115 - 6th ave. nw p.o. box 188 kerygma · 2015-01-20 · page 2 april 2010 our military personnel...
TRANSCRIPT
First Presbyterian Church 115 - 6th Ave. NW P.O. Box 188 Independence, Iowa 50644
Come and See
!
- John 1:46
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Independence, Iowa 50644
Permit No. 128
RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED
Phone: 319-334-3523
Fax: 319-334-4134
Email: [email protected] Website: fpcindependence.com
GOOD FRIDAY?
At first glance, Good Friday appears to be a misnomer. It
seems inconsistent that the day of Christ’s crucifixion should in any way be described as “good.” But
that seeming inconsistency vanishes when we understand that the ancient meaning of good was “holy.” The word holy is entirely consistent with the suffering and cross that Christ endured for us. Hence, Good Friday is also known
as Holy Friday.
2222 All in the FamilyAll in the FamilyAll in the FamilyAll in the Family
3333 Member SpotlightMember SpotlightMember SpotlightMember Spotlight
4444 Mark Your CalendarMark Your CalendarMark Your CalendarMark Your Calendar
5555 Community LifeCommunity LifeCommunity LifeCommunity Life
6666 Kids ActivitiesKids ActivitiesKids ActivitiesKids Activities
7777 April CalendarApril CalendarApril CalendarApril Calendar
8888 April Worship April Worship April Worship April Worship SSSScccchhhheeeedddduuuulllleeee////BBBBiiiirrrrtttthhhhddddaaaayyyyssss//// AnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversaries
9999 Bible Quiz/Recipe/PWBible Quiz/Recipe/PWBible Quiz/Recipe/PWBible Quiz/Recipe/PW
10101010 8th Grade Girls8th Grade Girls8th Grade Girls8th Grade Girls
11111111 Youth PageYouth PageYouth PageYouth Page
KERYGMA
A trivia question: If, after the Presidential election, no candidate would have a majority of the electoral votes, how would the President be determined?
Trivia: unimportant matters; a quizzing game involving obscure facts. So when is trivia not trivial? When it raises money for a good cause.
On March 28th our church hosted our second Trivia Night. We charged $5 per person and we raised $350 for our HOT (Help Our Teachers) program. HOT will assist classroom teachers in our school district to obtain necessary supplies. With the strain on school budgets we know teachers are tempted to use their own resources to purchase supplies. HOT helps ease the budget strain, both for the schools and our teachers. Our first Trivia Night raised $397 for Haiti relief efforts. But beyond the raising of money for good causes Trivia Night is just plain fun.
In our lives we tend to focus on big things. In truth, we need to get the little things right. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” As followers of Jesus we know that the little we do, coupled with the little others do, along with the blessing of God can accomplish a lot. More than that, our faithfulness with little things will lead to greater things. It may seem trivial. But it’s not.
As followers of Jesus we are to care about the unimportant people. We care about obscure things. We do that because Jesus did that. We serve a God that knows the number of hairs on a person’s head. (For some of us that is getting easier.) God cares about the details of our lives. The seemingly trivial things. God calls us to do the same.
Helping teachers. Supporting relief work in Haiti. In the grand scheme of things it may seem trivial. But it all matters. It all adds up. And the God who entrusts us with doing little things can make great things happen with what we are willing to do and give.
Do you know the answer to the trivia question above? The answer is: by the vote of the House of Representatives.
It’s wonderful to get the big things right. But it’s being faithful in the little things, the seemingly trivial things, that moves us farther on.
Pastor John
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Rev. John HougenRev. John HougenRev. John HougenRev. John Hougen Home: (319) 334-5175
Email: [email protected]
Church OfficeChurch OfficeChurch OfficeChurch Office Phone: (319) 334-3523
Fax: (319) 334-4134
Office: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday
Website www.fpcindependence.com
SSSSttttaaaaffffffff
Mark Geertsma Christian Education Director
Janet Harms Youth Ministry Coordinator
Kathy Smith Secretary
Email: [email protected]
George Hemmer Custodian
• Holy Week, March 28-April 3rd • Maundy/Holy Thursday, April 1st • Good Friday, April 2nd
• Holy Saturday, April 3rd • Easter Day, April 4th • Administrative Prof. Day, April 21st
APRIL 2010 P AGE 2
Our Military PersonnelOur Military PersonnelOur Military PersonnelOur Military Personnel
Jerome BowdenJerome BowdenJerome BowdenJerome Bowden - Jerome is undergoing
cancer treatment.
Jeannie NeeleyJeannie NeeleyJeannie NeeleyJeannie Neeley - Please continue to pray
for Jeannie as she battles cancer. She is
now under Hospice Care.
Mae KroegerMae KroegerMae KroegerMae Kroeger - Mae had hip surgery.
Deb WeisDeb WeisDeb WeisDeb Weis - Deb has been diagnosed with
cancer.
Ione AitchisonIone AitchisonIone AitchisonIone Aitchison - Ione is at West Village
Care Center.
Rick FiesterRick FiesterRick FiesterRick Fiester - Rick has been transferred to
BCHC.
Gene WestGene WestGene WestGene West - Gene is at UIHC Hospital.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all A HUGE THANK YOU to all A HUGE THANK YOU to all A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who helped make the those who helped make the those who helped make the those who helped make the Lenten Lunch a Success, we Lenten Lunch a Success, we Lenten Lunch a Success, we Lenten Lunch a Success, we received many favorable received many favorable received many favorable received many favorable c ommen t s f r om o u r c ommen t s f r om o u r c ommen t s f r om o u r c ommen t s f r om o u r guests.guests.guests.guests. A Special Thank You A Special Thank You A Special Thank You A Special Thank You to the Fidelity Circle, you all to the Fidelity Circle, you all to the Fidelity Circle, you all to the Fidelity Circle, you all
made my duties a Great deal easier.made my duties a Great deal easier.made my duties a Great deal easier.made my duties a Great deal easier.
Thanks a Bunch, Thanks a Bunch, Thanks a Bunch, Thanks a Bunch, Ruth Liscum Ruth Liscum Ruth Liscum Ruth Liscum
Relay For Life of Buchanan County,
I would like to make a special invitation to all of our church members and families to think about joining our teams this year. We have been blessed to have two teams, Presbyterian Walkers #1 & #2.
I think we all know of the research that is being done with monies raised from Relay For Life events all over the United States each year. In 1960, the survival rate for all cancers was around 40%, today the survival rate is over 65%. The fight goes on. If you have ever thought about what you can do to help in this fight, now is the time. When I think about the young people that we have lost right here in our area, I wonder what more we can do. We need your help!!
Don Mumm, Team Captain
Reservations call Donna at 334-4990 Free Childcare Available
“Where Did I Put That?” - Brunch $7.75
Feature: Organized For You by Jessica Crouch Music: Vocal by Bonnie Nelson Speaker: Jan Smith from Olathe, KS
“Getting In Touch With the Perfect Designer”
You and your friends are invited To INDEPENDENCE, IOWA WOMEN’S CONNECTION!
Friday, April 16th, 9:30 a.m. Independence Pizza Ranch
NEW TELEPHONE PRAYER CHAIN
If you are interested in participating in the new
telephone prayer chain, please
sign up in the Friendship Room
or call the church at 319-334-
3523.
KERYGMA P AGE 11
4/11: Kyle, Justin, Mickey,
& Hannah
HSF CALENDARHSF CALENDARHSF CALENDARHSF CALENDAR:
4/04: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
4/11: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
4/18: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
4/25: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Youth Highlights in March March 7 – Drama night! Like your Oreo cookies? Well that was the theme for drama night as the several groups each performed a skit about Oreos. We certainly have a lot of characters in this group.
March 14 – Game night. Thanks to Leah Geertsma who stepped in to lead for the night, everyone got to know each other better with a game that emphasized what everyone has in common.
March 21 – Business Before Pleasure night. The business was “pick up the church yard!” We found beverage cans, paper, car parts and an old pair of binoculars. It all went to the dump so we hope no one will miss any of that stuff. Then for pleasure we shared a few laughs during the game “Bippity Bippity Bop” and “Mafia Wars”.
A final note - We have been averaging attendance between 10 & 15 at each group activity!
MARCH 2010 P AGE 10
4/7: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. JEWELRY MAKING: bracelets and earrings this time, Kate brings the
bead supplies and snacks, you bring the creativity. If you finish early, feel free to bring your
favorite board games to share.
4/21: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. PARKS ‘N PIZZA: We will clean up one to two parks depending on
parent volunteer turn out and return for pizza in the youth room. Kate supplies bags, pizza,
and pop. You bring gloves if possible.
Spa Day was a big hit with the 8th
grade
girls’ group. Eighteen girls attended. The
whole group focused on inner
rejuvenation first with a yoga session
and a guided prayer meditation together
before breaking off to do journaling and
art by themselves. After that, they
focused on their outer selves. Several
centers were set up to allow them to
explore back massage, foot baths, nail
polish, facials, and healthy foods.
Earlier this winter the group enjoyed
activities such as a sledding party at
Kate’s house, filling the operation back
packs, and a skit day. This spring they look
forward to cleaning parks, offering a spa
night to their moms and having an end of
the year water fight night. This ministry to
the community is run by Kate Barloon and
currently supported entirely by a grant
from the Eastern Iowa Presbytery. It offers
two activities a month usually after school
on Wednesdays and has an average
attendance of about 15 kids per activity.
KERYGMA P AGE 3
It was so nice and surprising to be asked to be
member of the month. For those of you who
don't know, I am Mari Butler. My parents are
John Butler, who works at Pinicon Ford, and
Cathy Butler, who teaches English at the high
school. My sister, Hannah, is a sophomore in
high school. My Grandparents are Don and
Bette Butler, who have been members of this
church for around 40 years. I was born in
Waterloo, and have lived all my life in
Independence.
Growing up, I loved to play with my sister. We
played with Barbies, with sidewalk chalk, we
painted, and played at the park. We still enjoy
doing activities together today, like playing
tennis and singing. In high school I have
excelled in many different activities including
tennis, jazz band, marching band, concert
band, choir, musical, and speech. I play the
oboe for concert band, the piano for jazz band,
and play in the pit/drumline for marching
band. Since I love music, I've worked hard during my high school career. I made All-
State Choir my junior and senior year of school. A fun experience this year was being
able to sing a lead part with my sister in the musical. I'm sure some of you have heard
me sing in church. I just love music!
One joy in my life has been youth group at the Presbyterian Church. I went on two
youth trips with Jodi Behan, one to Ames and one to Peoria, IL. The time I spent with
Jodi is a cherished part of my life. I also enjoyed working in Cedar Rapids with Kate
Barloon for the flood relief effort. I am so glad youth group is a place I know I can go
where people will accept and love me. Our current youth leader, Janet Harms, makes
me feel like I have a second mother. Everyone is nice and we can all just be ourselves
and have a good time when we are at youth group. I also like to spend time singing in
the church choir, working in the nursery, and teaching children's music.
After I graduate this year, I plan to attend Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.
MARCH 2010 P AGE 4
DEADLINE:
Newsletter articles must be submitted
to the church office by Wednesday,
April 21st to be printed in the May
Newsletter.
The Feinstein Foundation Challenge continues. This is the 13th year that Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million among non-profit agencies throughout the country helping fight hunger. The food and funds donated from now through April 30th will contribute to our Pantry earning some of the Foundations $1 million.
All cash, checks, pledges and food items donated through April 30th will be reported to the Feinstein Foundation before May 12, 2010. The more that is donated to the Independence Area Food Pantry - the more money we will receive from the Feinstein Foundation.
Donations can include cash, checks, pledges, and food items. The food items will be valued at $1 per item or pound. All record keeping will start March 1st so PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY TO THE INDEPENDENCE AREA FOOD PANTRY!!!!
Thank you, Frankie Bowden, Director of Independence Area Food Pantry
Tickets are $7 each or $12 for two in advance, $8 at the door and kids 11 & under $4. Proceeds will go to the In-dependence Area Food Pantry, the Ministerial Association’s One Another Program, and Operation Family Pack.
P AGE 9 KERYGMA
Presbyterian Women will meet Tuesday, April 6th at 9:30 a.m. at the church. The Hostess will be Shirlee Rathbun. The Bible Study for April is Lesson #7 - “God’s Concern for Justice - The City of Refuge” from Joshua 20 and 21 with all participating.
Spring Workshops held on Saturday, April 15th in Washington, Iowa.
Quilters meet this month on April 13 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to noon with a potluck immediately following.
Thank you to all who helped make our Lenten Luncheon so successful.
Overnight Casserole - Served at Lenten Lunch
1 can cream of chicken soup 3 cups chicken, turkey or ham cubed 1 can cream of celery soup 1-8 ounce can water chestnuts (drained) 2 cups milk 1-16 ounce bag frozen vegetables 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 pound shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) Mix all ingredients together, place in 9X13 pan. Place in refrigerator overnight. Topping (optional)-Add to casserole just before baking 2 cups corn flakes 2 tablespoons melted margarine Crush corn flakes, mix with melted margarine, sprinkle over casserole Bake at 350 degrees for about I hour until hot and bubbly.
When John was exiled to the island of Patmos, he wrote the
book of Revelation. In the first chapter, verse 10, John says he
was in the spirit on the Lord’s day (Sunday) and had a vision of
someone he called the Son of Man (meaning
Christ). Christ was dressed in a long robe with
something draped across his chest. What was it?
A. A golden sash
B. A towel
C. A ribbon with a cross sewn on it
D. A palm leaf
MARCH 2010 P AGE 8
Ushers: Co-Head Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don Mumm
4, 18, 25: Jim & Sally Peters, Ryan & Joni Ruffcorn 11: Kyle Harms, Justin Hougen, Michaela Geertsma, Hannah Butler
Elder Greeters:
April: John Butler, Eric Smith
Greeters:
4: Testrake Family 11: Van Buren Family 18: Bob & Cheryl Hanna 25: Martin Family
Children’s Sermons:
4: Youth 11: Lynda Fiester 18: Janet Harms 25: Melody Malek
Nursery:
4: Mari Butler, Brynn Martin 11: Olivia Kaiser, Avri Ruffcorn 18: Michaela Geertsma, Brian Smith 25: Hannah Butler, Chloe Kaiser
Flowers:
4: Easter - Lilies 11: Anonymous 18: Norm & Norma DeJong in Memory of Our Parents 25: Dorothy Malek in Memory of Loved Ones
Bulletins:
4: Sue Stilwell in Honor of Her Grandchildren 11: Jon & Kim Testrake 18: Don & Carole Mumm 25: Frankie Bowden
Fellowship Time:
4: Howard Miller In Honor of His Wife, Betty 11: ________________________________ 18: ________________________________ 25: ________________________________
Coffee Preparation/Clean Up: 4: Frankie Bowden, Margaret Ownby 11: Wayne & Sondra Seward 18: Jon & Kim Testrake 25: Lonny & Tammy Bathen
5 Dorothy Burkhart
7 Frankie Bowden
9 Paul Johnson
11 Leah Hood
Ray Temeyer
15 Kelly Johnson
Jena Siglin
16 Betty Temeyer
18 Juan Rodriguez
19 Leonard McClenathan
Logan Bevans
20 Lauren Rathbun
21 Keri Rodriguez
23 John Klotzbach
24 Nathan Rechkemmer
25 Maxine Maynard
26 Phyllis Blakesley
Charles Handy
Justin Hougen
30 Tosha Auer
Jennifer Bahr
Joni Ruffcorn
9 Carroll & Marian Conklin
20 Robbie & Marta Rouse
29 Jim & Carol Kelley
If we missed your birthday
or anniversary, please
contact the church office at
334-3523.
P AGE 5 KERYGMA
This is a busy time for the Community Life. The Community Dinner and Silent Auction will be Wednesday, April 28th,
with the proceeds benefitting the Independence Area Food Pantry, One Another, and the Operation Family Pack. We
need volunteers to help serve the meal. Also, if you have anything to donate to the silent action, please contact Eric
Smith.
HOT (Help Our Teachers) is going strong. The HOT bulletin board has been picked clean. We have re-stocked it with
more office supply needs, this time for the Early Childhood Center. The school district, in recognizing the PW for their
$200 donation of office supplies to West Elementary, appreciates our support. When you fill a need, please bring the
slip of paper back with the item. Like the Adopt-a-Family project, it helps us get the item to the teacher.
Teachers and other staff for the area schools, please keep your needs rolling in. Give the needs to church office or Eric
Smith and we will see that they get on the bulletin board.
As you have heard, the school district will move teachers and grades between buildings this summer. One key resource
that must move is the libraries. Not too many years ago, our community moved the public library to its new facility.
Now, the school district must move books between the four buildings. We want to help Judy Olsen pack, move, and
re-shelve the books in preparation for the new grade locations. The work will begin prior to the end of the school year.
I hope that you will be available to help Judy get the libraries moved. Watch the church bulletin and newsletters for
further details.
All this work and we are still packing backpacks of food. Wow, there is a lot of good stuff going on to support our
community.
Eric B. Smith
Chair, Community Life Committee
Remember the "Reverse the Arrow" campaign from a couple of years ago? The idea was for churches to determine how they could impact their communities to the degree that if for some reason they ceased to exist, their presence would be missed. First Presbyterian Church of Independence took that message to heart and was recently recognized for two of its community
projects.
The HOT (Help Our Teachers) program received the Friends of Education award by the local School Board. In response to
declining school budgets, the church solicits "grocery" lists from teachers for supplies they need and often end up purchasing out of their own pockets. The Presbyterian Women's group from FPC started the program with a $200 donation. Shown receiving the award from the school principal are Lynda Fiester (left) and Ruth Liscum (right).
Operation Family Pack was recognized by the Independence Chamber of Commerce as its 2009 Project of the Year. This program is operated in conjunction with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the Independence
School District. Every other week food is received at the church from the Food Bank and assembled by volunteers from the church and the community. Currently about 160 students take home a bag of food every week that is shelf stable, kid friendly, and healthy. Shown receiving the award are Randy Blin (member of the Community Life
Committee), Barbara Prather (Director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank), Jon Holland (Operation Family Pack Coordinator) and Rev. John Hougen.
MARCH 2010 P AGE 6
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
6:00 Potluck Supper
7:00 Tenebrae Service
2
5:30-7pm Silent
Communion
3
4
9:30 Worship (Communion)
10:30 Fellowship Time
5
3:30-5:30
Art & French
6
9:30 Fidelity
Circle
7:00 Ladies
Musical
Meeting
7
5:00 OBP Assembly
(Athletic Boosters)
6:15 Bells
7:00 Choir
8
9
10
11
9:30 Worship
10:30 Fellowship Time
6:30 HSF
12
3:30-5:30
Art & French
13
9:00 PW Quilters
& Potluck
14
5-7 Committee Night
6:15 Bells
7:00 Choir
15
16
17
10-2
Camp
Wyoming
Open House
18
9:30 Worship
10:30 Fellowship Time
10:45 Sunday School
2:00 Ladies Musical
6:30 HSF
19
3:30-5:30
Art & French
20
21
1:30 Operation Backpack
3:30 8th Grade Girls
6:15 Bells
7:00 Choir
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
22
23
24
25
9:30 Worship
10:30 Fellowship Time
10:45 Sunday School
2:00 Eagle Scout Award Ceremony
6:30 HSF
26
3:30-5:30
Art & French
27
9:00 PW Quilters
& Potluck
28
5-7 Community Dinner
& Silent Auction
7:00 Worship Team
29
30
115 6th Ave. N
W
P. O
. Box 188
Independence, IA
50644
Phone: 334-3523
Fax: 334-4134
Email address:
fpcoffice@
indytel.com
Website:
www.fpcindependence.com