Celebrating 125 years! The Prairie Light

February 2015 Edition Pastor Kitty LumFirst Presbyterian Church * P.O. Box 236 * Liberal, KS 67905 * presby@swko.net * (620)624-5487 Office

From the PastorIt has been an interesting, challenging, fun and rewarding time for me so far in the Land of Oz! As you already know, I really enjoy preparing and leading worship and preaching, but I would say that one of the highlights of my experiences in the last two months has been getting involved with the Liberal community! I have my friend and colleague, Amy Thompson, who has been graciously filling in as the temporary Office Manager for us, as well as many members of this congregation, to thank for encouraging me to start getting involved with the myriad of activities available here in town. Amy just began teaching/coordinating classes on nutrition for the culturally diverse community in Liberal at the Kansas State Extension Office, and teaching Public Speaking at Seward Community College, and she has been an invaluable connection to the local community for me, as a new resident and pastor.

The first interesting community activity I participated in was the Noon Kiwanis Club, thanks to the kind invitation of Ken Thompson. We have Kiwanis Club in many cities in California, so I knew what it was though I had never attended personally, and that was a helpful start! I greatly enjoyed meeting many new people at the Club, who were so warm and welcoming,

and I especially enjoyed the speaker of the day, Patrick. Patrick is a student from Haiti who is attending SCCC, and he shared his testimony on how he came to know Christ through missionaries in Haiti, and how God eventually led him here to study computer science. Patrick’s story was truly inspiring, and it helped put a face on the people of Haiti, to whom my mother and I had donated funds to help during the 2010 earthquake. God has led Patrick through some incredible financial challenges and many twists and turns, to finally pursue his dream of studying computer science. In addition to computers, starting a non-profit school for children in Haiti is Patrick’s passion, and it is his motivation for working in the computer science field. I found Patrick’s story to be an outstanding example of living out God’s calling to us in Isaiah 58, to do “practical religion”, to reach out to those who are in need of resources, whether it be food, clean water, clothing, housing or education. Patrick chose to focus on education, because he has had such a challenge finding the resources to get educated himself, and he believes that education is one of the keys to a promising future – especially for the people of Haiti, who often find it difficult to afford. At the same time, I felt that my getting involved with the Kiwanis was another way to live out God’s call to

practical religion in Isaiah 58. By participating in this club, which promotes

civic services to children/students, I am reaching out to help youth in the

community with special needs. If by participating in the Kiwanis Club, I am able to help a student, like Patrick get a scholarship, who truly needs financial support to make his dream a reality; I believe it is a very valuable service! I look forward to ways of getting the Kiwanis Club and our church to interact with each other, perhaps through the Moment for Missions, as well as through other ways.

The second rewarding experience I had in the community was getting involved with the Friends of the Library group. Since Amy is currently the President of this group, she invited me to attend a meeting. Because books and reading are such an important part of my personal and professional life, and a vital part of lifelong education, I believe that what the Friends of the Library is doing, to improve the library, is very significant to both children and adults in the community. I have become a member, and I am looking forward to all the exciting and helpful things this group will be doing to build up the city library! I also look forward to working with the Friends of the Library, inviting them to do a regular Moment for Mission at our church, so that members of the congregation will also learn about their important mission and exciting opportunities for volunteering at the library. There are many children in the community, who could use tutoring in learning how to read. I think that the church and Friends of the Library will make good partners, in serving our community! Once again, I see this group as carrying out what God calls us to in Isaiah 58, since the

Friends of the Library are reaching out to children and adults, who have a need for books, informational services and learning. An inviting and helpful library might make all the difference in how a child decides to spend her/his time after school, and later on, what she/he decides to do with their future!

I have also attended other community activities, besides the two I wrote about for this newsletter, such as the Commit To Be Fit program offered by the Kansas State Extension Office and the Mosaic Talent Show, so this theme is “to be continued” for the next edition, in consideration of the length of the newsletter. Well, I believe that this has been a great start, in “getting my feet wet,” in community activities here in Liberal! I am looking forward to many, many more interesting and rewarding experiences, and a variety of ways to get our church to interact with the community. I believe that this service to the community is one of the vital roles of the Church – especially during a generation, when most people are not showing up on Sunday mornings for traditional worship.

T.C.S - Together in Christ’s Service,Kitty Lum

2

Special MusicFebruary 15 – Marquis & Kathryn BrownFebruary 22 – Mary Houck

We invite you to share the musical gifts God has given you. If you would like to sing or play in worship, please contact either the church office or Kathy Bloom who is on the Congregational Life – Worship – Committee.

Moment for MissionFebruary 8 – Marvin Chance, Jr.February 22 – Lori Hensley

The Session has selected that the Moment for Mission and special offering go to the Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services. Donated items can be left in the foyer. Items requested include Dillons gift cards, non-perishable food items high in protein, toiletries – especially feminine hygiene products. They request no travel size items, full size only. Financial donations can be placed in the offering plate – make checks out to LARC/DVS.

Special Offering DaysPlease note that all loose offering received each Sunday goes to the Deacon’s Fund. This fund helps to support those in our community who find themselves in special circumstances and need some financial support.

Holy Communion will be served Sunday, February 1, 2015.

Connect with us on FacebookSince October when we invited you all to join us on our Facebook page we

have increased our ‘likes’ from 24 to 46. Thank you for adding us as an additional way to stay in touch. We are keeping it filled with local church news as well as news from the PCUSA denomination and our community. You can find us as “First Presbyterian Church of Liberal.”

https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianChurchofLiberal

4 – Tristan Navarette7 – Brad Pittman9 – Adam Chance10 – Caitlin Workman11 – Lucas Navarette18 – Amy (Farmer) Danker19 – Dan Brown21 – Ashleigh Darnell26 – Marion Graber27 – Nancy McKeen Frank Boles Sarah Borell28 – Travis Abbott

3

26 – Fred & Kathy Bloom

Are we missing your birthday or anniversary? Please contact the church

office at 624.5487 or by email at presby@swko.net.

Because we did not have a newsletter last month, we would like to honor those with January birthdays and anniversaries.

1 – Devon Walker4 – Zuki Vermillion 5 – Kambri Caballero18 – Kristina Brown Josie Hall19 – Anthony Hall23 – Mary Houck28 – Tammy Abbott Zane Chance

8 – Alfonso “Cabbie” & Raygan Caballero 14 – Dan & Janet Lewis26 – Thurman & Kristina Brown

Please check the bulletin board outside the sanctuary for all types of

good news.

Craft NightYou are invited to a time of fun and fellowship as we get together to work on craft projects – knitting, scrapbooking, sewing, etc. Think Pinterest and the possibilities are endless!

We are meeting the second Friday of each month. Bring your favorite craft you are working on and a simple snack to share, beverages are provided. We will have one craft each month that you can participate in for only $3. This month we will be making fantastic envelops from old calendars as well as decorating plain envelopes. If you have old calendars or plain envelops you’d like to dress up, please bring them with you.

Friday February 13Family Room 7:00 p.m. – Midnight

This is a come-and-go and a great chance to introduce a friend to our church. Please let Amy Thompson know if you are coming or if you have questions. 620.960.3802 or rubyslipperwarrior@yahoo.com

First Presbyterian ChurchPre-School and Day Care Center

4

We want to welcome two new teachers to the Center – Nadia Garcia and Citlali Humaran. We are tremendously grateful to have them working with our children!

Nadia and Citlali are currently working on their online training classes to get qualified to be a teacher. Maria Landa, our kitchen helper who is a qualified teacher also, has stepped in to help us as a teacher in the E.L. classroom while Nadia and Citlali finish their training.

Two new children have joined our Early Learners class – Haylee Rivera and Sophia Hernandez and Rosemarie Rowson will be starting February 2. She will be in the Early Lerner Class as well as the Formal Preschool class. I am happy to say that the Early Learner class is now officially full!

Here is a breakdown of our current children:Early Learners – 10Preschool – 12Kindergarten – 7School Age – 5

On days where school is out we have additional 6-10 drop-in children.

This month we are celebrating birthdays with students Andy Lyda and Ellyouna Naranjo on the 8th, Jordyn Myers on the 23rd, and one of our teachers, Ms. Oralia on the 18th.

The First Presbyterian ChurchPre-School and Day CareDirector, Rose Ramirez

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (P.D.A.) is

coming to the Presbytery of Southern Kansas( http://pda.pcusa.org/ )

Where Have They Been?Human Created Disasters: Murrah Building-Columbine-Virginia Tech-Sandy Hook- FergusonNatural Disasters: Oklahoma City-Hurricanes Sandy & Katrina-Joplin-Greensburg

Why Are They Coming?Disaster Preparedness WorkshopLong Term Recovery WorkshopOverview of P.D.A.

When And Where Are They Coming?Tuesday, March 3 - First Presbyterian Church, Garden CityTime: T.B.D.

Who Is Coming?Rev. Dr. Bill Branch and Elizabeth Branch

P.D.A. National Response Team Members and Trainers.

But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I

by my works will show you my faith. (James 2:18)

Share your Skills and Passions We have three committees lead by our Session and you are invited to contribute to

5

any of these committees. Listed are those who have already sign-up. Please contact the italicized Elder to visit about how you can participate. *Note that you do not have to be a member of the church to serve on a committee.

Congregational Life led by Lester Caldwell – lestercaldwell@gmail.comThis committee includes Worship, Fellowship, and Christian EducationWorship (special music, flowers, Advent decorations, etc.) – Kathy BloomFellowship (coffee time, potluck dinners, etc.) – Jonice Oblander, Veronica Zainali, Martha Darnell, Janet LewisChristian Education (Sunday School, Bible Study, Children’s Church, etc.)

Congregational Outreach led by Fred Bloom – fbloom@swko.netThis committee includes Moments for Mission, Child Care Center, outside groups such as 4-H, Presbyterian denominational offerings, community projects, etc. – Amy Thompson

Congregational Outreach led by Bob Oblander – obbob@swko.netThis committee includes building and grounds involving both the church and the Child Care Center (mowing, snow removal, AC/heat, locks, etc.).

For more information contact Sandra Larson, Moderator, Presbyterian Women of Southern Kansas – ronlarson@sbcglobal.net or 316.283.8953.

Volunteer OpportunitiesThere are several opportunities for you to volunteer at the church. There are various projects we hope to get done and these are things that will allow Kitty and her new Office Asst. to make a smooth transition together.

Copy and fold the weekly bulletin – Friday mornings.

Proofread the monthly newsletter, The Prairie Light.

Scan our historical records so that we have them all digitally recorded.

Assist in inventorying our hymnals and Bibles.

Defrost the refrigerator in the Food Cupboard

If there are other projects you can think would benefit the church, please talk with Kitty or Amy in the church office.

6

Let Us Pray!“Far be it from me that I should sin against God by ceasing to pray for you.”

1 Samuel 12:23a(Bold = new additions)

The HEALTH of our church family members and friends (FPC): Sammy Bartley; Stephani & Lester Caldwell; P.J. Carlisle; Jessica Cowan (Alberta Gilbert’s great-niece); Stacey Curry; Ginger Dailing (Leroy Black’s Mom); David Hoffman (Sammy Bartley’s nephew); Estell Hontanosan (Veronica Zainali’s aunt); Eva Lou Koons; Robert Lynn (Judy Chance’s father); Leon Onions; Charles Scott (Ruth Trimmell’s brother); Ruth Trimmell; Alaira Widener (Leroy & Johnna Black’s granddaughter); Vera Peery, Leota Zones (Nancy Chance’s sister); Cathy Buddenhagen; John & Gwen Haspels (PCUSA Missionaries); Mary Lambert and healing for her back; Duane Burt (Dan & Janet Lewis’s friend); Rick Heitschmidt (Dan & Janet’s friend): Kara and Stephen Lewis as they each make moves for jobs; Sarah Thompson as she moves into her new home; Kylie Harrison (co-worker of Kathy Bloom) who was recently diagnosed with MS; Jenny Melton’s mother, Judy, as she is struggling with the loss of her husband a year ago; Craig Downey (friend of Amy Thompson’s) as he continues to deal with the passing of his mother, Louise; James Thompson (Ken’s dad) who is in the hospital with a perforated colon, Carol Brown (Cathy Buddenhagen’s friend) who has a heart condition; Wiley Osborn (Jonice Oblander’s brother) had major back surgery on Jan. 29 in Amarillo.

Church family member and friends battling CANCER: Jerry Jo Deckert; Mike Grande; Sarah Miller; Scott Osborn; Marian Pittman; Bill Weaver, Levi Foreman (7 years old), Emily Bremenkamp (14 years old), Alan Dunkin; Liberal High School Principal Rafe Begley RETIREMENT facility residents of our church family: Emeritus: Kathryn Wood.

SYMPATHY: Kitty and her family as they mourn and celebrate the life of her Uncle Yan, who passed away this past week. Veronica Zainali as her family celebrates and mourns the life of her aunt who passed away this past week. Veronica is traveling to the Philippines to be with the family; please pray for her safe travels.

OTHER REQUESTS of the Church family: Our President, Nation, & Military; that we would be a nation surrendered to the authority of the Lord; the Staff, Elders, & Deacons of our church as they lead us; Pre-school & Day Care Center; all who are infected and affected by the Ebola crisis in West

7

Africa – around 9000 people have died so far but the disease seems to be abating; Christians around the world who are suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus; Sterling College; the measles outbreak across the U.S.A. our local USD 480 School board. Let us always remember Our CHILDREN in prayer.

ANIMAL SUPPORTThe First Presbyterian Church kids smile for the camera at the Liberal Animal Shelter in January. During the month of December the kids encouraged the congregation to donate supplies such as blankets, food, cleaning goods, cat litter and towels.

This is the second year that the Children’s Church chose to support the animals in our community thanks in part to Kristina Brown.

Overheard from one of the adults after the items were delivered, “We almost didn’t make it out of the shelter without another dog.”

If you are looking for a loving pet, please visit the Liberal Animal Shelter at 1985 Country Estates Road; 620.626.0576.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liberal-Animal-Shelter/427427647298572

Church Keys Do you have any church keys? We are updating our master list and need to know who has what. Please

contact the church as soon as possible with your key numbers.

T.C.S.What it means and why we use it . . .

TCS is short for Together in Christ’s Service.As you have probably already noticed,

I have been signing off most of my churchemails and letters to you with this acronym.

This is because I would like each of us toBe regularly reminded of why we are doing

8

All the ministry work we do, and who is atthe heart of that work. I think it is

important to have this constant reminder,so that we have motivation to keep onanswering God’s high calling to us as

God’s beloved to do this most

Important work, which will have an eternalimpact. So, I hope that you will all begin

signing off with TCS, too.

9

Gatekeeper: Fred Bloom

GR = Greeter WL = Worship Leader FR=Family Room

Office HoursMonday – closedTuesday – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Thursday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Friday – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

1GR: Thurman and Kristina BrownWL: Lori Hensley

2 3 4

Tristan Navarette’sB-day

5 6 7

Brad PittmanB-day

8GR: Fred & Kathy Bloom WL: Bob Oblander

Moment for Mission – Lori Hensley

9

Adam Chance’s B-day

10

Caitlin Workman’s B-day

11

Deacons Meeting @ 5:30 - FR

Lucas Navarette’s B-day

12 13 14

Happy Valentine’s

Day!

15 GR: Cathy BuddenhagenWL: Dan Brown

Special Music – Marquis & Kathryn Brown

16 17 18Amy (Farmer) Danker’s B-day

19

Session Meeting@ 6:30 - FR

Dan Brown’s B-day

20 21

Ashleigh Darnell’s B-day

22 GR: Dan & Ann Brown WL: Tammy Abbott

Special Music – Mary Houck

Moment for Mission – Lori Hensley

23 24 25 26 27 28

Fred & Kathy Bloom’s Anniv. Travis Abbot’s B-day

First Presbyterian ChurchP.O. Box 236Liberal KS 67905

Did you know that you can help save the church money by opting to receive the newsletter via email? If you would like to receive your monthly newsletter this

way, please contact the Church Office – presby@swko.net.

If you have email, you can also use our email to notify the Church Office on any changes to your address, births, deaths, to add your name to the Prayer Chain

email list, or other questions.

We, of course, always love to visit with you on the phone or in person!