 28------Robin Tooley


Upcoming Events
Bible School---Peace UCC/First Presbyterian Vacation Bible School will be June 8-12 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM at Peace United Church of Christ. The theme is “Kingdom of the Son” the Lord’s Prayer safari. The program will be held on Sunday June 14th during worship at Peace Church at 9:30 AM. We will not be having worship at our church that Sunday so we can attend.

Items needed for Bible School: Medium sized round canisters w/lid ex: small coffee can
Empty plastic frosting cans
Empty rectangular plastic disposable baby wipe boxes
Small puzzle pieces
Metal frozen juice can lids
Empty shoe boxes with lids
Small baby food jars w/lids
Empty ½ gallon milk or juice CARDBOARD cartons
Plastic jar lids w/ribbed edge (instant coffee, peanut butter)
Spring type wooden clothes pins
Empty toilet paper tubes
Spray paint: gray, gold, clear acrylic, brown, orange, yellow
Wiggle eyes: 20mm & 7mm

Presbytery Women—Saturday, June 6 at Neola Presbyterian Church – Annual Brunch - Presentation by Penny Christensen (Penny is the artist wife of bronze artist, Russell Christensen, sculptor Pottawattamie County Eagles of Honor project. Open to all women of our church; if you would like to go let Charlotte know by noon, Wednesday, June 3. Meet at the church Saturday morning 8:30 a. m. to car pool to Neola.

Antique Walk—The Food Stand work schedule is included in this Gleaner (for all you people involved). If you can’t work your time please check the schedule and call someone to trade with.

Session Minutes
May 12, 2009
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on May 12, 2009 in the south Sunday School annex.
Those in attendance were Darlene Stuart, Leo Rechtenbach, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Dennis Jensen and Bonnie Holtz. Absent were Gloria Myers, Val Sievers, Bobbie McDermott, and Robin Tooley.
Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and scripture from James 2:14-17. For reflection he read the day’s devotion from “These Days”.
The minutes of the April 14th meeting were read and approved.
The treasure’s report was approved as read. It was moved and 2nd to reinvest $80,000 from a CD coming due, with the remainder being placed in the general account. Motion carried.
Pastor David presented his report. There were 256 miles traveled and 16 were served communion. A thank-you was read from Wee Kirk for our donation.
There was no Clerk’s report, no deaths, new members, or membership transfers.

Stewardship and Mission
Linda Ploen reported that there are 8 girls and 5 adults planning to go on the mission trip to Shell, Wyoming. Jim also reported on the boys’ trip to Canada.
May 19th, our church will be hosting the Presbytery meeting. It will be from 5:00-8:20. They ladies will serve cookies and drinks, Gloria Myers will give a brief history of our church, and David will be helping to serve communion. It was voted to have Jim serve as our voting elder.

Christian Education
Bible School will be June 8-12 from 9-11 a.m. at the Peace Church. The program will be June 14th at Peace Church. Confirmation Sunday will be May 31st. We need to visit with the confirmation class before then. Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #6 will be October 15-18,2009. Joyce Serenil is the rector.

Worship
The confirmation class did a great job with the May 19th church service! There will be no church service at our church on June 14th because of the Bible School program, and no church on June 21st due to the Antique Walk.

Finance and Property
We need to find someone to replace Betty Sunderman to make up the work list for the Antique walk. Jim will work on this. We also need to talk to Mary Ellen Woltmann about heading up the food stand for the Walk. We will work on spring cleaning as needed. Leo will speak with Bruce Rosenboum about painting all the wood trim on the church. Leo and Bobbie painted the trim around the south door entrance. Linda Kureger has planted the flowers around the church and Chuck Ploen fixed the lights in the stained glass window on the front of the church. We also need to talk to Jo and Cody Cable about mowing up everything nicely before the May 19th Presbytery meeting.

Personnel
David again asked for any pastor evaluations.

New Business
David asked us to think about “What God is up to in our community” and “What does our community need us to be?”

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

The next meeting will be June 9th at 7:00 p.m.

Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session

The Gleaner May 2009

Pastor’s Notes
Last week you all know that I again served the guests whom God invited to the Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #5. I was a guest myself at #2 and have served guests in different capacities at each pilgrimage ever since. You might say that I have become addicted to being filled with God’s spirit about every 6 months.
Just so you know I’m not the only one; we have people who have attended every one of the Great Plains Pilgrimages and they come from Michigan and North Carolina. One person has served at 39 Presbyterian Pilgrimages. I can’t say if I will ever serve on that many but I can tell you I will continue to serve here as long as I am able. I serve because it seems as if God does something else that fills me with amazement every time I go. Friends, that’s a good thing, believe me. I’m beginning to understand why Peter wanted to stay on top of the mountain with Jesus.
God speaks to us in so many different ways. I was a table facilitator this time which basically meant that I had to ask questions to keep the discussion moving after listening to each of the 14 talks that were given. It was truly an honor to sit at a table with so many different and interesting people. One of the guests at our table had actually heard God’s voice speak. That’s right she heard his voice in her ear. Now that’s just plain amazing. And who are we to doubt that He could do that just because we haven’t been spoken to?
Anyway it was a great week and I plan on going back in October and will serve wherever God would have Joyce Serenil put me.
If you haven’t been to a Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage or a Cursillo or a Walk to Emmaus or a Via de Cristo or a Koinonia then I would pray that you check out this website at www.calvincrest.org. Click on the Pres Pilgrimage link in the left hand column. You will find information about Pilgrimage and an application form. If you would like to know more come and see me in my office or at home. Believe you will not be sorry you attended.
So I’ve come back excited to be doing the work God gives me to do each day. Oh there are times it’s not that exciting but its still God’s work and that’s cool.
Friends, as I said at worship this morning we have three statements that give us a very good idea about what we should be doing. They are the Great Commission, the Great Commandment, and the Great Ends of the Church. Check out http://davids-patio.blogspot.com/ if you want to know more.
This week I read something that really hit home. It may have been a quote from someone, I can’t remember, but it said something like, “Our minds are shaped by what we read.” As I gave that some thought I realized they may be right.
Right now besides spending time in God’s Word I have been reading a book titled, ­Jesus For President, by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. I’m not sure I agree with everything they wrote but it sure has me rethinking the world we live in today and the way Jesus told us to live.
So, as I said this morning, if you want to hear God speak to you, read. First, spend time in the Word and then spend time praying and listening. And also read some contemporary books from the theologians authoring books today. There is so much to learn and so little time.
Jesus could come before I have this finished. He could arrive before you finish reading this. Are you ready? Friends, God loves you and so do I.
Pastor David


Condolences:

To the family of Lorene Sieck (87) who passed away April 7th.

To the family of Isabelle McAvoy (97) who passed away April 6th.


Thank-You
Thank-you to the “Easter Brunch Ladies” for the delicious food and charming decorations. Pam Nielsen, Paula Griffith, Teri & Les Abel and Bobby McDermott worked together to provide the brunch for the congregation.

Thank-you to Jean Bornholdt for picking up the palm fronds for Palm Sunday

Thank-you to Leo Rechtenbach for putting a new lockset on the basement door.

Thank-you to the Presbyterian Women for providing the Easter Lilies for the sanctuary. Also Ross & Jean Bornholdt for the lilies in memory of Laurie.


The family of Isabelle McAvoy would like to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy and to the ladies that provided the food for the wonderful luncheon after her service. They were a joy. Also, to Pastor Krueger, his many visits to Isabelle meant so much to her and his heartfelt words at her service meant so much to all of us.
The family of Isabelle McAvoy



CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Colin Shutters for being part of the Prom Royalty. He was the crown bearer at the ceremony.
.

June Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Steve & Michelle Sunderman, Betty Sunderman Communion Servers: Bonnie Holtz-chm, Betty Sunderman, Al & Dixie Schirm May ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

Peace Haven May Breakfast
You are invited to join the staff & residents of Peace Haven at their Annual May Day Breakfast.
The theme is “Tip Toe Through the Tulips.” Come check out the decorations and enjoy breakfast
of rolls & fruit from 8:30-10:00 am.

Sunday School
The Sunday School will be singing May 10th for the congregation. This will also be
their last Sunday for Sunday School until fall.


Flowers for Pulpit
May 3 -------Darlene Stuart
May 10------Darlene Stuart
May 17------Teresa Griffith
May 24------Linda Ploen
May 31------Linda Ploen


Upcoming Events
Bible School---Peace UCC/First Presbyterian Vacation Bible School will be June 8-12 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM at Peace United Church of Christ. The theme is “Kingdom of the Son” the Lord’s Prayer safari. The program will be held on Sunday June 14th during worship at Peace Church at 9:30 AM. We will not be having worship at our church that Sunday so we can attend.

May 10th Worship-The confirmation class is in charge of worship on this day. Come and see what they have planned. Worship is at 9 a.m.

Missouri River Valley Presbytery Meeting-First Presbyterian is hosting the MRV Presbytery meeting May 10, 5-7:30 p.m. No one can remember when, if ever, a Presbytery meeting was hosted in Walnut. The PW will be providing drinks and cookies in the basement prior to the meeting so if you would like to come and mingle please do.

Antique Walk—The Antique Walk week-end will be here before we know it. June 19-21 are the dates this year. We will not be having church services on Sunday the 21st because Pastor David will be gone Saturday and Sunday for his nephew’s wedding.

Shell, Wyoming Mission Trip-Chuck and Linda Ploen have been working at organizing a mission trip to help with the addition of a room to the historic church in Shell. The trip is planned for the first week in August. The group will be doing some finish work such as sanding, varnishing, and painting on the new addition as well as helping with some work on one of their member’s homes. A meeting is planned for April 29th at 6 p.m. at the church to discuss and plan the trip.

Session Minutes
April 14, 2009
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on April 14, 2009 in the south Sunday School annex.
Those in attendance were: Darlene Stuart, Gloria Myers, Leo Rechtenbach, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Bobbie McDermott, Robin Tooley and Bonnie Holtz. Absent were Valerie Sievers and Dennis Jensen.
Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and a scripture reading from Matthew 24:34-35. As a reflection we discussed “What Do Presbyterians Believe?” David focused mostly on what we believe about the Bible.
The minutes of the March 10th meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.
The Pastor’s report was presented and approved. Pastor David traveled 401 miles this month, with communion served to 14 at Peace Haven.
There were two deaths reported in the Clerk’s report: Marian Pattie Taylor League died March 17, 2009 and was buried in Layton Township Cemetery; Isabelle Katherine Kness McAvoy died April 6, 2009 and was buried in Layton Township Cemetery.
Stewardship and Mission
Linda Ploen again reported on the mission trip to Shell, Wyoming. The Presbytery meeting will be held here at First Presbyterian in Walnut on May 19th from 5-7 p.m. David will give the welcome and Gloria Myers will give a short talk on our church history.
Christian Education
Gloria and Robin will meet with the Peace Church on April 15th to discuss Bible School plans. David reported that he had purchased bibles for the confirmation class. It was also moved and 2nd to allow David to purchase two books on Christian Education. Motion carried.
Worship
The confirmation class will conduct the worship service on May 10th, Mother’s Day.
Finance and Property
Leo has changed the door knob to the basement door. A date for spring cleaning was also discussed. We need to keep thinking about it, especially to spruce up the outside. We now have a wireless microphone installed. It was donated to us from Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa.
Personnel
Darlene Stuart and Linda Ploen have consented to serve on the Community Assistance Program. David also reminded us to turn in our pastor evaluations.
New Business
David reported that CCMH Home Care/Hospice would be willing to provide an educational program about in home care, hospice, tobacco prevention/control, parents as teachers, volunteer services, and personal health improvement. We now have $5,842 in the Memorial Fund. Is there something we could do with this money? We also discussed Angel Food Ministries. It is a service for anyone, but especially meant for those on a limited income, to buy food at a reduced rate. Pick up sites are at Buck Creek and Marne United Methodist Church.
There will be a fun event for MRV Presbytery at Lake Manawa State Park on June 6th from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It will be potluck with pie contests, horseshoes, BBQ contests, games and activities for kids. David asked what we believe God wants to be this church’s focus this year, perhaps local mission. We also need to remember our members who are no longer able to attend because they are home bound or in nursing homes.
David closed with prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. He also read an interesting excerpt from the book “Jesus For President”.
Our next meeting will be May 12th at 7:00 p.m.
Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session

April 2009 Gleaner

Pastor’s Notes
I’m so glad that spring is here and Easter is only two weeks away. Winter seemed especially long this year. It wasn’t that it was a bad winter with a lot of snow and cold, it was just long and I for one am ready for warmer temperatures. How about you?
We (I) need to be reminded that as winter is a time for the earth to rest and be rejuvenated so should we slow down and allow our minds and bodies to rest and be renewed. I fail to do that, as I’m sure most of you reading this do too. Sometimes God imposes times of rest and renewal by sending storms our way that keeps us inside and close to our families. Do we take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy the other members of our households or do we gripe that there is more winter to shovel or too much winter to shovel. We can’t get to our workplaces and the work continues piling up on our desks. And so we fail to give ourselves any chance to be renewed or refreshed. That’s really too bad. It may be why so many folks of my generation are having heart related issues or other health issues.
Even though we may be eating healthy foods we aren’t taking care of our spiritual needs which may include taking time to get out into God’s wondrous creation.
During our 40 days of Lenten reflection we heard some great messages at the Sunday evening ecumenical services in Walnut and Avoca. We were reminded of the necessity of healing our wounded relationships. Last night Father Frost talked about confessing our sins to God and others and then being assured of forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ on the cross.
Our Wednesday evening Lenten worship services have been different this year in that we were studying Gospel Portraits of Jesus. We were learning about the different titles which Jesus was known by, what they meant, and how the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One was prophesied about in the Hebrew Bible.
Even with the opportunities to listen to some great messages and participate in Bible studies we may have been neglecting our own daily time with God. Therefore our winter seemed too long and we don’t feel very rested or renewed.
It’s too late to do anything about the winter since spring is here now but it’s not too late to do something about renewing our spirits. As long as our bodies are still working and we are mostly conscious in the morning when our eyes open, then everyday God gives each of us the opportunity to spend time in worship with him.
Friends, we all need this. And we really have no excuse for not doing it. If we make time for God then be assured that he will make time for us and we will be able to accomplish more than we thought it was ever possible to do, because with God everything is possible. Believe it! Live it! Share it with your friends!
Thanks be to God. Amen.

Pastor David

In Memoriam
Marian League

September 27, 1926 – March 12, 2009


Thank-You

Thank you to the Schirm family for the coffee and doughnuts in celebration of Al’s 90th birthday March 9th.
Thank you to Linda Ploen and Bobby McDermott for helping with the church service March 1st after Pastor David’s surgery.
Thank you to everyone that helped with all the Lenten Services. As always, the food was delicious, the tables inviting and the service impeccable.
Thank you for all the Get Well cards sent to us through our surgeries. Special thanks to Linda Woltmann, Linda Sieck and Jean Schmidt for the delicious food.
David and Linda


CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Josie Cable and Valerie Sievers for being part of the Music Carnival Royalty.
Also congratulations to Mason Griffith for being a crown bearer for the Music Carnival and being the “Character of the month for Cooperation” in his kindergarten class.
Congratulations to Ryne Johnk for being placed on the Dean’s List at Iowa State University.


May Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Chuch & Linda Ploen, George Mertz & Alice Richter
Communion Servers: Robin Tooley-Chm, Chuck & Linda Ploen, Leo Rechtenbach

April ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.



Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women will hold their monthly meeting at the church on April 1st at 1:30.
On Tuesday April 7th Peace Church is hosting their Guest Day. Speaker for the event will be
Medical Missionary Cheri Geise. She will share the stories of her life in Cote d’lvoiure, Africa.
On Saturday April 25th the Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering will be held at Faith Presbyterian
Church at 8100 Giles Road, LaVista, Nebraska. Speakers will be Deb Kipley & Dr Neal Earley.
The title of their talk is “Mission Malawai: Africa in Omaha”. The gathering will be from 9-12.


Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday Services at Peace UCC at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunrise Services at 7:00 a.m.



Flowers for Pulpit

April 5-12 PW EasterLilies
19 Bonnuie Holtz
26 Enola Pagliuso


SESSION MINUTES
March 10, 2009

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on March 10, 2009 in the south Sunday School Annex.
Those in attendance were: Darlene Stuart, Gloria Myers, Leo Rechtenbach, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Bobbie McDermott and Dennis Jensen. Absent were: Valerie Sievers, Robin Tooley and Bonnie Holtz.
Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and a scripture reading from Matthew 16:15-20. The reflection was from Conversations with Jesus entitled “But who do you say that I am?”
The minutes to the February 10th meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.
The Pastor’s report was presented and approved. Pastor David traveled 248 miles. Communion was served to 16 people at Peace Haven, and also to Bill and Marian League, Edna Kutnink and Vic and Edna Nielsen.
During the Clerk’s report, Linda read a letter from the Presbyterian Coalition concerning the presbytery vote on Amendment B. The amendment is intended to remove “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness” as an ordination standard in the PC(USA). There were no deaths or new members. We received a receipt from the Neola Presbyterian church on Josh Abel’s letter of transfer.
David asked for permission to perform the marriage of Misty Thomas Burg and Matthew Amdor on August 1, 2009 at Sunny Side Park in Atlantic. It was moved and 2nd to allow this. Motion carried.

Stewardship & Mission
Linda reported that she and Chuck would like to have a planning meeting for Mission trip to Wyoming. David also stated that there are several Presbyterian Disaster Assistance trips to the Gulf if anyone is interested in going or helping with funding.

Christian Education
Rev. Regina Maas, Associate Pastor for Education Ministries from Church of the Cross in Omaha came and spoke to us about our goals for Christian Education in our church. She stated that it needs to be a whole program: children through adults. She asked us “What do you want, and where are you going?” We need to spark interest in adults. Her presentation was very informative. It was moved and 2nd to pay for Rev. Maas’ mileage to Walnut. Motion carried.
The Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #5 will be April 16-19, 2009.
A Presbytery Education event will by March 21 at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Omaha.
No word on Vacation Bible School as of yet. It will be at the Peace Church this year. Gloria reported that Kelsi Helms had sent in her scholarship application. She will be attending Upper Iowa University. We will pay her $500. David also asked if we should get gifts for the confirmation class. It was moved and 2nd to do so. Motion carried. David will look into teen study Bibles.

Worship
Pastor David thanked Bobbie and Linda for helping with the service on March 1st. Maundy Thursday service will be at our church at 7:00 p.m. It was moved and 2nd to have communion during the service. Motion carried. The joint Good Friday service will be at the Peace Church – time not yet set. David will order the palm fronds for Palm Sunday on April 5th. He is checking on prices. The April 12th Easter sunrise service will be at 7:00 a.m.

Finance and Property
We had no update on the sound system, however David reported that Trinity Church in Avoca may have a used lapel mike we could have. He will look into this. We need to choose a spring cleaning date to clean up around the outside of the church. Leo will get a new lock set for the basement door, as the old one is not working. Water came in the furnace room, so the down spout needs to be fixed.
Leo reported that our Tier One CD for $100,000 has matured. It was voted to renew it with DUPAC Credit Union at a rate of 3.5% for 27 months. Motion carried.

Personnel
We still need 2 people to serve on the Community Assistance Program. Darlene will help. They will meet on March 29th at 6:30. David again reminded us to turn in our pastor evaluations.

New Business
The Presbytery meeting will be at Church of the Master on March 21st. David asked us to think about how we are serving God!
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Our next meeting will be April 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session

March 2009 Gleaner

THE GLEANER
First Presbyterian Church (USA)
Walnut, Iowa 51577
Volume 40 Number 3

March 2009



Pastor’s Notes

With Ash Wednesday only a few days away I am reminded that we are preparing ourselves to walk with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. I don’t know about you but I look forward every year to the evening Lenten worship services that are accompanied with great food and fellowship.
Last year we joined with the churches in Avoca in hosting Sunday evening Lenten worship services. For me it is a new experience to proclaim God’s Message in a different pulpit. It’s been great to visit with some friends I haven’t seen in quite a few years. But the best thing is getting to hear the Bible stories from all these different perspectives. The scriptures are the same but it seems that the Message that God has for changes from year to year.
This year we are facing changes due to the economic conditions all around the world. We also have a new president who will bring his own ideas about change. And so the Message from God’s word will sound different in our ears because we are all different. Does that make sense?
I think it’s interesting how the words in the scriptures are the same words we’ve read, studied, memorized, and heard for years but the Message we receive changes. We have traveled with Jesus many times on the road to Jerusalem but every year I take something different away from the Message. I am looking forward to discovering how God will speak to each of us this year in our different studies and worship services.
As you have the opportunity and the time I hope you will attend as many of the Lenten worship services as you are able. I believe our God uses these times of worship to prepare us for the work he has given us to do of sharing his Message of love with those we meet on our journey through this life.
I pray that you will be filled with excitement and joy as you take in God’s word and that it will inspire you to minister to others as he gives you the ability.

May God’s love and peace be with you all this Lenten season,
Pastor David

BLOGS OF INTEREST
Pastor David has created two blogs you may find of interest on the internet:
www.1stpresbyterianwalnutia.blogspot.com (you will find the Gleaner here)
www.davids-patio.blogspot.com (you will find David’s sermons here)

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
The Presbyterian Women met on February 4, 2009. A very interesting program was given by former Walnut resident Jon martens. Jon is the Water Superintendent for Atlantic, Iowa. His program was about his trip to Tanzania, Africa in 2007. He worked in several communities there to provide them with safe drinking water. He landed in Arusha, Tanzania which had no potable water at all. Daily 25,00 adults and 5,000 children die in the world from bad water. Last year in Tanzania 120 children died of cholera, dysentery, and typhoid after drinking water that was unsafe. After installing equipment to chlorinate the water deaths have been reduced to under 1%.

“Saving lives one drop of water at a time”

The next Presbyterian Women’s meeting will be 1 P.M. March 4 at Robert’s Bakery for a soup lunch.


CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations for being named to the Walnut Community School Honor Roll

Middle School
Gold Michael Mertz
Emily Mitchell
Courtlyn Griffith
Lauren Sievers
Silver Alyssa Becerra
Chris Guthery
High School Gold Ty Johnk
Samantha Jensen
Valerie Sievers
Silver Josie Cable

College Honor Roll Jessica Ploen, Creighton University
Ryne Johnk, Iowa State University

Congratulations to Samantha Jensen, Ty Johnk, and Jared Ploen for being part of the Show choir that received an “Excellent” rating at State Contests. (Along with our own Connie Jensen on piano!)

Congratulations to Jolene Jensen, 3rd grade, who received the 2nd place trophy for the 3rd-8th grade spelling bee at Walnut Community School.

APRIL Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Vincent & Phyllis Hansen and Linda Krueger Communion Servers: Gloria Myers (chm), Kelsey Helms, Don Walter, JoJane Walter

March ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

Lenten Services

Sunday night Soup Suppers for Lent begin at 5:00. Our Wednesday night services with Peace Church begin at 6:00.

Sunday Services
March 1, St Patrick’s (Walnut)
March 8, Trinity Lutheran (Avoca)
March 15, Peace United (Walnut)
March 22, United Church of Avoca
March 29, First Presbyterian Church (Walnut)

When winter weather threatens listen to KJAN AM, KSOM FM, or KNOD FM for Church
information.

Flowers for Pulpit

March 1 Pam Nielsen

8 Linda Sieck

15 Gloria Myers

22 Gloria Myers (Tina Gregory)

29 Phyllis Hansen

SESSION MINUTES
February 10,2009

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on February 10, 2009 in the south Sunday School annex.
Those in attendance were Leo Rechtenbach, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Bobbie McDermott, Dennis Jensen, Robin Tooley and Bonnie Holtz. Absent were: Darlene Stuart, Gloria Myers and Val Sievers.
The meeting opened with a prayer for elders and Scripture readings from 1 Peter 5:1-3,1 Timothy 3:1-13, and Titus 1:5-9.
The minutes of the January 13th meeting were accepted as read.
The treasure’s report was read and approved.
Pastor’s report was presented. Pastor David traveled 296 miles this month. David also announced that he and Linda will be attending the Wee Kirk Conference in South Dakota on May 5-7, 2009. There will also be no worship service on Sunday during the Antique Walk. It was moved and 2nd to approve the report. Motion carried.
We received a request from First Presbyterian church in Neola, Iowa for the membership transfer for Joshua Abel. A motion was made to reinstate him to the active list and accept the transfer. Motion was 2nd and carried.
Next on the agenda were the appointments to session committees.

Committees will be as follows:

Stewardship & Mission-Darlene Stuart & Bonnie Holtz

Christian Education-Gloria Myers & Robin Tooley & Val Sievers

Worship-Linda Ploen & Bobbie McDermott

Finance & Property-Leo Rechtenbach, Jim McDermott, and Dennis Jensen.

Stewardship & Mission
We received a thank-you from the Wee Kirk Conference for our donation. A mission opportunity in Shell, Wyoming was discussed. Linda Ploen reported that Chuck had visited with several people in Shell concerning what is involved with this project. Perhaps this will be a good opportunity for the young girls of the church and anyone else wanting to help work on a historical church near Yellowstone Park. The session moved and 2nd the motion to allow this trip. Motion carried. The trip will probably be the first part of August. David received a letter from Betty Maassen requesting to be put on the inactive list. David also passed out to each member a list of our church families. He would like us all to help with visitations to these families.

Christian Education
The Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #5 will be April 16-19, 2009. There will be a Presbytery Education event called the “21st Century Reformation on March 21 at the Church of the Master in Omaha.

Worship
David reported that he had removed the privacy panel at the front of the church to make the space more open for worship.

Finance & Property
Jim McDermott will look into updating our sound system to include a cordless mike for David. We also discussed a spring cleaning date. The landscaping around the church needs to be cleaned up to make the church look more appealing. David also filed our Corporation Biennial Report. He will talk to Don Walter about continuing to be the registered agent. Dennis moved & Bonnie 2nd a motion to allow Leo to take care of the CD that is coming due. Motion carried.

Personnel
Carla Johnk is no longer able to sign for the Traveler’s Fund so Linda Krueger and Gail Muckey have both agreed to accept the responsibility. Jim moved and Leo 2nd the motion to allow them both to sign the signature card at the bank. Motion carried. David asked if there would be a couple of people to serve on the Community Assistance Program. The first meeting will be March 8 following the Lenten worship service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca. We were also asked to turn in our pastor evaluation sheets. David shared an elder evaluation with us asking for continued enthusiasm for this church.

New Business
The PW asked if the session would be willing to pay for half of three new roasters. A motion was made and 2nd to do so. Motion carried. David also asked for a date and time for training for the new elders. The final item for discussion was what we believe God wants to be this church’s focus this year. It was agreed that Christian education and working with and for the youth should be our focus. They are our future. We need to be inclusive not exclusive. David will speak with Regina Maas to see if she can come and talk to us about possible youth programs. Perhaps we can share with other churches.
The meeting was closed with prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

The next meeting will be March 10 at 7:00 pm.

Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session

February Gleaner 2009

THE GLEANER
First Presbyterian Church (USA)
Walnut, Iowa 51577
Volume 40 Number 2 February 2009



Pastor’s Notes
The old calendars have been taken off the wall and a new one for 2009 has been put up in their place. Already we’re ready to flip the page and begin the second month of the year.
Yesterday after worship and a great lunch of barbecued pork ribs we conducted our annual congregational meeting. According to those who took a count we had 28 members in attendance. Not bad considering the 4 inches of snow and the cold temperatures. We had 30 adults in worship by comparison.
The very last item that we talk about every year is goals for the new year. Last year we had 8 goals on our list. The were 1) a new front door leading into the church, 2) Children’s Bibles for Sunday school, 3) childcare in the basement during worship, 4) a guy to step up to help with youth to get more boys involved in the life of the church, 5) a mission trip involving the youth, 6) a vegetable garden to help out the Food Pantry, 7) a sidewalk to the street located between the two trees, and 8) get involved with “Adopting a Soldier.”
A good question is how well did the church do towards reaching these goals? Goal number 1-a new door wasn’t installed but the old one was scraped, primed, and painted and looks great. Goal number 2-new Children’s Bibles were purchased for the Sunday school class and are being used by the teachers and students. Goal number 3-there was some discussion on childcare during worship but there was no action taken. Goal number 4-Jim McDermott with help from a lot of others coordinated a fishing trip to northern Minnesota. Five boys went and before we left they were already planning for next year. Goal number 5-There was no action taken on this goal. Goal number 6-The church didn’t have a vegetable garden but some of our members contributed produce from their gardens to the Food Pantry. They were glad to receive it. Goal number 7-Somehow we didn’t get to the sidewalk. We’ll have to have the Finance & Property committee look into that for this year. Goal number 8-Robin did get us involved in the “Adopt a Soldier.” Letters were exchanged and personal items were collected for our soldiers.
As you can see some goals were met 100% and others were partially met and some didn’t get any attention.
This year we didn’t get as big a list. What was brought up was a program or small group that would involve the girls or young women in our church. Something that would help them understand where God needs them as servants for the church. The other goal mentioned was to continue pursuing mission trips and giving. We concluded the meeting by asking that all pray for God to show us where he is leading his church in Walnut.
As I mentioned during worship yesterday, I believe God has plans for this church. All of us need to spend time each day in prayer and reflection in order to hear God’s voice speak to us. We are God’s hands and feet and he calls us to be his servants to the world. How will they know if no one tells them? Who will tell them is no one is sent?
Friends, God has empowered each of us to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I am looking forward to working with everyone this year to accomplish that goal. Let’s spread the Message of the Good News throughout Walnut and beyond.
God’s grace and peace be with you all,
Pastor David


March Ushers and Communion Servers
Ushers: Brett & Bonnie Holtz, David & Mary Ellen Woltmann Communion Servers: Leo Rechtenbach-chm, David Woltmann, Mary Ellen Woltmann, Teri Abel

February ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.


Blogs of Interest
Pastor David has created two blogs you may find of interest on the internet:
http://www.1stpresbyterianwalnutia.blogspot.com/ (you will find the Gleaner here)
http://www.davids-patio.blogspot.com/ (you will find David’s sermons here)


Sympathy
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to grandparents Louie and Rosemary Pedersen and Great-
Grandmother Edna Kutnink on the tragic death of Logan Blum.

Our sympathy to Enola Pagliuso on the death of her brother and nephew.


Good Guys
The Good Guys of Avoca prepare Christmas boxes of food for in-need families. This year they
provided service to:

Avoca 39 boxes 148 people
Shelby 6 boxes 29 people
Hancock 18 boxes 40 people
Walnut 27 boxes 96 people

$3,300 Avoca Super Foods food bill
Hams and Turkeys donated by Oakland Foods
$62 for 300 chickens – Food Pantry


Food Pantry
Roberta at the Food Pantry provided us with this information:
2008 2007
Households served 149 144
Persons served 592 660
Gifts (items) 7,527 5,568
(cash) $1,871.08 $2,657.57

Pastor David makes trips to the food pantry most Mondays with our church’s contributions.


Thank-You
Thanks to many people for their work for the church:
All who contributed paper products (especially Bill and Marian League)
Enola Pagliuso for making religious wall hangings for the church
Chuck and Linda Ploen for offering communion to shut-ins
Don and JoJane Walter for contributing a beautiful table that Don rebuilt and refinished
Margo Matthies for helping Pastor David with the Angel Tree at the library
Carla Johnk for helping deliver Christmas baskets to members
Dennis & Connie Jensen, Gloria Myers and Pastor David for taking down Christmas decorations
Ben Krueger for repairing and rebuilding one of our Nativity stables
Pastor David for delivering Good Guys boxes
Jeff and Hunter Nielsen for scooping out the parking lot
Jo and Cody Cable for doing such a good job scooping out sidewalks
Mary Ellen and David Woltmann for taking care of the meat and pies for our Annual Meeting
Larry Shepherd and David Woltmann for delivering pork meals to our shut-ins
Charlotte Shepherd for helping David with the Annual Report

A Big Thanks!
A big thank-you to all who so generously donated to Operation Santa at the Open Door Mission!
We were thrilled by the amount of items brought in, and because of your generosity many children
and adults had a little brighter Christmas.
FYI: Our van was loaded! This is what you donated: 18 pairs of kid’s socks, 11 pairs of gloves,
2 scarves, 13 hats, 19 pair of adult socks, 1 t-shirt, 1 coat, 1 adult book, 2 brushes, 11 puzzles, 12
board games, 4 Barbie dolls, 3 baby dolls, 4 books, 10 fleecy throws, 3 sets of Play-Doh, 9 coloring
books, 6 boxes of crayons and makers, 4 toy trucks 3 toy tea sets and 6 misc. toys!!!!

Thanks so much!
Chuck and Linda Ploen



Lenten Services
Our Ash Wednesday Services will be at Peace United Church this year at 6:00 PM. As in the
past we will alternate Wednesday evening meals and services between the two churches.
Please try to join us for some good food, fellowship, and worship as we prepare for Christ’s
resurrection. This year we are again participating with Peace United in Walnut, Trinity Lutheran,
St. Mary’s, and United Church of Avoca in hosting Sunday evening Lenten worship and a meal.
These services begin at 5 PM.. Mark your calendars:

March 1, St Patrick’s (Walnut)
March 8, Trinity Lutheran (Avoca)
March 15, Peace United (Walnut)
March 22, United Church of Avoca
March 29, First Presbyterian Church (Walnut)

When winter weather threatens listen to KJAN AM, KSOM FM, or KNOD FM for Church
information.

Flowers for Pulpit
February-1 Michelle Mertz; 8 Charlotte Shepherd; 15 Charlotte Shepherd; 22 Alice Richter; March-1 Pam Nielsen; 8 Linda Sieck; 15 Gloria Myers; 22 Gloria Myers (Tina Gregory) 29 Phyllis Hansen

January Session Minutes
January 13, 2009
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on January 13, 2009 in the south Sunday School annex.
Those in attendance were Robin Tooley, Darlene Stuart, Gloria Myers, Leo Rechtenbach, Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott. Absent were Janet Grush and Valerie Sievers.
The meeting opened with prayer and a scripture reading from Ephesians 1:15-23. David’s reflection was entitled “ God’s Call for You”.
The minutes to the December 9th meeting were read and approved.
The Treasure’s report was accepted as read.
The pastor’s report was presented and approved. Pastor David traveled 568 miles this month.
The clerk’s report was given and approved. Linda read a letter about the Great Plains Wee Kirk Conference. It was moved and 2nd to donate $50 to the conference. Motion carried.
David then asked us to look back over the past year at our church’s accomplishments. Many things were listed. We were in agreement that our church has done many good things this year.

Stewardship & Mission
David has found a prospective mission opportunity in Shell, Wyoming helping to put an addition on a historic church. He will look into this. Lenten services will begin Ash Wednesday, February 25th at the Peace Church. We also ok’d Sunday night Lenten services with the Avoca churches again this year.

Christian Education
Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #5 will be April 16-19, 2009. Gloria sent a letter to Kelsi Helms for her scholarship application. Gloria also reported the Sunday School material has been ordered. There will be a Presbytery education event entitled “21st Century Reformation” on Saturday March 21 from 8-1. The fee is $15.

Worship
David showed us some beautiful banners made and donated by Enola. We need to decide on a place to hang them. It was also mentioned that we may have to modify our service to shorten the time so it doesn’t run into Sunday School time.

Finance and Property
We need to find someone for snow removal in the back of the church since Craig Woltmann is unable to do it at this time. Leo will talk to Jeff Nielsen to see if he is interested. We are also looking into the cost of a cordless mike for David. We will get prices.

Personnel
We need to recognize our retiring elders. Janet Grush will be the only one. David will get a pin.

New Business
1) There will be a Presbytery meeting at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Council Bluffs on January 24th from 9-12. Our church will be hosting the Presbytery meeting on May 19th from 5-7:30 p.m. Gloria was asked to give a brief talk on the history of our church. We also discussed a possible meal to be served. Perhaps the youth could be in charge.
2) We received a memorandum from Rev. Plank of Central Presbyterian Church on how struggling small churches could save money. Perhaps sharing with other churches.
3) We were then asked to think about what our mission focus should be for this year and what is God leading us to do?
4) The proposed elders for the class of 2011 are Robin Tooley, Bonnie Holtz, Dennis Jensen and Valerie Sievers. Bobbie McDermott will finish the term of Enola for the class of 2010. Ordination and installation of elders will be on February 8th. David gave everyone a sheet on the responsibilities of each session committee.

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

Our next meeting will be February 10th at 7:00 p.m.

Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session


ANNUAL CORPORATE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
January 25, 2009
The annual meeting of the First Presbyterian Church of Walnut, Iowa was held following a BBQ rib potluck dinner in the church basement.
The meeting began at 1:00 p.m. and was called to order by Moderator David Krueger, CLP. The meeting was opened with devotions and constituting prayer. There was quorum of members present.
Jim McDermott made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Barb Eslick. The minutes from the annual corporate congregational meeting on January 27, 2008 were approved as read.
The following reports were presented: Pastor’s Report, Session report, Christian Education, Finance and Property, Membership, Stewardship & Mission, Stewardship report, Worship Committee, Worship Attendance for 2008, Personnel Committee, Walnut Presbyterian Women, Choir, Gleaner, and Prayer Group. Dennis Jensen moved and Leo Rechtenbach 2nd the motion to accept these reports. Motion carried.
The Financial Secretary’s report was then read. Linda Krueger moved and Mary Ellen Woltmann 2nd the motion to accept this report. Motion carried. The treasurer’s report was then reviewed and discussed. Larry Shepherd moved and Dennis Jensen 2nd the motion to accept the report as read. Motion carried. Dennis Jensen moved and Dixie Schirm 2nd the motion to accept the Memorial Fund report, Youth Fund report and the Audit. Motion carried.
The congregational meeting was closed and the corporate meeting was called to order. Jim McDermott nominated the following people as elders to serve on the session. Those presented were Robin Tooley, Bonnie Holtz, Dennis Jensen, Valerie Sievers and Bobbie McDermott to complete the unfinished term of Enola Pagliuso. Barb Eslick moved nominations cease and a unanimous ballot cast. Larry Shepherd 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
Gloria Myers, retiring 2009 elder, was nominated as the elder to serve on the nominating committee along with Linda Krueger and Larry Shepherd from the congregation for 2009. Chuck Ploen moved nominations cease and a unanimous ballot cast. Darlene Stuart 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
The church budget for 2009 was then reviewed. The total proposed budget for 2009 is $75,406.18 as opposed to last year’s total of $69,941.14. Jim McDemott mentioned that we still need to keep giving even though it seems we have plenty of funds. $400,000 will go quickly at $75,000 a year. We also discussed endowments to the church. George Mertz moved and Al Schirm 2nd the motion to accept the proposed budget for 2009. Motion carried.
Our moderator then spoke to us on our goals for the church. He spoke of change and what God has planned for our church. He also thanked our great Christian Education people. We now have 13-15 children in Sunday School thanks to Robin, Teresa, Bailey and Val. They need a pat on the back! David also showed us some of the accomplishments of the church as compiled by the session. Jim McDermott mentioned that we need to help the girls in our church to see where God wants them as service to the church. The boys have the fishing trip-what can the girls do? Jeanette Rechtenbach thanked David for all he has done for the church, and Chuck Ploen commented that he liked the new things David was doing during worship service. Chuck also asked that we continue to pursue our mission trips and giving. David asked that we pray for where God is leading us as a church. It was also announced the Presbytery meeting will be at our church on May 19th.
The meeting was closed with prayer.
Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session

January Gleaner 2009

THE GLEANER
First Presbyterian Church (USA) Walnut, Iowa 51577
Volume 40 Number 1 January 2009


PASTOR'S NOTES
Yesterday the Sunday school children presented their Christmas program during our time for worship. There were 21 children who had parts in the program ranging in age from 4 to 17 years old. We all hear the laments about how the church is shrinking but yesterday we got a glimpse of the future of the church.
If you were there or if you could have been there you would have noticed the enthusiasm with which these children sang their songs of praise and recited their parts. What a joyous celebration it was as we were all reminded of the birth of the Christ child.
I wish we could bottle some of that joy and enthusiasm so that a little bit could be released every day in this next year as we go about the work God has for us. Some days I find that I’m a little deficient. No human being has been able to develop anything that enables us to be filled with energy and enthusiasm as we go about our daily activities. Oh, what would it be like to be young again! Well, maybe not quite that young, but you know what I mean.
This year has just sped by. I find that it’s been hard for me to keep up with everything God has put before me. This Advent season and the cold and snow have all made me realize how we all need to slow down. Too many of us are speeding around in the busyness of the season. We aren’t allowing ourselves a chance to enjoy God’s creation as it rests and builds its reserves for the coming spring.
Just as the soil needs a rest so do our souls. As you wait, watch, prepare, and give praise to the One who is coming again, don’t neglect your soul. Give it time to rest and build the reserves it needs for the coming year of the Lord’s work. Perhaps if we care for our souls as much as we care for our possessions we will be filled with the exuberant joy and enthusiasm we witnessed yesterday.
One year ago on this page I spoke of how important Christian Education was for our young members, and those others who aren’t so young anymore. Nothing has changed. God has given all of us the responsibility to guide and nurture his children.
I have been reading the book about Mother Teresa’s life. One of the things that have stayed with me is how she dedicated her whole life to doing whatever God asked of her. This morning I read how she resolved to give God a ‘hearty “Yes” and a big “Smile” to all.’ What a different world this would be if we could all resolve to do the same thing.
Yesterday the burdens on my heart were lighter because of the joy and enthusiasm of our younger members. I pray that you burdens will be lighter also as you prepare for the coming new year.
May your lives be filled with the joy and peace of Jesus as you share his gifts of love and light with those around you.
Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year to each of you,
Pastor David


ANNUAL CORPORATE MEETING
Our Annual Corporate meeting for the First Presbyterian Church of Walnut will be Sunday January 25th. We will have Sunday School at 9:15 A.M. and Worship at 10:30A.M. Then we will have our famous Pork Rib BBQ dinner, with our annual meeting following that. Come one, come All. Bring a covered dish or dessert.

Please have your annual reports in by January 14th for printing.


YOUTH HAPPENINGS
To buy raffle quilt tickets see a youth member, Pastor David or Jim McDermott. Jim
displayed the quilt at the AmVets during the Christmas Walk and sold a number of tickets

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations go out to Leo and Jeanette Rechtenbach’s granddaughter Anna from Dubuque. Her drum and bugle corps was chosen to be in the Inaugural Parade, in Washington, D.C. Anna was interviewed by NBC for the NBC news.

Thank-you
Thanks go out to many people for their work for the church:
Leo Rechtenbach – lights and pane for our sign, repainting letter holder
Dixie Schirm – prayer shawl
Gloria Myers – setting up Christmas trees, Nativity Scene downstairs, and greenery on windowsills
Jim McDermott & Chuck Ploen for moving a refrigerator downstairs
Pastor David – Sanding entry door, pulpit and communion tablecloths,
cleaning and polishing the brass on the pulpit.
Everyone who brought food for the food pantry. Pastor David said our pies didn’t even make it to their freezer, people were taking them as he brought them in.
Everyone who brought gifts for Chuck and Linda to take to Operation Santa – the boxes were overflowing with all kinds of toys etc.
Troy & Diane Schaben for the delicious cake and coffee following Mason’s baptism.
Charlotte Shepherd for all her work in the kitchen (and everywhere else!)
Leo and Jeanette Rechtenbach for bagging the candy for Christmas
Larry Schepherd for scraping and painting our front door
Dennis and Connie Jensen for setting up the Nativity Scene outside.
Linda Ploen for calling people for the Church directory
Don and JoJane Walter for providing us all with squash from their garden
Pastor David and Linda would like to thank everyone for the Christmas cards and gifts they received. We have much to be thankful for.

Church Bazaar
Audrey Carroll was the lucky winner of the beautiful afghan made and donated by Dixie Schirm.

PLEASE PICK UP ANY BOWLS, PANS, ETC. LEFT FROM THE CHURCH SUPPER


February-USHERS & COMMUNION SERVERS
Ushers: Charles & Gloria Walter and Greg & Michelle Mertz

Communion Servers: Jim McDermott chm., Greg & Michelle Mertz and Charles Walter

January ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.


Flowers for January and February
January 4 – JoJane Walter
11 – Margo Matthies
18 – Willa Petersen
25 – Linda Krueger
February 1 – Michelle Mertz
8 – Charlotte Shepherd
15 – Gloria Myers
22 – Tina Gregory


Sunday School Christmas Program
Wow! Wow! Wow! We laughed, we cried, we cheered! What a wonderful program the children of the church put on for us. How they pull it off every year I will never know. Many thanks go out to Robin Tooley and Teresa Griffith for all their creativity and hard work. They were helped by Bailey Nielsen and Valerie Sievers.

Poinsettias
Poinsettias have been placed in the sanctuary in memory of family and friends who have passed on, those who have brought memorials are:

v Presbyterian Women in memory of family and friends of the church
v Chuck & Linda Ploen in memory of Marge Ploen & Melissa Manhart
v Barb Eslick in memory of Bill Eslick
v The children of John & Twyla Bero in their memory
v Jean Schmitt in memory of Herb Mertz
v Betty Sunderman and Steve & Michelle Sunderman in memory of Darrell & Sam Sunderman and Joe & Dorothy Beckendorf
v Ross & Jean Bornholdt in memory of Laurie Bornholdt
v Basket of greenery on piano in memory of Jean and Louis Myers given by Gloria Myers, Ed Myers and Katie Myers, Tina, Ross, and Xavier Gregory.


Per Capita
Every Presbyterian (USA) church is required to send a per capita payment to the Missouri River Valley Presbytery. This is based on the membership of the church. Our per capita apportionment for this year is $26.94 per member. We are asking each member to pay their own per capita beyond what you have pledged if you are able. Whatever you give helps our church stay within the budget.


Gifts For The Church
We always like to encourage everyone to bring something that the church can use to our Annual meeting on Jan. 25th. This can be supplies for the office, like copy paper, stamps, paper products for the bathrooms, kitchen/bath cleaning supplies, Kleenex or anything else you might think would be useful

December Session Minutes

December 9, 2008
The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on December 9, 2008 in the church basement.
Those in attendance were Leo Rechtenbach, Darlene Stuart, Jim McDermott, Linda Ploen and Gloria Myers. Those absent were Robin Tooley, Valerie Sievers, and Janet Grush.
The meeting was opened with prayer and a scripture reading from Isaiah 40:1-3. David then presented an interactive reflection on advent called “Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem.”
The minutes of the November 18, 2008 meeting were read and approved after a correction. Our mission pledge was $1200 not $122.
The treasures’ report was accepted as read.
The pastor’s report was presented & approved. Pastor David traveled 568 miles this month.
The clerk’s report was given and approved. Pastor David performed the wedding of James Chelf and Nineen Freeman on November 22, 2008. We had the baptism of Mason Charles Schaben on November 30, 2008. He is the son of Troy and Diana Schaben. Godparents were Lenny and Rachel Becerra. Mason was presented by elder Robin Tooley. Linda then read a letter reporting the figures for our per capita apportionment. Our per person per capita cost is $26.94. It was moved and seconded to pay our total per capita of $3,852.42. Motion carried.
Stewardship and Mission
Our General Mission pledge report for 2009 needs to be completed and sent in.
Christian Education
David reminded us of the Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #5 on April 16-19, 2009. The Thoughtful Christian.com - 1st annual subscription of $250 has been paid. Gloria will send a letter to Kelsey Helms for her scholarship application. David announced that the Sunday School Christmas program will be on December 21st during worship. The Sunday School would like to donate the hooded sweatshirts purchased for the program to the Salvation Army or the Open Door Mission. There was a unanimous vote to do so.
Worship
The Christmas Eve candlelight is scheduled for 10 p.m. David checked with Faith Sound, but they are already booked for 2009. He will check and get us scheduled for 2010. We need to put together the usher and communion server list for 2010.
Finance and Property
Linda once again reported that we did not get enough people signed up for pictures for our church directory, so it was voted to cancel at this time. There was also some discussion on the youth fishing trip. It was also voted to take Shelly Thompson off the youth account at the bank and put Jim or Bobbie McDermott on that account. They will need to sign a signature card at the bank.
Personnel
Christmas gifts for church personnel were discussed. Gifts will be as follows: $25 for teachers, custodian, financial secretary, treasurer, clerk and secretary, $50 for pianist and choir director, and $250 for pastor. Leo will get fruit and candy for Christmas baskets to deliver to shut-ins and also for Sunday School children. Gloria will get bags. Leo volunteered to assemble the bags. Bobbie McDermott has agreed to finish out Enola’s term on session.
New Business
David reported on the Angel Tree at the Walnut Library. It was moved and seconded to purchase gift wrap to wrap the Angel Tree gifts. Motion carried. It was also moved and seconded to confirm the date of January 25th, 2009 as our annual meeting. Motion carried. David has asked permission to perform the wedding of Lori Sievers and John Baldwin in Johnston, Iowa on January 10th, 2009. It was moved and seconded to allow him to do so. Motion carried. Our church will be hosting a Hospice Training on January 12, 2009 from 10-2. Good Guys will be delivering boxes on December 20th. David also reported that hospice had a request for Marian League. She would love to come to church, but needs to have someone come get her. Judy Ferguson would also like a ride. Perhaps someone could volunteer to bring them.
The meeting was closed with prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

Our next meeting will be January 13, 2009 at 7:00.

Linda Ploen
Clerk of Session

Quilt for the Youth

This is a picture of the quilt being raffled at the Antique Walk on this coming Father's Day weekend. The money raised is going to be used to help defray the costs for the younger members going to camp and to Minnesota.

Our thanks go to Linda K. for donating her time, talents, and materials for this project.