1

Grace and peace to you.

Again we are in the season of Lent. This is a time

to reflect and to contemplate the meaning of

what occurred on the cross which led to Easter

morning. In the middle of this, much emphasis is

placed upon our need of repentance and the

great need we have for the grace of God. The

question that comes into my mind is: Do we

really know and understand God’s grace?

So I began by going to my reference library in

my office to find a definition of grace. I chose a

book entitled, “A Handbook of Theological

Terms,” which gave a lengthy definition. The

sentence which caught my attention was this:

“Grace is perhaps the most crucial concept in

Christian theology because it refers to the free and

unmerited act through which God restores his (sic)

estranged creatures to himself (sic).” (p. 108) So

there you have it. Since the matter is completely

cleared up, we can move on… or can we? Moving on seems the natural thing for us to do,

get the definition and move on. The challenge is

to understand the definition, and more

specifically, incorporate it into the way we think

about life, ourselves, others, and the Lord.

Grace is probably the most talked about

concept within the church and the least

understood. I am not claiming to be an expert on

this subject. Even if I were an expert, I hardly

believe that an explanation could be limited to

one pastoral letter in the newsletter. However, I

would like to share with you a few thoughts

related to our understanding of grace.

To begin with, I think it is imperative to

understand that we are talking about God’s grace.

God is the starting point of the grace and

therefore must be the starting point of our

understanding. God chose to come to us in

order that we might be restored in relationship

with God. We do not make the first move in this

The Steeple MARCH 2015 First United Presbyterian Church Winterset, Iowa

The mission of the First United Presbyterian Church is to make disciples

of all people for the glory of God through teaching, caring and worshiping.

process. Nor is this process a short one but

rather one which takes a lifetime. Whenever we

try to make God’s grace a human generated or

controlled reality, we make a tremendous error.

Next, is the point that this action of God is

free and unmerited. This reality can have

profound implications for us and our

understanding. It tells us that there is no price

which we have to, or can, pay for it. There is

absolutely nothing we can do to earn it. This

gift is unwarranted.

The other component of this is one which is

difficult for us because it is outside of the realm of

how we approach life and one another --- God’s

grace flows to EVERYONE. We may be okay

with the thought that we have received this grace

because of our commitment to worship, the

church, and the Lord. We struggle however with

the idea that those who we do not like or who

seem undeserving by our judgment can also

receive this grace. However, Scripture is very clear on this point and Jesus even tells stories to

drive the point home. Unmerited means that we

acknowledge none of us “deserve” this grace but

all receive it as free gift from the Lord.

During this Lenten season, as you

acknowledge hour need for the Lord and the

grace that God provides, ponder the richness of

this gift. While you reflect upon your sins and

need for repentance, remember that the grace

and forgiveness which you desperately need has

already been given. Remember also that the

actions we take and the choices we make should

be in response to the reality of this grace. Strive

to demonstrate this grace to others in the way

you live. Then you truly will receive the peace

that you seek so desperately in your life.

God’s blessings,

Jim

2

Transforming lives

by building disciples.

ADULT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES EVENING STUDY GROUP:

Sundays at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Lenten study on the “Final Words”

MARCH SERMONS

1 – 2nd Sunday in Lent

“What Good?”

Mark 8:31-38

Theme: The Son of Man must suffer…

8 – 3rd Sunday in Lent

“The Secret Ingredient for Success”

Luke 13:1-9

Guest Worship Leader: Donna Vaughan

15 – 4th Sunday in Lent

“How?”

Ephesians 2:1-10

Theme: For it is by grace you have been saved...

22 – 5th Sunday in Lent

“The Reason?”

John 12:20-33

Theme: It was for this very reason I came to

this hour.

29 – Passion/Palm Sunday

“What Are You Doing?

Mark 11:1-11

Theme: The Lord needs it and will send it back

shortly.

If you are unable to attend the morning

worship service and would like Communion,

please call the church office (462-3261) and

arrangements can be made for the pastor to

bring communion to your home.

BOARD OF ELDERS

Class of 2015

Donna Vaughan

Sheryl Puderbaugh

Hal Jackson

Amanda Ryner

Class of 2016

Paul Millhollin

Wendy Sawyer

Dixie Conkling

Class of 2017

Larry Raney

Pat Dickerson

Kevin de Regnier

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Jim Howland, Pastor

Mike Dickerson, Financial Secretary

Nancy Raney, Financial Secretary Asst.

Shane Pashek, Treasurer

Christie Dwyer, Administrative Assistant

Nathaniel Mason, Youth Ministry Coordinator

Steve Walker, Custodian

Phone: 515/462-3261

Fax: 515/462-1562

Web Site: www.wintersetpresbyterian.org

E-mail: pastorjim@q.com, Pastor

churchsecretary@q.com, Admin. Asst.

wintersetyouth@gmail.com, Youth Ministry Director

Pastor’s blog: www.thoughtfulbeliever.wordpress.com

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

The church office is open 9:00

a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday

through Friday. The pastor is in the office

during those times except when doing

visitation or when he is at scheduled meetings. Please stop by if you wish to talk

with the pastor or need assistance in any

way.

SESSION MEETING

Tuesday, March 24

7 p.m.

3

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY

TRIVIA QUIZ

1. When did St. Patrick die? 2. What kind of creature does legend say St.

Patrick drove out of Ireland?

3. What kind of plant is associated with St.

Patrick?

4. What kind of staff did St. Patrick carry?

5. Where is the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade?

6. What color was originally associated with St.

Patrick?

7. What other religious holiday often falls close

to St. Patrick’s Day?

8. Where is St. Patrick buried?

9. Which of these cities is known for dying its

river green? Chicago, Belfast or Dublin?

10. Where is the shortest St. Patrick’s Day

parade?

11. Which of these things is associated with St.

Patrick? A sword, a rock or a bell?

12. Who is buried along with St. Patrick?

13. What does legend say St. Patrick used to help

explain the holy trinity?

14. Where was St. Patrick born?

15. Which of the following foods might be served

at a feast for St. Patrick? Corned beef and

cabbage, roast pig or salted cod?

REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVE

Let us keep the men and women who are

currently serving our nation in the Middle

East in our prayers. We especially lift up:

Megan Norman

Jes Slater

We give thanks to God and rejoice for

the safe return of Chris Mease, Jonathan

Kellner, Rusty Meyer, Jacob Moss, Shannon Massie, Mason Boylan, Charlie Bauer, Brooks

Kaltenheuser, Lee Sharat, Ben Terry, Patrick

Barber, Sam Dawson, Todd Cameron, James

Wilson, Chad Cook, Bobby Randol, Mark

Crewell, Zack McDowell, Eric Carter, Doug

Tuttle, Daniel Umbenhower, Luke McDowell,

Michael Messerole, Joel Jacobson, Kirsten

Schaffer, Toby Jackson, Kevin Barber, Pat

Hahn, Patrick Scott, Doug Worrall, Chris

Ham, Chino Halpin, Matt Otte, Clayton

Cameron, Eric Jacobsen, Dr. Danette

Jackson, Graham Giles, Derek Silverthorn,

Jim McKnight, Brandon Robins, Matt

McLaughlin, Leslie Stonehocker, Michael

James, Zach Hamilton, Nathan Collins, Cody

Johnson, Theo Blankers, Joshua Strang, Jon

McLaughlin, Eric Pugh, Jon Ramynke, Brady

Pugh, Rev. Michael Willer, Eric Waltz, Nico

Darr, A. J. Laurich, Cody Johnson, Steve

Alcorn, Missy Baker Hoskins, Brandon Hunt,

John Guhl, Ben Clear, Crystal Thornburg

Rodriguez, Travis Ovel, Grant Tunnell, Philip

Mease, Brandan Albin, E. C. Van Cura, Joe

Worrall, Tyler Silverthorn, David Beaman,

Morgan Perkins, Nathan Simpson, Dylan

Martin, Joe Kellner, Michael Lawson, Justin

Denny, Nick McGonigle, Justin Hildreth,

Martin Obrecht, and Brett Teays.

If you are aware of someone serving our

nation in the armed forces and would like to add their name, please contact the church

office.

Session Meeting Highlights The following are highlights from the February 22

meeting of the Session:

Received reports from the Pastor, the

Treasurer, and the Presbytery

Commissioner

Elected Mike Dickerson as

Financial Secretary and Nancy Raney as

assistant

Approved the Annual Statistical Report

Set April 19 as the Sunday Session will lead worship

Planned the Easter Breakfast

Verified the Incorporation Report was filed.

4

USHERS AND GREETERS

March

Jim & Connie Kinser – Ushers

Lori & Amanda Ryner – Greeters

April

Bill & Deb Kneller – Ushers

Dixie Conkling & Suzanne Null – Greeters

May

Mike Dickerson Family – Ushers

Don & Kay Stanley – Greeters

June

Lori & Amanda Ryner – Ushers

Joyce Howland & Laura Silverthorn – Greeters

July

Kevin & Rae de Regnier – Ushers

Larry & Nancy Raney – Greeters

August

Don & Kay Stanley – Ushers

Mike Dickerson Family – Greeters

September

Donna Vaughan & Dixie Conkling – Ushers

Bill & Deb Kneller – Greeters

October

Jim & Connie Kinser – Ushers

Wayne & Bona Clemens – Greeters

November

Larry & Nancy Raney – Ushers

Jim & Connie Kinser – Greeters

December John & Jodi Tymeson – Ushers

Lori & Amanda Ryner – Greeters

Your help with our worship is deeply

appreciated. If you are unable to serve at any

time, please find someone to take your place and

contact the office with your replacement.

It is time to renew the year’s subscription

to “These Days”, a Presbyterian

publication. This devotional booklet comes

out quarterly for $5.00 a year. If you are

interested in being a new subscriber, please

contact Ruth Reed at 462-2233.

COMMUNION HELPERS

March

Laura Silverthorn – 3/1/15

April

Judy Robey – 4/2/15

May

Connie Kinser – 5/3/15

June

Dixie Conkling – 6/7/15

July

Judy Robey – 7/5/15

August

Lori Ryner – 8/2/15

September

Connie Kinser – 9/6/15

October

Dixie Conkling – 10/5/15

November

Connie Kinser – 11/1/15

December

Laura Silverthorn – 12/24/15

Please, if you are unable to serve on your assigned

date, find someone to replace you. Your help with

our worship service is deeply appreciated.

5

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Year-to-Date as of 2/24/2015

Income:

Total Offering $11,292.74

Transfers 7,945.00

Other Income 1,594.16

Total Income $20,831.90

Expenses:

Pastor & Staff Support $13,471.42

Property & Finance 2,879.14

All Other Expenses 4,408.30

Total Expenses $20,758.86

Madonna Circle

7 p.m., Monday, March 2

Hands to God

7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10

OUR WEBSITE Visit our website at

www.wintersetpresbyterian.org

where you can listen to the Prayer

for Illumination, the Old and New Testament

readings and the sermon.

To find a podcast, that’s what it is called, go to

our website and click on the “Resources” tab. A

menu will drop down and you can select “Sermons”.

A new page will open and you can see the available

sermons listed by date. You can also see the focus

scripture the sermon is based on and the sermon

title. Just click on the title of the sermon and listen.

Now you can listen any time and any place you

have access to the web, it even works on a smart

phone!

Our church family will celebrate

all MARCH birthdays on Sunday,

March 22, following worship.

Stay after worship and help

celebrate with cake and treats.

EVENING GUILD PW Evening Guild Circle meets at 5 p.m. the

first Wednesday of the month at the church. Bring a

sack lunch, and enjoy fellowship, short Bible study

lesson and PW craft project. Everyone is welcome.

Evening Guild will be meeting the first and

third Wednesdays in March and April at the

church from 5-6:30 p.m. Bring a sack lunch and join

us. Not only will we be continuing our Bible study, but

we will be developing and implementing planning steps

for hosting the PW Spring Connection here at our

church in April.

FYI If your name has not appeared on our birthday

or anniversary list, it may be because we don’t have

them. Please let the office know of this oversight.

We really don’t want to miss anyone.

There are current issues of the Steeple in the

magazine rack in the hallway outside the office. If

you know someone who doesn’t receive a copy by

email, please let them know they can pick up a copy

at the church each month.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE Date Worship Attendance

2/1/15 9

2/2/14 53

2/8/15 41

2/9/14 42

2/15/15 49

2/16/15 50

2/22/15 60

2/23/15 52

6

Answers to St. Patrick’s Day Quiz

1. 420 AD – Historians argue about the exact year

of his birth and his death. However, this date is

probably the most accurate.

2. Snakes – There are no snakes in Ireland.

3. Shamrock – He is said to have left the shamrocks

as a symbol that the snakes would never return.

4. Ash – He is said to have stuck his staff into the

ground wherever he was preaching.

5. New York – This parade is also the oldest in

North America.

6. Blue – This gradually changed to green.

7. Easter – If Easter and St. Patrick’s Day coincide,

the Church chooses another day to celebrate the

Saint.

8. Downpatrick – He is said to be buried in Down

Cathedral in Downpatrick.

9. Chicago – A hundred pounds of dye was used

the first year and the river remained green for a

week.

10. Hot Springs – This city holds the parade in the

street which is, according to Ripley’s, the

shortest street in the world.

11. A bell – The shrine of St. Patrick’s Bell is located in the National Museum of Ireland.

12. St. Brigid – he is also said to be buried with St.

Columba.

13. The shamrock – He used the leaves of the

shamrock to illustrate the trinity.

14. Britain – He was taken captive and transported

to Ireland when he was sixteen.

15. Corned beef and cabbage – You might also serve

Irish stew or potatoes.

Thank you to everyone for the cards, Facebook

messages, memorials, kind words and prayers upon

the death of my father. Your support meant so

much to me. Thank you also to Kevin for covering

worship leadership on February 1 with only a 24-

hour notice. Thank you to Hal, Mike, and Kevin for

doing snow removal at the house while we were in

Humboldt. Thank you to the Dickersons and

Jacksons for traveling to Rolfe for the visitation.

Thank you to Christie and Ed for coming to Dad’s

service. Words can never truly express how your

outpouring of love and concern impacted me. Thank

you to the Session and congregation for the plant

that you provided, it is sitting in our home as a

reminder of your kindness.

~Jim

Thank you to all who donated food and time for

hosting the Presbytery meeting on February 14.

Thank you to those who worked hard on Tuesday night to put the extra shine on the facility with all

your cleaning and rearranging of furniture. Thank

you to those who greeted our guests, helped with

registration, prepared food, provided childcare, and

served our guests in the morning and at lunch.

Thank you to those who cleaned up and put

furniture back after the lunch and meeting. We

received many compliments throughout the day and

after the meeting. None of this would have been

possible without your dedication and hard work. I

especially want to thank Donna Vaughan and Pat

Dickerson for organizing and managing the coffee in

the morning and an outstanding lunch.

~Jim

Remember to move your clocks forward

on Saturday, March 7.

Daylight Savings Time begins on

Sunday, March 8.

Per Capita for 2015 Per Capita is one of the expenses related to being

organized for mission in the Presbyterian Church

(USA). It is a responsible way of sharing costs

that equitably belongs to the whole Presbyterian

community. In a connected, covenantal church

such as ours, per capita helps to fund the

foundational framework that supports the

denomination’s mission at all levels. It also helps

to fund the shared ecclesiastical, legislative, and

judicial functions that identify a Reformed church.

2015 Per Capita $40.00

7

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday, April 25, 2015

The Winterset Presbyterian Women

will be hosting the Des Moines

Presbyterian Women Spring

Connection meeting on April 25,

2015.

June 18-21, 2015

The 2015 Churchwide Gathering of

Presbyterian Women will be held in

Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Please see page 8 for general information regarding the

Churchwide Gathering.

Sunday, March 29 – Palm Sunday

Worship Service @ 10:15 AM

Thursday, April 2 – Maundy Thursday

Worship Service with Holy Communion @ 7:00

PM

Friday, April 3 – Good Friday

Joint worship service with St Paul Lutheran

Church @ 7:00 PM – We host.

Sunday, April 20 – Easter

Sunrise service @ 7:00 AM

Easter Breakfast @ 8:00 AM – Fellowship Hall

Sunday School @ 9:00 AM

Easter Worship Service @ 10:15 AM

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

OFFERING

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 who are 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 in 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 for

entire communities to sufficient and healthy

food

Receives 36% of funds raised

Self-Development of People (SDOP)

Partners with people and communities, leveraging development and education to

alleviate poverty, oppression, and injustice

Receives 32% of funds raised

We will be receiving this offering on Palm Sunday,

March 29 and Easter Sunday, April 5. Please, give

generously.

8

2015 PW Churchwide Gathering FAQs

What is the theme of the 2015 Churchwide

Gathering?

The theme is “One Body, One Spirit,” based on 1

Corinthians 12:12–27 (NRSV). While the Gathering

experience will explore the entire passage, particular

attention will be paid to verses 12–13: “For just as the

body is one and has many members, and all the members

of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with

Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into

one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were

all made to drink of one Spirit.”

When is the 2015 Churchwide Gathering?

The Gathering begins on Thursday, June 18, 2015, and

concludes on Sunday, June 21, 2015.

Where will this Gathering be held?

The Gathering will be held all under one roof at the

Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Optional field

trips will visit local Presbyterian, mission-focused and

cultural sites.

Who attends the Gathering?

Christian women (and a few men and children!) from

across the country and around the world come together

for this triennial event. Past Gatherings have included

people of all ages and from more than 20 countries.

What happens at the Gathering?

Lots! Join in worship—enjoying uplifting music and gifted

preachers—with sisters in faith from around the country

and the world. Find inspiration in the plenary (large

group) sessions, which highlight everything from Bible

study to mission projects. Learn about your areas of

passion and key issues in the world today through forums

and workshops led by inspiring speakers. Get excited

about the future of Presbyterian Women at the Business

Meeting, where PW’s 2015–2018 leaders will be elected,

a budget will be finalized and programmatic emphases will

be chosen. Witness the installation of the newly elected

leaders of PW’s 2015–2018 Churchwide Coordinating

Team. Visit the many exhibits. Shop in the marketplace

and bookstore. Take in some of the fun spots that

Minneapolis has to offer.

How much will the Gathering cost?

Full registration is $395. This is less than in 2012! Hotel,

travel and some meals are additional.

Is there a discount if I only attend part of the

Gathering?

Daily registration is $125 per day.

What hotel accommodations are available?

Housing and programming are all under one roof at the

Hyatt Regency. Room rates are $169 per room, per

night, for one to four persons per room, plus tax.

Are transportation services available?

For full-service air travel assistance, contact Roger Roy,

Global Travel Alliance, at 505/892-2820.

Are scholarships available?

PW Churchwide scholarships are not available for this

Gathering. Consider applying for (or donating to!)

scholarships through your PW in the Congregation,

Presbytery or Synod.

I’m a voting representative. When should I be

available for the Business Meeting?

The Business Meeting will begin Wednesday, June 17 at 7

PM and will continue Thursday, June 18, 8:30 AM–5 PM.

What else can you tell me about the theme?

“One Body, One Spirit” invites us to consider ourselves

as one community in Christ. For all our varied gifts, we

share an identity in Christ. The 2015 Gathering will be an

opportunity to renew our faith and celebrate our shared

identity.

Where can I get more information?

The Gathering web pages

(www.presbyterianwomen.org/gathering), the PW

Facebook page

(www.facebook.com/presbyterianwomenpcusa) and of

course, Horizons magazine!

Minneapolis, here I come! When can I register?

Registration opens on January 15, 2015. Look for a

registration booklet in the November/December 2014

issue of Horizons magazine. (Not a subscriber? Call

866/802-3635 or visit www.pcusa.org/horizons.) After

November 1, 2014, order registration booklets by calling

800/524-2612 or visiting www.pcusa.org/store.

9

Prayer is. . .

1. The first step to knowing Jesus Christ

2. Recognizing the presence of God

3. Man’s means to know God intimately

4. The laying hold of God’s promise

5. The soul on its knees

6. The path to strength and peace

7. Man’s means to touch God

8. God’s gift of power

9. Giving God access to our need

10. The key to the miraculous

11. The very breath of spirit

Please lift the following people in prayer this month:

3-1 Lana Macumber

3-2 Phil Macumber

3-3 Shirley Macumber

3-4 Lois Martin

3-5 Laticia McKee

3-6 Darla Millhollin

3-7 Paul Millhollin

3-8 Pat Montross

3-9 Layla Neal

3-10 Darrell Nelson

3-11 Elaine Newton

3-12 Robert Newton

3-13 Annie Nielsen

3-14 Suzanne Null

3-15 Brenda Ochiltree

3-16 Christian Ochiltree

3-17 Lynn Ochiltree

3-18 Carol Parker

3-19 Russell Parker

3-20 Shirley Parkins

3-21 Ann Pashek

3-22 Connor Pashek

3-23 Ellie Pashek

3-24 Hunter Pashek

3-25 Shane Pashek

3-26 Taylor Pashek

3-27 Bill Paull

3-28 Hannah Puderbaugh

3-29 Sheryl Puderbaugh

3-30 Larry Raney

3-31 Nancy Raney

MARCH BIRTHDAYS &

ANNIVERSARIES

Birthdays

Gaylene Blankers – 3/2

Pat Montross – 3/5

Christie Dwyer – 3/8

Sally Leeper – 3/10

Kevin Clemens – 3/13

Robert Newton – 3/14

Bob Young – 3/15

Jim Howland – 3/16

Mary DeWitt – 3/27

Bill Kneller – 3/28

Anniversaries

Wayne & Bona Clemens – 3/4

Gail & Sally Leeper – 3/5

Mike & Ellie Roach – 3/15

Jake & Carol Jacobs – 3/18

Hal & Harriett Jackson – 3/26

. . .may God’s peace be with you.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Connie Kinser is maintaining an email list of

prayer warriors. If you would like to receive emailed

prayer requests, please make sure she has your email

address. If you have a prayer request to be included

in the email, please pass it on to Connie. She can be

reached at kinser50273@gmail.com or by phone at

462-3855.

10

Lent 101 (from the Upper Room)

Lent is a season of the Christian Year where

Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting

in order to grow closer to God.

When is Lent?

It's the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes

Sundays because every Sunday is like a little Easter.

Basically, it's about one-tenth of a year (like a tithe of

time). Mardi Gras is the day before Lent, which

begins with Ash Wednesday.

Mardi Gras? What does that have to do with

JESUS??

Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday." It refers to the

day before Lent starts. Since Lent always starts on a

Wednesday, the day before is always a Tuesday. And

it's called "Fat" or "Great" because it's associated

with great food and parties.

In earlier times, people used Lent as a time of

fasting and repentance. Since they didn't want to be

tempted by sweets, meat and other distractions in

the house, they cleaned out their cabinets. They

used up all the sugar and yeast in sweet breads before the Lent season started and fixed meals with

all the meat available. It was a great feast! Through

the years Mardi Gras has evolved (in some places)

into a pretty wild party with little to do with

preparing for the Lenten season of repentance and

simplicity. Oh well. But Christians still know its

origin, and hang onto the true Spirit of the season.

So the real beginning of Lent is Ash

Wednesday?

Yes. Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras,

usually begins with a service where we recognize our

mortality, repent of our sins, and return to our

loving God. We recognize life as a precious gift from

God, and re-turn our lives towards Jesus Christ. We

may make resolutions and commit to change our

lives over the next forty days so that we might be

more like Christ. In an Ash Wednesday service,

usually a minister or priest marks the sign of the

cross on a person's forehead with ashes.

Why ashes?

In Jewish and Christian history, ashes are a sign

of mortality and repentance. Mortality, because

when we die, our bodies eventually decompose and

we become dust/dirt/ash/whatever. Repentance,

because long ago, when people felt remorse for

something they did, they would put ashes on their

head and wear "sackcloth" (scratchy clothing) to

remind them that sin is pretty uncomfortable and

leads to a sort of death of the spirit. This was their

way of confessing their sins and asking for

forgiveness.

Where do the ashes come from?

On what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus rode a

donkey into Jerusalem while people waved palms and

cheered him on. Less than a week later, Jesus was

killed. The palms that were waved in joy became

ashes of sorrow. We get ashes for Ash Wednesday

by saving the palms from Palm Sunday, burning them,

and mixing them with a little water (like tears) or oil.

It's symbolic.

What do Christians do with ashes?

At an Ash Wednesday service, folks are invited

to come forward to receive the ashes. The minister

will make a small cross on your forehead by

smudging the ashes. While the ashes remind us of

our mortality and sin, the cross reminds us of Jesus'

resurrection (life after death) and forgiveness. It's a

powerful, non-verbal way that we can experience

God's forgiveness and renewal as we return to Jesus.

So what is LENT?

At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of

God, which looked like a dove, descended and

landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This

is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased."

Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was sent

into the wilderness by the Spirit. Where he fasted

and prayed for 40 days. During his time there he was

tempted by Satan and found clarity and strength to

resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin

his ministry.

Lent is a great time to "repent" -- to return to

God and re-focus our lives to be more in line with

Jesus. It's a 40 day trial run in changing your lifestyle

and letting God change your heart.

11

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2nd Sunday in

Lent

9 a.m. Sunday

School

10:15 a.m.

Worship

6:30 p.m.

Evening Study

2

7 p.m. Madonna

Circle

7 p.m. Lions

Club rehearsal

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

3

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

4

5 p.m. Evening

Guild

7 p.m. Youth

Group

8 p.m.

Wednesday

Worship

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

5

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

6

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

7

Daylight Savings

time begins

tomorrow!!

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

8 3rd Sunday in

Lent

9 a.m. Sunday

School

10:15 a.m.

Worship

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

9

7 p.m. Lions

Club rehearsal

Rev. Howland at

CREDO

10

7 p.m. Hands to

God

11

7 p.m. Youth

Group

8 p.m.

Wednesday

Worship

12 13 14

9 a.m. JUGS

15 4th Sunday

in Lent

9 a.m. Sunday

School

10:15 a.m.

Worship

6:30 p.m.

Evening Study

16

7 p.m. Lions

Club rehearsal

17

St. Patrick's Day

18

7 p.m. Youth

Group

8 p.m.

Wednesday

Worship

19

4 p.m. Staff

meeting

7 p.m. Lions

Club rehearsal

20

21

22 5th Sunday

in Lent

9 a.m. Sunday

School

10:15 a.m.

Worship

6:30 p.m.

Evening Study

23

7 p.m. Lions

Club rehearsal

24

7 p.m. Session

25

7 p.m. Youth

Group

8 p.m.

Wednesday

Worship

26

7 p.m. Property

& Finance Team

meets

7 p.m. Lions

Club rehearsal

Rev. Howland

out of office –

professional day

27

28

29 Palm

Sunday

9 a.m. Sunday

School

10:15 a.m.

Worship

6:30 p.m.

Evening Study

30

7 p.m. Lions

Club rehearsal

31

9

Remember to move your clocks forward on Saturday, March 7.

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8.

First United Presbyterian Church

210 W. Green Street

Winterset, Iowa 50273

Phone: 515-462-3261

www.wintersetpresbyterian.org

Rev. Jim Howland, Pastor

SUNDAY WEDNESDAY PASTOR’S OFFICE HOURS

Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. 7 p.m. Youth Group Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Worship – 10:15 a.m. 8 p.m. Wednesday Worship exceptions may occur due to

. emergencies or meetings.