May 2014 Gleaner

Pastor’s Notes  

I’m thinking this morning about this mystery called faith; specifically our faith in the triune God. Abraham was right with God because of his faith. God spoke to him and he listened and obeyed.

Moses encountered God in the burning bush in the wilderness. Because of that encounter his faith in God grew.

Jacob had a dream where he saw God and later he wrestled with a man until daybreak. It was a draw but he felt that he’d met God face to face and lived. As crooked and devious as he was he still believed in the great I Am.

All through the Hebrew Bible, the Old Testament, we find many people who had faith, some more than others, and some who had little or no faith but still believed in God.

Then, in the New Testament, the disciples are called by Jesus, the Son of Man, the Son of God. They ‘put on his yoke’ and followed him. Their faith grows and wanes. There were flickers of ‘strong’ faith and then there are those times when they just don’t get it. But, they had Jesus with them to teach, set examples for them, and to pray for them.

Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus as he’s heading there to arrest those who were followers of the ‘Way.’ After his face to face with Jesus he was changed and his ‘faith’ changed. He believed in God and now he believed in Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah. He believed because of his encounter with Jesus.

It’s 2014 and I’ve not met anyone who’s seen a burning bush, wrestled an angel, or been blinded by the light of Jesus. So, what bolsters our ‘faith?’ Why do some folks have such a strong faith and others struggle with their faith, and some just don’t believe at all…and can you really blame them?

So, for you, what and how is your ‘faith?’ Is it strong or does it waiver sometimes? What do you do when your ‘faith’ is weak? What do you do when your doubts seem stronger than your ‘faith?’

The folks in the Old and New Testament either had an encounter with God or they were face to face with Jesus. Wouldn’t it be a whole lot easier to believe and follow if we could ‘hear’ God or have a one on one with Jesus? I think so and I’ve heard others say that would make it easier for them too.

If someone came to you and said that they’d received word from God that they were to share with you would you believe them and would that make you want to change, to repent? Be honest now. You might be a little skeptical. Your faith would be tested because you’d never heard God speak to you so why would God speak to your friend? Maybe they were just hearing voices in their head.

What to do, that’s my question. How do we keep our faith strong and how do we help someone else whose faith is waning? Or maybe we have a friend who says they just can’t believe the Bible at all? Is our church able to help those who’re struggling? I mean, ‘really’ help them.

I believe that’s why we need the Church, the community of followers of Jesus, to be there for us when we’re struggling or Evil seems to be winning. The Church can help by praying, really praying, not just saying they’ll pray. The Church can help by coming together in study, reading the Bible, discussing and dissecting the words and comparing them to secular works of the same time period.

For example, the Flood, are there other examples of this story in other works? What about Jesus? What contemporary works were written in the same time period and did they say anything about him?

We have celebrated the Resurrection and are now in the season of Easter. I believe it’s a good time to reflect on our faith and the mystery of it. In Hebrews we read, “Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.”

Still, we all have friends who don’t have faith or struggle with the little faith they have. Let’s work together as the Church to grow our faith and reinforce our friend’s faith through our love for Jesus and for them.

God’s grace and peace be yours today,

Pastor David

Note from Kathy Hansen:

             Thank you to all who donated to the Homeless Hope Totes.  Special thanks to Bonnie Holtz who went above and beyond with her big donation.  There was also another generous donation of three bags and I don’t know who donated it, but it was much appreciated!  Everyone else who donated, Big Thanks!

             Also, thank you to everyone who helped out Robin and Dave with gas money.

             It’s great we have a caring Church family!

                                                Kathy Hansen

Help for Questers

The Questers are holding a garage sale during the Community Garage Sale June 7^th.  They’re using the proceeds to work on the pavilion at the city cemetery.  If you would like to donate anything for the sale contact Kathy Hansen 712-307-0879, she will come to your house to pick it up.  She has a storage area available so contact her any time before June 7^th.

‘You may think the grass is greener on the other side, but if you take the time to water your own grass it will be just as green’

Thank-you

Thank-you to the Presbyterian Women for the Easter Lilies in memory of loved ones

                  To Ross and Jean Bornholdt in memory of Laurie

                  To Chuck and Linda Ploen in memory of Melissa Manhart and Marge Ploen

                  To Charles and Gloria Walter (3) in memory of loved ones

                  To Randy and Rhonda Mertz for Star of Bethlehem flowering plant

Thank you to all the women that provided the delicious casseroles (11 of them), fruit cups and bars for the last Lenten meal.  Also thanks to the men and women that cleaned up after.  Approximately 65 were served.

Thank –you to Cathy Shutters and Linda Ploen for preparing Communion every Sunday during Lent, and to the session members for serving it.

Thank you to Kathy Hansen and Teri Abel for decorating the church basement for our Easter Brunch and providing all the prizes for children and adults.

Thank you to Pam Nielsen, Teri Abel, Jim and Bobbi McDermott, Justen Tooley, Todd Ehlers, Kathy Hansen and Willa Petersen for the delicious brunch on Easter morning.

Thank you to Brian and Nellie (McDermott) Popp and Todd Ehlers for contributing the sausage for our brunch.

“What has to change in the Church?”

                                                     “You and I.”       

 Mother Teresa

2^nd Annual Walnut 5K Fun Run/Walk

“The Lunch Lady Run”

Former Walnut School “Lunch Lady” Deb Petersen was diagnosed with ALS two years ago.  This walk/run is to support her and the fight against ALS.  It will be held Saturday May 31^st at the City Park.  Registration is from 10-10:45 with a light breakfast served.  Kids 100 yard dash is at 10:45 (12 and under).  Pre-registration fee is $20, register day of race $25.  Free lunch following the race/walk.  Call Erica 712-789-0870 or Julie 402-659-1187.  Registration forms are also at Walnut  City Hall and Rolling Hills Bank.

“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”  Mark Twain

Eagle Puzzle

Gary Sievers recently received a beautiful picture of an eagle that was a puzzle. The puzzle was put together by Glen Voge.  Gary has a special love of eagles after losing his son and hearing “On Eagle’s Wings” at his funeral.  Glen had the puzzle ‘varnished’ and then gave it to Gary for his wall.  This special gift reminds him that his son’s spirit ascended to God on Eagles Wings.  Gary became a member of our church several years ago while at Peace Haven.  Pastor David baptized him there with Chuck and Linda Ploen as witnesses.  Both Glen and Gary are residents of Salem Lutheran at Elk Horn.

‘A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. 

It just blooms.’

June Ushers and Communion Servers

Ushers:  Steve & Michelle Sunderman, Betty Sunderman

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

‘You know when you’re grown up when a nap is no longer a punishment, but a reward'

                                                Flowers for May

                                      May 4-------------Linda Ploen

                                      May 11------------Linda Ploen

                                      May 18------------Alice Richter

                                      May 25------------Alice Richter

         

                                                       Session Minutes

April 1, 2014

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in special session on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 6:30 at United Church of Avoca.  Session members present were: Greg and Michelle Mertz, Dustin Jensen, Cathy Shutters, and Gloria Walter.  Also present were clerk-Linda Ploen, PNC chairman-Chuck Ploen, David Krueger and our “shepherd” for our pastor search-Sandy Wainwright from Villisca.  The purpose of the meeting was to approve our MIF statement for our pastor search.  Members read over the report from the PNC committee and heard comments from Sandy.  Michelle moved and Dustin 2nd the motion to approve the MIF statement.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned.

At 7:00 we joined the session and PNC committee from United Church of Avoca for a joint meeting.  Session members present were: Greg & Michelle Mertz, Dustin Jensen, Gloria Walter, Cathy Shutters and Gloria Walter.  PNC members present were: Chuck Ploen, Cathy Shutters and Mike Shutters.  Also present were three members of the Committee on Ministry and our “shepherd” Sandy Wainwright.  The meeting was opened with prayer by Avoca’s moderator.  Pastor David then gave a brief history of our church and what we’ve done over the past ten years.  Nan Sams of Avoca then gave the history of the Avoca church.  Chuck Ploen and Scott Pigsley-chairmen of the PNC committees then gave their reports as to where they are in the process of paper work for the pastor search.  Members of the COM also answered many questions.  After much discussion, it was moved and 2^nd to adjourn the meeting at 9:00.  Motion carried.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

Session Minutes

April 8, 2014

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on April 8, 2014 at 7 pm.  Session members present were Kathy Hansen, Michelle Mertz, Cathy Shutters, Gloria Walter and Dustin Jensen.  Absent were: Jim Tooley, Allan Sievers & Greg Mertz.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer

Per a request from Denny Jensen & Allan Sievers, we had a special guest with us to discuss our unique situation of our generous gift giving from past members.  Ronald Hamilton of Hamilton Financial Services visited with us about investing some of our money into alternative investments, such as REITS (Real Estate) and helping to make the money grow better than putting it into a CD that isn’t earning much interest at this time.  He will visit with Allan, Dustin, & Jim at a later date if they so wish to proceed into this investment for the church.  Ron also has other investment opportunities that are safe, but would earn the church some income on their investments.  We thank Ron for his time tonight and appreciate him taking time out of his evening to visit with us.

Our reflection was on “Engage, Disciples-Making Leads to Justice & Faith-Sharing”. Continue to talk about, learn about and share God’s word.  “Where are we going?”  PRAY, READ, DISCUSS, SHARE, MENTOR.  Scripture from Acts 2:42-47 was read. 

Minutes were read from our last regular meeting and our special meeting with the PNC/Session members from Avoca.  Both were approved as submitted.

The treasurer’s report was unavailable at this time.  We will review this next meeting.

Clerk’s report – Linda was absent, but there will also be a reception for our graduating seniors on Sunday, April 27^th after church.  We have four seniors this year, Michael Mertz, Alyssa Becerra, Emily Mitchell and Hunter Nielsen.  Congrats to our seniors on all your accomplishments and good luck on your future plans. 

Pastor’s David’s report was given and approved.  His mileage was 90 miles.  This was for visits to Lenten services, Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage-Spiritual Advisor work, shut-ins & Allen House in Atlantic.

New Business 

Ron Hamilton presented investment options.

A motion was made and approved for the baptism of Jackson Dean Ploen to be on Sunday, May 4^th.  Michelle Mertz will represent the Session as an Elder.  

Stewardship & Mission

Kathy wants to set up a “Helping Hands Fund” to help people in our congregation with financial needs and also if they need help around their homes.  We will visit more about this at a future meeting. We all agreed this is a good idea.

Christian Education

Cathy and Michelle will visit with Peace church to see whom to contact about vacation Bible School and maybe do a day-camp since many of our teachers have full-time day jobs and that makes it difficult for us to do a week long camp.  We will visit more on this next session meeting.

Worship

Communion was served to 8 residents at Peace Haven on March 2^nd.

Finance & Property

Session discussed the Heating & Air that needs to be done as soon as possible.  Dustin will get updated quotes.  We visited about the Antique walk and the need for someone to set up the work schedule and call all the workers.  Any and all volunteers are needed as our members are getting older and are not able to work in the heat as long.  Michelle & Pastor David also visited with Jack Ploen about the hogs for the meat this year.  He is willing to give us a deal of $220 per hog and we will purchase 7 with Jack generously donating one to the church for a total of 8 going to market.  Pies have been ordered by Mary Ellen Woltmann.  It was brought up for discussion to possibly purchase another ice cream machine so we can have two running for the walk as this is a hot commodity on the hot days in June.  We will look into the possibility of a good used machine. 

Personnel

We need to get our by-laws done.  This will be worked on before David retires.

Our meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting is May 13^th at 7pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Michelle Mertz 

◄ April	~ May 2014 ~					June ►
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1 May Day Breakfast Peace Haven	2 Jason Ploen	3
4 Church 9 AM Communion S.S. 10:15 Peace Haven 11 AM	5 Sam Shirley Brandi Wittrock Nora Andersen	6	7 Salem Lutheran Homes 9 AM	8 Courtney Griffith	9 Erin Shannon	10
11 Church 9 AM S.S. 10:15 Mother’s Day	12	13 Allen House 11 AM Session 7 PM	14 Jared Ploen Darren Tooley Mike Shutters	15 Peace Haven 7 PM	16	17 Charles Walter
18 Church 9 AM S.S. 10:15	19	20 Linda Woltmann	21	22 Evalyn Popp	23	24
25 Church 9 AM Karley Helms	26 Memorial Day	27 Linda Ploen Darla & Todd Ehlers Red Cross Bloodmobile here 11:30 AM-5:30 PM Avoca Nursing & Rehab 2 PM	28	29 Dalton Green Connie Jensen	30	31

May Ushers: Chuck & Linda Ploen, George Mertz, and Alice Richter

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

April 2014 Gleaner

Pastor’s Notes

Change is on my mind today. Not the change in my pocket but ‘change’ that happens, and is happening, every day.

We hear folks say that they don’t like ‘change.’ But the truth is ‘change’ has always been with us. The truth is nothing stays the same. Everything ‘changes.’

Probably what frustrates us the most is when we have no control over the ‘change.’ It’s frustrating when ‘change’ just happens and we can’t stop it or divert it. It just goes ahead and does its thing.

This has been a long winter and we’re all ready for spring. We don’t mind that the season will ‘change’ because we’re tired of the cold. Well, I’m tired of the cold. Maybe you’ve heard me complain about the cold. If so you understand. I’m sure our friends in Minnesota and the East Coast are “really” ready for the seasons to ‘change.’

What about our lives, our churches, our communities, the world? Are we ready…and happy that they’re changing? Some may be and some aren’t so happy to see change.

There is one constant in all this. God doesn’t change. He is the same now as he was when the world was created and he’s going to stay the same forever.

I did find as I read this morning that God has changed his mind but God hasn’t changed his character. He is still a God of love and compassion. He is still that jealous God who doesn’t want us to give our worship or allegiance to any other god.

So, in this time of ‘change’ with some of friends going to join the saints, with schools joining other schools, with friends moving to other cities, with churches closing, and pastor’s retiring we can, and should, trust that God is with us in all this.

‘Change’ is scary, especially if we’ve never encountered or experienced this particular ‘change’ before. It’s new and we don’t know whether to be happy or angry.

Or, maybe we’ve seen this change before and we didn’t enjoy it the last time and we don’t think we’re going to like it any better this time. Searching for a pastor comes to mind.

In this season of Lent we are reminded as we journey with Jesus to Jerusalem that God was with His Son and he’s with us as we go through ‘changes’ in our churches and our lives. We can trust God when we may not be able to trust anything else.

So, my friends, as the seasons change, as our bodies change, and as the church we grew up with changes, please remember this: God is always with us, Emmanuel.

Talk with God and share those things that are stealing your happiness. God is listening. Talk with God every day. And listen to the Voice as you read the Word and let the Spirit teach you again about God’s love and peace and joy.

The peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you all,

Pastor David

Phyllis Elaine Hansen

          Phyllis Elaine Hansen, daughter of Glen and Bertha (Pedersen) Lamer, was born on a farm north of Walnut, Iowa in Monroe Township on October 30, 1920.  She attended country school in rural Shelby County through the eighth grade and then attended school in Walnut where she graduated from the Walnut High School.  Early in her life she was a member of the Monroe Methodist Church outside of Walnut.  After high school, Phyllis taught country school for five years in the same Monroe Township country school she attended in rural Shelby County.

          On June 24, 1944, Phyllis was united in marriage to Vincent Hansen in Walnut, Iowa.  They became the parents of two children: Jeff and Claudia.  After their marriage, they made their home on a farm outside of Walnut, Iowa where they lived almost their entire married life.  While raising her children on the family farm, Phyllis was busy with gathering eggs from her chickens and tending to her various gardens from which she canned several quarts of fresh produce each year.

          Phyllis and Vincent were active members in the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut where she helped with many church functions and dinners over the years.  They also enjoyed their card club and spending time with their neighbors and friends.

          In March of 2012, Phyllis became a resident of the Atlantic Nursing and Rehab Center in Atlantic, Iowa and this is where she died on February 12, 2014 having attained the age of ninety-three years, three months and thirteen days.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Ervine Lamer and sister Merle Rounds.

          Phyllis is survived by her husband of sixty–nine years, Vincent Hansen of Walnut, Iowa; her children: Jeff Hansen and his wife Kathy of Walnut, Iowa and Claudia and her husband Ralph Yribar of Bennington, Nebraska; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister-in-law Frances Hansen of Walnut, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

          Funeral services were held 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut, Iowa with Pastor Steve Lewis serving as clergy and Connie Jensen and Darren Tooley providing music.  Interment was held at the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut with Nick Yribar, Daniel Yribar, Kurt Hansen, Robert Rounds, Randy Lamer and Lynn Hansen serving as casket bearers.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca was in charge of arrangements.

Velma L. Fell

            Velma Lucille Fell, only daughter of Harry and Jo (Brindley) McDermott, was born on April 27, 1924 on a farm northeast of Walnut, Iowa.  After the birth of her brother Robert, the family moved to a farm west of Walnut.  Velma graduated from Walnut Community High School in 1941.  After graduating, Velma moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she worked as a tray carrier at Bishop’s Cafeteria and as a secretary for Look magazine.

            Velma was united in marriage to Tommy Fell in Kansas City, MO on October 17, 1944 while Tommy was on leave from the Merchant Marines.  Upon Tommy’s discharge, the couple lived in a small home on Velma’s parents’ farm, northwest of Atlantic, Iowa and eventually settled in Walnut to raise their family.

            For the first years of her marriage to Tommy, Velma was a homemaker.  Once her children were all in school, she took a job as a cook in the cafeteria at Walnut Community Schools and worked there until her retirement.

            Velma was a talented seamstress and, after retiring, spent much of her time sewing, crocheting and embroidering.  All of her grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends have been the recipients of several wonderful afghans and sets of beautifully embroidered tea towels over the years.  Velma also enjoyed dancing and she and Tommy won several awards for dancing the waltz.  Numerous dinners at The Gardens in Walnut were ended with the jukebox being played, the dance floor powder being spread and Velma and Tommy waltzing as the other patrons enjoyed the show.

            On February 1, 2014, Velma passed away at the Avoca Nursing & Rehab Center in Avoca, Iowa.  In addition to her parents, Velma was preceded in death by her husband Tommy in 2010; her brothers:  Clarence, Austin and his wife Marge, Robert, Herbert and Richard; granddaughter Shari Fell; and son-in-law Dale Dyson.

            Velma is survived by her daughter Jane Dyson of Macedonia, Iowa; her sons:  Jeff Fell and his wife Peggy of Deer Creek, Minnesota; Bill Fell and his wife Laurie of Avoca, Iowa; and Brett Fell of Sioux City, Iowa; ten grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law Juanita McDermott, Shirley McDermott, Joanne McDermott and Kay McDermott; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

            The 10:30 AM funeral service was officiated by Steve Kiesel on Friday, February 7, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church in Walnut, Iowa.  Music was provided by Connie Jensen and Mary Kay Ager.  Serving as casket bearers were Dave McDermott, Dan Fell, Dallas McDermott, Jim McDermott, Steve McDermott, and Todd McDermott.  Interment was held at the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements

Hope Tote Ministry

Kathy Hansen is ordering Hope Totes for us to fill.  Items needed include:  toothbrush and toothpaste, tissues and toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, underwear and socks, combs and brushes, feminine products, pain relievers, cough medicine, hand lotion, disposable razors and shaving cream.  Travel size items are best. No cash, please.  She reports that we can start buying these items now and fill the totes when they come.  These totes will then be taken to the Open Door Mission for the homeless.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Al and Dixie Schirm on the birth of their great-granddaughter.

Sawyer Grace was born to Tyler and Ashley Schirm of Lincoln, NE on March 16^th.  The little girl weighed 6lb 14oz.  Grandparents are Neil and Pam Schirm.

May Ushers and Communion Servers

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

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

The heart has no wrinkles.

Flowers

April 6 ---------------- Darla Ehlers

                                             April 13-20 ----------Easter Lilies

 April 27 --------------Connie Jensen

Aging seems to be the only way to live a longer life.

Spring Gathering – Presbyterian Women

The annual Spring Gathering will be held Saturday, April 6^th at First Presbyterian Church

of Omaha, Nebraska (216 S 34^th St).  Registration begins at 8:45 and welcome begins at

9:30. Lunch is optional at 12:15.  The featured speaker is Diana Waggoner, National Operations Director Fresh Hope Ministries.  Fresh Hope is a Christian association of support groups across the United States for those who have a mental health diagnosis and for their loved ones.  If you would like to attend let Charlotte Shepherd know as soon as possible.

“Only when the last tree has died and the last river poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money.”   Cree Indian Proverb

Help

Thank-you for all the contributions you have made to help Dave and Robin (Tooley) Heilig.  Baby Noah is still hospitalized and even though the hospital and doctor bills are taken care of they still face the hidden expenses that come with missed work and driving back and forth.  I’m sure they would appreciate anything you can give to help.  Please put your donations in the big baby bottle in the back of the church. The Easter Brunch will also have a free will offering that will be given to the Heilig’s

Save the Date

April 13^th at 2:00 there will be a shower for Noah Heilig in the church basement.  Kim and Kristin Hoffman and Kathy Hansen are the hostesses and would like to extend an invitation to everyone. 

‘Very humble work,

That is where you and I must be

For there are many people who can do big things

But there are very few people who will do the small things.’

Mother Teresa

Church Cups

The picture below is one of the cups the Presbyterian Women have purchased for the dining room.  We have only purchased enough for our use.  However, we have had several people indicate that they would like to buy a cup for themselves.  At this time we do not know how much a smaller quantity might cost.  If you are interested in buying one/two cups we would like to have a commitment from you as to the number wanted.  The price will depend on the number ordered.  Please let Barb Eslick or Charlotte Shepherd know or call the church at 712-784-3953 by May 1^st.

Session Minutes

March 11, 2014

The session of Walnut First Presbyterian church met in regular session on March 11, 2014 at 7 pm in the Sunday School south annex.  Session members present were: Cathy Shutters, Greg Mertz, Gloria Walter, Dustin Jensen and clerk of session-Linda Ploen.  Absent were: Jim Tooley, Michelle Mertz and Allan Sievers.

Moderator David Krueger opened the meeting with prayer and scripture from John 15:1-8.  Our reflection was on “Engage, Styles of Evangelism” with an interesting video called “Bullhorn”.

The minutes of the January 14^th meeting and minutes from the Annual Congregational meeting were read and approved.  We had no February meeting as Pastor David was on vacation.

The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

Pastor David’s report was given and approved.  His mileage was 106 miles.  This included several visitations.  David will be at Pilgrimage on March 30^th, so we need a pulpit supply.  It was moved and 2^nd to have no service that day and allow everyone to go to Peace Church or a church of their choice. Motion carried.  It was also moved and 2^nd to give David permission to go to the confirmation of his grandchildren on June 1, 2014.  Motion carried.  It was also approved to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on June 8, Pentecost Sunday.  We will also need a pulpit supply for July 20^th as approval was given for David to take vacation time for RAGBRAI.

Clerk Linda Ploen read a thank-you from the Presbytery for our per capita payment, and a letter about Synod School in July.  She also asked for permission for the use of our basement for a baby shower for Brooke and Jackson Ploen.

We had two deaths.  Velma Fell died February 1, 2014.  Her funeral was February 7^th, with burial in Layton Twp. Cemetery.  Phyllis Hansen passed away on February 12, 2014.  Her funeral was February 15^th with burial in the Layton Twp. Cemetery.

New Business

Chuck Ploen came to the meeting as chairperson of the PNC Committee.  He updated us on their progress and to give some of his concerns.  He discussed the need to get our heating and air replaced to be more efficient.  He also discussed his concern and our need to do more with mission in our church, since we have received so much from different estates.  Next on the agenda was selection of elder committees.  Stewardship and Mission will be Kathy Hansen and Greg Mertz, Christian Education-Cathy Shutters and Michelle Mertz, Worship- Gloria Walter, Finance and Property- Jim Tooley, Allan Sievers and Dustin Jensen.  As no new clerk has been found, Linda Ploen has agreed to remain as clerk.  It was moved and 2^nd to pay her $100 a month to continue her duties.  Motion carried.  David also noted that he wanted to have training for new elders as soon as possible.  The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at our church on May 27^th and July 28^th.

Stewardship and Mission

Kathy Hansen had a report stating that she had delivered 3 more Welcome Baskets.  She would like to do “Homeless Totes” for Open Door Mission. She said Robin and Dave Heilig could still use gas money to go back and forth for baby Noah.  We would like to do a breakfast to help with funds for Robin and Dave.  One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on June 8, Pentecost Sunday.  The offering goes to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, the Self Development of People program and their partners in ministry.

Christian Education

Cathy will continue to search for Vacation Bible School options.  Youth group will be doing some fund raisers this summer.

Worship

Communion was served to 7 residents at Peace Haven on February 2^nd with Jack Ploen as serving elder.  Seven were also served in March.  David will be serving as Spiritual Advisor for Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage on March 26-30, 2014.  Permission was given to David to serve communion each Sunday during Lent.  Cathy Shutters and Linda Ploen will take care of this.  Maundy Thursday service will be at Peace Haven at 7 pm.  Gloria will help David set up a labyrinth that will be open to the community on Good Friday.  There will be an Easter sunrise service at 7 am on April 20^th.

Finance and Property

Things up for discussion were: support for Peace Haven, Ad hoc committee, heating and air quotes and Joy Sievers’ estate.  No action was taken.

Personnel

We NEED to get our by-laws done.  David wants them done before he retires.

Our meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer

Next meeting will be April 8, 2014 at 7 pm.

Linda Ploen

Clerk of Session

◄ Mar 2014	~ April 2014 ~					May 2014 ►
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1 Drew Cable	2 Larry Shepherd Ron Paasch 9 am Salem Homes Service 1:00 Pres Women Lenten Service 6:00 United Church of Avoca	3	4	5 . Vincent Hansen
6 Church 9:00 Communion Sunday School 10:15 Peace Haven 11:00	7	8 Allen House 11:00 Session 7 PM	9 Tori Sievers Lenten Service 6:00 Presbyterian Church/Walnut	10	11	12
13 Church 9:00 (Palm Sunday) Sunday School 10:15 2:00 Shower for Noah Heilig Hanna Holtz Linda Sieck	14 Chuck/Linda Ploen	15 11:30 Golden Oldies Peace Church/Walnut	16 Clare Mertz Maxine Nash	17 Maundy Thursday/Communion Peace Haven 7:00 All Invited	18 Julie Nash Seth Griffith William Griffith Good Friday – Easter Labyrinth  In Church basement 8am-5pm	19 Landon Shutters Kamryn Tooley
20 EASTER – 7 AM Service B’fast following	21 Nancy Ross-Hullinger	22 COM mtg 4:30/New Horizon	23	24	25 Eva Jensen	26 Evening Worship 6:00
27 Church 9:00 Sunday School 10:15	28 Church Growth Leadership Conference @ Good Shepherd Lincoln, NE	29 Avoca Nursing & Rebab & Avoca Assisted Living 2 PM Service	30	Notes:

April Ushers – Todd & Darla Ehlers, Linda Krueger

April Communion Servers – Cathy Shutters, chm., Margo Matthies, Greg Mertz & Linda Krueger