First Things First MARCH, 2019

NEWS FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STERLING, COLORADO

Community Lenten Worship & Lunch Christ United Methodist Church

12:00 pm

March 13 Rev. Jim Calhoun Christ United Methodist Church March 20 Pastor Dan Hays Peace Lutheran Church March 27 Rev. Michelle Witherspoon First Presbyterian Church A free will offering will be collected to benefit Cooperating Ministry of Logan County

A Message from Michelle. . .

“Curiosity is not for the faint-hearted;

it is for the God-haunted and restless spirits

dying for the water just below the surface of earthly certainty.”*

Do you like to take on a Lenten discipline? Give something up? This Lent, I invite you to give

up certainty. And, if you really want a challenge, I invite you also to give up judgment. If we

set aside certainty and judgement, we might become curious. . .

What would it look like to take a posture of curiosity during the season of Lent? To notice and

ask questions. . . To wonder. . .

“A little curiosity helps us understand strange emotions and where they are coming from. A

little curiosity helps us find opportunities and graces for life we never knew existed. A little

curiosity, especially when we’re chasing Jesus, will shape and form us into the person he calls

us to be.”*

May it be so.

*Casey Tygrett, Becoming Curious: A Spiritual Practice of Asking Questions

Pray for our Church Family

Military Personnel Luke Brigham (Randy & Terry’s son) Thomas Gage Snyder (Kim Schlup’s son) Cameron Venn (Doris Ramsel’s grandson

For those with special needs or concerns….

Karen Adams Sandy Amen Jennifer Anand (Laura Guenzi’s cousin) Carol Barrett Norm Blackburn Gabe Chapin Confirmands and Mentors Cooperating Ministry Jeanne Crouch & family Cierra Davis (friend of Becky Cranwell) Joel Danielson Family Resource Center Norman Foos Jim Gay (George’s son) Jax Gertner (Mike’s grandson) Don Gertge (friend of McDowells) Bryce Gilliland (friend of Kaans) Glaser Family Glen & Dowene Gregory (Jen DeSoto’s son-in-law) David Hashman, SCF Inmate Bob & Debbie Hessler Sonja Holden (friend of Arden Fennell) Chris Jutz Josh Jutz & Kaylee David Kaiser (friend of Janet Foos)

Robert Koehler (friend of Laura Guenzi) Debby Korrey (Darla’s sister) Glenna Langshaw (Cheryl Kaan’s mother) Gary & Deb Lauer (friend of Propsts) Dona Lightsey Delinda Korrey McDowell Shannon Oyewole (friend of Nancy Mann) Jeni Porter (In-law of Blackburns) Joy Post Frances Rhodes (Dave Rhodes’ mother) Dortha Skinner Abraham Lazarus Spahr (Janet Bigler’s nephew) Dorothy Swanson Charlie & Roseanne Thompson (friends of Nebletts) Dick Trumpe (friend of Lehs & Arnolds) Under the Umbrella Norma & Justin Weber Masi Wells (friend of Taylor Cranwell) Jeff Weskamp Jim & Jean Williamson Zach Westrasmus (Tom Westfall’s nephew

March

3 Tara Guenzi

Pieper Jackson 4 Morgan Meier 7 Janet Kloberdanz 9 Jim Williamson 10 Edie Evans 11 Gene Miller Jay Harris 14 Cory Jackson Amanda Steele 15 Arden Fennell 16 Kinslee Kruger Joyce Lebsack 17 Abe Eichhorn 20 Jeff Reeves 21 Mindy Meier 23 Dana Sonnenberg-Harris 26 Ellen Miles Larry Harris Allie Miller 27 Jace Harris 28 Noelle Lister 31 Nancy McNay

Condolences to: Rev. Michelle, Brian, George, Lena and Rex on the death of Michelle’s father, Martin Panice, on February 5. Congratulations to:

George Witherspoon who was named Ster ling Middle School’s 7th Grade Student of the month.

Dona Lightsey who was crowned queen at the Living Center ’s Valentine’s Day Celebration.

Daisy Borner, Taylor Cranwell, Audrey Reeves, Ava Reeves, James Waite and George Witherspoon who made the 2nd Quar ter Honor Roll at Ster ling Middle School..

Dylan Cranwell and Emi Reeves who made the 2nd Quar ter Honor Roll at Ster ling High School.

Daylight Savings Time

Begins March 10.

From the January 15, 2018 Session Meeting

It was voted to seat Deacon’s representative, Nancy Hall, and give her voice.

Parson’s Porch Publisher has invited Rev. Michelle to publish a book of her sermons.

There was one funeral during the month.

It was voted to approve the following times away for Rev. Michelle, Jan 28-31, study leave to attend Presbytery of Plains and Peaks clergywomen’s retreat in Grand Lake, CO.

One person was removed from membership due to death.

Session held a gathering on Sunday, January 13, 2019, with Joseph Moore and Presbytery of Plains and Peaks COM Liaison Michael Gross.

Tom Westfall has agreed to be the Mission Contact for 2019.

It was decided by consensus that Elder, Linda Meisner join the chairs of Finance, Personnel and Rev. Michelle (ex, officio, voice without vote) to work as a nominating committee for the next Treasurer.

Ordination and Installation of officers was held on January 13, 2019. Ordained and in-stalled were: 1. Dean Böeff, Rebecca Lister and Kathy

Rice Deacon Class of 2021; and Taylor Cranwell (youth), Deacon Class of 2019.

2. Cheryl Kaan, Trae Miller and Jeff Rice, Elder Class of 2021 ; and Emi Reeves (youth), Elder Class of 2019.

Installed to active service were: Kim Jackson and Jill Vollmer, Deacons Class of 2021 and Linda Meisner, Elder Class of 2021.

It was voted to approve the following con-firmation mentors: Lindsey Jackson, Max Jackson, Alie Sheldon, Mike Werner and Pam Werner.

It was voted to approve a ser ies based on the book Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times by Adam Hamilton, including an intergenerational Sunday school class on Sunday morning, sermon series dur-ing worship and a meditation/mindfulness practice on Wednesdays.

It was voted to approve Mason Böeff, Tay-lor Cranwell, George Witherspoon, and James Waite to attend the middle school retreat at Highlands March1-3, 2019. Chaperones Jus-tin and Becky Cranwell.

It was voted Dylan Cranwell, Taylor Cran-well and Emi Reeves to attend the Presbyteri-an Youth Triennium with the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks delegation.

Next Meetings: Session - 6:00 March 19

Session. . .

Finance Info January, 2019 January YTD 2019 YTD Budget Difference Total Receipts (budget)* $22,845.88 $22,845.88 $28,088.00 ($5,242.12)

Total Expenses (budget) 25,200.77 25,200.77 47,295.00 (13,273.74)

Net Ordinary Income (loss) ($2,354.89) ($2,354.89) (19,207.00)

Transfers from other assets 0.00 0.00 0.00

Net Ordinary Income ($2,354.89) ($2,354.89) (Loss) with transfers

*$5,000 was received in prepaid pledges

On the Calendar. . .

First Friday @ First Presbyterian Featuring

Orpheus Club Young Artists

Friday March 1, 2019

12:05 to 12:35

One Great Hour Of Sharing is a Christian effort to empower, provide water, supply food,

and give relief from disasters.

Water Projects: We currently have

projects in over 20 countries.

Hunger Relief: See how we are feeding the hungry all over the

world.

Disaster Relief: Not just immediate

responses, but long-term commitment.

Empowerment: Helping men and

women provide for their families..

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received April 7. Visit pcusa.org/OGHS for more information.

Text OGHS to 20222 to donate $10.00.

Rummage Sale Ladies by Karen Torres

We do not cuss, we do not drink. (We’d love to have your kitchen sink.) We laugh, we joke, we share our snacks, (we sort, we price, we sell back packs.) Give us a blender, give us a chair. (We’ll sell it for a price that’s fair.) Working together keeps us strong And builds our friendships all year long. As we’ve been blessed we share with all, Our talent, our love, each spring and fall.

Come join the fun! April 1-5

Food need for March is canned Carrots and Mixed Vegetables.

Ordination and Installation of Officers January 13, 2019

The 100-Year Church Building Anniversary First Presbyterian Church

An Interview with George Gay

1st in a Series to Remember Our People and Church

Architectural Background - The First Presbyterian Church in Sterling is considered to be of the Classical Revival style which was commonly used from 1895 – 1950. The design is considered formal and monumental. Characteristic of the Greek ar-chitecture, one finds massive columns which are topped with ornate capitals. One version of this style is found in our church with the full-height columned front porch topped with the classical pediment (the triangular gable on the east). One of George’s memories of the church was when the west part of the sanctuary was remodeled to put in the offices for the pastor and business administrator. Schlenz Builders, Inc. was the contractor for the 1991 remodel. Part of the work included repair of the men’s bathroom at the basement level, and this is where the trouble be-gan. Wooden beams had been encased in concrete which would someday lead to deterioration. These girders had to be replaced with steel. Of course, the job was done right.

Domes have always been a part of sacred culture. They bring the church-goer’s focus up and are a reminder of God’s grandeur and beauty. George has a great respect for the builders of our church. Asking me if I had been inside the upper dome, he commented that it is “truly amazing” as it was constructed in 1918 without the use of power tools. Of course, I was in-trigued and climbed up to take the photo to the left. Amazing!

The church once supplied a manse for the minister. George was involved in the change to allow the minister to receive a housing allowance instead. The

manse was at 1125 South 11th Avenue. He tells the story of Rev. John Frerichs being unhappy with the manse stating that his terms of call “promised him a better, newer home.” The Session recommended the purchase of a larger, newer home, but this was rejected by the congregation. This was when the Session countered and offered to give the pastor an annual rental allowance. Rev. Frerichs declined this offer and left the church in 1969. In 1970 the manse was remodeled for youth activities. Junior and senior high school students helped with the work. Rev. Ivan Rundus came in July 1970, and later purchased the manse at the appraised value.

George has a strong respect for individuals who donate memorial gifts to the church. The gift should be forever cherished. He pointed out something I never knew - that there is a relief of Jesus and children on each of the two urns in the sanctuary. They were commissioned in 1954 by the Women’s Association of the Presbyterian Church, Sterling. He believes this was a memorial for a child. The sculptor was Mabel Torrey. -by Penny Propst George Gay has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling since

1954. He has served as an elder or deacon for over two decades. He was a parts

service manager for many years followed by 28 years with the U.S. Post Office

where he was a clerk in charge and a distribution clerk. He retired from the post

office in 1991 and “was volunteered” unknowingly to be a hod carrier for the

bricklayer when the sign was placed on the east exterior. His children comment that “he remembers things that

they can’t!” Thank you George for the great memories of FPC!

First Things First News for the Church Family at First Presbyterian

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Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship

Fellowship Coffee follows Sunday worship service.

SUNDAY SCHOOL (September—May)

Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - All ages

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Sunday, 10:30 a.m. On KSTC (AM 1230)

OFFICE HOURS:

Staff:

PASTOR MICHELLE WITHERSPOON

E-mail michelle@firstpressterling.org

Cell Phone 970.580.4358

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR/BOOKKEEPER

E-mail bevc@firstpressterling.org BEVERLY CUMMING

PARISH ASSISTANT TIM LISTER

E-mail tim@firstpressterling.org

MUSIC COORDINATOR/ORGANIST ELSIE FETZER

CHOIR DIRECTOR KAY BRIGHAM RICH

BELL CHOIR DIRECTOR LINDSEY JACKSON

PROPERTY MANAGER JANET KLOBERDANZ

CO-DIRECTORs OF CHILDREN’ S MINISTRY

JANET FOOS & ALIE SHELDON

NEWSLETTER EDITOR NANCY MANN

FIRST THINGS FIRST

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