June Gleaner 2013

Pastor’s Notes

            What do we do with our time, the time we're allotted by God, what do we do with it? Do we make wise use of our time? How would God like us to use the time he's given us?

            I'm thinking about time today because in the seasons of the church year we're now moving into Ordinary time. We've been on Easter time, then Pentecost, and we've just, today, celebrated the Trinity. So now we're in Ordinary time, the time to count the Sundays' between Easter and Advent.

            Our lives revolve around time, the minutes in a day, the days in a week, the weeks in a month, and the months in a year. Time passes by so quickly anymore, at least for me, that I often look at the calendar and wonder, “How'd that happen?” And I wonder did I use the time that passed wisely?

            I'd like to tell you I did but I have indulged in a few games of Words with Friends, Bejeweled Blitz and such. And I've caught myself going down the rabbit hole via some other link I ran across while Googling something else.

            There are times that I forget what day it is and sometimes a day sneaks up on me and I realize I have a worship service to write or a wedding the next day or a funeral service that needs to written for Friday. Then I pray that God will help me complete this work that has sneaked up on me faster than I anticipated. God has never failed me and I don't think he ever will even though I've failed him more times than I can count.

            That's why I'm wondering about the use of time. What would God have us do with our time? How can we know, where do we go to discover how we should use our time?

            If I have to find a repair part for anything the first place I go is to Google, some may go to Bing or Yahoo, but I've grown fond of Google for searching. That might be a good place to begin but a better place to search would be in God's word, the Bible.

            But where to begin looking? What would be a key word to help begin the search? I would go the concordance in the back of my trustworthy study Bible and look up “time.”

            Psalm 31 was the first reference I found about “time.”  This chapter reminds us that our lives require complete commitment to God. The psalmist wrote, “But I trust you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands;” Our time is in God's control. So, it's probably best that we not waste one second of our time.

            Paul, in his letter to the Romans in chapter 13 said that the commandments all revolve around one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” And then he added ...”And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Again there is a sense of urgency to not waste our time.

            In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians in chapter 7 he reminds them “…brothers, the time is short....For the world in its present form is passing away.” Again there's that sense of urgency. Don't waste your time with frivolous things.

            So, are we using our time wisely? How are we to use our time? My understanding of what I read in the Bible is that we should give our all to God. He should get our undivided devotion. He should have all of our mind, body, and spirit. All of our time should be devoted to God, loving him and loving our neighbors.

            I've not been doing to good at that. I'm wasting too much time on frivolous things. What about you? How have you been spending your time? Are you struggling too?

            What should we, you and I, do? Maybe we could help each other by holding each other accountable, by praying for each other, by coming together and studying God's word for us. Maybe together we could do a better job of using the “time” God has given us.

            There are 86,400 seconds in every day. How many are going to devote to loving our neighbors and God?

            Friends, if you're looking for someone to walk with you come and worship with us at First Presbyterian Church, Walnut, IA.

            God's grace, love, and peace be with you all,

            Pastor David

           

 IN MEMORY

Victor Nielsen

February 25, 1922-April 25, 2013

 In the Nielsen family there’s always been one constant.  With the strength of a warrior and the grace of a prince, Victor Raymond Nielsen was there.  He was a man who could lug a load of lumber into the garage then create an intricate needlepoint with precision.  He was strong, steady, compassionate.  He was a gentleman.

Victor died Thursday, April 25.  He was 91.

Victor Raymond Nielsen was born Feb. 25, 1922 in Avoca, Iowa.  Except for six months and a few years while in the Army, Victor lived his entire life in one county.  But his life was bigger than the boundaries of Pott. Co.

From the rolling plains of Iowa, Victor and his wife Edna (Pash) raised a family that now reaches the world over and measures three daughters, two sons, 16 grandchildren 28 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Victor grew up the youngest of four children to Harold P and Martha Plautz Nielsen.  They lived on the family farm in Avoca.  When not working, Victor fondly remembered ice skating on the Nishna Botna River and sleigh riding as a child.  He helped out on the farm until he was 16 and moved to Treynor, where he found work as a farmhand and a truck driver.  In August 1942 he met Edna Pash at a friend’s chivaree.  By October of that year they were engaged.  But, before they could get married, Victor was inducted into the Army in December 1942.  He trained at Camp Young in the desert of Indio, CA, then moved out to Brisbane, Australia on Oct. 26, 1943.  From there, he was shipped to the Southwest Pacific and didn’t see a town for two years.  He was a private first class in the 397^th quartermaster gasoline supply company.  After the war ended he returned to the U. S. on Jan. 6, 1946, and married Edna on Jan. 25, 1946.

He and Edna started farming in Carson, Iowa, then Macedonia, where they lived for 10 years.  The couple then moved to Walnut in 1958; there Victor sold cars for seven years and then drove and sold petroleum for Farm Service Coop for the next 20.

In retirement, Victor and his wife collected and sold antiques and traveled in their fifth wheel trailer.  He was active at First Presbyterian Church in Walnut, the American Legion and AMVETs, working many years for the group’s annual antique walk in Walnut.

Victor is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Edna, sisters Evelyn, Nadine, and Sharon; brothers Harold and Orval and one great grandchild, Xander Taylor.  He is survived by daughters, Rogene and husband Daniel Terrian of Ottumwa, Iowa; Vicki and husband Roger Aughe of Council Bluffs; Doreen Dee and husband Dennis Taylor of Waxahachie, Texas; sons, Bernie and wife Cindy Nielsen of Trinity, Fla.; and Jay and wife Karen Nielsen of Allison, Iowa, brothers Donald, Douglas, and Maurice and sister Joyce; 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

       

In Memory

Gloria J. Myers

Feb. 14, 1949-May 12, 2013

Gloria Jean Myers was born on February 14, 1949, to Louis and Jean (Horacek) Myers in Atlantic, Iowa.  She attended school in Walnut and graduated with the Class of ’67 from Walnut High School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from the Universit of Northern Iowa and taught for one year in Council Bluffs.

She returned to Walnut to continue her teaching career and spend thirty-five years teaching special education to kids from Kindergarten through their senior years of high school.  During this time, she furthered her own education and received a Masters degree.  She would often tutor children after school hours.  She was a life-long resident of Walnut.

Gloria was a beloved daughter and devoted her time to caring for her parents when they needed her.  She was also a beloved aunt and great-aunt.  She also filled the role of mother to her niece.

After her retirement, Gloria traveled extensively.  She enjoyed trips to several states including Florida and Alaska and also ventured to Canada.  If Gloria didn’t have a friend when she went somewhere, she did when she left.

Gloria died at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska on Sunday, May 12, 2013 having attained the age of sixty-four years, two months, and twenty-eight days.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her brother Ed Myers of Broomfield, CO; niece Tina and her husband Ross Gregory of Brighton, CO and Katie Lynne Myers of Northglenn, CO; and grand-nephew Xavier Gregory of Brighton; cousins; other family members and many friends.

Don’t fill your life with days.  Fill your day with LIFE.

Congratulations

    Jane Whitmore, daughter of Don and JoJane Walter, received her Ph.D. in Political

Science from the Department of Politics and International Affairs, College of Science

and Behavioral Sciences at Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, AZ.

     Her disciplines include public policy (with emphasis on natural resource policy) and

public administration.

     The title of her dissertation was:  The Case of the Yavapai County, Arizona Water Conflict:  A Power and Politics Analysis.

Congratulations to Val Sievers for making it on the Dean’s List with a 4.0 GPA.  Val is a senior at Peru State.

Congratulations to Lauren Sievers for being Valedictorian and Courtlyn Griffith for being

Salutatorian for their graduating class at Walnut High School.  Lauren was also named to the Rolling Hills Conference Academic Team and was nominated for the Omaha World Herald All Western Academic Team.  Placed on the honor roll were:  Sarah Ehlers, Lauren Sievers, Ben Ehlers, Ethan Sievers, Tori Sievers, Jolene Jensen, Alyssa Becerra, and Chris Guthery.

What should not be heard by little ears should not be said by big mouths.

Presbyterian Women

The Annual Spring Brunch with Neola Presbyterian Church will be Wednesday, June 5^th.  The program will be “A Tour Through Jordan”.

RSVP to Charlotte Shepherd by June 2^nd.

                                                 Man Advice

When a woman says “Just do what you want.”

Do NOT under any circumstances do what you want.

                                            Food Pantry

The Food Pantry’s needs for June are: pork & beans, catsup (small), mustard (small),

Kool-Aid (not envelopes), cookies, paper plates and napkins.    

Don’t let someone dim your light, simply because it’s shining in their eyes.

Thank You

Thank-you to Robin Heilig and all the Sunday School for the Mother’s Day program.

Thank-you to Kathy Hansen for organizing the farm tours for the visitors from Nicaragua.

Thank-you to all who helped at the funerals in May.

I’m always disappointed when a liar’s pants don’t actually catch on fire.

      July Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Jack & Judy Ploen ,  Barb Eslick   

Communion Servers: Kathy Hansen -chm, Mary Ellen Woltmann, Jack Ploen, Linda Ploen.  June ushers and communion servers are at bottom of calendar.

I could keep my kitchen clean if people would just quit eating here.

                                           Flowers for Pulpit

                                                            June 2 -------JoJane Walter

                                                June 9--------Robin Heilig

                                                June 16------Antique Walk

                                                June 23------Nancy Ross-Hullinger

                                                June 30------Volunteer

                      

Never Sing In The Shower!

Singing leads to dancing,

Dancing leads to slipping,

Slipping leads to paramedics seeing you naked,

So remember – Don’t Sing!

                                                                                    

Upcoming Events

Bible School---Peace UCC/First Presbyterian Vacation Bible School will be at Peace Church this year.  No date has been set yet.  Watch the newspaper or Church Announcements for information.                           

I wish the dollar store sold gas.

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.  Most people have been contacted but I was not able to get a hold of everyone.  Contributions to help pay for the meat will be much appreciated.   We also need help slicing buns Thursday afternoon at 1:00.

The church has several knives but you may want to bring your own.  The first workers of the day need to come a little early to set up and the last workers need to get everything into the church.

Session Minutes

May 14, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on May 14, 2013 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex. Session members present were: Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Cathy Shutters and Jim Tooley. Absent were: Jack Ploen, Michelle, Greg and Mike Mertz, Kathy Hansen, and Allan Sievers. Also present was Mary Ellen Woltmann to report her plans for the Antique Walk.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and reflection from Genesis 1:1-2:3 entitled “God’s Story of Creative Purpose”. We discussed looking for the good things in this world and in our lives.

Mary Ellen then gave her report on the Antique Walk. Sandwiches will remain at $6 and will be served on hamburger buns instead of hoagie buns this year. We will have 8 hogs and more pies were purchased this year. Our license has been purchased. She also reported that a college bus tour will be coming on Friday of the Walk. We will be feeding them in our church basement. There should be 60-65 people and we will be charging $10 per person for a sandwich, chips, pie and a drink. Permission was given to do so. Mary Ellen will call them back to ok this.

The minutes of the April meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was approved as given.

The pastor’s report was approved as written. David traveled a total of 309 miles in April. David also asked for permission to perform the weddings of Todd Bauerkemper on July 20^th at the Marvin Schroder farm, and Pasaoa and Smith in Omaha on May 26^th. Permission was so given.

There was no Clerk’s report. David officiated at the memorial service for Victor Nielsen on May 3, 2013 at our church with the internment of Victor and Edna Nielsen’s ashes at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa. Victor died on April 25, 2013 at Risen Son Christian Village in Council Bluffs, Iowa. David also officiated at a graveside service for Janice Whelan at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa on May 13, 2013.

Stewardship and Mission

Kathy Hansen reported that she had delivered “Welcome Baskets” to: Robert Kreeger, Trent Suhr &Samantha Schmidt, Molly Schuetz, and Amy Krueger. Robin Heilig will make and give framed “Footprints in the Sand” poems to all the graduating seniors: Lauren Sievers, Jessica Helms, Courtlyn Griffith, Christopher Guthery and Kristen Hoffman. Terri Abel will take care of our scholarship fund now. A “Welcome to the Church” gift was also given to Eldon Ranney. “The Great Truck Haul” mission project of hygiene kits and clean up buckets are to be dropped off at Church of the Cross in Omaha on June 5-7. Donated items for the soldiers will be mailed this week. A thank you card was sent to Dr. Kriefels for his donation of toothpaste, floss, etc. Leslie Clay and Carl Agsten (PCUSA mission co-workers with CEPAD in Manugua, Nicaragua) were hare on May 13^th. They visited the farms of Neal and Pam Schirm and Jeff and Kathy Hansen. They then had lunch at Emma Jean’s Restaurant.

Christian Education

Cathy Shutters stated that planning for Vacation Bible School needs to get started. It will be at Peace Church this year. Robin is also thinking about having youth group meet twice a month. Jim M. stated that money for the fishing retreat is coming in.

Worship

Our contemporary Saturday night service will be on May 25^th at 5:30 with the youth sponsored “Silly Supper” to follow. The choir is also singing. Connie will be playing on Saturday night so she won’t be playing on Sunday morning.

Finance and Property

Jim M. reported that the adhoc committee has met and will be meeting again soon. So far we have two bids for new heating and air. Jim M. also reported that the tree out back is dead and needs to be removed. Linda Ploen stated that the urns out front have been planted in memory of Margie Ploen.

New Business

We received a thank you from Presbyterian Mission for our donation.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Date for the next meeting is June 11, 2013 at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen - Clerk of Session

June 2013

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Communion Service Church 9 AM Peace Haven 11:00	Michael Mertz	Donelle Green	Salem Lutheran Home 9 AM Neola  PW Spring Brunch Choir Practice 7:15			Mary Ellen Woltmann Michael Woltmann
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Church 9 AM		Allen House 11 AM Session 7 PM Chris Krueger		Set up Food Stand (App. 3:30) Linda Nash	ANTIQUE WALK	ANTIQUE WALK Bonnie Holtz
16 FATHER’S DAY	17	18	19	20	21	22
ANTIQUE WALK Take down stand (3:30)	Hugh Griffith	Amy Krueger	Ben Ehlers	Peace Haven 7 PM David Thompson		Megan Ehlers
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
Church 9 AM ________________                               30 Church 9 AM Dorothy Griffith Memorial Service 10:30		Avoca Nursing & Rehab Service 2 PM PMRV COM mtg. 4:30 PM-New Horizon P.C. Brian Walter Don/JoJane Walter	Shane/Tara Lohoff Vincent/Phyllis Hansen	Ian Griffith		Brian Anderson 5:30 Worship

June Ushers:  Steve & Michelle Sunderman, Betty Sunderman 

Communion Servers:  Jim Tooley-chm., Betty Sunderman, Barb Eslick & Dennis Jensen

May Gleaner 2013

Pastor's Notes

I guess you could say that we’re in the middle of the Easter season since this coming Sunday is the 5th Sunday of Easter and Pentecost is going to be celebrated and remembered May 19th. It’s spring but it doesn't feel like it today.  I know it is because last week was Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage #13 at Calvin Crest Retreat Center in Fremont, NE...and it hailed, then it snowed. It really is springtime in the Missouri River Valley.

            So, I’ve just returned from pilgrimage and again God’s grace and love was evident as sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ greeted each other with hugs and slaps on the back, new friends were made, some delicious meals were devoured in the camp dining hall (Connie and her gang are marvelous chefs), and worship and communion happened everyday. And some very great speakers shared God’s word and stories of how He has made a difference in how they live their lives today. We heard 13 or 14 talks over the 3 days of pilgrimage. We do have to take notes so we can remember all that was shared...at least I do.

            Why am I telling you this? Well, to be honest sometimes I don’t feel God’s presence or his joy in my work days...but then I go to pilgrimage and He’s just there. It’s hard to explain but He really is there in the faces and the hearts of everyone, the team, the guests, the Calvin Crest staff, even Bob’s dog is filled with the Spirit. Don’t believe me, then come see me, get an application and go as my guest. I’d be glad to sponsor you. One caveat though, you might come home weighing more than when you first arrived. The food is that good. There are calories in that Spirit-filled food. What can I say.

            With that being said Pentecost is just around the corner. I invite you all to come to worship wearing red that Sunday as we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We talk about God’s grace as a gift and sometimes forget that Jesus told the disciples God would be sending them...and us, an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to interpret the Word and remind us of all He said. We forget that when we’re struggling to understand what we’ve read in God’s word. The Spirit is right there to help us understand. The Spirit is right beside us, within us, within our friends, even within your pastor, even when he can’t feel his Presence, the Spirit’s there. In fact the Spirit helps in the composition of these notes.

I can’t explain how it all happens other than to tell you what Jesus said. He said he was sending His Spirit; I believe His word. And I’ve seen evidence of His Presence at pilgrimage.

My hope and prayer is that more folks want to experience the joy of being filled with the Spirit and will come and see and be blessed with God’s grace either here or at pilgrimage.

As we tell each other at pilgrimage, “God loves you my sisters and brothers, and so do I.” God’s grace and peace be with you today and always.

Pastor David

           

           

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women will honor our 2013 high school seniors; Jessica Helms, Lauren Sievers, Courtland Griffith and Chris Guthery on Wednesday, May 1^nd in the church dining room at 4:00.  All Presbyterian women are welcome to attend as is anyone from our church family who might be interested.  Please rsvp if you plan to attend.

I didn’t make it to the gym today.  That makes 63 years in a row.

Guest Day/Mother’s Day Breakfast

Wednesday, May 1^st, from 8:30-10:00 AM, Peace United Church is hosting a May Day Breakfast.

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things:  a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights”

Maya Angelou

                 

GRADUATION – Walnut High School Graduation will be Sunday, May 19 at 2:00.

Jessica Helms would like to invite everyone to her celebration at The American Legion Hall at 4:00 that day.

An old man told his grandson, “You know, back in the old days, you could go to the store with a dollar

and get a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs and a watermelon.  You can’t do that today.  There’s just way

too many surveillance cameras.”

Thank-you

Thank-you to Kathy Hansen for decorating the church basement for our Easter Brunch and  providing all the prizes for children and adults.  Also, thank-you to Kathy for the Earth Day gifts.

BIG thank-you to Jim McDermott and Greg Mertz  for leading worship and giving the message while Pastor David was gone on Pilgrimage.

CHURCH

Imperfect people,

Forming an imperfect family,

Serving a perfect

GOD

Antique Walk Food Stand

June 14^th-16th will be the Antique Walk.  The work schedule will be in the June Gleaner. 

Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up.

June Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers:  Steve & Michelle Sunderman, Betty Sunderman

Communion Servers: Jim Tooley-chm, Betty Sunderman, Barb Eslick & Dennis Jensen

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.  Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.

                                                Flowers for May

                                      May 5------------Linda Ploen

                                      May 12---------- Linda Ploen

                                      May 19---------- Barb Eslick

                                      May 26-----------Barb Eslick

          Piglet:  “How do you spell love?”

          Pooh:  “You don’t spell it, you feel it.”

Session Minutes

  April 9, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on April 9, 2013 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex.  Session members present were: Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Kathy Hansen, Cathy Shutters, Greg Mertz and Jim Tooley.  Absent were: Jack Ploen, Allan Sievers, Michelle and Mike Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and reflection from John 15:1-8.  The lesson was entitled Resting In and Trusting Jesus.  We also watched a short video to reflect on.  We need to remember how much Jesus loves us!

The minutes of the March meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report for February and March was approved as given.

The pastor’s report was approved as given.  David traveled 28 miles this month.  David asked for permission to perform the wedding for Dana Blum on June 1, 2013 and the wedding of Amy Sandbothe and Josh Thomas on September 21^st at our church.  Permission was so given.  Permission was also given to accept Eldon Ranney as a member of our congregation through reaffirmation of faith.  His original membership was with First Presbyterian Church of Red Oak, Iowa.

Stewardship and Mission

Kathy Hansen reported on several mission opportunities for our church.  “Help A Hero” provides tooth brushes, toothpaste, powdered drinks etc. for our servicemen.  “The Great Truck Haul” provides hygiene kits and clean up buckets for disaster aid through the Presbytery.  We also have the opportunity to have missionaries from Nicaragua come and speak to us between May 10-19.  David will look into this.

Christian Education

Sunday School is going well.  They are using the curriculum “Holy Moly” and continue to use the video equipment.

Worship

We will have elder training after worship on Sunday.  The Sunday School will be hosting a “Silly Supper” after the Saturday Contemporary service on April 27^th at 5:30.  It’s open to everyone and should be a fun evening.

Finance and Property

Jim M. read reports from Edward Jones and DuPaco.  We also discussed the adhoc committee that will be meeting soon to discuss our financial investments and building repair priorities.  David reported that he filed our corporate biennial report.  Jim Tooley is the contact person for the Corporate Board.

New Business

PMRV presbytery meeting will be April 27, 11-3 at Red Oak First Presbyterian Church.

The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer.

The next meeting will be May 14, 2013 at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

	~ May 2013 ~
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1 May Breakfast Peace Haven 8:30-10 Pres. Women 2:00 Choir 7:00	2 Jason Ploen	3	4
5 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday School 11:00 Peace Haven Sam Shirley Brandi Wittrock Nora Andersen	6	7	8 Salem Lutheran 9:00 AM Courtney Griffith	9 Erin Shannon	10	11 Gene Eblen Fundraiser 5:00
12 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday School MOTHER’S DAY	13	14 Daniel Nelson Lectures 9:30 AM Allen House 11:00 Session 7:00 Mike Shutters Darren Tooley Jared Ploen	15	16 Evening worship at Peace Haven, 7 PM	17 Charles Walter	18 Brian/Megan Anderson
19 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday School High School GRADUATION	20 Linda Woltmann	21 Golden Oldies	22 Evalyn Popp	23 Jason/Shannnon Wood	24	25 5:30 Worship Silly Supper following Karley Helms
26 9:00 Worship 10:15 Sunday School	27 MEMORIAL DAY Linda Ploen Todd/Darla Ehlers	28 Avoca Nursing 2:00	29 Connie Jensen Dalton Green	30 Red Cross bloodmobile here 11:30 AM-5:30 PM	31

May Ushers – Chuck & Linda Ploen, George Mertz & Alice Richter

May Communion Servers – Linda Ploen – chm, Chuck Ploen, Kathy Hansen, George Mertz