PULSE THE

A NOTE FROM PASTOR PAUL Every January, I turn to some of the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., usually the “I Have a Dream” speech and the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Things are different now than when Dr. King, and Rosa Parks, and Ralph Abernathy, and a whole host of nameless, courageous freedom riders, peaceful demonstrators, and determined marchers were calling us to honor our founding documents that declare that all persons are created equal. And in many ways we have made progress in civil rights. But it would be naïve to assume that we have overcome racism and white privilege. Not only do we continue to see the invisible, systemic kind of racism that keeps power in the hands of a few, we have also seen a resurgence of open, blatant, white nationalism. Add to that the continuing polarization of our country, which paralyzes our political system and prevents us from working together on issues like racism, global warming and climate change, gun violence, and healthcare. It is indeed a bleak midwinter. Not only seasonally, but in the life of our nation. And so, this year, I will also be reading Dr. King’s last sermon, delivered the day before he was taken away from us forever. It is sometimes referred to as the “I’ve been to the mountaintop,” or “I’ve seen the promised land” sermon, and many have pointed out the eerie note of resignation, almost as if he knew what waited him as he stood on the balcony of that motel the next day. But what stands out for me are the notes of resilience and assurance in the face of overwhelming odds, and the notes of celebration and praise and gratitude in the face of a hard struggle. Particularly apt for us Christians is Dr. King’s encouragement to those who were facing the fire hoses of Bull Connor, chief of police in Birmingham. He reminded them of a kind of fire that no water can put out. And then he also reminded them that they knew about water, because they had been baptized. And so even as they faced the water hoses they could go on singing “Over my head I see freedom in the air.” May we continue to know both that fire of resilience, and that water of Christian hope.

Inside this Issue

“RESTORATIVE JUSTICE” — SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

Guest Speaker Jacob Shepard from Catholic Charities

ANNUAL MEETING — SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

2019 Annual Reports available on January 26

2020 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION TRIP

Hurricane Michael clean up—Chipley, Florida

NEWSLETTER

January 13, 2020 Vol. 60 No. 1

www.fpc-mc.com | 100 South Pierce Avenue, Mason City, IA | (641) 424-4273 | firstpresbymc@gmail.com

2019 Rorick Grant

The 2019 Rorick Grant of $354.80 has been received. Since 1988, our church has received an annual grant

from Lorraine and Ray Rorick Fund under the Last Will and Testament of Ray Rorick in memory of Lorraine

and Ray Rorick. The trust was not restricted but indicated a preference for capital improvements and

debt reduction. Among other projects, the Rorick grants have paid off the debt from the Friendship Wing

construction, paid for the boiler, paid for the Fellowship Hall energy efficient windows, and most

recently, paid a portion of the parking lot paving. We continue to be grateful for this gift that has benefited

the church in so many ways.

Guest Speaker — January 19

On Sunday, January 19, we will welcome Jacob Shepard from Catholic Charities to present about the Jail & Prison Ministry community re-enter program. This program helps ex-offenders establish positive

relationships, experience healthy social activities, and connect with community resources that can aid in

finding work, affordable housing, and meeting basic needs. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 am.

“Anastasia” Broadway Musical

The Membership and Outreach Ministry Team has organized a bus trip to see the musical “Anastasia” on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Civic Center in Des Moines. Reservations are available until January 20 by calling True Travels, LLC at 641-530-0963. Featured in

the production is Alison Ewing, daughter of Jackie Wendt. More information about this event will be

in the next Pulse newsletter.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation Sunday, February 2

On Sunday, February 2, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 10:30am for a worship service that

will incorporate the Annual Meeting of our Congregation. This is a time to celebrate the ministry

we have been involved in over the past, to look forward to some new challenges in the coming year, and to take care of some necessary business of the congregation. All church members are expected to

attend and participate in the life of the congregation. We will share in the Lord’s Supper in worship, and

then we will share a meal around the table, provided by our newest ministry team, the

Events to Celebrate team.

January Birthdays

January 4 — Darrell Fisher January 5 — Will Jellema January 5 — Kristen Long January 5 — Sally Waggoner January 10 — Shirley Harmon January 11 — Perrin Echelberger January 11 — Letha Steinauer January 13 — Earl Opheim January 22 — Bob Jones January 24 — Alice Haynes January 24 — Jean Reaney January 27 — Joan Bantz January 27 — Doris Smith

All Church Game Night Saturday, February 22nd (6:00 pm—8:00 pm)

Join us for a fun night of cards, board games and laughter. Bring a snack to share and a

favorite game to add to the fun.

Please keep the following people in your prayers:

+ John Seeck, Jim Seeck’s father

+ Terry MacGregor, at Heritage Care Center

+ Warren Woerner, hospice care

+ The Rev. Steve Plunkett, Pastor Paul’s former Pastor, health issues

+ The Rev. Jack Collier, Pastor Paul’s dad, receiving hospice care

+ Lee Butler

+ Shirley Dean

+ Steve Adair

+ Julie Eaton, daughter of Lee and Judy Butler

IN THE EVENT OF POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS (please use your best judgement)

WEEKDAYS if MC schools cancel/dismiss early,

ALL CHURCH ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELLED

SUNDAYS check - KIMT | Facebook | discovernorthiowa.com

“That’s A Good Question”

Wednesday, February 5th @ 6:00 pm

It’s the FINAL part of our series “That’s a Good Question.”

Each month after dinner we’ll be exploring a different question

found in the Bible.

This month’s question is “Who is My Neighbor?”

Dinner is @ 6:00 pm & there is always a seat for Everyone @ the Table!

2020 Presbytery Mission Trip Chipley, Florida | February 3-7

Members from our church and presbytery will be

heading south to Chipley, Florida to help rebuild after Hurricane Michael hit the

area in October 2018.

Please keep our mission workers and the families they’ll be serving in your prayers.

Members from FPC-MC David Little, Kelly Ullrich, Mike Ostrander,

Kyra Shirk, Nate Ruge, Will Jellema

Mt. Kato Snow Tubing Saturday, February 15th (9:00 am—5:00 pm)

COST - $25 (Covers lift ticket, tube rental and transportation;

does not include lunch $ for McDonalds.)

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Payment and Parent Permission (PPP) Form turned in

YOUR PAYMENT & PPP GUARANTEES YOUR SPOT!

We will LEAVE from FIRST PRESBYTERIAN parking lot

at 9:00 am, eat lunch in Mankato and then snow

tube. We’ll leave Mt. Kato at 3:00 pm and be home

by 5:00 pm.

Permission forms can be picked up at the church office.

All Who Are Weary February 9th, 16th, 23rd

The Meeting Place @ 9:00 am

Do you ever feel so weary from the constant demands of life - demands that never seem to stop?

We’ll spend three weeks talking about our weariness, how it affects our faith, and what to do about it.

Wednesday Bible Study Readings Wednesdays at 10:20 am

Come join us in the Friendship Room as we look at the upcoming Sunday

scripture. We laugh, share, and learn about God working in us. What a

wonderful way to enjoy Bible study!

January 22 Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9

1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

January 29 Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15

1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12