The Messenger

Presbyterian United Church of Christ

www.facebook.com/PresbyterianUCC

www.pucclemars.com

858 7th Avenue SE

P.O. Box 729

Le Mars, IA 51031

712-546-6624

puccoffice@frontier.com

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday– Friday

9:00 am - Noon

1:00 pm- 4:00 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Sunday Worship

10:30 a.m.

Nursery available for children under six years during worship service.

Weather-related

cancellations will be aired on KLEM 1410 AM

Important Dates in April

April 2: Maundy Thursday

Service @ 7:00 PM

April 3: Good Friday

April 5: Resurrection/Easter

Sunday

April 19: Camp Sunday!

April 26: Movie~ When God Left

the Church @ 3:00 PM, Unity

Point St Luke’s

Coming in May

May 10: Mother’s Day

May 17: Youth/Graduation

Sunday

From: The Red Brick Church on the Hill

2015

Maundy Thursday

We will gather to observe Maundy Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the

sanctuary. This occasion derives it’s name from John 13: 34, where

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and said, “I give you a new

commandment… “ In Latin, Mandatum novum ~ a new mandate. Our worship this evening

will include special music from the chancel choir, and the flute music of Ethan Kehrberg

(grandson of Beth). Following communion, we will have a time of reflection in candlelight,

listening to the story of Jesus’ arrest and journey to the cross. When the candles have been

extinguished and the flute has played it’s final song, worshippers will leave in silence.

Easter Breakfast & Easter Worship

Our celebration of Resurrection Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the

Easter Breakfast. There will be egg bake, muffins and fruit salad served,

along with coffee and juice/milk for the kids!

We will move into worship at 10:25 a.m. where we will prepare for this

great celebration of worship as we listen to a prelude by our church organist, Laurey Zwart.

The children’s bell choir will continue the celebration with a special musical rendition of Christ

the Lord is Risen Today! The chancel choir will also provide special music to further share

the gospel message. Kym Peters, daughter of Harold and Karen Peters will lead us into

communion with her worship dance to How Beautiful. Kym has been dancing for 19 years.

She graduated last May from Oklahoma City University with a degree in Dance Pedagogy

and was honored as Outstanding Graduating Senior in her major. Kym is employed as a

dance instructor for Ankeny Dance and Performing Arts Academy and also travels with

Dance Olympus. You will have one last opportunity to give to the One Great Hour of Sharing

offering. We trust God will be glorified in our worship and that we each will be encouraged

and strengthened in our faith journey with the good news of salvation!

When God Left the Building

The movie, When God Left the Building, will be shown on Sunday, April 26, at 3:00 pm in the lecture hall at Unity Point St. Luke’s. This movie describes the changes which have taken place in most churches in the last few decades and how the church needs to change to minister and witness in a changing culture. Created and produced by Group Publishing, a non-denominational religious publishing company, the movie takes people through the decline experienced by many churches by comparing the decline to the collapse of Kodak Imaging, which refused to change and adapt to digital technology. It then offers several examples of churches doing good things and practicing their faith in new ways. The movie is thought provoking and inspiring at the same time. It makes for a great discussion starter by getting people to think outside the box of traditional church. All church members are invited to attend.

Note From Pastor Jan

It was a beautiful Easter morning. The church was full. The children were dressed in their Easter best and were gathered around the pastor on the chancel steps. The pastor began, “Today is a very special day ~ it is the day we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead.” The children looked kind of funny. The pastor continued, “Yes, Jesus died on the cross.” A child boldly interrupted, “Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?” In seminary at the time, I lis-tened closely. Just how was the pastor going to answer the question the child had posed? The concept seemed quite daunting for a child to grasp in that setting.

Why did Jesus have to die? This is not an easy question for people of any age to get their mind wrapped around. It is easier however, if we have the understanding of the presence of sin. During the season of Lent, one Sunday we affirmed our faith by saying Question 45 from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) Study Catechism together.

Why did Jesus have to suffer as he did?

Because grace is more abundant – and sin more serious---than we suppose.

However cruelly we may treat one another, all sin is primarily against God.

God condemns sin, yet never judges apart from grace.

In giving Jesus Christ to die for us,

God took the burden of our sin into God’s own self to remove it once and for all.

The cross in all its severity reveals an abyss of sin

swallowed up by the suffering of divine love.

I really appreciate the words, “because grace is more abundant – and sin more serious – than we suppose.” Sometimes we can focus so much on God’s grace and love, we overlook the sin issue. Other times, we may get stuck on the sin issue and overlook the grace and love of God. For the cross to make any sense however, one must hold onto both concepts, recognizing that we are dead in our sins, but made alive in Christ Jesus. Jesus would not have had to die if we were weren’t in slavery to sin. Yet, if God was not a God of grace and love, Jesus would not have gone to the cross either.

Perhaps the images of Easter, such as butterflies, flowers and Easter eggs speak of the surprise miracle of new life in a way children and adults can understand. “Who would expect a butterfly to emerge from a dead-looking cocoon, a flower to grow from a clumpy old bulb, candy to come from and egg, or a dead body to come out a tomb alive again.” (Brown, Worshiping with Children)

The good news of Easter is that we are given new life through Jesus Christ. This new life is possible through forgiveness of sin and brings us into a relationship with our loving creator. The resurrection is something that changes our lives and our perspective forever. It truly brings a reason to sing Alleluia!

What can children understand as good news from the Easter story? Again, I draw upon words from Carolyn Brown.

God is proven the most powerful being in the universe.

Jesus promises to be with us always, now and even after we die.

We are offered forgiveness through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

As we come to another Resurrection Day, “We all need to know that God does not love us because we are good; God loves us because God is good.” Therefore, on Easter Sunday, we will break out in joyful Alleluias as we cele-brate the goodness of God!

Another month is in the books at Noah’s Ark Preschool! During March, the 4 and 5 year olds learned the letters T-V. We especially had fun with the letter U, when we had Upside-Down Day with lots of upside-down activities. The 3 year olds learned about squares, triangles, and rectangles. Both classes also celebrated spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter. The 4 & 5 year olds had their Kindergar-ten dental screenings, and all the kids had their ears checked by AEA.

We are looking forward to a lot of fun and learning during April! We will have two visitors teach us about summer and pool safety and about safety around poisonous materials. For the letter X, the 4 & 5 year olds will go on a field trip to Floyd Valley Hospital. We’re hop-ing to see lots of x-rays! Pastor Jan and Ms. Lisa from the Le Mars Public Library will also make their final visits for this school year.

As we approach the final months of the school year, we are running low on a few items. If you are interested in donating any of the following items, please place them in the green tub in the narthex.

Paper towels

5 oz. cups

Glue sticks

Liquid hand soap

Thank you to everyone who donates items to Noah’s Ark Preschool.

We appreciate you! Have a great April!

Children’s Chapel Worship Ministry

Children’s Chapel Worship Ministry

Easter is the joyful celebration of the death, resurrection and ascension of Je-sus. During children’s Chapel this month we will tell the story of Jesus’ appear-ance to the disciples at Emmaus and the commissioning of the disciples. The Storyteller tells each story in such a way that the children have the possibility, of feeling like they are there with Jesus.

Children’s Chapel April Schedule of Bible Stories:

April 5: Easter/Communion Sunday— No Children’s Chapel

April 12: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene— Mark 16: 1-11

April 19: Jesus Appears to Thomas— John 20: 19-29

April 26: Jesus Commissions the Disciples— Mark 16: 15-18

Opportunities at Lakeshore Center

Spring Work Day!

April 25th, 2015, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us for this day of service and volunteering! Our annual Spring Work Day helps us prepare our entire facility for the approaching summer camp and tourism season.

PUCC plans on sending a team to help with the work day!

Women Clergy Retreat

May 1-2, 2015 from noon to noon. Spend 24 hours will fellow clergy women as you share you experiences, laughs, and get creative! The group will visit Creative Spirits in Spirit Lake, IA and learn how to paint a picture. The artists are Creative Spirits will give step by step instructions, so it's okay if it would be your first time painting, amateurs are encouraged!

For more information check out their website: www.lakeshorecenteratokoboji.org Or check out their Facebook Page!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK?????

Search Presbyterian United Church of Christ or go to this link www.facebook.com/

PresbyterianUCC

One Great Hour of Sharing – Sharing Resources and Changing

Lives

Your financial gift to this once a year, above and beyond offering enables the church to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and helping to empower the poor and oppressed. One Great Hour of Sharing is used in its entirety by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self Development of People. Most denominations have similar programs and your donation to OGHS will be sent to both the Presbyterian and UCC denominations. This is a special offering, above and beyond our normal tithes. Please help those in need. Envelopes are in the bulletin, or simply mark your gift OGHS. Our youth are also involved in this offering and will be involved in a special opportunity with Pastor Jan on Palm Sunday during worship. Don’t miss it!

Then Feed Just One

Coming Soon will be the time for the Annual Then Feed Just One activity at Gehlen School. Join the students and other community volunteers on Friday May 3. More information coming soon, but plan 90 minutes of your time that morning to help package food for the Mission Honduras program. PUCC hopes to have a team there to help pack!

For Sale: John Deere Snow Blower owned by the church. The

snow blower is a John Deere, Model 1332 DDE, 2 stage, and includes

a snow housing. We are asking $800. It does not have a lot of hours

on it.

The church contracts this work to a snow removal

service and no longer has a need for the snow

blower. Please contact Lowell Penning at 712-

540-1147 if you are interested.

Sunday School Mark Your Calendars!

April 5th— Easter Sunday, Sunday School Singers will perform dur-

ing the church service!

May 17th—Youth and Graduation Sunday

This will be the last day of Sunday School until the fall.

Students, Sunday Teachers, Children’s Chapel Teachers and

graduates will be recognized and honored.

Session Highlights ~ March 24, 2015

Elders Present: Pastor Jan Christensen, Karissa Carlson, Evelyn Kendall, Deb Thompson, Rob Bixenman, Mike Cunningham, Linda Smith, Beth Kehrberg, Roger Dempster, Lowell Penning, Arlo Swalve, and Kevin Albers

Lowell opened the meeting with devotions and prayer.

Moderator’s Report Pastor Jan presented a report of her activities in the last month. In addition to her regular worship leadership, she led care services on two Sundays and served home communion to several shut-ins. In the area of pastoral care, she made home visits, had counseling sessions, attended a funeral, and participated in the grief and growth group. Ecumenical responsibilities involved a women clergy meeting and lunch with a pastor colleague in town and attended the world day of prayer. In the area of education, Pastor Jan was involved with the youth group and the Lenten small groups. For leadership, she had meetings with leaders in the church. Pastor Jan took a day of prayer and visited with Jackie Smallbones for spiritual direction. Pastor Jan included Synod School booklets in the session packets and encouraged Elders to consider attending this summer.

Jan will be attending the Church Growth Summit in Lincoln on April 13-14.

Clerk’s Report MSC to approve the Minutes from the February 24, 2015 Session Meeting Minutes as amended. Communion was served to 74 on Sunday, March 1. Teresa Peters was ordained and installed as Deacon on March 12, during commission meetings.

Treasurer’s Report Rob presented a summary of the PUCC financial reports from February. Year-to-date, income is only slightly lower than in 2014. Overall, there is a net loss of $3532, which is $5,000 better than last year.

Presbytery Meeting Report Evelyn presented a summary of the Presbyterian meeting on March 14. Dennis Sohl was installed as moderator of the Presbytery. The Confession of Belhar motion failed with a tied vote and the marriage amendment passed. Pastor Jan sent to the congregation explaining these changes. Other amendments that passed included a child protection policy..

Commission Reports Lowell briefly discussed the plan to sell the snow blower. The Property & Maintenance commission will begin meeting every other month, unless there is a need. Pastor Jan asked if it might be easier to adopt a more fluid meeting schedule for other commissions.

Roger reminded the Maundy Thursday communion servers to wear black during the service.

MSC to approve the transfer of $500 from the Memorial Fund to the Deacons ministry given in memory of Harry Christensen.

Evelyn reported for the Mission Commission. The fish banks were handed out during Sunday and will be returned during the service on Sunday, March 29. The church will be participating in the annual Feed Just One activity at Gehlen. Other ministries include the pill container ministry and camp cleanup at the Lakeshore Center on Okoboji.

Pastor Jan presented a proposal from Noah’s Ark Preschool board to move Shannon Jensen’s office into Room 101 classroom. This would remove the classroom from use for Sunday School. The proposal has been approved by the Noah’s Ark Preschool Board, the Christian Education Commission, and the Sunday School teacher in room 101.

MSC to approve the proposal to move the Noah’s Ark Preschool Director’s office out of the preschool classroom and into Room 101 beginning in the summer of 2015.

Deb gave a brief report from the Christian Education commission.

Old Business Session briefly reviewed the March Madness chili cook-off – it was a huge success! Kevin and Rob did an excellent job organizing and planning the event. Everyone had a great time. Rob’s chili won the cook-off; the recipe has been put into the Messenger for anyone interested. Session also wants to thank Chuck Holz for donating the meat. Session suggested that we consider a summer activity.

The three Lenten small groups have been meeting every week, with great participation in each of the groups. Session members agreed that we should offer something similar in the fall. Pastor Jan encouraged Session members to think about people that might be willing to serve on an Adult Education focus group.

MSC to continue this year with 11 elders on Session this year in light of the resignation of Ruling Elder Ann Schulz.

New Business The Christian education commission provided a report on the “HeartShaper” Sunday School curriculum that they’ve been using for Sunday School the last three years. MSC to approve the 2014-15 Sunday School curriculum.

Pastor Jan led Sunday School teacher training in early November for 2014-15.

Pastor Jan presented the statistical Report that was submitted to the General Assembly regarding the overall composition of the church. As of February 2015, the total membership in the church was 166. A large number of church members are over 65 years old, but the majority of members are under that age. There are only slightly more female members than male members. We do not have any members that are not of white descent. Representation on Session accurately represents the church membership, with nearly every age population represented and 6 males and 5 females as Elders.

MSC to approve the representation of the church population on Session.

MSC to approve Communion on Easter Sunday.

MSC to adjourn the Meeting at 8:20 pm.

Meeting closed with prayers and reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

Month Income Expenses Difference

January $ 17,584.94 $ 17,446.77 $ 138.17

February $ 18,914.15 $ 19,861.01 $ - 946.86

Total $ 36,499.09 $ 37,307.78 $ - 808.69

APRIL

BIRTHDAYS

April 1 Katie Cunningham

April 3 Drew Kellen

April 9 Harold Peters

April 10 Barbara Braun

April 10 Kari Cunningham

April 11 Jacob Schneider

April 11 Ron Mahlke

April 12 Kelly McQuinn

April 24 Madelyn Jo Keunen

April 26 Eileen Sohl

April 26 Melissa Alcorn

April 27 Jeanine Penning

April 28 Emma Bendlin

April 29 Therese Ohm

April 29 Josh Alcorn

April 1 Herb & Hester Caswell

April 7 Casey & Karen Stengel

April 7 Don & Etta De Jager

April 20 Arnie & Jeanine Keunen

April 26 Steve & Cynthia Roosa

THANK YOU ~ Thank you for the Chamber Bucks that were given to us over the holiday season! It was greatly appreciated, Ted and Malinda Collins. THANK YOU ~ We have so appreciated the loving

care of our church family as we strive for the new normal with-out Steven, and I am recovering from heart surgery a month later. We enjoyed all the food, cards, and calls. Thank you so much. Rod & Colleen. THANK YOU ~ PUCC, We want you to know that your kind-ness at this time is more deeply appreciated than any words of thanks can express. Thanks so much for the lovely cards and prayers. We’re so lucky to have our church family. Roger & Karen Dempster THANK YOU ~ Dear Presbyterian UCC of Le Mars, Thank you! Thank you for your partnership in ministry, especially your 2014 contribution to our Church’s Wider Mission. May God continue to bless us all as we boldly follow Jesus together! Thank you! Brigit Stevens, Associate Conference Minister, Iowa Conference UCC THANK YOU ~ Dear Friends, Thank-you very much for all the cards & prayers over the past months. They are very much appreciated! Thanks also for remembering me with all the Christmas Goodies! Sincerely, Jean Rowe

OUR SYMPATHY ~ To Karen and Roger Dempster upon the unexpected death of Karen’s brother, Jim Maffit, on March 5th.

Near to Our Hearts! Please remember our shut ins and others residing in care facilities. Home Bound: Bob Becker and Glenn and Bette Waite. Plymouth Manor: Arlene Kratochvil and MildredMorton. Good Samaritan Society: Mavis Kuper Park Place Estates: Pat Hawkins, Jean Rowe and Evelyn Weber. The Abbey: Dr. Ron Batz and Frances Braband. Bickford Cottage in Sioux City: Marlyce Christensen Bavarian Meadows in Remsen: Ruth Rann Individuals Out of Town: Jean Koenig, Betty Lou Larson, Maxine Pitts, Gordon Thompson and Jane Truesdell.

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Linda Angerman

Pat Hawkins

Betty Swalve

Mikalla Ericson

Tyler Finley

Bette Waite

Marlyce Christensen

Sonny Athens

Walker Raymond

Mavis Kuper

Jim Farley Linda Siple

Colleen Scholten

Kevin James

Dr. Ron Batz

Chris Jackson

The Family of Jim Kendall

The Family of Cindy Athens

The Family of Steven Scholten

The Family of Eddie Martfeld

SAVE THE DATE!

2015 VBS ~ Savannah Safar

Where Kids Discover How Love H.E.L.P.S. Others!

Volunteers are needed in all areas to help make this a sensational experience for our youth.

If you would like to be in on the fun, please contact Alissa Wells or Deb Thompson

Join us as we spread the message of the gospel through song, crafts, Bible stories and more!

Recycle Plastic Prescription Containers

In the country of Malawi, prescription medications are dispensed in folded

pieces of newspaper. There are no identifying marks to indicate

this is a prescription or protection for access by children. All of

us that take prescription medications can help reduce this

problem, by reusing our empty prescription containers. There is

a box in the narthex marked Rx Bottle Ministry for you to drop

off your empty prescription containers for reuse in Malawi. La-

bels must be removed! Immerse the bottles in boiling water

briefly to loosen any glue and to help sterilize the container.

Soles 4 Souls

Time to clean out those closets for another year! The Le Mars Area Ministerial

Association (LAMA) is organizing the shoe drive once again this year. Bring

your shoes, boots, sandals in any condition to the church now through April 12th.

The footwear will be taken to Village Northwest in Sheldon for processing and

will be distributed throughout our country and world

to people in need! Thanks for your support of this

important ministry!

Tim Hawkins LIVE! April 9th: 7:00PM, General Admission: $22.00.

At Dordt College in Sioux Center! All proceeds above costs go to Paradise Bound Ministries in

Guatemala. They have multiple ministries that they employ to

make inroads with the gospel into places that have never had the

gospel message preached before: They do medical brigades,

and follow that up with “small home builds” and follow that up with

discipleship and church planting through a team of evangelists

trained by the Timothy Leadership Institute. They also have an

orphanage with at least a half dozen orphan infants in their

care. Check out Paradise Bound Ministries website for a full

picture of what they do.

Missions Trip Honduras

On Tuesday, March 17th, Alex and Bruce Kellen, along with several

others from Gehlen Catholic School were sent off on their journey to

Honduras for their annual mission trip. This is Alex’s second trip and

Bruce’s third trip to Honduras.

While in Honduras the team will be building three homes, work on

English with elementary students, visit a children’s feeding center,

build 10 bunks for 10 families, build three tables for a school and, if

possible, help with other projects. They will also have the opportunity to go to a

Honduran Mass which is quite an experience, realizing we all love and worship the

same God!

Before leaving on the trip, Bruce and Alex were most looking forward to going back and

continue helping the villagers’ lives be a little bit better. They expressed the joy of

developing friendships, even in that short time, with school children and the

villagers. “The Honduran people truly are so appreciative for everyone and everything!”

When someone goes on a mission trip to anywhere in the world, the anticipation of

helping and changing lives comes to mind. Alex and Bruce recog-

nize this also to be a life changing experience for the mission-

ers. A year ago, as they began their trip, Alex and Bruce thought

they were the ones that were going to make a difference in the

Hondurans’ lives, when in fact, the Hondurans impacted them

much more than they would have ever expected!

Thank you so much for the prayers for Bruce and Alex and the

whole team while they were on the mission trip!

Dennis Sohl as Moderator

Dennis Sohl was installed as Moderator of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill at the recent meeting of the Presbytery in Vail, Iowa. This is a position Dennis has been preparing for over the past year as Vice-Moderator of the Presbytery. In November, he participated in the annual Moderator’s Conference held at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offices in Louisville, Kentucky. At this conference, incoming Moderator’s received training in parliamentary procedure, were given background on denominational concerns and had a chance to worship together, get to know one another and form accountability partners.

As Moderator, Dennis will preside over meetings of the Presbytery, represent the Presbytery in matters of it’s churches such as ordinations and/or installations of Teaching Elders (Pastors), church transitions such as milestones or closings, and to serve as one who will listen to concerns of individual congregations.

Dennis recognizes the unique challenges in our Presbytery, including declining membership that directly impacts not only participation on Presbytery committees but also finances for the Presbytery. While facing this will be challenging, Dennis states, “I feel I am serving at this time because God wants to use skills I have developed over my prior career to be a service to the Presbytery.”

With his first meeting behind him, Dennis has great respect for our system which allows for every voice to be heard, and respect shown each other in the midst of the diversity in the Presbytery. Dennis feels honored to have been selected to serve in this role.

Please support Moderator Sohl in prayer during his time in this significant role within the Presbytery. He desires to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit within him to guide him with the unknowns of this year. Dennis, the members and friends of PUCC are grateful for your willingness to serve in this way!

Pat Penning joins the “Retired”

On February 1st, Pat Penning joined the group known as “Retired”. Pat retired from her position with the Iowa Department of Human Services after 35 years of service. She began in 1979 as an Income Maintenance Worker and steadily assumed more responsibility until she was assigned the position of Service Area Manager for 14 counties in Sioux City in 2002. Then in 2010 she was transferred to Des Moines and looked over 15 counties.

Pat cited that she enjoyed the opportunity to serve the citizens of Iowa. She had the opportunity to implement changes and make positive differences to people’s lives. Yet every day had its challenges. Pat also had the pleasure of shaping the careers of new college graduates entering the service of DHS.

Pat leaves a career that allowed her to promote new initiatives and work with excellent leadership, but now looks forward to being back in Le Mars full time. She will now have a schedule all her own that she will allow her more time with her spouse, Lowell, friends and community. Her near future includes long overdue vacations and an addition to their home. Pat will still stay connected to helping others as a Trainer for ISU, a Board Member for the Siouxland Human Investment Partnership, and our church. Welcome to the “Retired”.

Pat with her husband Lowell

New Flowers!

Have you smelled the roses yet? Well, maybe not

smelled, but enjoyed the new rose center pieces

in the Fellowship Hall? We would like to take a

moment to send a special thank you to Delores

Maser for her contribution of the new center

pieces! They are a great addition to the Fellowship

Hall! Thank you Delores they are beautiful!

ATTENTION KIDS! It is not too early to think about summer camp. There are some

great opportunities this year, be sure to check out the schedule! Please remember, the church offers some awesome

scholarships for those who participate in our Sunday School and Youth Group activities! Call the church for more information!

2015 Church Growth Leadership Summit Westminster

Presbyterian Church

Lincoln, Nebraska

April 13-14

Now is the time for your church to grow! Join a two-day summit to discover practical strategies

to grow your church!!

PUCC March Madness Chili Cook off was a success! On Thursday March 19th, many came out for the chili cook off. There were 12 different types of chili to try and many other goodies to enjoy! Congratulations to Rob on winning 1st place and to Roger and Jeff who took home 2nd and 3rd! If you would like to try making the 1st prize winning chili here is the recipe!

Rob’s Winning Chili Recipe 2 pounds ground beef chuck 1 pound bulk Italian sausage 3 (15 ounce) cans chili beans, drained 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon bacon bits 4 cubes beef bouillon ½ cup pickle juice 1/2 bottle of beer (I used Sam Adams winter lager) 1/4 cup chili powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck and sau-sage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease. Pour in the chili beans, spicy chili beans, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, bacon bits, bouillon, and beer. Season with chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and sugar. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day.

March Madness Thank You!

PUCC would like to thank our church family for their

contributions that made the Chili Cook-off a success! Thank you

to Chuck and Pat Holz for donating hamburger for the chilies!

Thank you Harold and Karen Peters for donating cheese! Thank

you to all who brought in bars, rolls, and other goodies! Most of

all thank you to Kevin Albers and Rob Bixenman for heading up

the night! It was a wonderful time of fun, food, and fellowship!