The Deacons would like to provide an opportunity for you to purchase Easter Lilies to be used at our Easter service. Cost is $10.00 each. Twenty-Four (24) have been ordered and we will reserve them on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please complete this form and return it with your money to the Church Office by Sunday, March 27th. I/We ___________________________ would like to purchase ________ lily (or lilies). In Memory Of _______________________________________________________________

OR

In Honor Of _________________________________________________________________. I will pick up my lily. I want to donate my lily.

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: fpcoffice@indytel.com Website: fpcindependence.com

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 Kids ActivitiesKids ActivitiesKids ActivitiesKids Activities

6666 Community Life/Community Life/Community Life/Community Life/ Food PantryFood PantryFood PantryFood Pantry

7777 March Worship March Worship March Worship March Worship SSSScccchhhheeeedddduuuulllleeee////BBBBiiiirrrrtttthhhhddddaaaayyyyssss//// AnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversaries

8888 April Worship April Worship April Worship April Worship SSSScccchhhheeeedddduuuulllleeee////BBBBiiiirrrrtttthhhhddddaaaayyyyssss//// AnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversaries

9999 God’s Hands at Work/God’s Hands at Work/God’s Hands at Work/God’s Hands at Work/ PW InfoPW InfoPW InfoPW Info

10101010 In Our CommunityIn Our CommunityIn Our CommunityIn Our Community

11111111 Youth PageYouth PageYouth PageYouth Page

12121212 Easter Lilies Order FormEaster Lilies Order FormEaster Lilies Order FormEaster Lilies Order Form

KERYGMA

In 1436 Johannes Gutenberg began work on the printing press. For nearly 600 years people have utilized this technology. Things are changing. It used to be that when a child needed to do a research assignment for school they went to the library. Now they go to Google. It used to be that people would go to a bookstore and buy a book to read. Now they download it to their Kindle. It used to be that we sent letters to loved ones. Now we send emails. The world has changed and it continues to change.

If you are reading this you are using technology that is almost 600 years old. Sure we have improved on Gutenberg’s original printing press. But this newsletter has its roots in technology that is now obsolete. The reality is that fewer and fewer people read hard copies of anything, including church newsletters. People are paying bills online, reading newspapers online, and shopping online. Welcome to a new day.

Now you might be saying to yourself, “I’m just fine the way I am, thank you very much.” Well, maybe you are. But in its day the Gutenberg printing press was revolutionary. In fact it would eventually help fuel the Protestant Reformation. In his day Gutenberg was cutting edge. And I’m sure that people then thought, “I’m just fine the way I am, thank

you very much.” Can you imagine a world without books? Your children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren can no longer imagine a world without the internet.

We know that our God is a God of new things. In the 1400’s the new thing was a printing press. When a new thing comes up you have two choices: embrace it or ignore it. Today the new thing is the internet. Will we embrace it or ignore it? We ignore new things at our peril. It just might be what God is up to now.

One of the new social networks is Facebook. Our church has a Facebook page. You can go to our webpage and click on our Facebook link if you are interested. During Lent we are going to try something new. We will offer a worship service on Facebook. Will it work? We don’t know. But we are going to find out.

Friends, it is a new world we wake up to every morning. It’s a world where God is involved, at work, and doing new things. “Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God is making a way in the wilderness. Will we walk in it?

Oh, and please be careful with the newsletter you’re holding. It is almost 600 years old.

Pastor John

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Rev. John HougenRev. John HougenRev. John HougenRev. John Hougen Home: (319) 334-5175

Email: pastorjohn@indytel.com

Church OfficeChurch OfficeChurch OfficeChurch Office Phone: (319) 334-3523

Fax: (319) 334-4134

Office: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Monday-Friday

Website www.fpcindependence.com

SSSSttttaaaaffffffff

Mark Geertsma Christian Education Director

Janet Harms Youth Ministry Coordinator

Kathy Smith Secretary

Email: fpcoffice@indytel.com

George Hemmer Custodian

• World Day of Prayer, March 4thWorld Day of Prayer, March 4thWorld Day of Prayer, March 4thWorld Day of Prayer, March 4th • Transfiguration of the Lord, March 6thTransfiguration of the Lord, March 6thTransfiguration of the Lord, March 6thTransfiguration of the Lord, March 6th • Ash Wednesday, March 9thAsh Wednesday, March 9thAsh Wednesday, March 9thAsh Wednesday, March 9th • First Sunday in Lent, March 13thFirst Sunday in Lent, March 13thFirst Sunday in Lent, March 13thFirst Sunday in Lent, March 13th • DaylightDaylightDaylightDaylight----Saving Time Begins March 13thSaving Time Begins March 13thSaving Time Begins March 13thSaving Time Begins March 13th • Second Sunday in Lent, March 20thSecond Sunday in Lent, March 20thSecond Sunday in Lent, March 20thSecond Sunday in Lent, March 20th • First Day of Spring, March 20thFirst Day of Spring, March 20thFirst Day of Spring, March 20thFirst Day of Spring, March 20th • Third Sunday in Lent, March 27thThird Sunday in Lent, March 27thThird Sunday in Lent, March 27thThird Sunday in Lent, March 27th

• Fourth Sunday in Lent, April 3rdFourth Sunday in Lent, April 3rdFourth Sunday in Lent, April 3rdFourth Sunday in Lent, April 3rd • Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 10thFifth Sunday in Lent, April 10thFifth Sunday in Lent, April 10thFifth Sunday in Lent, April 10th • Holy Week, April 17Holy Week, April 17Holy Week, April 17Holy Week, April 17----23rd23rd23rd23rd • Palm Sunday, April 17thPalm Sunday, April 17thPalm Sunday, April 17thPalm Sunday, April 17th • Maundy Thursday, April 21stMaundy Thursday, April 21stMaundy Thursday, April 21stMaundy Thursday, April 21st • Good Friday, April 22ndGood Friday, April 22ndGood Friday, April 22ndGood Friday, April 22nd • Easter Day, April 24thEaster Day, April 24thEaster Day, April 24thEaster Day, April 24th • Admin. Professionals Day, April 27thAdmin. Professionals Day, April 27thAdmin. Professionals Day, April 27thAdmin. Professionals Day, April 27th

MARCH/APRIL 2011 PAGE 2

Dustin BathenDustin BathenDustin BathenDustin Bathen ---- He is serving in Iraq. He is serving in Iraq. He is serving in Iraq. He is serving in Iraq.

Gage West Gage West Gage West Gage West ---- Winona’s grandson, Gage, Winona’s grandson, Gage, Winona’s grandson, Gage, Winona’s grandson, Gage,

has a rare disease and is at the top of the has a rare disease and is at the top of the has a rare disease and is at the top of the has a rare disease and is at the top of the

list for a kidney transplant.list for a kidney transplant.list for a kidney transplant.list for a kidney transplant.

Pictured Clockwise from front: Brian Smith, John Klotzbach, Bernice Fischels, Gary Buresh, Mary Klotzbach, Laura Smith (Scorekeeper), Richard Shillinglaw, Eric Smith, Catherine Smith, and Jenna Smith (Scorekeeper).

The 2011 Easter Offering will go to support two important The 2011 Easter Offering will go to support two important The 2011 Easter Offering will go to support two important The 2011 Easter Offering will go to support two important ministries.ministries.ministries.ministries. Half of the offering will be used to support the Half of the offering will be used to support the Half of the offering will be used to support the Half of the offering will be used to support the Emerging Mission Grants program of our Presbytery.Emerging Mission Grants program of our Presbytery.Emerging Mission Grants program of our Presbytery.Emerging Mission Grants program of our Presbytery. This This This This program assists churches in starting new ministries that program assists churches in starting new ministries that program assists churches in starting new ministries that program assists churches in starting new ministries that will benefit their community.will benefit their community.will benefit their community.will benefit their community. Our church has been Our church has been Our church has been Our church has been thethethethe recipient of a grant to start what was our 7th Grade recipient of a grant to start what was our 7th Grade recipient of a grant to start what was our 7th Grade recipient of a grant to start what was our 7th Grade Girls Group.Girls Group.Girls Group.Girls Group. The first half of our offering will be used to The first half of our offering will be used to The first half of our offering will be used to The first half of our offering will be used to assist other churches to do what we have done.assist other churches to do what we have done.assist other churches to do what we have done.assist other churches to do what we have done. The The The The other half of our Easter offering will go to support our own other half of our Easter offering will go to support our own other half of our Easter offering will go to support our own other half of our Easter offering will go to support our own Girls Group ministry.Girls Group ministry.Girls Group ministry.Girls Group ministry. Currently there are two Girls Groups Currently there are two Girls Groups Currently there are two Girls Groups Currently there are two Girls Groups meeting.meeting.meeting.meeting. There is a 9th Grade Girls Group (which was the There is a 9th Grade Girls Group (which was the There is a 9th Grade Girls Group (which was the There is a 9th Grade Girls Group (which was the original 7th Grade Girls Group).original 7th Grade Girls Group).original 7th Grade Girls Group).original 7th Grade Girls Group). We also have a new 6th We also have a new 6th We also have a new 6th We also have a new 6th Grade Girls Group meeting as well.Grade Girls Group meeting as well.Grade Girls Group meeting as well.Grade Girls Group meeting as well. Both groups are led Both groups are led Both groups are led Both groups are led by Kate Barloon.by Kate Barloon.by Kate Barloon.by Kate Barloon. Monies received will be used to support Monies received will be used to support Monies received will be used to support Monies received will be used to support our work with these girls, especially to assist them with our work with these girls, especially to assist them with our work with these girls, especially to assist them with our work with these girls, especially to assist them with attending Camp Wyoming this summer.attending Camp Wyoming this summer.attending Camp Wyoming this summer.attending Camp Wyoming this summer. Both of these Both of these Both of these Both of these projects are positively impacting the lives of people in our projects are positively impacting the lives of people in our projects are positively impacting the lives of people in our projects are positively impacting the lives of people in our community and in East Iowa Presbytery. Please give community and in East Iowa Presbytery. Please give community and in East Iowa Presbytery. Please give community and in East Iowa Presbytery. Please give generously.generously.generously.generously.

Thank you for the Poinsettia plant. They are Thank you for the Poinsettia plant. They are Thank you for the Poinsettia plant. They are Thank you for the Poinsettia plant. They are always so pretty at Christmas time.always so pretty at Christmas time.always so pretty at Christmas time.always so pretty at Christmas time. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Lucille Cottrell Lucille Cottrell Lucille Cottrell Lucille Cottrell

Pastor Hougen invested $15 in raffle tickets at the Chamber

Banquet and walked away with four items: a plate, jelly beans, a

coupon for an oil change at Pinicon Ford and a certificate at

Adams Family furniture.

NEW ADDITION TO THE COPENHAVER

FAMILY! Benjamin Thom was born on Friday, February 18th. Benjamin is welcomed by his par-ents Steve & Amy, and his big brothers, Nathan and Andrew. Congratulations!

Please pick up this year’s “needs list” located on the table in the

Friendship Room. Place your donations in the designated box

in the kitchen. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please

make your check payable to “Camp Wyoming” and leave it in

the church office or give to Lynda Fiester.

Please contact Lynda with any questions.

KERYGMA PAGE 11

3/13: MiKenna Rodriguez, Haylee Rathbun,

Brittany Robb, Zach Bathen

4/10: Justin Hougen, Olivia Kaiser, Chloe Kaiser, Hannah Butler

HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL

FELLOWSHIP CALENDARFELLOWSHIP CALENDARFELLOWSHIP CALENDARFELLOWSHIP CALENDAR:

3/06: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 pm

3/13: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 pm

3/20: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 pm

3/27: TRIVIA NIGHT 6-8 pm

4/03: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 pm

4/10: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 pm

4/17: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 pm

4/24: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Youth created Scripture Sculptures on Sunday, February 13th at youth group.

SWAP DAY.

Kelly Crossley

shared her

Camp

Wyoming

enthusiasm

with us.

Jan Reed taught us

about peer pressure

and God’s forgiveness

using the Bible story

of Joseph and his coat

and a science

experiment.

MARCH/APRIL 2011 PAGE 10

Wow, has it been a

year already. Is it

really time to get our

team funding ready

and once again signup

to join one of our

teams? Yes, I guess it is! This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, June 10th

from 6 pm to 6 am.

The “Presbyterian Walkers”, teams one & two, have always been one of the

leading teams in fund raising. This year’s team members will each receive a

lapel pin to be proudly worn on our t-shirts for last year’s efforts towards

helping a Relay For Life event that set a new dollar level of $89,089.74.

I wanted to get started a little early this year and want all of the team

members to start thinking about what we can do for some special fundrais-

ing this year. There is always the usual car wash, bake sale, which are great

but do any of you have any special ideas you may have heard of or read

about that you would like to see our teams try?

If so, please give me a call and let’s get together and talk about how to make

it happen!

The new saying at the American Cancer Society is that they are the

“Official Sponsor of Birthdays”. We can help to make that happen for

many people. Plan now to join one of our teams.

Don Mumm, Co-chair and publicity chair for Buchanan Co. Relay For Life

You are invited to an all-you-can-eat

Belgian Waffle Supper on March 15th

from 4:30-7 pm at the Independence

Senior Center. Cost is $7 for adults,

and $5 for children 5-10, children under

5 attend free. See Eric Smith or Jim

Rozendaal for advance tickets.

Reservations call Donna at 334-4990 Free Childcare Available

“Past For The Future” - Brunch $8.75

Feature: Historical Research In Motion by Tony Bangston Music: Vocal by Rebecca Wearmouth Speaker: Rita Ford, Geneseo, IL

“Finding Peace and Priorities”

You and your friends are invited To INDEPENDENCE, IOWA WOMEN’S CONNECTION!

Monday, March 7, 6:30 p.m. Bill’s Pizza & Smokehouse

MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS FOUNDATION - The first annual Music in our Schools Foundation dinner and dance is Saturday, April 9th, at Heartland Acres from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The Foundation was established to promote and enhance the music education in the Independence Community School District. Ticket prices are $30 for an individual, $50 for a couple, or $200 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at Jim Peters Law Office at 334-9992 or L’Santos Hair Design at 334-6130. For all other information or donations please contact Kate Barloon at 334-5655.

LIONS CLUB EASTER PIE SALES

Did you know that it costs TEN DOLLARS per child

for the Independence Lions Club to conduct vision

screenings at area daycares, preschools, and the

Early Childhood Development Fair? To help offset

the costs of this and other service projects, the

Independence Lions Club is selling pies, cookies,

and soups for delivery April 16 (one week before

Easter). Talk to Eric Smith to see the sales

brochure.

30th ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE ROTARY

CLUB SPAGHETTI DINNER

Spaghetti and meat sauce, French bread, dessert, & drink will be served on Tuesday, March 8th from 5-7 pm at Independence West Elementary. Tickets may be purchased from

any Rotarian member. Cost is $7.00 for adults; $3.50 for elementary students (K-6th); and free

for children under 5 years old.

KERYGMA PAGE 3

Hi, my name is Olivia Isabelle Kaiser, and surprisingly, member of

the month. I am a bit unsure of what a person is to write when asked

to be member of the months, so I’ll just start at the beginning. I was

born at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa, on February

24, 1993, and am on my way to earning the title of an “adult.” Two

years after my birth and a year after living in the wonderful city of

Ames, I was overjoyed with becoming a big sister. My family and I

lived in Ames for seven years, where I was an avid Cyclone fan,

attending multiple football and basketball games, as well as

VEISHEA parades. Ames is also where I began attending Sunday

School, Vacation Bible School, and a Christian Pre-School.

In the summer of 2000, we moved here, to live on my great-grandparent’s farm. I began attending East

Elementary as a nervous yet excited second grader. In October of that year, I was ecstatic to become a big

sister yet again. As the years went on, I became more involved in sports and music, and began attending the

First Presbyterian Church.

It is here I became involved with Camp Wyoming. I have been attending Camp Wyoming for almost 11

summers now, and I feel blessed to have had this opportunity and I also feel blessed that the church was able to

sponsor those amazing camp experiences. I have been to various sessions at Camp Wyoming, including,

Explorer I & II, Discovery, MAD (Musical Arts & Drama), Night Owls (yes, twice), Thrill Seekers, and LIT

(leaders in training). LIT, is a two week session that prepared me to be a camp counselor, which I now

volunteer to do every summer. I enjoy volunteering during the TTT session, which is a session specifically

designed for around 200 (about 100 per week) ten-year-old girls, who come from underprivileged homes all

around the state. These girls are sent to camp thanks to many wonderful ladies of the TTT Association. The

girls are given all new items for camp, including clothes. Working with these girls is a mind-boggling

experience, many of these girls come from single parent households or foster care, all of them are from low

income households, and they all have a different story to tell. As a counselor, I had to learn how to work with

and react to the different individuals they work with and their behaviors. Many of these TTT campers suffer

from anger problems, ADHD, bed-wetting, and a multitude of other issues, and as a counselor you have to

know how to deal with the different circumstances you encounter. But, once I knew how to handle the

different situations, and became more comfortable as a counselor, I realized these girls were teaching me just

as I was teaching them. Every summer it amazes me at how they individually teach me about being accepting

and loving though we’ve come from very different worlds. Working at Camp Wyoming and with the TTT

campers has broadened my perception of the world and the people in it. Camp Wyoming is a big part of my

life, it has always been a place where I am surrounded by Christian-minded people who further my

understanding of God’s message of love and acceptance.

This year as a senior, I have been involved with the church by being a substitute Sunday School teacher,

leading a children’s sermon, an usher, and a nursery attendant. I feel the church and the people in it have

guided and supported me in my journey so far.

After graduation, I plan on attending the University of Iowa (much to the dismay of my father and joy of my

grandpa Ford), to major in broadcast journalism and writing. I am looking forward to wearing black and

gold.

MARCH/APRIL 2011 PAGE 4

Next Brunch is scheduled for

March 13th

DEADLINE:

Newsletter articles must be submitted to

the church office by Monday, April 18 to

be printed in the May/June Newsletter.

Cost for the meal is $6 per person and the lunches run from 12:05-12:55 pm. You are encouraged to attend this time of fellowship and devotion. The schedule is as follows:

March 17th – First United Methodist Church March 24th – Immanuel Lutheran Church March 31st – Cornerstone Foursquare Church April 7th – St. John’s Catholic Church

April 14th – First Presbyterian Church

Our annual Community Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on Wednesday, April 27th from 5-7 pm. Tickets will go on sale in March and will be $7 each or $12 for two, $8 at the door and kids 11 & under $4. Proceeds will go to the Independence Area Food Pantry, the Ministerial Association’s One Another Program, and Operation Family Pack. Donations to the Silent Auction are being sought. If you have an item that you would like to contribute to the Silent Auction, please contact Eric Smith, Norma DeJong, or Cole Trimble.

Luke Crawford will be hosting a concert Luke Crawford will be hosting a concert Luke Crawford will be hosting a concert Luke Crawford will be hosting a concert here at the church on Saturday, March 5here at the church on Saturday, March 5here at the church on Saturday, March 5here at the church on Saturday, March 5thththth at at at at 7:30 pm. Free7:30 pm. Free7:30 pm. Free7:30 pm. Free----will donations are accepted will donations are accepted will donations are accepted will donations are accepted

and encouraged.and encouraged.and encouraged.and encouraged.

Camp Wyoming Brochures are on the table in the Friendship Room. The church will cover half of your camp fee - just complete the registration form found in the brochure and let the office know which camp you will be attending! Early bird rates are now available if you register by April 30th. Sign up before the sessions fill up.

The Presbytery of East Iowa is The Presbytery of East Iowa is The Presbytery of East Iowa is The Presbytery of East Iowa is

sponsoring a trip to the Presbytery sponsoring a trip to the Presbytery sponsoring a trip to the Presbytery sponsoring a trip to the Presbytery

of Ceara from June 23 - July 2. If you of Ceara from June 23 - July 2. If you of Ceara from June 23 - July 2. If you of Ceara from June 23 - July 2. If you

are interested, fill out an online are interested, fill out an online are interested, fill out an online are interested, fill out an online

application form at application form at application form at application form at www.peia.orgwww.peia.orgwww.peia.orgwww.peia.org. . . .

Deadline is April 15Deadline is April 15Deadline is April 15Deadline is April 15thththth....

TRIVIA NIGHT - MARCH 27TH @ 6 PM

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: MARCH 17-19

Independence High School will present Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s musical The King and I on March 17th, 18th, and 19th. Tickets for reserved floor seating go on sale Monday, Feb. 28th at 9:30am at the high school office. General admission bleacher seating is available at the door. Doors open at 7pm for the 7:30 show. The cast includes many young people from First Presbyterian Church: Hannah Butler,

Olivia Kaiser, Kyle Harms, Chloe Kaiser, MiKenna Rodriguez, Rachel Barloon, and Zach Bathan on tech support. Some of the elementary

students playing the king’s royal children include Sean Geertsma, Jenna Smith, Ericka Barloon, and Jenessa Barloon. You saw a preview at

church on February 20, now come to see the whole show!

PAGE 9 KERYGMA

Presbyterian Women will meet Tuesday, March 1st at 9:30 am. The

Hostess will be Bonnie O’Brien. Lynda Fiester will lead us in Bible Study

Lesson #5 & 6: “Singing Hymns of Hope” - Interludes of Salvation for

God’s People from Revelation 7-8:5.

Lenten Luncheons begin March 17th at the Methodist Church.

Presbyterian Women will serve the April 14th Lenten Lunch.

Quilting Sessions for the next couple of months will be March 8 & 22,

April 12 & 26 from 9:00 am to noon.

As I mature in my faith, I am constantly reminded that God does not deal in the ordinary…. His magnificence is present in the

extraordinary. On January 12th I took a group of 80 students to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall. The privilege of being a high

school choir singing a solo prelude concert in this prestigious hall is a miracle in itself. However, the real miracle was the journey.

For years, God has had his loving hands wrapped around our lives. As this year’s seniors entered the building four years ago as

freshmen, I knew they were a talented class and capable of reaching ambitious goals. When these students were sophomores, I wrote a

letter to their parents stating that they would want to start saving their money because in 2011 my goal was to have the students

performing a solo concert at Carnegie Hall. Sometimes being naive is a blessing. I continued to look for performance opportunities that

would challenge and stretch the students. Last year as we were changing the music for the mass, I came across John Angotti’s website

and invited him to Wahlert High School for our Sacred Concert stating that I wanted the students to perform with him. When the

concert was finished Mr. Angotti was impressed with the choir. He told us that he had been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in 2011 and

asked if we would be the “core” of the choir he wanted to put together for the Voices in the Hall event. When negotiations were

complete and all the contracts were signed, we were approved to sing the prelude concert and then join the combined choir to spread a

sacred message in a secular performance hall. Three years after writing the initial letter, a dream was coming true.

A miracle occurred this year as we were preparing for the annual Christmas Concert. We decided to bring Mr. Angotti and his band to

Dubuque for the Christmas Concert followed by a performance at Wahlert for the student body. As the day approached, it was

determined that funding was unavailable for the event. The very day that I was going to call Mr. Angotti to cancel the performances, a

refund check to the Wahlert Music Department appeared for the exact amount necessary to cover the concerts.

Hours before our departure, we received notice that a storm was predicted to hit New York. The decision was made that all 125 people

traveling with the group would leave one day early to miss the storm. The first bus was scheduled to leave the parking lot at 6:00

am. On the way to O’Hare I received a call from a Continental representative. The 2:00 flight had been cancelled but they had

re-booked all of us on a flight leaving at noon if we could get there in time. Then, I got a call from United stating that the parent flight

at 5:00 pm had been cancelled but if the parents could get to the airport early, they would be re-booked as well. People in New York

watched as all the flights around us were being cancelled. Ours were the only flights that departed from O’Hare for New York that

afternoon.

A divine grace was present throughout our excursion. 125 people left Dubuque a day early on the only flights that actually made it to

New York. A Continental employee began immediately re-booking all of our tickets when she found out our flight had been cancelled so

everyone had a seat on an earlier flight. A woman traveling with the group found a purse in the bathroom at O’Hare and realized the

purse belonged to another member of our group. A student lost her purse in New York; when someone tried to use her credit card, the

storeowner knew that the student had just left the store and returned the purse to her.

I was fortunate to be a part of the Independence Music Department under the direction of Lauretta Graetz. I understand the value of

high expectations and the life changing power of a strong music program. God has filled each of us with talent. When we are open to,

and cooperative with His divine plan, we get to experience the “mountain top.”

Pam Mumm, Wahlert High School Choir Director

PRESBYTERIAN

WOMEN

MARCH/APRIL 2011 PAGE 8

UshersUshersUshersUshers: Co: Co: Co: Co----Head Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don MummHead Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don MummHead Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don MummHead Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don Mumm 3, 17, 24: 3, 17, 24: 3, 17, 24: 3, 17, 24: John Butler, Jim Peters, Ryan & Joni RuffcornJohn Butler, Jim Peters, Ryan & Joni RuffcornJohn Butler, Jim Peters, Ryan & Joni RuffcornJohn Butler, Jim Peters, Ryan & Joni Ruffcorn 10:10:10:10: Justin Hougen, Olivia Kaiser, Chloe Kaiser, Hannah ButlerJustin Hougen, Olivia Kaiser, Chloe Kaiser, Hannah ButlerJustin Hougen, Olivia Kaiser, Chloe Kaiser, Hannah ButlerJustin Hougen, Olivia Kaiser, Chloe Kaiser, Hannah Butler

GreetersGreetersGreetersGreeters:::: Elder GreetersElder GreetersElder GreetersElder Greeters:::: 3:3:3:3: ________________________________________________________________________ April:April:April:April: Dorotha Sundquist, John Butler Dorotha Sundquist, John Butler Dorotha Sundquist, John Butler Dorotha Sundquist, John Butler 10:10:10:10: Carrie Bates, Shirlee RathbunCarrie Bates, Shirlee RathbunCarrie Bates, Shirlee RathbunCarrie Bates, Shirlee Rathbun 17:17:17:17: ________________________________________________________________________ 24:24:24:24: ________________________________________________________________________

Acolytes:Acolytes:Acolytes:Acolytes: 3, 10:3, 10:3, 10:3, 10: Brian Smith, Sean GeertsmaBrian Smith, Sean GeertsmaBrian Smith, Sean GeertsmaBrian Smith, Sean Geertsma 17, 24:17, 24:17, 24:17, 24: Randi Blume, Kaylee EilersRandi Blume, Kaylee EilersRandi Blume, Kaylee EilersRandi Blume, Kaylee Eilers

Children’s SermonsChildren’s SermonsChildren’s SermonsChildren’s Sermons:::: Nursery:Nursery:Nursery:Nursery: 3:3:3:3: Youth Youth Youth Youth 3: 3: 3: 3: Hannah Butler, Avri RuffcornHannah Butler, Avri RuffcornHannah Butler, Avri RuffcornHannah Butler, Avri Ruffcorn 10:10:10:10: Lynda FiesterLynda FiesterLynda FiesterLynda Fiester 10: 10: 10: 10: Mickey Geertsma, Randi BlumeMickey Geertsma, Randi BlumeMickey Geertsma, Randi BlumeMickey Geertsma, Randi Blume 17:17:17:17: Janet HarmsJanet HarmsJanet HarmsJanet Harms 17: 17: 17: 17: Adult, Brian SmithAdult, Brian SmithAdult, Brian SmithAdult, Brian Smith 24: 24: 24: 24: Melody MalekMelody MalekMelody MalekMelody Malek 24:24:24:24: Chloe Kaiser, Brynn MartinChloe Kaiser, Brynn MartinChloe Kaiser, Brynn MartinChloe Kaiser, Brynn Martin

FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers:::: 3:3:3:3: Howard Miller In Memory of WifeHoward Miller In Memory of WifeHoward Miller In Memory of WifeHoward Miller In Memory of Wife 10:10:10:10: Dorothy Malek In Memory of Loved OnesDorothy Malek In Memory of Loved OnesDorothy Malek In Memory of Loved OnesDorothy Malek In Memory of Loved Ones 17:17:17:17: PALMSPALMSPALMSPALMS 24: 24: 24: 24: EASTER LILIES EASTER LILIES EASTER LILIES EASTER LILIES ---- Dorothy Malek In Memory of Loved Ones Dorothy Malek In Memory of Loved Ones Dorothy Malek In Memory of Loved Ones Dorothy Malek In Memory of Loved Ones

BulletinsBulletinsBulletinsBulletins:::: 3:3:3:3: Dorotha SundquistDorotha SundquistDorotha SundquistDorotha Sundquist 10:10:10:10: ________________________________________________________________________________ 17:17:17:17: ________________________________________________________________________________ 24: 24: 24: 24: Sue Stilwell In Honor of Her GrandchildrenSue Stilwell In Honor of Her GrandchildrenSue Stilwell In Honor of Her GrandchildrenSue Stilwell In Honor of Her Grandchildren

Fellowship TreatsFellowship TreatsFellowship TreatsFellowship Treats:::: 3:3:3:3: ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ 10:10:10:10: ________________________________________________________________________________ 17:17:17:17: Jon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrake 24:24:24:24: ________________________________________________________________________________

Coffee Prep/Clean UpCoffee Prep/Clean UpCoffee Prep/Clean UpCoffee Prep/Clean Up:::: 3:3:3:3: Margaret OwnbyMargaret OwnbyMargaret OwnbyMargaret Ownby 10:10:10:10: Wayne & Sondra SewardWayne & Sondra SewardWayne & Sondra SewardWayne & Sondra Seward 17:17:17:17: Jon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrake 24:24:24:24: Lonny & Tammy BathenLonny & Tammy BathenLonny & Tammy BathenLonny & 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

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.

PAGE 5 KERYGMA

MARCH/APRIL 2011 PAGE 6

The Community Dinner and Silent Auction will be Wednesday, April 27th, 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, Norma DeJong, or Cole Trimble. Please invite your friends and neighbors to this dinner to help

these causes. Also, we all have a good time working.

The HOT (Help Our Teachers) bulletin board has been re-stocked with needs from the Early Childhood

Center. Please check it out to see what you can do to help. When you bring the item to the church

office, please bring the slip of paper back with the item. We need to know where the item goes. We

hope to put slips of paper of filled needs on the Completed side of the bulletin board in order to show

that we are making a difference.

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

Dear Friends,

Once again the Independence Area Food Pantry will participate in the Feinstein Foundation Challenge. This is the 14th 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 March 1, 2011 to April 30, 2011, will contribute to our pantry earning some of the Feinstein Foundation’s $1 million. All cash, checks, pledges and food items donated from March 1st to April 30th, will be reported to the Feinstein Foundation before May 12, 2011. The more that is donated to the Independence Area Food Pantry – the more money we will receive from the Feinstein Foundation. Donation can include cash, checks, pledges and food items. We love to see our local youth groups collect canned goods and non-perishables as it is a tangible way for them to understand giving. We encourage our local businesses and organizations and private donors to consider monetary donations as we can purchase large amounts of food at Northeast Iowa Food Bank for considerably less than what one could purchase at a grocery or discount store. For example, I have been able to purchase 3-lb. bags of oatmeal for 60 cents a bag; jars of Miracle Whip for 33 cents a jar; cereal for 19 cents a pound; vegetables for 1.20 a case. Cash donations also help to pay our heating and cooling costs, insurance and supplies. Items that are needed and usually not available at the Food Bank are paper supplies such as Kleenex, toilet paper and toiletries such as shampoo and bar soap. Food items needed are syrup, pancake mix, sugar, flour, tuna, salmon, ketchup, pork and beans, chili or kidney beans, canned fruits and vegetables. We do appreciate all donations, but I have found that people like to know what our needs are. We appreciate everyone’s support for each of our fundraisers and feel so blessed to have such a caring and giving community. God bless you.

Susan Oline, Director Independence Area Food Pantry

PAGE 7 KERYGMA

UshersUshersUshersUshers: Co: Co: Co: Co----Head Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don MummHead Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don MummHead Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don MummHead Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don Mumm 6, 20, 27: 6, 20, 27: 6, 20, 27: 6, 20, 27: Lynda Fiester, Fran Hood, Mary Klotzbach, Margaret OwnbyLynda Fiester, Fran Hood, Mary Klotzbach, Margaret OwnbyLynda Fiester, Fran Hood, Mary Klotzbach, Margaret OwnbyLynda Fiester, Fran Hood, Mary Klotzbach, Margaret Ownby 13:13:13:13: MiKenna Rodriguez, Haylee Rathbun, Brittany Robb, MiKenna Rodriguez, Haylee Rathbun, Brittany Robb, MiKenna Rodriguez, Haylee Rathbun, Brittany Robb, MiKenna Rodriguez, Haylee Rathbun, Brittany Robb, Zach BathenZach BathenZach BathenZach Bathen

GreetersGreetersGreetersGreeters:::: Elder GreetersElder GreetersElder GreetersElder Greeters:::: 6:6:6:6: The Martin FamilyThe Martin FamilyThe Martin FamilyThe Martin Family March:March:March:March: Pam Peterson, Jon TeStrake Pam Peterson, Jon TeStrake Pam Peterson, Jon TeStrake Pam Peterson, Jon TeStrake 13:13:13:13: ____________________________________________________________________________ 20:20:20:20: The Adams FamilyThe Adams FamilyThe Adams FamilyThe Adams Family 27:27:27:27: The Trimble FamilyThe Trimble FamilyThe Trimble FamilyThe Trimble Family

Acolytes:Acolytes:Acolytes:Acolytes: 6, 13:6, 13:6, 13:6, 13: Joseph Kaiser, Kyle EilersJoseph Kaiser, Kyle EilersJoseph Kaiser, Kyle EilersJoseph Kaiser, Kyle Eilers 20, 27:20, 27:20, 27:20, 27: Brynn Martin, Avri RuffcornBrynn Martin, Avri RuffcornBrynn Martin, Avri RuffcornBrynn Martin, Avri Ruffcorn

Children’s SermonsChildren’s SermonsChildren’s SermonsChildren’s Sermons:::: Nursery:Nursery:Nursery:Nursery: 6:6:6:6: Youth Youth Youth Youth 6: 6: 6: 6: Olivia Kaiser, Avri RuffcornOlivia Kaiser, Avri RuffcornOlivia Kaiser, Avri RuffcornOlivia Kaiser, Avri Ruffcorn 13:13:13:13: Ryan RuffcornRyan RuffcornRyan RuffcornRyan Ruffcorn 13: 13: 13: 13: Hannah Butler, Brynn MartinHannah Butler, Brynn MartinHannah Butler, Brynn MartinHannah Butler, Brynn Martin 20:20:20:20: Mark GeertsmaMark GeertsmaMark GeertsmaMark Geertsma 20: 20: 20: 20: Mickey Geertsma, Randi BlumeMickey Geertsma, Randi BlumeMickey Geertsma, Randi BlumeMickey Geertsma, Randi Blume 27: 27: 27: 27: Ruth LiscumRuth LiscumRuth LiscumRuth Liscum 27:27:27:27: Chloe Kaiser, Brian SmithChloe Kaiser, Brian SmithChloe Kaiser, Brian SmithChloe Kaiser, Brian Smith

FlowersFlowersFlowersFlowers:::: 6:6:6:6: Pam Fitzgerald In Memory of Daughter, AudreyPam Fitzgerald In Memory of Daughter, AudreyPam Fitzgerald In Memory of Daughter, AudreyPam Fitzgerald In Memory of Daughter, Audrey 13:13:13:13: Don & Carole Mumm In Memory of Loved OnesDon & Carole Mumm In Memory of Loved OnesDon & Carole Mumm In Memory of Loved OnesDon & Carole Mumm In Memory of Loved Ones 20:20:20:20: Doug & Audra Kaiser In Memory of Audra’s Doug & Audra Kaiser In Memory of Audra’s Doug & Audra Kaiser In Memory of Audra’s Doug & Audra Kaiser In Memory of Audra’s Sister, Shannon FordSister, Shannon FordSister, Shannon FordSister, Shannon Ford 27: 27: 27: 27: Frankie Bowden In Memory of Loved OnesFrankie Bowden In Memory of Loved OnesFrankie Bowden In Memory of Loved OnesFrankie Bowden In Memory of Loved Ones

BulletinsBulletinsBulletinsBulletins:::: 6:6:6:6: Lee & Linda BowdenLee & Linda BowdenLee & Linda BowdenLee & Linda Bowden 13:13:13:13: Jon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrake 20:20:20:20: ________________________________________________________________________________ 27: 27: 27: 27: Frances Hood In Memory of Ronnie HoodFrances Hood In Memory of Ronnie HoodFrances Hood In Memory of Ronnie HoodFrances Hood In Memory of Ronnie Hood

Fellowship TreatsFellowship TreatsFellowship TreatsFellowship Treats:::: 6:6:6:6: ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ 13:13:13:13: BRUNCHBRUNCHBRUNCHBRUNCH 20:20:20:20: Jon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrake 27:27:27:27: Brian Smith for his 11th BirthdayBrian Smith for his 11th BirthdayBrian Smith for his 11th BirthdayBrian Smith for his 11th Birthday

Coffee Prep/Clean UpCoffee Prep/Clean UpCoffee Prep/Clean UpCoffee Prep/Clean Up:::: 6:6:6:6: Margaret Ownby, Frankie Bowden Margaret Ownby, Frankie Bowden Margaret Ownby, Frankie Bowden Margaret Ownby, Frankie Bowden 13:13:13:13: Wayne & Sondra SewardWayne & Sondra SewardWayne & Sondra SewardWayne & Sondra Seward 20:20:20:20: Jon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrakeJon & Kim TeStrake 27:27:27:27: Lonny & Tammy BathenLonny & Tammy BathenLonny & Tammy BathenLonny & Tammy Bathen

16 Ray & Betty Temeyer

18 Charlie & Sandy Hamilton

If we missed your birthday or anniversary, please

contact the church office at 334-3523.

2 Sue Stilwell 3 Dawn Rouse 4 Winona West 7 Jane McGill 8 Nathan Copenhaver 9 Jon Holland Christi Sauer 10 Randy Sorg Gina Trimble 11 Justin Rouse 13 Mark Geertsema Sam Rathbun Jean Rouse 14 Ruth Ann Hamilton Kelly Harms Peter Koskamp 17 Elizabeth Gray 21 Zach Bathan Brody Bevans Dale McGill 23 Beulah Harmon Brynn Bonefas 28 Brian Smith 30 Clayton Conklin