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- 3:30 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Sunday Worship

9:55 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

SEPTEMBER

September 6: Rev. Molly Dowell-Baum Pulpit Supply

September 7: Labor Day

September 8: Special Presbytery Meeting—in Storm Lake

September 9: Middle/High School Youth Group Kick-off!

September 20: Rally Sunday/Cool & Classic Car/Cookout

September 27: Sunday School Starts! Confirmation Bibles are Presented

IMPORTANT DATES IN OCTOBER

October 7: Confirmation Class begins

October 18: All Church Fall Retreat at Hillview Park in Hinton

From: The Red Brick Church on the Hill

2015

Note! The office will be open from 9:00 AM - Noon for the

first two weeks in September!

Time Change!

Sunday Morning worship will begin at 10:30 AM starting September 13th.

Starting September 15th, the office hours will be Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, closed over the noon hour.

Confirmation Class

We are gearing up for a great confirmation class that will begin this fall for our youth in 7th and 8th grades. An informational meeting will be held for parents on Thursday, September 10th, at 8:00 p.m. in Room 103. Bibles will be handed out to students during worship on Sunday, September 27th, with the first meeting of the class on Wednesday, October 7th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Confirmation will be held the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Spanning two years, confirmation class will give students a chance to interact with the major stories of the Bible, as well as study the basics of faith, including what it means to follow Christ, belong to the church and grow as a Christian. Parents of 7th and 8th grade students (or of older students who would like to participate) may call the office to register.

September 20th ~ Sunday School Rally Day and

“Cool and Classic Car” Potluck Sunday!

“Cruisin’ with Jesus, in Grace and Gratitude” is our Sunday

School theme for this year. The Christian Education

Commission with the approval of the Session has ordered a

new curriculum for grades pre-school-sixth grades published by

the Presbyterian Church USA.

Each session of “Growing in Grace and Gratitude” is rooted in

Bible stories that focus on God’s grace. Children and their lead-

ers will celebrate the meaning of this grace in their lives as they

encounter a living God. Through fun activities, prayer and sing-

ing, children will gather in God’s grace and learn to respond joyfully in gratitude.

Sunday School classes will begin on September 27th at 9:15 am. Please note the change in time

from last year.

Rally Day will also include the whole congregation with a potluck after the church service. Burgers, Brats,

Hotdogs, buns and chips will be provided. We ask that families whose last names begin with A-M to bring

salads and those families that begin with N-Z bring a dessert. Drinks and paper products will be

provided by the CE commission.

If you have a “Cool or Classic” car, we would love to have you drive it to church for all to see and admire

on Sunday, September 20th!

Let’s all cruise in grace and gratitude this year with Jesus!

Note From Pastor Jan

It was such a blessing last Sunday to gather around our children and teachers and pray a prayer of blessing for them as they return to school. There was something about coming to the front of the sanctuary and being in close proximity with one another that helped remind us all that we truly are part of a community of faith. I trust our children and teacher’s felt the love and support of this congregation as they enter the school year with a fresh realization that their lives are important in this church and that they are a significant part of this congregation. I hope they also will remember that God is with them at school and their church family cares about what happens there.

With the beginning of the school year, many families begin to settle into more structured schedules. This makes it a great time to consider making New Year’s Resolutions for the new school year as a family. I would suggest to keep it simple, choosing an activity that will enrich the spiritual life of the family. Here are a couple of suggestions:

Bedtime prayers. A parent may tuck in each child, taking time to review the day and say thank you to God for what was good and ask God for help where needed. In some families all the children and parents may be able to gather for this.

Attend Sunday school and church regularly. Many families start off with intentions of doing this as school resumes, but soon fall off the bandwagon. Perhaps find another family to encourage one another in this.

Of course, the fall offers a new season and perhaps a new schedule for all of us, even those who don ’t have school-aged children at home. This is as good of time as any for each of us to consider New Year’s Resolutions of our own that would help enrich our lives spiritually. Again, keep it simple. Here are a few ideas:

Schedule a time for intentional prayer. Pray for your family, your church, and for others. Perhaps actually come to the sanctuary in order to free yourself from distractions and allow time and space to listen for God.

Come to worship. It is easy over the summer to get out of the habit of worship. The longer you stay out of the habit, the harder it is to return, and the easier it is to forget how much you need to be here. Perhaps set a goal to increase your attendance. Be specific, if you currently come once a month, how about coming twice a month?

Get involved in the church. Join a supper club, a small group, or serve in some form of ministry.

God wants to bless you as you journey through life. The church is here to walk with you and remind you of God’s presence and the presence of a community of faith who joins you on the journey. The church can enrich your life by adding meaning and purpose. How might God be nudging you as you consider the opportunities available to you as a part of this faith community?

Preschool at Noah’s Ark will be starting very soon! The first day is Tuesday September 1. We have a fun, exciting, and educational year ahead of us!

Alissa Wells will be joining Noah’s Ark this year as the Assistant Teacher. Alissa grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota and graduated from University of Nebraska Lincoln. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development and

Assessments. Alissa has lots of classroom experience. Plus she has served on the Noah’s Ark Board and has been a substitute teacher at Noah’s Ark. She will be a great addition to our preschool!

As the beginning of the year approaches, we need a few classroom supplies. If you are interested in donating, please see the Noah’s Ark Preschool bulletin board in the narthex. Simply tear off the name of the item in which you wish to purchase and place the item in the green Noah’s Ark donation box. We really appreciate all donations!

We are excited to begin another great year at Noah’s Ark Preschool!

Sunday School for children and youth will begin on

September 27th from 9:15 am to 10:15 am. Please note

the time change from last year!

Children’s Chapel will begin in October! Look for more

information to come in next month!

The Forum~ This class for adults will resume on October

4th, with time and place TBA. The Forum is a place

where people can gather to view and discuss the series,

“The Meaning of Life: Perspectives From the World’s

Great Intellectual Traditions” guided by Professor Jay L.

Garfield. Watch for more information in the bulletin and

the October Messenger.

Special Meeting of the Presbytery

A SPECIAL MEETING of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill will be held at 1:00 pm TUESDAY, September 8 at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. The

meeting will have two items of business:

1. Installation of Rev. Brian Camara as Vice Moderator

2. Election of Ruling Elder Dennis Sohl as the Stated Clerk, beginning December 1, 2015.

The meeting has been called by the Personnel Committee of the Presbytery.

Teachers Training

On September 17th at 7:00 PM there will be a Sunday School Teachers training session.

THE VALUE OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION

The article below was included in the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study on August 23, 2015. It speaks of the mission of early childhood education, such as what we provide through the ministry of Noah’s Ark Preschool. Thanks to the generosity of our church community, we were once again able this fall to provide scholarships to students for whom preschool would not have been a possibility without your gifts! Thank-you for your gifts! They make a difference!

In the summer of 2013, Nikkitta Jacobs of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, received news that her son, Jaden, who had just turned three, would not have a spot at the Clara Hearne Head Start Center that fall. Facing a $267,000 budget reduction, the center had to cut 37 children from its incoming class.

Created in 1965, Head Start is the premier early childhood development program supporting our nation’s lowest-income households. Head Start takes a holistic approach, bringing together education, health care, social services, nutrition services, and parental involvement. Studies indicate that Head Start graduates show better math and language skills, social conduct, and physical development than their non–Head Start peers.

High-quality early childhood programs help children in low-income families develop the skills to succeed in school and give parents the support they need to be productive at work. Studies show that children from low-income families who participate in such programs are less likely to be held back in school or placed in special education, have lower rates of juvenile crime, and are more likely to graduate.

Sadly, only one in six children eligible for federal child-care assistance receives it. Head Start serves only about half of eligible preschoolers, and Early Head Start serves approximately 4 percent of eligible infants and toddlers.

The 219th General Assembly (2010) approved the report Loving Our Neighbors: Equity and Quality in Public Education (K–12), which recommitted the PC(USA) “to the principle of equal educational opportunity for all children in the United States.”

We must now commit also to making early childhood education, so crucial to future success in life, available to any child who needs it.

—Leslie Woods, representative for domestic poverty and environmental issues, PC(USA) Office of Public Witness

Middle School Youth Group!

Once again this year, we are joining with youth and leaders from Calvin Christian Reformed Church and Rejoice Community Church for youth group! Our kick-off will be on Wednesday, September 9th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Rejoice Community Church. We will have a cookout and games. After the kick-off event, the Middle School Youth will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in the youth room here at PUCC. Leaders from PUCC will include Jacki Albers and Pastor Jan. Other leaders will be Troy Hughes from Calvin Christian and Todd DeBoer from Rejoice.

High School Youth Group!

Students in grades 9-12 are invited to be a part of the joint youth group that meets at Rejoice Community Church on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. We are looking for leaders from PUCC to be involved in this ministry. Is God calling your name? Please let Pastor Jan know if you are interested. High School Youth Group will begin on September 9th with a Kick-Off Cookout at Rejoice that will be with the Middle School Youth.

Session Highlights ~ Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Elders Present: Pastor Jan Christensen, Karissa Carlson, Evelyn Kendall, Deb Thompson, Roger Dempster, Mike Cunningham, Lowell Penning, Beth Kehrberg, Kevin

Albers, Rob Bixenman, and Arlo Swalve

Excused: Linda Smith

Rob opened the meeting with devotions and prayer.

Moderator’s Report Pastor Jan shared her activities over the last couple of months. Jan was involved with co-leading the Grieving Together Group with the pastors at St. John’s Lutheran Church, served as Dean of Synod School, taught the Bible lessons for VBS, officiated at 4 funerals and 1 wedding. Community-wise worked in the ice cream stand for Rotary during the Plymouth County Fair. Pastor Jan has also agreed to serve as a mentor for a commissioned ruling elder applicant in the presbytery. Pastor Jan will be on vacation from August 30 through September 8 in South Carolina. She will also

be attending a synod school meeting in Minnesota on September 13-15.

Clerk’s Report MSC to approve the June 30, 2015 Session Meeting Minutes as stated. Communion was served to 55 on Sunday, July 12, 2015 and to 95 on Sunday, August 2, 2015. Linda Angerman (member #2090) died on July 24, 2015. Marion (Sonny) Athens (member #1481) died on July 25, 2015.

Abby Penning died July 31, 2015. Gale Dennler died August 11, 2015.

Presbytery Meeting Report A presbytery meeting report from the July 14, 2015 meeting was included in the Session packet from Jerry Scholten. Pastor Jan summarized the information included in the report. MSC to approve Evelyn Kendall as the commission for the special Presbytery Meeting on September 8 at Lakeside Presbytery

Church in Storm Lake.

Treasurer’s Report Rob presented a summary of the budget report from July. Year-to-date, we are $7200 ahead of last year in income and $13,700 behind in expenses, resulting in a net $20,000 better situation than last year for finances. Compared to our budget, we are $8,600 ahead of budgeted income and $13,000 behind on budgeted expenses. Rob also handed out budgets to session members for the commissions to work on their projected budgets for next year. He asked the commissions to prayerfully

consider their budgets and return their projected expenses by September’s meeting. MSC to approve the reports.

Commission Reports Commission reports were received from Property & Maintenance and Christian Education commissions. No report was received from Worship, Finance, and Mission commissions or Noah’s Ark Board. Beth briefly reported from Noah’s Ark preschool regarding their scholarships. Numbers for the next year look good, although the upcoming open house will provide the actual number of students attending this year. Deb reported from the Christian Education commission. They are working on the upcoming Rally Sunday on September 20, 2015 and wondering if the day will coincide with the church cookout and classic car drive-in. The theme for the year will run with this idea with themes of “Crusin’ with Jesus” and others. Sunday school will start at 9:15 a.m. this year, allowing a little bit more time for lessons to be completed before church at 10:15. Lowell reported for the Property and Maintenance Commission regarding their meeting from August 24. There are some trees that will be removed. Wi-fi has been installed for Shannon Jensen in her office and the commission is looking into Premier as an internet provider. They are measuring for new carpet in Pastor Jan’s office. Some new playground equipment will be donated in Abby Penning’s name. There is still a problem with bats in the sanctuary this year, although nobody is certain how to deal

with them. Pastor Jan encouraged the commission to make a goal of trying to figure out how to record the service. MSC to approve the Commission Reports as stated.

Old Business The Church Growth Task Force met on August 18 for the first time and entertained some good thoughts and ideas. They have set a date for their next meet-ing. Session discussed feasibility of an outreach event with classic cars and a cookout on September 20 to coincide with Rally Sunday. Roger, Lowell, and Kevin agreed to help with organizing the cars, the meat and buns, and the grill, respectively. The Christian Education Commission will help with organizing the potluck portion of salads, chips, and drinks and they will set up on the day of the event. The Child Protection Policy has been moved to Personnel team for review. Pastor Jan provided a handout with an example from a prayer retreat that Jackie Smallbones has developed. Session considered the possibility of a church-wide prayer retreat that is opened to everyone who might want to pray for the church. Prayer is a very important component for the process of church growth and decision-making, Session decided that an alternative step that is more comfortable may be to provide an opportunity for individuals to come into the church for private prayer. Pastor Jan will work on organizing something. Arlo reserved Hillview Park on October 18, 2015 for the all-church retreat. Dennis Sohl has agreed to provide a lesson about Creation during the service. He will also organize and plan a hike for adults and children following the service. Timmy’s catering, which is in town, was recommended as the caterer for the event. Arlo will talk with Dennis Sohl to see if they can

work together to arrange the caterer.

New Business Session agreed via email to move the September communion date to August 30 to accommodate Pastor Jan’s absence on the first Sunday of September. Pastor Jan presented the idea of creating a task force to focus on spiritual formation. She encouraged Session to prayerfully consider who might be a good fit for this task force. Session considered pros and cons of initiating small groups for the fall season and/or initiate supper clubs. A commissioner for the presbytery meeting on October 27,

2015 at Lakeshore Center will need to be arranged during the September session meeting.

Month Income Expenses Difference

January $ 17,584.94 $ 17,446.77 $ 138.17

February $ 18,914.15 $ 19,861.01 $ (946.86)

March $ 18,013.81 $ 20,087.88 $ (2,074.07)

April $ 19,520.79 $ 19,748.11 $ (227.32)

May $ 33,546.40 $ 17,234.04 $ 16,312.36

June $ 13,297.78 $ 15, 767.12 $ (2,469.34)

July $ 9,201.69 $ 20,695.50 $ (11,493.81)

Total $ 130,079.56 $ 130,840.43 $ (760.87)

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

September 5 Casey Jo Marcotte

September 6 Barbara Steeg

September 7 Janet Woltman

September 8 Virgil Brockel

September 8 Kali Cunningham

September 9 Steven Roosa

September 10 Bonnie Dull

September 10 Sam Wacker

September 12 Ruth Anderson

September 13 Arlo Swalve

September 14 Lowell Penning

September 14 Lon Penning

September 15 Ben Penning

September 15 Pam Kellen

September 15 Anita Hazen

September 15 Jade Oswald

September 16 Larry Anderson

September 18 Daryl Doorenbos

September 22 Bette Waite

September 24 Jerry Lake

September 24 Arnold Keunen

September 26 Chuck Holz

September 27 Larry Ruchti

September 30 Jean Koenig

September 8 Tom & Christine Wacker September 12 Jeff & Teresa Peters September 14 Ron & Stacey Mahlke

THANK YOU ~ Before Le Mars ever became the “Ice Cream Capital of the World”, it was known as the “City With a Heart”. That has certainly not changed! The Christian Needs Center’s success would not be possible without the overwhelming support we receive from our community. Thank you so much for your donation to help our organization. With Heartfelt Thanks, Christian Needs Center Board of Directors.

THANK-YOU ~ To all who helped create our new Chrismon's for the Christmas Tree these past weeks! The ornaments are beautiful! A special thank-you to Karen Peter's for her leadership in this project!

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR THOUGHTS

AND PRAYERS

Pat Hawkins

Betty Swalve

Mikalla Ericson

Tyler Finley

Bette Waite

Marlyce Christensen

Walker Raymond

Mavis Kuper

Jim Farley

Dr. Ron Batz

Chris Jackson

Dennis Smith

Tyler Schweisow

Kim Spier

Evelyn Kendall

Brad Athens

Rod & Colleen Scholten

Norma Martfeld

The Family of Linda Angerman

The Family of Sonny Athens

The Family of Abby Penning

The Family of Gale Dennler

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

WE KEEP THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES IN PRAYER AS THEY MOURN THE DEATH OF LOVED ONES

OUR SYMPATHY ~ We extend our sympathy to the family of Abby Penning. Abby died unexpectedly on Friday, July 31st, at her home in Chicago. Funeral services were held August 4th here at the church. Please keep Abby's family in your thoughts and prayers, including Lowell and Pat Penning, Ben Penning, and Brad Athens, as well as her aunts and uncles including Lon and Jeanine Penning and Christy and Cris Collins. OUR SYMPATHY ~ To Bill and Mary Bomgaars upon the death of Bill ’s sister Adrianna Mulder on August 13th. Services were held August 17th at American Reformed Church in Orange City. OUR SYMPATHY ~ We extend our sympathy to the family of Gale Dennler. Gale died Tuesday, August 11th in Searey, Arkansas. Funeral Service were August 18th at Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home. Please keep Gale’s family in your thoughts and prayers, including Douglas Dennler and Rich-ard and his wife Sandy Dennler all of Arkansas.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8: 39

Keep our students

and teachers in

your prayers!

Grief and Growth Program

Hospice of Siouxland cordially invites you to participate in a six-week program entitled Grief and Growth. This program will be held at Hospice of Siouxland, 4300 Hamilton Blvd. in Sioux City. It will meet every Tuesday night from 6:30-8:30 PM beginning September 15th and concluding October 20th. Grief and Growth is designed for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one through illness or accident.

There is no cost to attend Grief and Growth. Child care is available for a limited number of participants. Pre-registration is required as group size is limited. To register, please call Hospice of Siouxland at 712-233-4144 or 800-383-4545. Please indicate if you will need child care.

Gifts in Memory ~

Through the years, this church has been the grateful recipient of many wonderful gifts in memory of loved ones who have entered the Church Triumphant. These gifts have been put to use in a variety of ways to bless the ministry of this congregation. For those who are looking to give a memorial gift, there are two ways of giving. First, a monetary gift can be given to be used at the discretion of the church. These are called non-designated gifts. The session draws upon these gifts when a new project is in the works and needs funding. Second, gifts can be given for a certain purpose or project that is underway within the church. Donors are welcome to talk with the pastor regarding current projects to choose from.

September Wedding!

Tiranee Ruchti and David Vriezen are planning their wedding for September 4 in

Rochester, Minnesota. Tiranee is the daughter of Susan Ruchti and the granddaughter of

Larry Ruchti.

Corinne Collins and Logan Black will be united in marriage in Par-

adise Valley, Arizona on September 5. Corinne is the daughter of

Cris and Christy Collins. Logan is the son of Kyle and JoAnn

Black.

Chancel Choir

The choir will begin rehearsing September 9th

at 7:00 PM. If you can carry a tune, come and

join us!

Congratulations Chad & Kelsi Macek!

Chad and Kelsi were married here at the church

on August 8th. Kelsi is the daughter of Bruce and

Pam Kellen, and Chad is the son of Layne and

Donna Macek. Chad and Kelsi are living in

Ankeny, IA. Kelsi works as a couple & family

therapist at Integrated Counseling Solutions, Inc.,

in West Des Moines. Chad is currently employed

as a materials coordinator for John Deere Des

Moines Works in Ankeny. Blessings to the both

of them as they move forward together!

Come to the Sanctuary

The session is encouraging members and

friends of this congregation to come to our

beautiful sanctuary for a time of solace and

prayer. Recognizing the need in our lives for

stillness and communion with God, you are

invited to come whenever

the building is open and

spend time with God. This

is a great way to center on

God, listen for God, and to

lift up your concerns for

yourself, others, and for

the ministry of this

congregation.

SAVE THE DATE

Come – Listen – Participate - Share

All church women are invited and encouraged to attend the Prospect Hill

Presbyterian Women’s 2015 Fall Gathering, Monday, September 28,

2015, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cherokee, Iowa. The theme for

the gathering is: “One Body, One Spirit.” I Corinthians 12: 12-27.

Beginning at 8:45 a.m. coffee and goodies will be available during

registration. Cost is $7.00 which includes registration and lunch. You

could plan to be on your way home before 3:00 p.m.

The worship service will be led by Sharma Brockmeyer, Hosted Ministry

and Outreach Coordinator from Lakeshore Center at Okoboji. A

workshop on women’s health will be presented by the Cherokee Regional

Medical Center.

Following lunch there will be a hands-on mission project for all to

participate. Alzheimer quilt tops will be constructed. Alzheimer’s patients

like to feel different textures and these quilt tops

keep their restless, anxious hands busy fiddling with

the things sewn on the quilts.

We hope you will mark your calendar for this special day. Let’s carpool together. Meet at the

church parking lot Monday, September 28th ready to leave the church by 8:00 a.m. For more information, contact Audrey Scholten, Evelyn

Kendall or Mary Bomgaars.

Supper Club!

If you are looking for a great way to meet new people, get

connected, and enjoy great fellowship, fun and food, we

encourage you to get involved with a Supper Club this fall!

Supper Clubs are monthly gatherings where everyone,

married or single, young or old, outgoing or quiet, gather for

the opportunity to fellowship and build community with one

another.

All who are interested in Supper Club are randomly divided

into small groups. Small groups may choose to gather in

homes, the church fellowship hall, or a park or local

restaurant, depending on the desires of the group.

Oftentimes, group members will each bring a food to

contribute to the meal.

Please sign up in the church narthex on or before

September 27th.

A Kick-Off will be held Sunday, September 27th at the home of

Dan and Deb Thompson at 5:00 p.m. We request that you

bring an appetizer to share.

For more information regarding Supper Clubs or to sign up, please contact the church office at 546-6470, or talk to Mary Bomgaars or Deb

Thompson.

Upcoming Events @ Lakeshore Center!

September 12: Antique

Tractor Ride ~ Meet at

Lakeshore Center at 8:30

AM and depart for the ride

at 9:00 AM. $25.00 per

participant which includes

a coffee break and lunch.

Please register before September 4th!

September 24th-27th: Hobby & Craft

Retreat ~ there are 2 registration options:

Extended Retreat or Regular Weekend

Retreat. Come for a weekend, bring your

supplies, work on your projects and leave

the cooking to them! Register by

September 1st!

September 26th: Fall Work Day! From

9:00 AM to 4:00

PM. Volunteers

will be cleaning

cabins, racking

leaves, trimming

trees, cleaning up

the beach, and

much more. This is time for great

fellowship & more! You can stay for free at

the lodge, six hours of work is the cost of

your stay. Call their office to make your

reservation!

Phone: 712-337-3313

Check out their website for more

information!

http://www.lakeshorecenteratokoboji.org

Please help us as we remember and honor Steven at the Iowa ALS

Walk on September 13th at Emma’s Event Center, 3828 Stadium

Dr, Sioux City, IA 51106. The walk begins at 12:00 noon. It costs

nothing to walk but a contribution would be appreciated.

The envelope for contributions will be in the Fellowship Hall for two

or three weeks. Make checks payable to “ALS of Iowa, Strolling for

Steve”. We are thankful and appreciative for your help and support.

Rod & Colleen Scholten

Chrismon Creation

Thinking of Christmas, yes Christmas! Over the last couple

of months the ladies have been hard at work making new

Chrismons for the Christmas Tree. The first round

happened July 20-25 & 28, but with much to do the team

decided to have another week to work. The second round

of Chrismon making was August 17-21.

The making of the Chrismons takes a lot of time. It took

four days to trace and cut out the ornaments. There were

26 different Christian symbols, totaling approximately 250 ornaments. After the symbols were

cut out of the stiffened felt, they were decorated using glitter paint and glitter glue.

Many ladies helped in this adventure! Including: Betty Athens, Evelyn Kendall, Karen Stengel,

Eva Mouw, Jeanine Penning, Pat Penning, Audrey Scholten, Colleen Scholten, Etta De

Jager, Ruth Anderson, Elaine Doorenbos, Hester Caswell, Pat Holz, Teresa Peters, Ruth

Farley, Beth Kehrberg, Kay Koch, Marlys Pelz, Donna Rasmussen, Karen Dempster, Rachael

Cunningham, Katie Cunningham, Kari Cunningham, Pastor Jan. The craft leader was Karen

Peters and assisting Karen was Mary Bomgaars.

Karen would like to thank everyone who helped with the Chrismons. The creativity from this

group was just amazing! The ornaments are absolutely beautiful!

Note from the Presbytery

At the July 14th Presbytery meeting the Moderator, Dennis Sohl, was charged with the new challenge to form a Task Force that will explore and propose to Presbytery new sources of revenue instead of relying solely on the per capita assessment. The possibilities for this Task Force to discuss can be diverse, maybe even wild and crazy sounding. But ideas need to be brought forward. The only guidance offered was that this Task Force’s work should not only benefit the Presbytery but also the churches within our Presbytery.

If someone in our church, or a congregation you have visited, has skills at fund raising or event organizing or just an idea about fund raising that needs to be explored, please share that information with Dennis so we can work to help our Presbytery expand spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He would appreciate any ideas that you might have.

COMING IN OCTOBER!

The Fall All Church Retreat will be

October 18th at 10:30 AM at the Hillview

Park in Hinton, IA. Come for a time of

worship and learning as we celebrate

our Lord’s creation! After the worship

service a meal will be served. Dennis

Sohl will be leading a hike around the

park following our meal!