First Presbyterian Church Come and See! FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CFIRST PRESBYTERIAN ... ·...
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First Presbyterian Church 115 - 6th Ave. NW P.O. Box 188 Co m e a n d S e e ! - J o h n 1 :4 6 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Independence, Iowa 50644 RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED Phone: 319-334-3523 Fax: 319-334-4134 Email: [email protected] Website: fpcindependence.com When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out. later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out. later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out. later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out. The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the rose would be bright red. rose would be bright red. rose would be bright red. rose would be bright red. One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I blossomed it myself.” blossomed it myself.” blossomed it myself.” blossomed it myself.” The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14, The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14, The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14, The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14, NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring things to fulfillment in his perfect time. things to fulfillment in his perfect time. things to fulfillment in his perfect time. things to fulfillment in his perfect time. KERYGMA FIRST PRESBYTERIAN C FIRST PRESBYTERIAN C FIRST PRESBYTERIAN C FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HURCH HURCH HURCH It is fashionable to stand on the brink of a new year and reflect on the year that was. Always one to be in fashion, kind of, I would like to take a look back on events from 2010 that represent how we are significantly moving in new directions. Project of the Year for 2009: Our church received the Chamber’s Project of the Year award in 2010 for our Backpack Program. This undertaking represents a major shift in how we go about doing mission and ministry. The important change here is partnerships. Successful and meaningful mission in the future will not be done by churches that take a “Lone Ranger” approach. With the Backpack Program we formed key partnerships with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the Independence Schools. Giving food to over 100 kids every week is important and notewor- thy. The partnerships that make it happen are just as noteworthy. Trivia Night: We began to host Trivia Nights in 2010. These evenings together are fun and very enjoy- able. They bring not just church people together, but community people as well. If all this event was about was fun and fellowship it would be worthwhile. But there is another dynamic that makes it significant. Each Trivia Night involves an offering for a beneficiary. We have given to various community ministries (like Help Our Teachers and Adopt A Family) as well as national ministries (like Haiti relief work). In times when the pressure on our church’s budget is growing, Trivia Night is an example of how we are looking for new, creative approaches to funding the ministry we want to do. 3 Baptisms in 4 Weeks: During the first 4 Sunday’s of Advent we baptized children on 3 of those Sunday’s. In addition we saw our worship attendance improve significantly in the last quarter of 2010. And it sure seems like there are a whole lot more kids coming up for the Children’s sermon. When you look around the sanctuary on Sunday morning you can’t help but notice that we are getting younger. It remains to be seen if this trend holds into 2011. But it does leave one with a feeling of confidence in the things we are doing and gives us optimism about the future. Many years ago we committed ourselves to adding value to our community. If our church, or any church, is going to do that we can’t keep doing things the way we always have. We must change how we worship. We must change our approach to ministry. We need to develop our leadership. In 2010 we saw two major ministry changes at work: we are forming key partnerships and finding new ways to fund what we do. Also in 2010 we saw an increase in our attendance and more kids in the church. Is that a barometer of how we are doing? 2011 is upon us. I will be curious what we see in the rearview mirror as we enter 2012. For now, we can enter 2011 feeling good about the direction we are moving and how God is at work in our midst. Pastor John R R Re e ev v v. . . J J Jo o oh h hn n n H H Ho o ou u ug g ge e en n n Home: (319) 334-5175 Email: [email protected] C C Ch h hu u ur r rc c ch h h O O Of f ff f fi i ic c ce e e Phone: (319) 334-3523 Fax: (319) 334-4134 Office: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday Website www.fpcindependence.com S S St t ta a af f ff f f Mark Geertsma Christian Education Director Janet Harms Youth Ministry Coordinator Kathy Smith Secretary Email: [email protected] George Hemmer Custodian INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 2 2 2 Mark Your Calendars Mark Your Calendars Mark Your Calendars Mark Your Calendars All in the Family/PW All in the Family/PW All in the Family/PW All in the Family/PW 3 3 3 3 Activities for Kids Activities for Kids Activities for Kids Activities for Kids 4 4 4 4 C C Ch h hr r ri i is s st t tm m ma a as s s P P Pr r ro o og g gr r ra a am m m P P Pi i ic c ct t tu u ur r re e es s s 5 5 5 5 Adopt Adopt Adopt Adopt- - -A A A- - -Family/ Family/ Family/ Family/ C C Ch h hr r ri i is s st t tm m ma a as s s A A Al l ll l l O O Ov v ve e er r r t t th h he e e C C Ch h hu u ur r rc c ch h h 6 6 6 6 J J Ja a an n nu u ua a ar r ry y y W W Wo o or r rs s sh h hi i ip p p S S Sc c ch h he e ed d du u ul l le e e Birthdays/Anniversaries Birthdays/Anniversaries Birthdays/Anniversaries Birthdays/Anniversaries 7 7 7 7 F F Fe e eb b br r ru u ua a ar r ry y y W W Wo o or r rs s sh h hi i ip p p S S Sc c ch h he e ed d du u ul l le e e Birthdays/Anniversaries Birthdays/Anniversaries Birthdays/Anniversaries Birthdays/Anniversaries
Transcript of First Presbyterian Church Come and See! FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CFIRST PRESBYTERIAN ... ·...
First Presbyterian Church
115 - 6th Ave. NW
P.O. Box 188
Come and See
!
- John 1:46
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Independence, Iowa 50644
RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED
Phone: 319-334-3523
Fax: 319-334-4134
Email: [email protected]
Website: fpcindependence.com
When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and When a couple received a rose bush as a gift, they planted and
cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months cared for it, eagerly waiting for it to bloom. A few months later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out. later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out. later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out. later, a bud finally appeared. Day by day, it began to fill out.
The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the The couple’s anticipation grew when they could see that the
rose would be bright red. rose would be bright red. rose would be bright red. rose would be bright red.
One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around One day, they were surprised to notice that the green around
the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn the bud had been pulled away and the flower petals were torn
apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had apart. They asked their young daughter if she knew what had
happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I happened. “I just couldn’t wait any longer,” she said, “so I
blossomed it myself.” blossomed it myself.” blossomed it myself.” blossomed it myself.”
The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14, The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14, The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14, The psalmist tells us to “Wait for the LORD … ” (Psalm 27:14,
NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring NRSV). Instead of trying to help God along, let him bring
things to fulfillment in his perfect time.things to fulfillment in his perfect time.things to fulfillment in his perfect time.things to fulfillment in his perfect time.
KERYGMA
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CFIRST PRESBYTERIAN CFIRST PRESBYTERIAN CFIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH
It is fashionable to stand
on the brink of a new year
and reflect on the year
that was. Always one to be
in fashion, kind of, I would
like to take a look back on
events from 2010 that
represent how we are
significantly moving in
new directions.
Project of the Year for
2009: Our church received
the Chamber’s Project of
the Year award in 2010 for
our Backpack Program.
This undertaking
represents a major shift in
how we go about doing
mission and ministry. The
important change here is
partnerships. Successful
and meaningful mission in
the future will not be done
by churches that take a
“Lone Ranger” approach.
With the Backpack
Program we formed key
partnerships with the
Northeast Iowa Food Bank
and the Independence
Schools. Giving food to
over 100 kids every week
is important and notewor-
thy. The partnerships that
make it happen are just as
noteworthy.
Trivia Night: We began to
host Trivia Nights in 2010.
These evenings together
are fun and very enjoy-
able. They bring not
just church people
together, but community
people as well. If all this
event was about was fun
and fellowship it would be
worthwhile. But there is
another dynamic that
makes it significant. Each
Trivia Night involves an
offering for a beneficiary.
We have given to various
community ministries (like
Help Our Teachers and
Adopt A Family) as well as
national ministries (like
Haiti relief work). In
times when the pressure
on our church’s budget is
growing, Trivia Night is an
example of how we are
looking for new, creative
approaches to funding the
ministry we want to do.
3 Baptisms in 4 Weeks:
During the first 4
Sunday’s of Advent we
baptized children on 3 of
those Sunday’s. In
addition we saw our
worship attendance
improve significantly in
the last quarter of 2010.
And it sure seems like
there are a whole lot more
kids coming up for the
Children’s sermon. When
you look around the
sanctuary on Sunday
morning you can’t help
but notice that we are
getting younger. It
remains to be seen if this
trend holds into 2011.
But it does leave one with
a feeling of confidence in
the things we are doing
and gives us optimism
about the future.
Many years ago we
committed ourselves to
adding value to our
community. If our church,
or any church, is going to
do that we can’t keep
doing things the way we
always have. We must
change how we worship.
We must change our
approach to ministry. We
need to develop our
leadership. In 2010 we
saw two major ministry
changes at work: we are
forming key partnerships
and finding new ways to
fund what we do. Also in
2010 we saw an increase in
our attendance and more
kids in the church. Is that
a barometer of how we are
doing?
2011 is upon us. I will be
curious what we see in the
rearview mirror as we
enter 2012. For now, we
can enter 2011 feeling
good about the direction
we are moving and how
God is at work in our
midst.
Pastor John
RRRReeeevvvv.... JJJJoooohhhhnnnn HHHHoooouuuuggggeeeennnn Home: (319) 334-5175
Email: [email protected]
CCCChhhhuuuurrrrcccchhhh OOOOffffffffiiiicccceeee 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
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 2 2 2 Mark Your CalendarsMark Your CalendarsMark Your CalendarsMark Your Calendars
All in the Family/PWAll in the Family/PWAll in the Family/PWAll in the Family/PW
3 3 3 3 Activities for KidsActivities for KidsActivities for KidsActivities for Kids
4 4 4 4 CCCChhhhrrrriiiissssttttmmmmaaaassss PPPPrrrrooooggggrrrraaaammmm PPPPiiiiccccttttuuuurrrreeeessss
5 5 5 5 AdoptAdoptAdoptAdopt----AAAA----Family/Family/Family/Family/
CCCChhhhrrrriiiissssttttmmmmaaaassss AAAAllllllll OOOOvvvveeeerrrr tttthhhheeee CCCChhhhuuuurrrrcccchhhh
6 6 6 6 JJJJaaaannnnuuuuaaaarrrryyyy WWWWoooorrrrsssshhhhiiiipppp SSSScccchhhheeeedddduuuulllleeee
Birthdays/AnniversariesBirthdays/AnniversariesBirthdays/AnniversariesBirthdays/Anniversaries
7 7 7 7 FFFFeeeebbbbrrrruuuuaaaarrrryyyy WWWWoooorrrrsssshhhhiiiipppp SSSScccchhhheeeedddduuuulllleeee
Birthdays/AnniversariesBirthdays/AnniversariesBirthdays/AnniversariesBirthdays/Anniversaries
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 PAGE 2
Newsletter articles must be
submitted to the church
office by Thursday,
February 17th
to be printed in the
March/April Newsletter.
JANUARY
6TH
ORDINATION/INSTALLATION OF ELDERS
& DEACONS
for the Classes of 2013 will be
Sunday, January 9th.
Wednesday, January 19th @ 6:30 p.m.
Dinner is @ 5:30 p.m.
COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSONS -
Annual Report
Information must be
submitted to the church
office by Monday,
January 10th
Presbyterian Women met on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. Our hostess was Fran Hood and the Bible Study lesson was #4 - “Diagnosing the Crises of Empire” - Revelation 6. The meeting in February will be held on Tuesday, February 1st.
Quilting sessions will be held on January 11 & 25 and February 8 & 22. We meet from 9 a.m. until noon and conclude with a potluck luncheon. Come and join us even if you have no quilting experience.
Our thoughts of Our thoughts of Our thoughts of Our thoughts of heartfelt sympathy heartfelt sympathy heartfelt sympathy heartfelt sympathy
are with the are with the are with the are with the following family:following family:following family:following family:
Ellen FolandEllen FolandEllen FolandEllen Foland Entered Eternal Life on
December 24th
Please keep this family in Please keep this family in Please keep this family in Please keep this family in your prayers.your prayers.your prayers.your prayers.
TRIVIA
NIGHT
JANUARY
23RD
6:00 P.M.
KERYGMA PAGE 7
Ushers: Co-Head Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don Mumm
6, 20, 27: Norm & Norma DeJong, Ruth Duritsa, Winona West
13: Hannah Butler, Mickey Geertsma, Olivia Kaiser, Chloe Kaiser
Greeters: Elder Greeters:
6: TeStrake Family Feb: Joni Ruffcorn, John Klotzbach
13: Mary Klotzbach, John Klotzbach
20: Melissa Savage, Randi Blume
27: Don Mumm, Gertrude Mumm
Acolytes:
6, 13: Brynn Martin, Brian Smith
20, 27: Kaylee Eilers, Sean Geertsma
Children’s Sermons: Nursery:
6: Youth 6: Hannah Butler, Choe Kaiser
13: Lynda Fiester 13: Randi Blume, Avri Ruffcorn
20: Janet Harms 20: Olivia Kaiser, Brynn Martin
27: Melody Malek 27: Mickey Geertsma, Brian Smith
Flowers:
6: Leonard McClenathan & Mildred Hicks In Honor of Their Anniversary
13: Ruth Hamilton in Memory of James & Celia Hamilton
20: Richard & Earlene Pint In Memory of Evelyn & “Bucky” Buckingham
27: Dorotha Sundquist In Memory of Grant
Bulletins:
6: ____________________________________________
13: Monte & Lillian Cue In Memory of Mother, Lee Forsythe
20: ____________________________________________
27: ____________________________________________
Fellowship Treats: Coffee Prep/Clean Up:
6: Jenna Smith for her 9th Birthday 6: Margaret Ownby
13: _____________________________ 13: Wayne & Sondra Seward
20: _____________________________ 20: Jon & Kim TeStrake
27: _____________________________ 27: Lonny & Tammy Bathen
1 Eileen Herzog
Cathy Butler
2 Jeri Titsworth
3 Marilyn Oline
4 Norm DeJong
Courtney Rouse
5 Jinger Hougen
7 Charlie Conklin
Neal Rathbun
10 Jenna Smith
12 Mary Klotzbach
13 Kaleb Clendenen
14 Pam Fitzgerald
Larry Johnson
Donna Jordening
15 Jorja Cue
Brynn Martin
16 Frank Sauer
17 Lauren Stilwell
18 Dale Siglin
19 Jo Willey
20 Roger Bahr
22 Carole Mumm
24 Olivia Kaiser
26 Sandra Johnson
27 Beth Ownby
29 Jeff Frye
7 Juan & Keri Rodriguez
10 Marty & Julie Brown
14 Chuck & Audrey Conklin
Leonard McClenathan &
Mildred Hicks
21 Ken & Kathy Partridge
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 PAGE 6
1 Sandy Hood
Diane Yeager
Jenny Peters
3 Katelyn Van Buren
5 Travis Weis
6 Sean Geertsema
7 Margaret Ownby
12 John Butler
Ben Malek
15 Jacob Sorg
16 Hannah Butler
17 Sandra Sauer
Tom Butler
19 Ken White
Jessi Kennicker
20 Carroll Conklin
Janet Harms
Kris Martin
22 Ashley Conklin
23 Linda Hanna
27 Zachary Cue
29 Dick Siglin
30 Katelyn Trimble
31 Bob Blakesley
1 Darwin & Mary Jean
Johnson
29 Bud & Marian Hare
Ushers: Co-Head Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don Mumm
2, 16, 23, 30: Lee Bowden, Gary Humes, Howard Miller, Don Mumm
9: Haylee Rathbun, Brittany Robb, Zach Bathen, Justin Hougen
Greeters: Elder Greeters:
2: Ron & Judy Hess Jan: Tim Eilers, Don Mumm
9: Don & Lucille Cottrell
16: Wayne & Sondra Seward
23: Smith Family
30: Lynda Fiester, Marcia Stoneman
Acolytes:
2: Brynn Martin, Brian Smith
9, 16: Kaylee Eilers, Sean Geertsma
23, 30: Joseph Kaiser, Avri Ruffcorn
Children’s Sermons: Nursery:
2: Kyle Harms 2: Jordan Geertsma, Avri Ruffcorn
9: Ryan Ruffcorn 9: Mickey Geertsma, Randi Blume
16: Mark Geertsma 16: Hannah Butler, Avri Ruffcorn
23: Ruth Liscum 23: Chloe Kaiser, Brian Smith
30: John Butler 30: Olivia Kaiser, Brynn Martin
Flowers:
2: Dorotha In Praise for New Year
9: Kate Risk In Memory of Loved Ones
16: Frank & Sandy Sauer
23: Leonard McClenathan & Mildred Hicks In Memory of Loved Ones
30: Mary Klotzbach for February Birthdays
Bulletins:
2: Margaret Ownby
9: __________________________________________
16: Jean Main In Memory of Husband, Walt
23: __________________________________________
30: Lynda Fiester In Memory of Parents
Fellowship Treats: Coffee Prep/Clean Up:
2: Margaret Ownby and Don Adams 2: Margaret Ownby
9: _____________________________ 9: Wayne & Sondra Seward
16: BRUNCH 16: Jon & Kim TeStrake
23: _____________________________ 23: Lonny & Tammy Bathen
30: Katelyn Trimble for her 5th Birthday 30: Norm & Norma DeJong
KERYGMA PAGE 3
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 PAGE 4
FEATURING:
Director: Mary Burkett
Eric Smith, Hannah Butler, Mickey Geertsma,
Sean Geertsma, Kyle Harms, Kaylee Eilers,
Joseph Kaiser, Brian Smith, Jenna Smith,
Olivia Kaiser, Lynda Fiester, Ruth Liscum,
Ruth Hamilton, Winona West, Sandy Sauer,
Avri Ruffcorn, Randi Blume, Kyle Eilers,
Laura Smith, Chloe Kaiser, Brynn Martin,
Alexis TeStrake, Courtney Rouse, Anna
Ruffcorn, Sue Stilwell, and Reese Martin.
This year our church was able to help 23 families thanks to the
following businesses or groups: Independence Federal Bank for
Savings, Buchanan County Health Center, McCormick Family,
Hansen Family, East and West Elementary Schools, Student
Council, Beta Sigma Phi, Q3 Innovations LLC, BankIowa, Red
Hats, Medical Associates, West Food Service, Work Out Group,
Independence Rotary Club, Ambassadors, Laree, Independence
Fire Department, Melody Malek's Bible Study, Fidelity Circle,
Our Youth Group, and our congregation at FPC.
The Community Life Committee thanks everyone who participated in the 2010 effort. The families that
were chosen really appreciated being part of this program this year.
KERYGMA PAGE 5
