September Gleaner 2013

Pastor’s Notes

      Who am I? Through the church season, until October 6^th, in worship we will be asking that question and exploring who we believe we are. What do we think about ourselves…our faith…our relationship with God?

     What we believe is reflected in how we live. You and I have experienced our children saying inappropriate things at the most inopportune times. We ask ourselves, “Where and how did they learn these words?” Often, if we’re honest with ourselves, they are copying what they see us doing and saying. They are living mirrors of how we are living our lives. Sometimes, that can be embarrassing and other times our chests swell with pride.

     So, for the next six Sundays, if you would like to read ahead, the lessons with be centered on the gospel lessons from Luke 14-Luke 17:10. Luke 14 begins with Jesus attending a banquet at a Pharisee’s house. He continues with Jesus teaching his disciples and the crowds that surround him through many different parables.

     Each story Jesus told was intended to get them, and us, to look in the mirror and see ourselves as others see us. 

     Some mornings when I look in the mirror I wonder how in the world my hair could have gotten so twisted and snarled. I never remember tossing and turning enough to cause such a mess. But with a little water and a comb and brush the mess is transformed and made more presentable for my love and the rest of the world. And that’s just what I see on the outside…

     It’s probably a good thing there aren’t mirrors that let us see what our souls are like. I can’t imagine a comb or brush or a little water being enough to straighten all the tangles and snarls on the inside.

     For the next six Sundays we will be listening to God’s word for us, Jesus’ parables about serving the lost, inviting those who don’t have the means to repay to the banquet God has prepared for all his children.

     Come and join us as we hear again Jesus’ parables and learn how to love and serve and be served by our gracious God.

        Yours in Christ,

        Pastor David

SYMPATHY

Louis Edwin “Ed” Myers, Jr. died at his home on Sunday, June 30, 2013 having attained the age of sixty-two years, eleven months, and six days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Gloria in May of this year.
    

He is survived by his daughters Tina Ann and her husband Ross Gregory of Brighton, Colorado, and Katie-Lynne Myers of Northglenn, Colorado; one grandson Xavier Gregory; other family members and friends.
    

Upcoming Events

Super Sunday will be September 8^th. Please join the Sunday school in the church basement for ice cream and all the fixings as they begin this new year of Sunday school.

The 6 PM Saturday contemporary worship service for October will be on the 19^th followed by a fish fry. The fish are those brought back from Minnesota from the Youth Retreat.

October Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers:  Jim Tooley, Dave & Robin Heilig

Communion Servers:  Jim Tooley-chm., George Mertz, Darlene Stuart, Jim McDermott

                                           Flowers for Pulpit

                                                            Sept. 1 -------Carla Johnk

                                                Sept. 8------Avis Mortensen

                                                Sept. 15------Karla Helms

                                                Sept. 22------Julie Nash

                                                Sept. 29------Dixie Schirm

August 2013 Session Minutes                                                                             

August 13, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on August 13, 2013 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex.  Session members present were: Linda Ploen, Jim McDermott, Kathy Hansen, Allan Sievers, Cathy Shutters and Jim Tooley.  Absent were: Jack Ploen, Michelle, Greg and Mike Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer.  Our reflection was from Genesis 12: 1-15 entitled God’s Rescue Plan-A Special People.  We were challenged to find three people to be a blessing to.

The minutes of the June meeting were read and approved.

The treasure’s report for June and July were approved as given.  The pastor’s report for June and July were approved as written, David traveled a total of 298 miles.  Worship and communion was served at Peace Haven each month.  Kathy Hansen served as elder.  There were many visits, a wedding and two funerals.

Linda read a letter from the board of pensions.  There will be an increase in 2014.

David officiated at the Celebration of Life service for Ed Myers on July 12, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut, Iowa.  He died June 30, 2013 in Broom field, Colorado and was interred at Fullerton Cemetery in Fullerton, Neb.

Stewardship and Mission

Kathy delivered another “Welcome Basket” to Katie Shepherd.  She would also like to have another blanket drive this year.  As our part in the Funfest parade we will not have a float, but we will be “Walking With Jesus”.  We will be throwing hats and popcorn and candy. Salem Home in Elk Horn has a list of needs.  Perhaps we could help with that.  She also stated that we need some things for our youth group which is now meeting regularly.  We could use some plastic spatulas and a new electric griddle.  She mentioned that we could also keep some supplies on hand in case of snow storms where we have to help with stranded travelers. 

Christian Education

Sunday School will be starting on September 8^th followed by an ice cream “Super Sundae” after church.  We may be using the Sparkhouse curriculum.  Vacation Bible School went well with over 30 children attending.  It was also mentioned that we start up game night again.  Jim M. reported that the fishing trip went really well and the kids were great.  They will be having a presentation and fish fry on the 3^rd Saturday evening of October after our contemporary service, so there will be no church service on the 4^th Saturday of October.

Worship

We will be using the “Spill the Beans” worship ideas for several Sundays to try something different for our services.

Finance and Property

We grossed over $9,000 during the Antique Walk. A very successful year.  We need to get one more bid for new heating and air.  We need to get this done.  It was also discussed that the Ad hoc committee needs to meet soon.

Personnel

We need to work on our By-laws!  Linda will look over these.

New Business

David received a letter from the Gloria Myers estate attorney.  United Church of Avoca has contacted us about possibly sharing a pastor with them after David’s retirement.  We decided to meet with them since we would be interested.  David also reported that there will be Stephen Ministry training at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha on September 21 from 9-1.  Also mentioned was the use of our church basement, as it doesn’t always get cleaned up after some events.  Perhaps we need a sheet for renters telling them what to clean up after use. 

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

The next meeting will be September 10, 2013 at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

	~ September 2013 ~
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1  Church 9 AM  Communion  Peace Haven 11 Brian/Nellie Popp	2  Labor Day   Wilma Newton	3 Shannon Wood James Ploen	4 Pres. Women Meet at the church at 9:45 AM Salem Lutheran Home         9 AM service Choir Practice 7:15 Kristen Hoffman	5	6 Cael Woltmann	7 Jim McDermott
8  Church 9 AM  Super Sunday  School 10:15 Jill Woltmann	9 Dustin Jensen	10 Allen House 11:00 AM Session 7 PM	11 Devin Wood	12 Ryne Johnk Luke Woltmann Craig/Linda Woltmann	13	14
15  Church 9 AM  Sunday School  10:15	16	17 Samantha Jensen	18 Betty Roberts	19 Peace Haven evening Worship 7 PM Wendy Grieb	20	21
22  Church 9 AM  Sunday School  10:15 Troy Schaben	23	24  Avoca Nursing & Rehab Worship 2:00 PM PMRV COM mtg. 4:30 PM at New Horizon P.C.	25 Chuck Ploen	26	27	28 Evening Service 6:00 PM Daniel Shirley
29  Church 9 AM Sunday School 10:15	30	Notes: September Ushers:  Larry & Charlotte Shepherd, Kathy Hansen Communion Servers:  Jim McDermott, chm., Larry & Charlotte Shepherd

July August Gleaner 2013

Pastor’s Notes

          Why are we here? Why is First Presbyterian Church here in Walnut? What is God’s plan for this body of Christ? What is God’s plan for you and me? What does he desire that we would do, the church and you and me? How can we know what God would like us to do?

          These are questions that often bounce around in my head. You might wonder if I’ve received any answers. Yes, in fact I believe I do have some answers. These answers may or may not be the same ones God would reveal to you.

          Beginning in March the Session has been participating in a new curriculum, Engage, from the Office of Evangelism, PC (USA). There’s that word again, evangelism.

          Answers to the questions above are, I believe, to make disciples. To make disciples the Story needs to be told. It all begins with the question Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15).

          When we hear Jesus ask us the same question the answer we give is the start of God’s mission to rescue and reconcile this broken creation.  Part of our mission as God’s church here in Walnut is to relieve suffering and offer folks the fullness of life in Jesus Christ. This work enables us to begin to see what the restored and healed creation might be like. 

          Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”(Ephesians 4:11-13).  He continues saying…“speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

          My friends, that’s evangelism, sharing the good news, the good news of God’s healing and saving love in Jesus Christ. This thing called evangelism becomes a lifestyle through which followers of Jesus Christ can share their faith and serve folks in need.

          This church on Antique City Drive in Walnut, IA isn’t here to introduce new programs, gain more members or increase our budget. We are here to tell our unique story of God’s love in our lives and in the process help our neighbors here and in the greater community of the world to no longer suffer from hunger, homelessness, and injustice.

          So, the Session is studying what it means to be God’s church here and in the process learn how to tell the story to our neighbors.

          God’s peace and grace be yours,

Pastor David

                                       Thank-You

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

Special thanks to Larry & Charlotte’s grandson, Aaron Stoner, who helped with the

setting up.

Mary Ellen had a call from the Institute of Lifelong Learning out of Sioux City wanting to enjoy lunch at our food stand.  She decided to serve them downstairs where it would be more comfortable for them.  Fifty-one people were served.  The group enjoyed the Antique Walk before boarding their bus to head back to Sioux City.  They are from the Western Iowa Tech Community College and have more than 1500 members in the Sioux City area.  They enjoy trips to concerts, cities, events, along with classes in art, dancing, and horse-back riding.

Yesterday I went on a diet.  Glad that day’s over.

Upcoming Events

Youth Fundraisers – July 13^th a car wash is planned from 9-12 at the school playground and on July 14^th the youth are planning an egg/pancake/sausage brunch after church from 10-12 in the church basement.  A free will offering will be appreciated.  The money for these events will be used for the youth fishing trip to Minnesota.

A woman said to a lost child she met in the park, “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Connor,” the boy replied.

“Can you tell me your full name?”

The boy thought for a second, then replied, “Connor Stop That.”

Shell Wyoming

You may remember we took some of our youth on a mission trip to Shell, Wyoming several years ago to help with their church addition.  This week we received an email from former Executive Presbyter Kevin Keaton.  He visited “our” church in Shell and sent along some pictures of the addition.  He reported that they have fond memories of our stay there and are still thankful for our help.

      August Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers: Kent & Carla Johnk, Jim & Bobbie McDermott 

Communion Servers:  Linda Ploen – chm., Kent Johnk, Barb Eslick, Teri Abel

September Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers:  Kathy Hansen, Larry & Charlotte Shepherd

Communion Servers:  Jim McDermott-chm., Larry & Charlotte Shepherd

July Ushers and Communion Servers are on the July Calendar

                                                               How Rich Are We?

One day a father and his rich family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him

how poor people can be.  They spent a day and a night on the farm of a very poor family.  When they got

got back from their trip the father asked his son, “How was your trip?”  “Very good Dad.”  “Did you see

how poor people can be?” the father asked.  “Yeah!”  the son replied.  “And what did you learn?” the father

asked.  The son answered, “I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four.  We have a pool that reaches

to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end.  We have imported lamps in the garden, they

have the stars.  Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon.”  When the boy was finished

his father was speechless.  His son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how ‘poor’ we are.”

                                           Flowers for Pulpit

                                                            July 7 -------Betty Sunderman

                                                July 14------Michelle Sunderman

                                                July 21------Connie Jensen

                                                July 28------Shannon Wood

                                                Aug. 4------Kami Bruck

                                                Aug. 11------Mary Ellen Woltmann

                                                   Aug. 18------Mary Ellen Woltmann

                                                   Aug. 25------Jean Bornholdt

                                                  

“Show me your hands.  Do they have scars from giving?  Show me your feet.  Are they wounded in service?  Show me your heart.  Have you left a place for divine love?”

Fulton J Sheen

June 2013 Session Minutes                                                                             

June 11, 2013

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian Church met in regular session on June 11, 2013 at 7 PM in the Sunday School south annex. Session members present were: Linda Ploen, Michelle Mertz, Kathy Hansen, Allan Sievers and Cathy Shutters. Absent were: Jim McDermott, Jack Ploen, Jim Tooley, Greg and Mike Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and a reflection entitled “What Went Wrong” based on Genesis 3:1-13. We also watched a meaningful video about God’s unconditional love.

The minutes of the May meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer’s report was approved as given.

The pastor’s report was approved as written. David traveled 468 miles. There were many hospital visits, a wedding and 2 funerals. Worship and communion was served at Peace Haven on May 5^th. Linda Ploen was serving elder for two residents.

Linda Ploen reported on the 16^th Annual BBQ and Quilt Auction at Calvin Crest on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Any donation of a quilt would be greatly appreciated.

David officiated at the Celebration of Life service for Gloria Myers on May 17, 2013. She died May 12, 2013 in Omaha, Nebraska and was interred at Fullerton Cemetery at Fullerton, Nebraska.

Also discussed was the possibility of a confirmation class this year.

Stewardship and Mission

Kathy Hansen delivered the buckets we had filled for disaster aid. She also announced that the Lutheran Church in Avoca is taking donations of toys, clothes, etc. for helping others. We received thank-you’s from the “Forgotten Soldiers” project, and the group from Nicaragua. David also asked that we keep the many missionaries in our prayers. Perhaps we could have one of them come and speak to us this fall.

Christian Education

The “Silly Supper” was a success. No plans for Bible School yet, but trying to come up with some different ideas and times.

Worship

David is using ”Spill the Beans” learning resources for worship services this summer. David will be gone on Sunday, July 21^st, so it was decided to have no service on that Sunday and no Saturday evening service on the 27^th, as David will be on RAGBRAI. This will give everyone a chance to attend another church that Sunday.

Finance and Property

There will be Thursday set-up for the Antique walk. There were no reports from the Ad hoc Committee or any quotes for the new heating and AC.

Personnel

We need to look over by-laws for our church, as we have none.

New Business

None

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer. We will have no meeting in July so the next meeting will be on August 13^th at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

July 2013

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	1	2	3	4	5	6
			Salem Lutheran Homes 9 AM Tina Gregory	4th of July	Jean Bornholdt	Jessica Ploen
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
Church 9 AM Communion Peace Haven 11:00		Allen House 11 AM Dixie Schirm		Randy Mertz Brielle Lohoff		Darren/Michellle Tooley Larry/Charlotte Shepherd Youth car wash WCS playground 9-12 AM
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Church 9 AM Youth Serving Brunch 10-12 In Church Basement  Free Will Offering Jean Schmitt			Betty Sunderman Joy Sievers	Peace Haven 7 PM Bobbie McDermott	Vickie Weihs
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
No Church -----Pastor gone--------	-------Pastor gone----- Kathy Hansen Bruce Walter Collin Shutters	-------RAGBRAI-----------	---Pastor gone------------ Dixie/Al Schirm David/Linda Krueger	---RAGBRAII-------------- Shelley Thompson	-------Pastor gone------ Don Walter	---RAGBRAI------------ No Saturday Evening Services
28	29	30	31
Church 9 AM Brett Holtz Ross Gregory Ed Myer	Tara Lohoff Red Cross Bloodmobile 11:30-5:30	Carrie Schmitt    Avoca Nursing & Rehab 2 PM

July Ushers: Jack & Judy Ploen, Barb Eslick - Communion Servers:  Kathy Hansen-chm, Linda Ploen, Mary Ellen Woltmann, Jack Ploen

August 2013

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1	2	3
				Barb Eslick	Braden Wood Dalton Dea
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Church 9 AM Communion Service Peace Haven  11:00	Jennifer Ploen Kaitlyn Toley Pam Nielsen		Salem Lutheran Home 11 AM Jolene Jensen Dominic Schaben Troy/Diana Schaben		Margo Matthies	Carla Johnk
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
Church 9 AM Michelle Sunderman		Allen House 11AM Session 7 PM Kurt Hansen Brandi Wood Leo Rechtenbach		Alan Sievers Doug/Margo Matthies Peace Haven Service 7 PM	PMRV Presbytery meeting-Calvin Crest 5:30-9 PM Cathy Shutters	PMRV Presbytery meeting-Calvin Crest 8:45 AM-3 PM
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Church 9  AM	Megan Andersen		Mason Schaben		Kelsey Helms
25	26	27	28	29	30	31
Church 9  AM Shannon Wood	Todd Ehlers	Avoca Nursing & Rehab 2 PM COM/CPM training at Calvin Crest	COM/CPM training at Calvin Crest		Terry Green	Contemporary Worship 5:30 PM Bailey Nielsen

August Ushers –Kent & Carla Johnk, Jim & Bobbie McDermott--  Communion Servers –Linda Ploen-chm.,Kent Johnk, Barb Eslick, Teri Abel