4
The 3rd Preaching Dave Thompson Greeters Thelma Riggs Gary & Judy Lohnbakken Ushers Chris Eriksen John Thompson Sara Thompson Sharon Mathews Liturgist Kay Doss Key Elder Heidi Duncan Care Board Phyllis Brown Van Driver Charles Leggate Sound Booth David Bauer Communion Russ & Janet Kline Jo Albin Gary & Judy Lohnbakken The 10th Preaching Dave Thompson Greeters Harry & Judy Cuff Eleanor Reinecke Ushers Paige Spalding Jim Hummel Royal Johnson Pat Clark Liturgist Vicki Thompson Key Elder Jeff Gruizenga Care Board Chris Eriksen Van Driver Don Harr Sound Booth Jeff Gruizenga The 17th Preaching Dave Thompson Greeters Carl & Vickie Johnson Chris Eriksen Ushers Jerry Koch Bob Fedric Bill White Don Reed Liturgist Don Harr Care Board Edna Carlson Van Driver Kate Mitchell Sound Booth Chuck Leggate The 24th Preaching Dave Thompson Greeters Bob & Barbara Muir Judy Nusbaum Ushers Greg & Deb Wiens Janet Kline Bebe Spring Liturgist Heather McLean Care Board Chuck & Cindy Leggate Van Driver Heather McLean Sound Booth Bob Culbertson The 31st Preaching Dave Thompson Greeter Chuck & Lois Maris Edna Carlson Ushers Jim & Biff Hogue Ken & Barb Eichenberger Liturgist JoAnn Jones Care Board Chris Eriksen Van Driver Don Harr SUBSTITUTES USHERS Pat Clark Kay Doss Chris Eriksen Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Diane Noddings Charlie Reed Don Reed John Thompson Sara Thompson GREETERS Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Bob & Linda Fedric Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Bob & Barb Muir Marge Myhra Ralph & Jane Myhre Betty Ann Nesmith Charlie Reed Bob & Shirley Shirley Lucile Weisbeck Memory Joggers for May 2015 Pastor’s Pen May 2015 “A Month to Celebrate” As I look over the upcoming May calendar I see a number of celebrations that will take place during the month. There will be high school and college graduations, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day celebrations to name a few. During the month of May we will welcome our newest group of members to our congregation and will usher in the summer with our worship time change on Sunday, May 24 at 9:30 AM. What an exciting month we have before us! Celebration is at the heart of the Christian life. There are some who assume the Christian life is dull and boring, but it is anything but that. Christians have always have had reason to celebrate as Christians gathered on the first day of each week to celebrate the Risen Christ. The Bible reminds us to “go out in joy and to be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills be- fore you shall break forth into singing, and all of the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12). I hope you will take part in the celebrations that await us. On Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10) we will be honoring women of our church with several opportunities to win gift card from area shops and restau- rants. This gift card give away is being sponsored by our fellowship committee. We give thanks to our mothers who have provided care and nurture throughout our lives. Join us on Sunday, May 17 as we will recognize our graduating seniors and welcome new members into the life of our congregation. It is encouraging to see the church growing with new people and with that new ideas and personalities. We are grateful for the contributions that all of our members make within the life of our church family. I am also excited to welcome Glenda Wickstrom, a student at Columbia Theological Seminary in At- lanta, Georgia, who will be working with our church this summer as a seminary student intern. Glenda, who some of you know as a past member of our congregation and physician in Billings, will be working with our church in preparation for her seminary graduation in May 2016. Glenda will be with us for 10 weeks this summer, beginning the first week of June. Her duties will include worship and preaching, pastoral care, Christian education, visitation, and will be working with various committees and groups within the church. I look forward to having Glenda with us this summer and all of the celebrations that await us in the month of May. May the Lord bless you and keep you close in the days ahead. Blessings, Pastor Dave INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Session Notes/ Finance/Church Mice 2 Events/ PW 3 Notices 4 Church &Society Birthday’s 5 Mission / Calendar 6 Dinners of 8 Stephens Ministry 7 Memory Joggers 8 Coming Attractions: New Members’ Class will be held on Sundays May 3 & 10 at 9:15 AM Church Clean-Up Day: Saturday, May 9 from 9-11:30 AM Mother’s Day Gift Card Give-Away: Sunday, May 10 Recognition of Graduating Seniors: Sunday, May 17 during worship Worship Time Changes to 9:30 AM: Sunday, May 24 for the summer Noisy Offering for Missions: Sunday, May 31 Family Promise stays in our church: May 31-June 7 Vacation Bible School coming June 8-12 from 9 - 12:15 each day

May 2015 Pastor’s Pen - Razor Planetmedia1.razorplanet.com/share/512732-4639/resources/823283_May2015.pdf2015 Income Expense Net April $ 33,353 $ 29,379 $ 3,974 Year to Date $ 156,796

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Page 1: May 2015 Pastor’s Pen - Razor Planetmedia1.razorplanet.com/share/512732-4639/resources/823283_May2015.pdf2015 Income Expense Net April $ 33,353 $ 29,379 $ 3,974 Year to Date $ 156,796

The 3rd

Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeters

Thelma Riggs

Gary & Judy

Lohnbakken

Ushers

Chris Eriksen

John Thompson

Sara Thompson

Sharon Mathews

Liturgist

Kay Doss

Key Elder

Heidi Duncan

Care Board

Phyllis Brown

Van Driver

Charles Leggate

Sound Booth

David Bauer

Communion

Russ & Janet Kline

Jo Albin

Gary & Judy

Lohnbakken

The 10th

Preaching

Dave Thompson Greeters

Harry & Judy Cuff Eleanor Reinecke

Ushers

Paige Spalding Jim Hummel

Royal Johnson Pat Clark

Liturgist

Vicki Thompson

Key Elder Jeff Gruizenga

Care Board

Chris Eriksen Van Driver

Don Harr Sound Booth

Jeff Gruizenga

The 17th Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeters Carl & Vickie

Johnson Chris Eriksen

Ushers Jerry Koch

Bob Fedric

Bill White Don Reed

Liturgist Don Harr

Care Board

Edna Carlson Van Driver

Kate Mitchell Sound Booth

Chuck Leggate

The 24th Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeters Bob & Barbara Muir

Judy Nusbaum Ushers

Greg & Deb Wiens Janet Kline

Bebe Spring

Liturgist Heather McLean

Care Board Chuck & Cindy

Leggate

Van Driver Heather McLean

Sound Booth Bob Culbertson

The 31st Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeter Chuck & Lois Maris

Edna Carlson Ushers

Jim & Biff Hogue Ken & Barb

Eichenberger

Liturgist JoAnn Jones

Care Board Chris Eriksen

Van Driver

Don Harr

SUBSTITUTES USHERS Pat Clark Kay Doss

Chris Eriksen Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Diane Noddings Charlie Reed Don Reed John Thompson Sara Thompson GREETERS Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Bob & Linda Fedric Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Bob & Barb Muir Marge Myhra Ralph & Jane Myhre Betty Ann Nesmith Charlie Reed Bob & Shirley Shirley Lucile Weisbeck

M e m o r y J o g g e r s f o r M a y 2 0 1 5

Pa s t o r ’ s P e n

May

2015

“A Month to Celebrate”

As I look over the upcoming May calendar I see a number of celebrations that will

take place during the month. There will be high school and college graduations, Mother’s

Day, and Memorial Day celebrations to name a few. During the month of May we will

welcome our newest group of members to our congregation and will usher in the summer

with our worship time change on Sunday, May 24 at 9:30 AM.

What an exciting month we have before us! Celebration is at the heart of the Christian life. There

are some who assume the Christian life is dull and boring, but it is anything but that. Christians have always

have had reason to celebrate as Christians gathered on the first day of each week to celebrate the Risen

Christ. The Bible reminds us to “go out in joy and to be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills be-

fore you shall break forth into singing, and all of the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).

I hope you will take part in the celebrations that await us. On Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10) we

will be honoring women of our church with several opportunities to win gift card from area shops and restau-

rants. This gift card give away is being sponsored by our fellowship committee. We give thanks to our

mothers who have provided care and nurture throughout our lives.

Join us on Sunday, May 17 as we will recognize our graduating seniors and welcome new members

into the life of our congregation. It is encouraging to see the church growing with new people and with that

new ideas and personalities. We are grateful for the contributions that all of our members make within the

life of our church family.

I am also excited to welcome Glenda Wickstrom, a student at Columbia Theological Seminary in At-

lanta, Georgia, who will be working with our church this summer as a seminary student intern. Glenda, who

some of you know as a past member of our congregation and physician in Billings, will be working with our

church in preparation for her seminary graduation in May 2016. Glenda will be with

us for 10 weeks this summer, beginning the first week of June. Her duties will include

worship and preaching, pastoral care, Christian education, visitation, and will be

working with various committees and groups within the church. I look forward to

having Glenda with us this summer and all of the celebrations that await us in the

month of May. May the Lord bless you and keep you close in the days ahead.

Blessings,

Pastor Dave

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Session Notes/

Finance/Church

Mice

2

Events/ PW 3

Notices 4

Church &Society

Birthday’s 5

Mission /

Calendar 6

Dinners of 8

Stephens

Ministry

7

Memory

Joggers 8

Coming Attractions:

New Members’ Class will be held on Sundays May 3 & 10 at 9:15 AM Church Clean-Up Day: Saturday, May 9 from 9-11:30 AM Mother’s Day Gift Card Give-Away: Sunday, May 10 Recognition of Graduating Seniors: Sunday, May 17 during worship Worship Time Changes to 9:30 AM: Sunday, May 24 for the summer Noisy Offering for Missions: Sunday, May 31 Family Promise stays in our church: May 31-June 7 Vacation Bible School coming June 8-12 from 9 - 12:15 each day

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P a g e 2

Church Info

Office Hours: Mon—Thurs 8:30 am— 4 PM 406-252-3434 [email protected] www.fpcbillings.org Sunday School @ 9:15 AM Worship Celebration @ 10:30 STAFF Pastor: Dave Thompson

Youth Ministry: Orrin Feddes

Office Manager: Jeanne Thompson-Raney

Music Accompanist: Sandi

Rabas

Choir Director: Janie Sutton

Choir Accompanist: Bev Wornom

Custodian: Kent Fellingham

SESSION MEMBERS

Clerk of Session: Marlene Spencer

Class of 2016 Samantha Cormier Heidi Duncan Chris Eriksen Jenice Fugere

Class of 2017 David Bauer Ken Eichenberger Sharon Lincoln Sharon Mathews

Class of 2018 Kathy Baskett Marv Brown Jeff Gruizenga Sandi Schoenberger

SESSION MINUTES

Session Notes: At the April 14 meeting the session approved the baptism of Jane Quandt on June 14 during worship. The property committee reported that section of the roof that was damaged in last year’s hail storm has been repaired. Air conditioning will soon be installed in the sanctuary. Repairs need to be made to the sound system. It was voted to purchase a new stove to replace the ovens that are no longer functional. It was stated that complaints have been voiced concerning the noise level during the prelude and passing of the peace. The session had a retreat on Saturday, April 18 at the church.

Financial snapshot

2015 Income Expense Net April $ 33,353 $ 29,379 $ 3,974 Year to Date $ 156,796 $ 172,626 $ (15,830) The elevated expenses reflect some of the work that has been

done around the church with new doors and landscaping.

APRIL 2015

5TH(Easter) 407

12th 210

19th 216

26th 165

2015

April

Average

250

2014

April

Average

178

Flower Sponsorship Opportunities

Our flower sign-up sheet is located on the back table in the narthex. We invite you to sign up for a particular Sunday to sponsor the flowers either in honor or memory of someone or a special event such as an anniversary, birthday, etc. Sug-gested donation is $25. Special thanks to those who donated flowers during the month of April. They include: Suzanne Braun, Bob & Cathy Culbertson, Peggy Wilson, and Debbie Peterson (Mary Carey’s daughter).

The Church Mice

Our congregation has many, many people doing Christ's work throughout the church, community and far beyond. Some of these individuals work quietly with little fanfare and recognition. Two of these people are Biff and Jim Hogue who spend their lives in service to others. Thanks to this remarkable couple who tirelessly glove their faith every day.

Food Bank Sunday

Our church was one of the first church-es in Billings to designate a monthly Food Bank Sunday. We invite you to bring some non-perishable food items with you on the first Sunday of each month as we help local people in need. Join us of Sunday, May 3 for our next Food Bank Sunday.

Church Women United May 1 at Noon for Potluck lunch Grace United Methodist Church 1935 Avenue B Program: May Friendship Day

Sermons available on-line

Did you know that you can listen to sermons on-line at our website at www.fpcbillins.org? Just click the “Listen to Sermons” tab on the upper right front of our church’s homepage. Stay connected even when you are away. Sermon for the past 12 weeks are archived on our church’s website.

Global Village Fundraiser Coming Soon A fundraiser for Global Village will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 5:30-8:00 PM at the Valley Federal Credit Union Atrium (207 North 28th). Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at Global Village or at the door. A silent auction and food will also be a part of the evening. Special guest will be Denise Attwood from Nepal.

P a g e 7

Stephen Ministry Update We are pleased to announce that Shirley Shirley is your newest Stephen Ministry leader! We are so happy to have her on board - her enthusiasm is catching! There will be a commissioning service on April 19 during the regular worship time. A new training class for Stephen Ministers will begin on Thursday, September 24. Watch and listen for more information in the coming months. Please pray about becoming a part of this valuable ministry service to the members of our congregation.

Dinner of Eight: Spring is upon us, so let’s make the most of it and make sure we get together. DO NOT MAKE IT HARD OR STRESS OVER IT. This is a fun time. If things are happening so you cannot have it in your home- go to a restaurant. If you find that you cannot host, give someone on your team to do the hosting. Do not let this time fall through There are times that you just cannot host an event, but someone else may be happy to do it, give them a chance. The Host(s) (first name(s) in cell) picks a couple of dates during the subject Month that is convenient for you and calls your guests. If you are short of guests (someone may not be able to come), fill in the spaces with new faces with substitutes listed below or anyone not involved in dinners of eight (don’t forget new members or older members). Let your guests know when and where to come and what side dish or beverage to bring if any. (If you do not hear from your host call them, they may have forgotten.) This is a very flexible program. Any activities to accompany or follow your dinner are up to you. Even the dinner format can be modified to a brunch or whatever creative ideas you come up with including eating out. Enjoy your dinners! It is not necessary to have 8 people for dinner, any number is OK. If there are any questions or problems, etc., please notify Pat Hastings immediately at 696-0281 or [email protected] (be sure to title it Dinners of Eight). Please note any new names on the list or changes. Also, if you have a change in your email please let me know. I am getting some back.

Dinners of Eight Schedule for April/May

Lorentz Bill Colleen 656-8163

Eichenberger Ken Barbara 248-8563

Myhre Ralph Jane Myhre Morrow Beth 656-2292

Spencer Marlene 252-5027 Brady Sharon 655-9046

Jones JoAnn 652-3185 Hogue Jim Biff 259-9114

Reineche Eleanor 248-8293

Brown Marvin Janet 256-0257

Swanson Jerry 656-8104

Carlson Edna 534-6211

Drummond Tom Ruth 656-5977

Pierce June 245-7989 Spring BeBe 252-7898

Ascheman Jason Meghan 259-1336 Mercer-Wallace Jody 656-4150

Hastings Pat 656-0072

Lorentz Megan 855-5427

Riggs Thelma 652-0898 Fugere Jenice 252-9641

Muir Bob Barbara 325-8016 Reed Don 252-5316

Ershine Tom 656-0496

Stovall Juanita 259-9219 Gore Pam 694-6381

Laftko Jody Boden 591-8060

Brown Phyllis 702-7040

Albin Jo 656-5600 Repka Sarah 238-0092

Dayton Bob Shari 256-3130

Baskett Kathy Basingthwaite, Mark 544-9857

Lohnbakken Gary Judy 656-2046 Culbertson Bob Cathy 655-7826

Albin Jo 656-5600

Substitutes:

Leggate Chas Cindy 896-0686 Taubert Carlene Mark Parker 698-2205

Thompson Dave Vicki 252-2562

Page 3: May 2015 Pastor’s Pen - Razor Planetmedia1.razorplanet.com/share/512732-4639/resources/823283_May2015.pdf2015 Income Expense Net April $ 33,353 $ 29,379 $ 3,974 Year to Date $ 156,796

P a g e 6

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 Church Office Closed

2 10 Gluten Intolerant Group

3 Food Bank Sun 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship Communion 11:00 West Park worship

4 6 Sigma Meeting

5 9:30 Staff Meeting 9:30 Women’s Bible Study 12 Property Com-mittee Meeting

6 9-11 BSF Lead 9:30 PW Board 10 Grief Group 6 Youth Group 6 Deborah Circle 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Young Adult

7 9-11 Bible Study Fellowship 1:00 Mission Com-mittee Meeting

8 Church Office Closed

9 9-11:30 Church clean-up day

10 Mother’s Day 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship 11:45 Basket Auc-tion 11:00 West Park

11 10 Worship Comm 11:30 Stephens Ministry Leaders 12 BLT 4 Deacon’s mtg.

12 9:30 Staff Meeting 9:30 Women’s Bible Study 7 PM Session Mtg

13 PW Circles meet 6 Youth Group 6 Deborah Circle 7:30 Young Adult Bible Study

14 Newsletter Sub-mission Deadline 4:30 Stephens Ministry Supervi-sion

15 Church office closed

16 10 Presby-tery Bounda-ry Training at our church

17 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship 11:00 WP Worship Last day of Sunday

school

18 6:30 MBS 12 BLT

19 9:30 Staff Meeting 9:30 Women’s Bible Study

20 6 Youth BBQ Last One 6 Deborah Circle 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Youth Adult

21

22 Church Office Closed

23

24 Summer Hours 9:30 Worship 11 West Park

25 Office Closed for

Memorial Day Holiday

26 9:30 Staff Mtg 9:30 Women’s Bible Study 3 Ponderosa Pines

27 9:30 Sewing Group (Last one)

28 3 Butterfly Home Nursing Service

29 Church Office Closed

30

31 9:30 Worship

Mission News The One Great Hour of Sharing was a great success bringing in $1,854. Thank you so much. That was 153 pounds in coins. What a great way to help others and teach our children that it is fun to give. Our May 31st Noisy Offering will go to EMMS International to support flood victims in Malawi, Africa. EMMS or the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society is a non-denominational Christian Non-governmental Or-ganization (NGO) that provides medical aid to countries around the world and operates field offices in the UK, Malawi, India, Israel, and Nepal. Based in Scotland, its vision is “health for today, hope for tomorrow.”

The Mission Committee had the privilege of taking a tour of the Tumbleweed facility. It is very welcoming and kid friendly. Tumbleweed is a dynamic & time honored community model program that empowers at risk youth, families, and their support systems through advocacy. Education & individualized service. The walls are filled with encouragement and beautiful quotations. “You are Braver & Stronger than you think,” “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” —Proverbs 19:1 “The only way to do great work is to love what you do!” -Steve Jobs. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” -Mark Twain “It’s the children the world almost breaks who grow up to save it.” Frank Warren Your Mission Committee has donated money to Tumbleweed and at Christmas we made bags with hygiene items in them. We will continue to help these precious and very at risk teenagers. We are also helping the MSUB Campus Ministry fi-nancially with $3,000. Our monthly nursing home services continue with the service at Ponderosa Pines Nursing Home in Lockwood on Tues-day, May 26 at 3 PM and at the Butterfly Home in the Heights on Thursday, May 28 at 3 PM. Please join us as we bring some Good News to the residents of these two places. Thank you...thank you for your continued support of our mission work!

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 Church Office Closed

2 10 Gluten Intolerant Group

3 Food Bank Sun 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship Communion 11:00 West Park worship

4 6 Sigma Meeting

5 9:30 Staff Meeting 12 Property Com-mittee Meeting

6 9-11 BSF Lead 10 Grief Group 12 PW Installation Luncheon 6 Youth Group 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Young Adult

7 9-11 Bible Study Fellowship Last One 1:00 Mission Com-mittee Meeting

8 Church Office Closed

9 9-11:30 Church clean-up day

10 Mother’s Day 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship 11:00 West Park 3 VB Open Gym

11 10 Worship Comm 11:30 Stephens Ministry Leaders 12 BLT 4 Deacon’s mtg.

12 9:30 Staff Meeting 7 PM Session Mtg.

13 9:30 PW Brd. 6 Youth Group 7:30 Young Adult Bible Study Dave @ meeting in Bozeman

14 Newsletter Deadline

11 Fellowship Com 4:30 Stephens Ministry Supervi-sion Last One

15 Church office closed

16 10 Presby-tery Bounda-ry Training at our church

17 9:15 Sun School Last day of Sunday

school 10:30 Worship 11:00 WP Worship 5:30 Senior Grad-uation Dinner

18 6:30 MBS 12 BLT

19 9:30 Staff Meeting

20 PW Circles meet during the day 6 VBS Planning 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Youth Adult

21

22 Church Office Closed

23

24 Summer Worship Hours Begin 9:30 Worship 11 West Park

25 Office Closed for

Memorial Day Holiday

26 9:30 Staff Mtg. 3 Ponderosa Pines Nursing Service

27 9:30 Sewing Group (Last one) 6 VBS Planning

28 3 Butterfly Home Nursing Service

29 Church Office Closed

30

31 Family Promise 9:30 Worship 11 West Park

P a g e 3

Presbyterian Women

The Presbyterian Women’s organization had our 81st annual Praise Luncheon. Our speak-er was Lisa Donnot from Family Promise. The 120 women in attendance donated over $800 to Family Promise. There are scholarships available for the Church Wide Gathering in Minneapolis in June. If you are interested in going, contact Marlene Spencer. We will have a luncheon on May 6 at noon in the Fellowship Hall. Officers for the next 2

years will be installed and we will dedicate our “Least Coin Offering.” The sewing group is taking the summer off and will meet again on September 23. Gateway House is very low on twin sheets, blankets, shampoo, knives, forks, spoons. They also need dishtowels and cloths, toothbrushes, sanitary pads and tampons, large spoons, can openers, glasses, plates, cereal bowls, light bulbs, pillows, salt & pepper shakers.

Summer worship schedule changes on Sunday, May 24

Our summer worship schedule will begin on Sunday, May 24 with worship at 9:30 AM. This schedule will continue through Labor Day weekend. Hope you will join us for worship during the summer months when you are in town.

Easter Gift Card Appreciation

“The Ascheman girls would like to thank the church for the Walmart gift card they won on Easter Sunday. After a lot of thought Natalie and Cheyenne chose scooters and hel-mets to go with them. Lily got a toy dog that barks and moves with a button on a cord. The girls are appreciative of all the love and support from the people of First Presbyterian Church. Thank you.” —Meghan & Jason Ascheman Special thanks to Orrin and the youth group for organizing the Easter egg hunt and gift card giveaway.

Fishing Derby Results

Our annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering that was received on Easter Sunday brought in a whop-ping 153 pounds of coins and a total dollar amount of $1,854. Thanks to all who contributed by collecting coins in their fish boxes and by donating “silent money” as well. These funds go to support the less fortunate.

Hats off to our graduates!

We congratulate our high school graduating seniors! They are: West High School: Brenna Boston, Nathaniel Carter, Abagail Clark, Nichole Ferestad, Emily Harris, An-gie Kersten, Brooke Moen, and Cara Vihinen. Skyview High School: Sara Thompson

We are proud of you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29: 11

Church Clean-Up Day is coming Saturday, May 9 from 9:00-11:30 AM

Join us on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00-11:30 AM as we spruce some things up around the church. We will have both inside and outside work to do. Your help would be greatly appreciated, even if you can only give us an hour or two.

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P a g e 4

On a Personal Note

We extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Berl Ward whose memorial service was held in our church on Saturday, April 11. Pat Clark is home after being hospitalized for several days with norovirus. She wishes to thank the con-gregation for your care, cards, and phone calls while she has been ill. Chuck Wittnam continues to recover after sustaining head injuries in a fall several months ago. Birthday Party Invitation: Royal Johnson will be 90 Years Young! You are invited to come to an Open House Birthday Celebration for Royal Johnson on Saturday, May 2 at the Billings Public Library from 2-4pm. Cake and coffee will be served and they are requesting no gifts. Bobbie Lauwers would appreciate your prayers as she is recovering from recent neck surgery. Jody Lafko will be moving to Arizona in a few weeks. We wish Jody the best in this transition. Donna Luse, Linda Luse’s sister-in-law, is now under hospice care.

Grief support group continues every month

A grief support group within our church continues to meet the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11. This group is open to anyone in the church or community who is experiencing grief. Facilitated by Dr. Don Harr, this group provide support, encouragement, and help to those facing grief, loss, or transitions in life. All are invited to join this special group.

Basket Auction Appreciation!!

Thanks to all who made our youth basket auction on Sunday, April 12 a great success. Just over $6,000 was raised for our youth ministry programs that provide scholarships for retreats, mission trips, and special events. Over 40 baskets were donated this year, many being made by the youth from our congregation. We ap-preciate those who brought and bought baskets. We gave $600 of the auction proceeds to the Ramey Keller Foundation with helps families with funeral expenses for infants. Special thanks to Marv & Janet Brown who coordinated the meal and all who helped make this year’s auction another great success.

Updating Newsletter Mailing List:

If you wish to be added to or stop receiving the mailed copy of our monthly newsletter, please email Jeanne at [email protected] and let me know or if any birthday/anniversary information is missing or incorrect.

VOLLEYBALL OPEN GYM

Volleyball open gym will begin on Sun-day, May 10 at 3 PM in the fellowship hall. All players age high school and old-er are invited to join us. Come join us for some exercise and fun. All skill levels are welcome to play.

Upcoming Committee Meetings in (All meetings are in the Fireside Room)

Property Committee Tuesday, May 5 at 12noon Mission Committee Thursday, May 7 at 1 PM Worship Committee Monday, May 11 at 10 AM Deacons Meeting Monday, May 11 at 4 PM Session Meeting Tuesday, May 12 at 7 PM PW Board Meeting Wednesday, May 13 at 9:30 AM Fellowship Committee Thursday, May 14 at 11 AM

New Members’ Class coming on May 3 and 10

A class titled, How Do You Spell Presbyterian? taught by Pastor Dave, will begin on Sunday, May 3 at 9:15 AM in the church library. This two week class will explore the history of the Presbyterian church, the structure of our denomination, the meaning of church membership, and ways to become involved in the life of our congregation. This is a great class for anyone wishing to become a member of our church and/or those wishing to learn more about our church and denomination. Those wishing to join our church will be welcomed during wor-ship on Sunday, May 17.

P A G E 5

Youth News:

The year is winding down and summer is now upon us, we only have 4 weeks left for youth group and Sunday school. I hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday at First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the wonderful breakfast and Easter egg hunt. I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who was involved with the basket auction! It was a wonderful time full of great baskets and laughs. Marv and Janet Brown prepared an excellent meal for everyone, so a huge thank you goes to them. On April 24th, FPC youth had a middle school boys and girls night, where the girls did their nails, make up, and had facials provided by Kelly Murch! Thank you so much Kelly for doing the facials and make up! The guys had an epic nerf war throughout the church, so if you find any darts I do sincerely apologize! We have some exciting events that are coming in the near future. On May 16th, there will be a high school lock in here at the church. Following that on May 17th will be our youth Sunday and senior appreciation day. Vacation Bible School is June 8-12. We are looking for people to donate their empty gallon milk jugs and toilet paper rolls when they are done using them. If you have any, please drop them off at the church. Thank you so much for all that you do to support the youth through your prayers, volunteering, and monetary gifts! They do not go unnoticed. Please continue to pray for the students and leaders In Christ,

Orrin Feddes

Church & Society Class Schedule for May Here is the Church and Society schedule during the month of May. The church and society class meets at 9:15 AM on Sunday mornings.

MAY 3: Cara Schaer, Co-Chair of the Royal Johnson Recognition Campaign and Billing Public Library Past President, and Leslie Modrow, Library Foundation Development Director. They will be sharing "A Celebration.” Royal Johnson, who began the Library Foundation in 1988, is being honored by the Library on May 2 for not only his contributions to the library but for the legacy he has created for Montana. It was through his vision that the Library Foundation was created and thanks to Royal, we have a beautiful new library today. The impact of the Billings Public Library is being felt every-day by thousands of users. We will be updating everyone about the Foundation as well as the usage of the new library, what is currently happening with the construction and the trends for libraries in the future.

MAY 10: Dave Grimland, Retired US Foreign Service Officer, will be talking about "Spiritual Journeys.” Protestant churches are returning to testimonials, and Dave will explain his spiritual journey. Having lived in the Middle East, Dave will also say a few words about Turkey. From press reports and phone conversations Turkey appears to be changing to a radical Muslim country. President Erdogan now has a firm grip on Turkey, which is now a police state.

MAY 17: Bill Dutcher, General Manager of MetraPark/Montana Fair. "Faith, Family, Fairs, and Fun…..Oh, and Just a Bit More.” A 189 acre multi-purpose complex that includes a grandstand and exhibit buildings, Bill will highlight the many events occurring on the facilities, including religious events. He will also discuss the economic impact on the area. This will be the last class until we resume in September.

May Birthdays 2 Cindy Hessler Royal Johnson Ralph Myhre 5 Joanna Janiak 6 Cathy Culbertson 7 Linda Fedric Christopher Montville 9 Heidi Duncan 11 Karla Mahan 12 Bill Dimich 13 Lois Munger Bill Castberg

18 Vickie Johnson Ken Eichenberger 19 Jeff Gruizenga 20 Matt Lorentz 23 Meiriona Anacker 24 Dave Nusbaum 25 Amanda Webber 26 Marian Rudolf 28 John Wright 29 Ruth Van Fossen 30 Mary Rivers Alta Dakolios

Anniversaries 12 Bob & Cathy Culbertson 14 Greg & Deb Wiens 19 Bill & Sharon Dimich Carl & Vickie Johnson 22 Ray & Jean Noble 23 Earl & Sharon Henderson 25 Gary & Judy Lohnbakken 30 Bob & Linda Fedric