March 2017 1

Southminster Presbyterian Church of Springfield, Missouri, is called by God to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to minister in love to the needs of members of the congregation

and residents of the community, and to promote peace and justice in the world.

Issue 317 March 2017

SSSouthminster outhminster outhminster PPPresbyterian Church resbyterian Church resbyterian Church

March, March, March. Reminds me of a time, in another life, as a young soldier, that a

particular battalion commander decided he needed to show his battalion’s fighting readiness by

marching them 50 miles in a 24 hour period. I made it. Many others did not. I saw so many

bloody feet over that 24 hours it still seems remarkable 40 plus years later. Our lieutenant

cried when he had to give up just 5 miles from the end of that forced march when the medics

made him get in a jeep after they poured the blood out of his boots. Both feet had become open

oozing messes. March, March, March. That time of year one thinks of spring coming and

winter passing. The harshness of cold giving way to the warmth of a new time of year. It is the

time of year I remember the numbness and fog of having lost my first son to Osteogenesis

Imperfecta. The idea that a parent should lose a child never crossed the mind because of the

pain and suffering.

March, March, March. Reminds me of the time we received a call from the doctor saying my

mother had passed out at her factory job. A place she had worked for 36 years breathing in

dust, thread particles, and getting minimum wage. She worked on her 8th grade education and

spent what free time she could reading. However, 5 months after passing out at work, we

buried mom as her struggle with cancer took her life.

March, March, March. Usually, though like this year not always, the time we think of Easter.

Christ, born of the Virgin, lived a carpenter’s life, preached love one another, and love God,

beaten, flogged, nailed to a cross for no faults committed. Yet like anything else the pain of loss

was tremendous. Tears by his mother, friends, and followers, crying from such anguish. Why

oh why? We know some of that why. So you and I can sustain faith in God, seek divine counsel

in prayer, lift one another up, give thanks for all we have, seek justice for all, and to continue to

onwardly march, march, march. May this March be an exceptional one for you!

Pastor Charley

2 March 2017

CONCERNS

Louise Davis, Veda Jones (Brenda Stone’s mother), Rose Mary Owens, the Havens family

MEMBERS WITH ONGOING CONCERNS

Judi Anderson at Home

Lea Barcomb at Home

Mary Brunner at Elfindale Manor

Dale McDonald at Mount Vernon

Sharol Neely at Home

Gondy Shuler at Lakewood Care Center

Sue Kness at Home

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Charles Bess, father of Jeff Bess

Jerry Holt, brother of Don Holt

Linda Ice; Deidre, sister & niece

of Nancy Robinett

Cameron Marshall, son of Denise Moll

Randy Randall, son of Margaret

Clare Fulvio, mother of Maria Nelson

Jack Shuler, grandson of Gondy Shuler

Julie Newton, daughter-in-law of Charles

& Louise Newton

Cece (Lumpe) & Jonathan Haden

Jan (John), Rich Marsh’s friend

Louise Davis, Denise Moll’s mother

Don Simkins, son-in-law of Gondy Shuler

Paul Finney, son of Curt and Rosemary Finney

and father of John Paul

Josh Bradley, son-in-law of Marcie

and Dave Cottrill

Donna Adams, friend of Pam Newton

B I R T H D A Y S :

10th - Sharon Marsh

19th - Barbara Crain

20th - Janet Wreath

21st - Robert Laves

25th Judy Robbins

Church Office Hours: Monday 10:00 - 2:15 Wednesday 9:00 - 1:00 Thursday 9:00 - 1:00 Pastoral Office Hours: Tuesday 9:00 - 2:00 Thursday 9:00 - 2:00

Mark your calendar to attend PC (USA)’s biennial gathering, Big Tent. It will be held on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

March 2017 3

FROM

In my travels around JCP, I am often asked about Shared Mission. Shared Mission is the portion of the budget which supports what God has called us to do as a Presbytery. There are many missions which are supported by our Shared Mission dollars. First there is the work of the Mission and Nurture Committee. They are the heart of mission in JCP. Right now they are working on Equipping the Saints, a Presbytery wide leadership event which will be held on October 21, 2017 at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, MO. Our keynote speaker will be Joan Gray, author of the book, Sailboat Church: Helping Your Church Rethink Its Mission and Practice. Mission and Nurture is also responsible for distributing camp scholarships and the Peace & Global Witness grants. Shared Mission also funds, along with offerings at Presbytery meetings, the Creative Ministry Grants given out each August, as well as the Small Church Resource Grant, JCPDA, Living Waters for the World, Triennium, Boundaries Training, Emergency needs for pastors, office supplies, insurance, accounting services and salaries for the Pastoral Presbyter and the Recording Clerk.

As you can see, Shared Mission is a big part of our overall call as a Presbytery to reach out to others in the name of our Lord. As you consider your giving as a church and as individuals, I would encourage you to consider a gift to Shared Mission. It can make a difference in the lives of many people in JCP and around the world.

Pastor Susan

Rev. Susan Rosenbaum Pastoral Presbyter John Calvin Presbytery P.O. Box 787 Shell Knob, MO 65747 620-674-1844 - cell

Cancellation of church activities

Any time Springfield Public Schools are closed on Wednesday, all church activities are cancelled for the day. This includes Free Lunch. Opening the church office will be the decision of the Administrative Assistant and Pastor.

Sunday worship cancellation will be determined by the Worship Committee and Property Committee chairpersons in consultation with the Pastor. If it is determined that weather conditions merit cancelling Sunday worship, congregation members will be called by a Session member before 9:00 a.m.

March 1st is the official dedication

for the Little Library at the church

at 11:00 a.m.

It is time to renew our

yearly subscriptions to

Presbyterians Today, the

magazine of our denomination. If 6 or more

subscribe, the bulk rate is still $17.00 each.

Watch for the opportunity to order your issue

after worship this month or mail your check

to the church. Write checks payable to

Southminster Presbyterian Church with

designation to Presbyterians Today.

Mark your calendars! Sunday, March 12th is “Spring Forward” day! Set your clocks ahead one hour and enjoy more

evening light!

4 March 2017

Around the world, people lack access to food, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) serves to help change the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need.

One Great Hour of Sharing, received during the season of Lent, makes a difference in the world through three impactful programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Works within communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters. Receives 32% of funds raised Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) Takes action to alleviate hunger and its systemic causes, and helps create access to healthy food for entire communities. Receives 36% of funds raised Self-Development of People (SDOP) Partners with people and communities with tools for development and education to alleviate poverty, oppression, and injustice. Receives 32% of funds raised Started in 1949, One Great Hour of Sharing is a long-standing ecumenical effort aimed at raising the funds necessary to provide relief and reconstruction for communities in the aftermath of disaster. What started as an hour-long radio appeal has evolved over the years, varying from eight to 29 participating denominations, and has become the most participated-in Offering in the PC(USA). Today, projects supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are underway in more than 100 countries.

SEEKERS YARD SALE is coming up sometime in July, actual date to be announced at a later time. SEEKERS are asking Southminster

members again to set aside a box at your house for your unwanted donations to support the 2017 SEEKERS YARD SALE fundraiser to help sponsor our events throughout the year. DO NOT bring items to the church as we have no storage to keep the items, but gather them in your home until July. Then if you need us to pick up your boxes we can do that or you can drop them off at the church on July’s stated drop off date. Thanks to the congregation and your donations, it continues to keep the SEEKERS committed to our cause.

Michael Lyons Seekers Chair

Property has planned a Spring Cleaning and repair day. Please try to come help with well needed projects at the church March 24th and 25th, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thanks, Michael Lyons, Property Chair

The community Garden project is getting closer. The "GET A PLOT, ADOPT A PLOT" theme seemed to be a great way of running this. The idea is if you get a 4' x 8' plot to grow your own plants, you adopt the same size plot to plant and care for. Southminster provides soil and water, then when the plants are ready to harvest, that half of the harvest will go to Southminster to offer FREE to the community as an outreach to help feed our community, and you keep your half. Seeds may also be offered if needed.

If you are a willing gardener please contact Property Chair Michael Lyons 417-771-7484 for more information.

March 2017 5

January 22, 2017 Session Meeting

All Session members were in attendance for the January 22, 2017 Session meeting held in the Southard Room at 4:30 p.m. Dee Diehl was visiting, she will be filling the vacancy left by Kathy Morriss. Pastor Charley opened the meeting with prayer. The agenda and minutes of the December 11, 2016 Session Meeting were approved as written. Treasurer’s Report In the absence of a treasurer, Pastor Charley Shurtz went over the financials for December 2016. Income for December $12,856 Year to date $138,201 Expenses for December $13,400 Year to date $134,805 Pastor Shurtz noted two discrepancies concerning the absence of an entry of Christian Community Church. Motion was made by Mike Lyons and seconded by Dotty Thomas to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion approved. Annual Meeting Meal: The meal will be catered by Maria Nelson. Mike Lyons will call help with clean-up. Correspondence: Pastor Shurtz received two thank you cards from the Polly family and the Ralpha Yount family for performing the funerals of each. He also received a card from Ronald McDonald House thanking us for our hospitality and kindness to them. Committee Reports: Administration and Personnel Mike Lyons Session voted to approve Amanda Kastler from Elliot, Robinson and Company, LLP to handle our accounting needs for one year and Brenda Stone will come in to approve the reports made by Amanda. Motion was made and approved to retain Amanda Kastler for our financial needs. Need to get two new signers for checks under $1500 if Tara is not available. The recommendation is for Pam Curtis and Brenda Stone as new check signers. Motion made to have them be able to sign, motion passed by consensus of the Session. Property Mike Lyons Rich Bogue donated a digital camera to record the sermons. The sermons will be posted on the Southminster website, (Southminster.net), for shut-ins and those out of town, etc. Money has been set aside for help with the cost of additional equipment for sound and video. Mike spent $2000 for an emergency drain repair. Lights in the sanctuary now have LED lightbulbs. “Little” Mike Lyons is being trained to work the sound system and eventually the videotaping of the service. Worship Dotty Thomas Report was sent. Report was approved as written. Personnel Pam Curtis Committee of Denise Moll and Brenda Stone were voted upon and approved by Session. Terms of Call for Pastor Shurtz was discussed with the Session. The Session approved the terms and will present at the Annual Congregation Meeting. Mission Sue Moore Sue indicated they now have the members for the Mission Committee and will need to have Session approval. Session voted unanimously Nominating Committee Mike Lyons Need to have 2 members from Session to be on the 2017 year committee. Session was asked to approve Dee Diehl as the new Stewardship chair and also to approve Mike Lyons and Pam Curtis to the nominating committee. Pastor’s Report Charley Shurtz Conducted and oversaw all Sunday and Wonderful Wednesday services since last Session meeting. Conducted Wednesday morning greetings at Holland; and met with church committees. Conducted memorial service for Ralpha Yount family; in-home meetings and in-office meetings. Christian Community Church would like to host a Valentine Party for the women of Southminster. They would like to host a Seder meal around Passover. Pancake and Bacon meal will be February 28. Presented a proposal to the Session to pay Mike Lyons, Jr. for working the sound system during the church service. Would like to see him paid about $10 to begin and then increase as he matures and stays with the job. A motion was made by Sue Moore and seconded by Dotty Thomas. Motion passed. FIRE Team: No report. Next meeting is set for Sunday, March 4, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Charley closed the meeting with prayer. Pam Curtis Clerk of Session

6 March 2017

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

JANUARY 29, 2017 The Annual Congregational meeting was called to order and the meeting was opened with prayer by Pastor Charley Shurtz. A statement of call for a quorum, quorum was proclaimed. PRESENTATION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS: Administration/Personnel Kathy Morriss, Chair Kathy was out of town and her report may be read in the meeting booklet. Christian Education Dotty Thomas, Chair The committee report may be read in the meeting booklet. Congregational Care Lou Howard, Chair Reported on the events held at Southminster which are listed in the meeting booklet. Endowment Charles Newton, Chair Report is in the meeting booklet. Mission Sue Moore, Chair Appreciative of committee members. Southminster members helped with Christmas gifts for the children by taking an ornament from the Sharing Tree and purchasing and wrapping the item requested. Three families were from Holland were helped with Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets.

Free Lunch Program Sue Moore, Chair The Free Lunch Program has been going very well. They have fed 1349 people for the 2016 year with a cost of approximately $1.67 per person. Presbyterian Women Bonnie Hunter, Chair The report may be read in the meeting booklet. Property Mike Lyons, Chair The Property Committee has worked very hard this year along with neighbors helping to maintain and improve the property. The budget for property has had a burden placed upon it with a couple of emergencies which includes a sewer line needing to be augured and another sewer line which needed to be dug out and repaired. The rest of the report may be read in the booklet. Seekers Mike Lyons, Chair The Seekers had a fundraiser this year was the annual “Yard Sale.” The sale collected $385.73 and it was the best year to date. The Seekers collected $108.00 which was then presented to Thrift Haven to help the Fair Haven Children’s Home near Strafford. Stewardship Ted Scott, Chair Ted was out of town. Please read report in the booklet. Worship Kathy Morriss, Chair Kathy was out of town. Please read report in the booklet. 2016 Annual Report – Revenue and Expense Rich Marsh, Treasurer Next year’s budget will be significantly larger than last year. The budget may be reviewed in the Agenda Booklet. Budget for 2017 should be met as we have in the past. New Business: Nominating Committee: Three people are needed to serve on the committee. Jane Bogue, Brenda Stone and Gladys Jester will be working with Mike Lyons, Chair and Pam Curtis, co-Chair. Session Structure for 2017: Mike Lyons, Administration/Property Sue Moore, Mission Dotty Thomas, Worship Dee Diehl, Stewardship Steve Whitaker, Christian Education Pam Curtis, Clerk of Session/Congregational Care/Personnel

Pastor’s Terms of Call Pam Curtis, Clerk The 2017-2018 Session presented to the congregation the terms of call for Pastor Charley Shurtz. These terms were approved by the Session at the January 22, 2017 meeting and asked for approval from the congregation at the Annual Meeting January 29, 2017. The terms are as follows: $2400 per year or $200 per month to be added to the housing allowance. This would effectively amount to a total of $22,900 per year for his Total Effective Salary. The congregation voted unanimously to approve these terms. Report on Jean Stokke Estate and Dispensation of Same Jim Moore, Executor of Estate Twenty percent of the 2.5-million-dollar estate has been given to Southminster Presbyterian Church. The congregation will receive approximately $50,000 per year until it runs out. For Southminster, there are no restrictions on what the money may be spent. Pastor Shurtz stated that $60,000 has been deposited into the Jean Stokke Fund. Endowment Committee Charles Newton, Chair One person was needed to be elected to the committee. Denise Moll agreed to be on the committee. All were in favor. Our thanks to Maria Nelson who prepared our wonderful “Potato Bar” meal for this meeting. Closing Prayer: Pastor Charley Shurtz Pam Curtis Clerk of Session

March 2017 7

March 5 March 12 March 19 March 26

Liturgist Liturgist Liturgist Liturgist

Jane Bogue Todd Morriss Jane Bogue Jane Bogue

Head Usher Head Usher Head Usher Head Usher

Dee Diehl Dee Diehl Dee Diehl Dee Diehl

Usher Usher Usher Usher

Phyllis Feyh Kay Vergien Phyllis Feyh Kay Vergien

Greeters Greeters Greeters Greeters

Duane & Nancy

Robinett

Nancy Wageman

Brenda Stone

Duane & Nancy

Robinett

Nancy Wageman

Brenda Stone

Head Counter Head Counter Head Counter Head Counter

Rich Marsh Todd Morriss Ted Scott Brenda Stone

Counter Counter Counter Counter

Charles Newton Ted Scott Bonnie Hunter Denise Moll

8 March 2017

2 0 1 7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 11:00 AM - Dedication of Little Library 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 1:00 PM - Property 5:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 5:30 PM - Ash Wednesday Service 6:30 PM - Choir practice

2 12:30 PM - Worship Committee 5:30 PM - Al Anon Group 6:00 PM - Neighborhood meeting 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

3 7:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group

4 8:00 AM - New Life Group 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Piano Recital 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 12:00 PM - Overeater’s Anonymous 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church

5 8:00 AM - Christian Community Church 9:30 AM - Sunday School 10:45 AM - Worship Service Communion Blood pressure checks after worship 12:30 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church

6 10:30 AM - Bible Study (Westminster) 4:30 PM - Mission Committee 6:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group

7 9:30 AM - PWCT 1:30 PM - Congregational Care 4:30 PM - Debtor’s Anonymous 6:00 PM - Overeaters Anonymous 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

8 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 5:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 5:30 PM - Bible Study - dinner provided 7:15 PM - Choir practice

9 5:30 PM - Al Anon Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

10 7:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group

11 8:00 AM - New Life Group 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 12:00 PM - Overeater’s Anonymous 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church

12 2:00 AM - SPRING FORWARD 8:00 AM - Christian Community Church 9:30 AM - Sunday School 10:45 AM - Worship Service 12:30 PM - Christian Education 12:30 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 4:30 PM - Session

13 10:30 AM - Bible Study (Westminster) 6:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group

14 9:30 AM - Morning PW Circle 1:30 PM - Afternoon PW Circle 4:30 PM - Debtor’s Anonymous 6:00 PM - Overeaters Anonymous 7:00 PM - Evening PW Circle 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

15 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 5:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 5:30 PM - Bible Study - potluck dinner 7:15 PM - Choir practice

16 5:30 PM - Al Anon Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

17 7:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group

18 8:00 AM - New Life Group 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 12:00 PM - Overeater’s Anonymous 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church

19 8:00 AM - Christian Community Church 9:30 AM - Sunday School 10:45 AM - Worship Service Blood pressure checks after worship 12:30 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church

20 10:30 AM - Bible Study (Westminster) 6:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group

21 4:30 PM - Debtor’s Anonymous 6:00 PM - Overeaters Anonymous 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

22 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 5:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 5:30 PM - Bible Study - dinner provided 7:15 PM - Choir practice

23 5:30 PM - Al Anon Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

24 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM - Spring Cleaning 7:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group SCROLL DEADLINE

25 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM - Spring Cleaning 8:00 AM - New Life Group 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 12:00 PM - Overeater’s Anonymous 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church

26 8:00 AM - Christian Community Church 9:30 AM - Sunday School 10:45 AM - Worship Service 12:30 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church

27 10:30 AM - Bible Study (Westminster) 6:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group

28 4:30 PM - Debtor’s Anonymous 6:00 PM - Overeaters Anonymous 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

29 12:00 PM - Free Lunch, No Questions 5:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:15 PM - Choir practice

30 5:30 PM - Al Anon Group 7:00 PM - Bethany Evangelical Church 7:00 PM - New Life Group

31 7:00 PM - Parkcrest AA Group 7:00 PM - New Beginnings Al-Anon Alateen Family Group