The 2nd

Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Kathy Baskett Greeters Ed & Alta Dakolios Anna Mae Dyce Ushers Jean Ross Doris Backus Eleanor Reinecke Diane Noddings Liturgist Jean Noble Care Board Jody Mercer Wallace Van Driver Chuck & Cindy Leggate

The 9th Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Heidi Duncan Greeters George & Maxine Schuman Ginger Green Ushers Royal Johnson Tom & Ruth Drummond Gary Lohnbakken Liturgist Jane Myhra Care Board Chuck & Cindy Leggate Van Driver Don Harr

The 16th Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Sharon Brady Greeters Earl & Sharon Henderson Don Reed Ushers Marlene Spencer Sharon Brady Marian Shehein Betty Ann Nesmith Liturgist Jane Myhra Care Board Jody Lafko Van Driver Kate Mitchell

The 23rd Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Michelle Reed Greeters Bob & Norma Thiesen Jody Lafko Ushers Jim & Biff Hogue Deb & Greg Wiens Liturgist Erin Elenbaas Care Board Tom & Ginny Helmer Van Driver Don Harr

The 30th Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Gary Lohnbakken Greeters Tom & Ginny Helmer Jeanie Hekkel Ushers Pat Clark Chris Ericksen Midge Jarrett Jo Albin Liturgist JoAnn Jones Care Board Chris Ericksen Van Driver Don Harr

Substitute Ushers: Pat Clark Kay Doss Anna Mae Dyce Chris Eriksen Ginger Green Tom & Ginny Helmer Biff Hogue Bob & Barbara Muir Jane Myhre if no choir Ray & Jean Noble Diane Noddings Charlie Reed Don Reed Barbara Rice George Schuman Charlene Surwill Bill Woolston Earl & Sharon Henderson

Substitute Greeters: Ann & Ken Chase Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drum-mond Anna Mae Dyce Ruth Ewen Bob & Linda Fedric Ginger Green Jeanie Hekkel Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Midge Jarrett JoAnn Jones Walt & Priscilla Laird Bob & Barbara Muir Marge Myhra Jane Myhra if no choir Ralph Myhra no choir Betty Ann Nesmith Ray & Jean Noble June Pierce John & Marie Reamy Charlie Reed Barbara Rice Jerry Swanson Lucile Weisbeck Bill Woolston

M e m o r y J o g g e r s f o r S e p t e m b e r

P a s t o r ’ s P e n

September 2012 Volume 9

Fall kickoff begins on Sunday, September 9

Fall is a wonderful time of the year with cooling temperatures and leaves beginning to change colors.

It is also a busy time of year for the church as many fall activities will be resuming in the next several weeks.

We hope that you will take part in some of the things our church offers to help you deepen your faith and

trust in Christ.

I want to personally invite you to join us for our Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 9 at 9:15 AM in

the fellowship hall. This fun event will be a way for various groups in the church to share about their minis-

tries. Not only will information be shared, but lots of free goodies will be distributed and some door prizes

will be given out. You won’t want to miss this fun event to learn more about the church and the variety of

things that we currently offer.

Sunday school for all ages will resume on Sunday, September 16 at 9:15 AM. We will be offering

three great Sunday school classes for adults; including Church and Society, a class by Jay Cassel, and a class

on the End Times with Pastor Dave and David Sanderson. More information about our adult education clas-

ses can be found inside on page 5. Classes for children and youth will also be offered at this same time. I

hope you will take advantage of our Sunday school program.

Youth Group resumes on Wednesday, September 12 with our Fall Bar-B-Q Bash. All 6-12 grade

youth are invited to join us as we will be serving up lots of food and fun on this special night. Parents are

strongly encouraged to come as we need to share with you important information about our growing youth

ministry programs. We have expanded youth group this year to include all 6th grade students.

Lots of other activities will resume as well in the coming weeks. We offer a number of Bible studies

throughout the week, Presbyterian Women groups, choir, and Bible Study Fel-

lowship (BSF) to help nurture people in their faith.

I hope that you will take part in some of the things that we offer. Our

church exists to help people grow in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and to reflect

God’s love in the church, community, and world. It is a blessing to serve as your

pastor and I’m looking forward to a great fall season.

Blessings,

Dave

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Session Notes/Finance

2

Birthdays/ Church Mice

3

PW & Notices 4

IHN/Sunday School 5

Calendar/Mission 6

Misc. News 7

Memory Joggers 8

Upcoming Sermon Series: Begins on Sunday, September 9

“Resetting the GPS: Renewing our Faith in Christ”

Sept. 9 Reset: Finding the Way Psalm 27

Sept. 16 Refuel: Strength for the Journey Psalm 28

Sept. 23 Redirect: Getting Back on Track Psalm 103

Sept. 30 Replenish: Walking with Christ Psalm 119

P a g e 2

Office Hours: Mon—Fri 8:30 am— 4 pm 406-252-3434 mainoffice@fpcbillings.org www.fpcbillings.org Worship Service @ 9:30 STAFF Pastor:

The Rev. Dave Thompson

Office Manager:

Jeanne Thompson-Raney

Maintenance Supervisor:

Craig Berens

Music Director:

Denise Finn

Music Accompanist:

Bev Wornom

Nursery Attendant:

Catherine Kenney

SESSION Clerk of Session Marlene Spencer 252-5027 Class of 2013 Heidi Duncan 252-2373 Gary Lohnbakken 656-2046 Michelle Reed 252-5316 John Stewart 652-3637 Class of 2014 David Culbertson 655-7826 Carol Harr 656-3168 Janet Kline 652-6374 Bill Lorentz 656-8163

Class of 2015 Kathy Baskett 544-9857 Sharon Brady 655-9046 Marv Brown 256-0257 Jeff Gruizenga 850-3697

SESSION MINUTES Session Notes At its August 14th meeting the session learned that the financial

condition of the Church continues to be good.

The mission committee has confirmed that the Rev. Paul

Neshangwe whose home is in Zimbabwe has accepted an invita-

tion to visit with us arriving on October 5. The committee has

tentative plan for him to be available for a public forum on Satur-

day afternoon. Pastor Dave will ask him to preach on Sunday

and assist with communion as we observe World Communion

Day. He will also be asked to speak at Church and Society class. A pot luck meal

will follow the worship service.

The session then revisited the question of the large blue spruce tree that is leaning

and has a damaged top. It was voted to remove the tree and replace it with another

shade tree and have some landscaping done at the same time.

Pastor Dave reported that he is no longer involved in the session of St. Andrews

church as they have a new interim pastor. He announced that there will be a

ministry fair on September 9. Sunday School will resume the following Sunday.

The special committee that was created to consider use of the building shared the

plan that has been drafted. Session members will study the plan and be prepared

to consider it at the next meeting.

2012 Income Expense Net

August $ 22,283 $ 16,236 $ 6,047

YTD $ 260,282 $ 195,137 $ 65,145

2012 Per Capita = $43.13/member

We are encouraging our members to pay their

per capita payment for the year. Per capita

goes to the ongoing work of our denomination

AUGUST 2012

5th 105

12th 163

19th 130

26th 172

2012 August Average

143

2011 August Average

146

V o l u m e 9

Flower Donations

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. Suggested dona-tion is $25. Special thanks to Jody Mercer Wallace, George & Maxine Schuman, Lucile Weisbeck, and Bob & Cathy Culbertson who donated flowers last month.

Church Women United “Human Rights Celebration” When: September 7, 2012 Time: 12:00 p.m. Where: Mayflower Congregational Church 2940 Poly Drive 656-5414 Please join us for fellowship, worship, and a POTLUCK! Hope you had a good summer.

Women’s Bible Study will resume on Tues-day, September, 11 at 9:30 AM in the fireside room. All women are invited to attend.

Open House for Senior’s

FitGevity Fitness located at

145 Regal in the 15th St. Center

Complex)

Saturday September 15th 2012,

10 am—2pm Call Ila Swanson

for more information.

Silver Sneakers Fitness

program sponsored by Human

Advantage Plan. Fun time!

V o l u m e 9 P a g e 7

Special Heath Hints The influenza season will be rearing its ugly head again during autumn and winter. Now is the time to be proactive and arrange for immunization . The illness can have serious consequenc-es in all ages, especially children and older adults. Also, the West Nile virus is a greater threat this year so precautions to protect from mosquito bites are necessary. Please note the Public Health report on the bulletin board. Although dated last year, it applies now. From Dr. Donald Harr M.D.

Highland Holy Days coming to Westminster Spires Sept. 7-9

The Fruit of the Spirit will be the theme for Highland Holy Days, a weekend retreat sponsored by St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Billings. You are invited to attend this special retreat on September 7th-9th up at Westminster Spires. We will have 4 discussions on the Fruit of the Spirit starting Friday night. The cost is $30/person, not to exceed $75 per family. For more info, please talk with Pastor Dave.

Ministry Fair to be held on Sunday, September 9

Join us on Sunday, September 9 at 9:15 AM as we kick off our fall activities with a minis-try fair in our fellowship hall. Various group from our church will have booths highlight their particular ministries. Treats will be served and door prizes will be given away. You won’ want to miss this fun opportunity to learn more about all that is going on in our church. If your par-ticular group would like to have room for a booth, please contact Pastor Dave.

Sunday school will resume on Sunday, September 16

Sunday school classes for all ages will resume on Sunday, September 16 at 9:15 AM. Three adult classes will be offered including Church and Society with a variety of speakers and topics; Jay Cassel’s class in the fireside room; and Pastor Dave and Dave Sanderson co-leading a class titled, “End Times 101” in the library. Join us for one of these classes and grow deeper in your faith.

From your Stephen Ministry team:

Even though it is summer and everyone is busy, your Stephen Ministers continue working behind the scenes in the congregation. Please remember to call JoAnn Jones or Pastor Dave with any concerns that we may be able to minister to.

Cardboard Box City coming to Billings on October 6 We only have another month until the 5th annual Cardboard Box City on Saturday, October 6th. All registration and other forms are on IHN’s website www.billingsihn.org. Also, Interfaith Hospitality Network will be serving ice cream at the Thursday, August 9th St. John’s concert. This is the last concert of the season and will feature Rick Estrin and the Nightcats (in partnership with Magic City Blues). Come out for a fun evening, and don’t forget the ice cream! If you would like to help IHN serve ice cream, please call us at 294-7432.

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

2012

1

2 9:30 Worship 10:30 Fellowship time 11 West Park Worship

3 Holiday Church Closed

4 10 Staff Meeting

5 9—11 BSF Leaders 12noon BLT 7 Christian Education Committee

6 9—11 BSF Starts 1 PM Mission Commit-tee Meeting

7

8 11 Graveside Service for Betty Kincaid at Sun-set Memorial

9 9:15 Ministry Fair 10:30 Worship Time & Talents money distributed 11:30 Fellowship time 11 West Park Worship

10 10 Worship Comm. 1:00 Deacons Mtg.

11 9:30 Women Bible Study 10 Staff Meeting 6 BCCA 6 Beta Sigma 6 Town Hall Meet. C & S 7 Session Meeting

12 9—11 BSF Leaders 9:30 PW Board 12noon BLT 6 Youth Group Re-sumes with Bar-B-Q 7 Choir Rehearsal

13 9—11 BSF 4:30 Stephens Minis-ters Continuing Ed

14

15

16 9:15 Sunday School 10:30 Worship 11:30 Fellowship time 11 West Park Worship

17

18 9:30 WBS 10 Staff Meeting

19 9 — 11 BSF Leaders PW Groups meet throughout the day 6 Youth Group 7 Choir Rehearsal

20 9—11 BSF

21

Newsletter Submission Deadline!

22

23 9:15 Sunday School 10:30 Worship 11:30 Fellowship time 11 West Park Worship

24

25 9:30 WBS 10 Staff Meeting 6 Beta Sigma

26 9 — 11 BSF Leaders 12noon BLT 6 Youth Group 7 Choir Rehearsal

27 9—11 BSF 4:30 Stephens Minis-ters Continuing Ed

28 29

30 9:15 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Noisy Offering received 11:30 Fellowship time 11 West Park Worship

P a g e 6 V o l u m e 9

Save the weekend of October 6th and 7th for a mission experience. Reverend Paul Neshangwe will be in Billings because an invitation from our church. Reverend Neshangwe is from Zimbabwe. The Mission Committee is working on several events with Paul that weekend. Sunday, the 7th is World Communion Sunday which is the perfect time to welcome this African Pastor to our church. Reverend Paul Neshangwe is currently serving as "Pastor for Partnership and Church Development" for the Denver Presbytery. Paul is also working to further develop the established a presbytery partnership between the Presbyteries of Zimbabwe and Denver as we strive to learn from each other. The Mission Committee is planning several events with Paul that weekend.

**************************************************************************** Time and Talent money will be given out on September 9 and the Bazaar will be on November 11. Ten dollars will be given to anyone who wants it for seed money for their projects. Talents include sewing, photography, cooking, baking, painting, woodwork, metal work and so much more. Surprise us with your talent projects.

MISSION NEWS P a g e 3 V o l u m e 9

September Birthdays 1 Mara Duncan

5 Jordan Schaubel

6 Cathie Bell Kathy Butler

Sara Thompson 7 Robert Anacker

Hunter Skov 8 Andrew Letson

11 Michael Johnson

12 Mary Grabow Sarah Luse

13 Tiffany Bell 14 Ellen Ward

15 Tom Davis

16 Emily Fangmeier Robin Bauer

18 Kallie Nagel

Barbara Rice Lila Spring

19 Lois Maris Diane Noddings

20 Ruth Drummond 21 Mary Ann Canan

22 Greg Wiens

23 John Stewart 27 Lauren Bauer

Heather Leggate

Anniversaries 2 Dave & Judy Nusbaum

3 Jeff & Kerry Gruizenga

Nick & Nikki Schaubel 7 Mike & Margaret Hofacker

13 Dan & Lou Ferguson 20 John & Debbie Oliver

On a Personal Note

Betty Kincaid, a former member of our congregation, died in July while living in Washington. A

graveside memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Dave at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery on

Saturday, September 8 at 11:00 AM. The congregation is invited to attend.

Congratulations to Liam Christopher Montville, infant son of Chris and Michelle Montville, who

was baptized during worship on Sunday, August 26.

Marcia Wilson passed away on August 28 at St. John’s Care Center. A memorial service will be

held at the First Presbyterian Church in Cody, Wyoming on Tuesday, September 4.

Kudos to the musical angels who blessed our worship services this past summer. They include Pam

Gore, Bill Michels, Carol Harr, Janet Kline, Janie Rife, Kerry Gruizenga, Bev Wornom, Sheri Rolf, and

those who participated in the summer choir.

Church Mice! Remember the summer when we thought Royal Johnson was camping on the church grounds? Any day, any time we went by the church we would see Royal working on the church yard - clearing brush, trimming trees and general clean up. Royal is a stellar volunteer - he works in many capacities, ushering, Foundation, Session and numerous commit-tees. He always answers the call when help is needed. Royal has spent his life in service to his church, the community and to the State of Montana. We thank you, Royal, for your past and present contribu-tions in every aspect of your life. We truly appreciate you.

Bridge Marathon Results

The First Presbyterian Church Bridge Marathon is announcing that JoLyn McCue and Beth Morrow came in first place with highest accumulated points this year. A donation of $70.00 from our group is being given to the choir for a piece of new music. The marathon will be starting again in September. If you are interested in joining us, please call Beth Morrow at 656-2292. If you want to join us and don't have a partner, please call and we will see if we can find you a partner. We play party bridge that's fun, non threatening, and a great way to fellowship with each other.

P a g e 4 V o l u m e 9

It is finally September and we will start our circle meeting. We will start studying Dispatches to God’s Household The General Epistles. We will read and ex-plore 1st and 2nd Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude. The author of our study defines the central message from this study as “Through the power of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, God calls women and men to live as sisters and brothers, serving one another in truthfulness and love as members of God’s household.” If you would like to join a Presbyterian Women’s circle please call Bobbi Koch 656-8227 or Carlene Taubert 698-2205. New members are always welcome. Our next board meeting will be September 12 Circle meetings will start on Wednesday, September 19 We continue to serve God by serving His children.

Presbyterian Women News

Health Notes from Dr. Kathy Baskett: Fall Activities

Summer/Fall is a great time to go for a walk. We live in beautiful country with many areas to explore. The sun is up earlier in the morning and goes down later in the day—so there is plenty of time for us to be able to get out for some fresh air The average American adult takes only about 4,000—5,000 steps per day. Increasing the number of steps you take can help burn calories and prevent weight gain. Here are some thoughts for increas-ing your step count. * Add steps into everyday activities: Get off the bus a stop early. Park your car at the back of the parking lot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Walk to someone’s office instead of calling or emailing. Better yet, if you have a meeting at work with one person plan to do that meeting while waling near your office. * Set a goal for increasing your steps: Get a pedometer to help track your steps. Measure the number of steps you take over three days. Set a goal for increasing your number of daily steps. Gradually add 250 steps a day until you reach your goal. A great goal is 8,500– 10,000 steps a day for adults . Whatever goal you set, there are benefits to increasing your daily steps. Note: Walking an additional 1000 steps a day translates into 1825 miles in one year! —Dr. Kathy Baskett

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! Mission Committee is looking for a host family for the Rev. Paul Neshangwe, Presbyterian pastor from Zimbabwe. He will be visiting our congregation from Fri. Oct. 5 through Sunday the 6th or Monday the 7th, depending on his return flight to Denver. Hosting would consist of a place to sleep, at least one meal Sat. and possibly one on Sun. If you are able to provide transportation that would be help-ful but it is not necessary. This would provide a marvelous opportunity to meet Rev. Neshangwe on a more personal level and his story; those who have met him say he is a dynamic, Christ-filled per-son. Please call Carol Harr at 656-3168 or the church office if you are interested or need more infor-mation regarding his visit.

P a g e 5 V o l u m e 9

Thank You from Interfaith Hospitality Network

Interfaith Hospitality Network’s 24 congregations and 1800 volunteers make up a unique and special faith community that supports IHN families. Congregation Coordinators spend hours prepar-ing for each week attending to the many details that ensure the week goes smoothly, and each week a different group of volunteers selflessly gives their time and resources in order to help IHN children and parents thrive and succeed. During the second quarter of 2012 (April, May, June), over 700 vol-unteers gave approximately 4100 hours hosting and helping IHN families. That is an average of 55 volunteers spending 313 hours each week setting up bedrooms for families, purchasing, preparing, and serving meals, spending the evenings and sleeping overnight with families, preparing special birthday meals and getting gifts for family members, doing laundry, and responding to unexpected situations or needs of the families. Not to be forgotten is the hundred of dollars in food volunteers and congregations provide to families. IHN’s 24 Day Center volunteers and 16 volunteer drivers spent an additional 235 hours keep-ing the Day Center open and transporting the families on weekends. The community that IHN depends on also includes our financial supporters, including all of the sponsors of the 2012 Cardboard Box City. Cardboard Box City takes place on Saturday, October 6th and information and registration forms are on IHN’s website www.billingsihn.org. The Interfaith Hospitality Network board and staff extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who help IHN families in so many ways!! Adela Awner, IHN Executive Director

Sunday school classes to be offered this fall Sunday school resumes on Sunday, September 16. Lots of great class s are pro-vided for all ages! Hope you all with join us! Classes for Kids: Kindergarten through 3rd grade: The class will meet upstairs 4th grade through 6th grade: This class will meet upstairs Middle School and High School: Youth room downstairs. Topic will be comparing Christianity with other religions Classes for Adults: Jay Cassel: Faith Exploration in the Fireside Room End Times 101: Taught by Pastor Dave and David Sanderson this six week class will explore the topic of End Times. With lots of talk about the Mayan calendar ending on December 21, they will look at what Jesus and the Bible has to say about this fascinating topic. This class will meet in the library, next to the Church and Society Room. Church and Society meets in the C & S Room. The schedule for September includes: SEPT 16: To Be Announced SEPT 23: Who are some of the community groups that meet at our church? Two are the Bible Study Fellowship and the Billings Gluten Free Support Group. A Teaching Leader from BSF will tell of the Bible study that began 50 years ago and presently has 2000 classes in 38 countries. Meeting weekly, it's program is for women, men, and children. Carl Solberg and Joan Dannenberg, Gluten Free Co-Directors, will tell of their groups' journey from first meeting in the aisle of a health food store to our church. They will detail their goals of education, outreach, and social connections. SEPT 30: Montana Honor Flight, Charlie Reed, Board member, Peg and Bill Woolston, WW II Veter-ans, and John Reamy, WW II and Korean War Veteran. All four members of our church were on Montana's first Honor Flight. Charlie will explain the beginnings of Honor Flights and the efforts ac-complished to send the veterans to Washington D.C. Peg, Bill, and John will tell of their experiences on the trip as veterans.