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STILL UP IN THE AIR
Reflections from the Pastor’s Study
EASTER SUNDAY
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
What more can I say?
We’ll sing beloved Easter hymns and wear our Easter Sunday Best. The sanctuary will be beautiful—filled with white and
gold and Easter lilies. Many of old friends will be here—perhaps a snowbird with a tan face will have returned,
wondering how it can be in the 30s with even a few snowflakes on Easter!
Families will be together. Joy and expectation will be in the air.
At my home we’ll have deviled eggs in the refrigerator, and “party potatoes” and ham and green
bean casserole ready to pop into the oven. Oh, and orange rolls from a bakery in Pella. Yes, indeed,
it will be a grand and glorious day!
And yet, none of those wonderful things are important in and of themselves—it’s all fluff without
the reality of the gospel story.
Easter has no meaning without the Good News of the Day: The Lord Jesus Christ, the Crucified One,
has risen from the grave! All things have become new! Christ, who knew no sin became sin on our behalf…
Christ personally bore our sin in his own body on the cross so that we might become dead to sin and alive to all
that is good. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
See you on Easter Sunday!
HAPPY 2-MONTH-VERSARY, ME
Easter Sunday, April 1, is exactly two months from when I started officially as your pastor. Wow.
Anne Lamott says there are essentially just three prayers: “Help, Thanks, and Wow!” I feel a sense of all three of those
after my first 60 days in Winterset.
Wow. Wow, as in “Wow, so much has happened,” and as in “Wow, God is good,” and as in “Wow, I have no words!”
Because I’m really in awe of how fast the days have gone, and in awe of the gifts and ministries of 1UPC… and I’m in awe
of God’s providential care and love… And I could just go on and on.
Thanks. Nearly every afternoon/evening I write a list in response to the phrase, “I am thankful for…” with a focus on the
last 24-48 hours. I always run out of time before I run out of things to add to the list. God is so good—yeah, that’s a given,
right? More to the point, though, you are each “so good.” I’m so grateful for your hospitality and kindness.
Help. “Be pleased, O God, to deliver me. O Lord, make haste to help me!” (Psalm 70:1). Most of all, my prayer is “help”
even in the midst of so much joy and graciousness, so much fun—yes, fun—in doing the work you have called me to do.
Because I am poor and needy, and without Christ’s Spirit and strength, I can’t preach, I can’t be a leader, I can’t be a
pastor or be present with you. This really leads to the upcoming Installation Service, which makes official and gives us the
words and prayers to live into our covenant to “be there” for each other.
More on page 2
APRIL 2018 FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WINTERSET, IA 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
The Steeple
INSTALLATION SERVICE
The Installation Service will be Sunday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. and YOU are invited!
Rev. Bev Modlin will be preaching. Midge Slater, the moderator of the Presbytery of Des Moines, will be asking the
“constitutional questions” and leading the prayer of installation. The “charge to the pastor” will be given by Rev. Don
Elly; and Rev. David Endriss will deliver the “charge to the congregation.”
Paul Millhollin, as his last official duty as chair of the PNC, will serve as liturgist. David Negley and Connie Banks will
both lead and accompany the congregational singing. A dear personal friend of mine, Kris De Wild, will share lovely harp
music during communion.
Red is symbolic of the fire of the Holy Spirit, so we’re asking everyone to wear red! There will be a reception following the
service. And, again, everyone is welcome!
GENEROSITY
O Christ, out of your fullness we have all received grace upon grace. You are our eternal hope; you are patient and full of mercy; you
are generous to all who call upon you… O Christ, fountain of life and holiness, you have taken away our sins. On the cross you were
wounded for our transgressions and were bruised for our iniquities… O Christ, obedient unto death, source of all comfort, our life and
our resurrection, our peace and reconciliation: Save us, Lord…
~ Excerpted from the Litany for Lent
Book of Common Worship, PCUSA)
Each week in worship we pause to offer our whole selves (and some of our money) to God. This is the “Offering.” Make
no mistake, when we mention sharing our “tithes and offerings” on Sunday mornings, we are not talking about the
“tithe” in the same way as the “prosperity gospel” preachers do. The tithe is not some system of giving-in-order-to-get-
back-even-more-from-God.
No, God has already given us everything we need and more! In the world of the “prosperity gospel,” the dark and
ultimate purpose of the tithe is to increase revenue by appealing to a person’s guilt, fear, or lust for personal gain.
And that’s not what we believe. Not. At. All.
Let us commit as a church to never, ever, ever encourage people to give out of guilt or fear; and never for any desire for
personal gain.
This is what I believe, and it is in stark contrast to fundraising appeals based on guilt, fear, or the desire to get something in return:
We give as a response to God. We give because God has given us everything—our world, our lives, our own talents
and spiritual gifts, our friends and families, food enough for today (and more)… And the greatest gift… the gift of
reconciliation by the suffering and death endured by our Lord Jesus Christ!
O Christ, out of your fullness we have all received grace upon grace. You are our eternal hope; you are patient and full of
mercy; you are generous to all who call upon you…
Gratitude wells up within us when we begin to comprehend the generosity of God. Generosity in our giving is a fruit of
our gratitude to God.
Generosity doesn’t seek, expect, nor require anything in return. Generosity is not a quid pro quo (“something-for-
something”) arrangement with the church; and it’s not a quid pro quo with God. God doesn’t bless you, enrich you, protect
you, or save you because of what you do—God gives you everything because of who God is.
Generosity in our giving is like the “agape” love described by Paul. Generosity looks for the good in others. Generosity
doesn’t always want what others have. Generosity doesn’t have to be first.
Generosity gives us the opportunity to be a pure blessing to other—it flows out of the immense joy of the new life we
have in Jesus Christ, out of the life of the Spirit living within us.
Glad to be on the journey with you,
Pastor Randy
Hands to God 6 p.m.
Tuesday, 10th
MADONNA CIRCLE 7:00 p.m. April 2nd
5:00 p.m.
April 4th
ATTENTION
PRESBYTERIAN MEMBERS!
If you are the parents or foster parents of young
children through the junior high age…We hope
you can have your child in church the week of
their birthday. Their name will now be listed in
the church bulletin along with the adult
birthdays!
We hope this service will make their birthday
extra special!
Bits from PW…
No one can say the PW lets the grass grow
under their feet! They are on the move!
The next few months are jam packed with
Lent, Easter, and many more events to plan
and work. You will not see a frown or
grumble amongst them, either, as they give
from their hearts, and are passionate about
serving the Lord.
With the new and returning committee
leaders steer heading the many events, you
can look forward to enjoying them all.
In the planning phase is the
PW Spring Get Together- date
yet to be determined. This
may include a Fashion Show
or High Tea. Watch as plans
finalize for this event.
The Confirmation Dinner on
April 29th for the confirmands
and their sponsors.
Our May Breakfast fundraiser
is coming up, Tuesday, May
1, more details to come soon!
Church Tours during Covered
Bridge Festival in October.
Holiday Hop fundraiser in
November.
Swedish Dinner fundraiser in
December. Submitted by Deb Kneller, PW Treasurer
LOOKING AHEAD
SPRING RETREAT!!
April 21, 2018
“Growing in Christ”
Come join us for our all church spring retreat!
Starts at 9:00 a.m.
Classes for the adults led by Pastor Lubbers!
Classes for the youth!
Fun crafts too!
Lunch will follow with a worship time!
THE PRAYER & PRAISE PAGE
EXTENDED COMMUNION
PRAYER, PRAISE AND PROMISE!
PRAYER
REQUESTS
God hears our prayers, no matter how big or small! If you have prayer requests you can call the church office at 462-3261 or email [email protected]. The prayer email is checked twice a day and prayer requests will be forwarded to the church members through this email.
PRAISE This is an opportunity for anyone to submit to the Steeple before the deadline a prayer that has been answered or a praise of what God has done for you recently. Please send your article to the church office at [email protected], or bring it by the church office during office hours.
(Tues-Thurs., 10:00- 5:00 p.m.)
PROMISE
2 Corinthians 1:20 20For no matter how many promises God has made,
they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the
"Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God
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: 4/1 Robert Newton
4/2 Suzanne Null
4/3 Carol Parker
4/4 Shirley Parkins
4/5 Ann Pashek
4/6 Connor Pashek
4/7 Ellie Pashek
4/8 Hunter Pashek
4/9 Shane Pashek
4/10 Taylor Pashek
4/11 Hannah Puderbaugh
4/12 Sheryl Puderbaugh
4/13 Ruth Reed
4/14 Judy Robey
4/15 Amanda Ryner
4/16 Dan Ryner
4/17 Lori Ryner
4/18 Jack Sawyer
4/19 Jackson Sawyer
4/20 Wendy Sawyer
4/21 Dean Schantz
4/22 Kit Schantz
4/23 Derek Silverthorn
4/24 Larry Silverthorn
4/25 Laura Silverthorn
4/26 Tyler Silverthorn
4/27 Mark Smith
4/28 Maven Smith
4/29 Nicole Smith 4/30 Rush Smith
There is now a Special Needs Sunday School Class led by Teresa Fleming. She comes with lots of
experience, having two special needs children of her own and works with children and adults with
disabilities. She has a curriculum designed for this class, which includes bible lessons, crafts and fun
activities.
She will also provide transportation when needed. For more information, call Teresa Fleming at
515-468-1649 or email her at [email protected].
If you have or know of any children or adults with special needs, the First United Presbyterian Church
welcomes all with open arms. Come and enjoy!!
Don’t miss a good start to your morning before Sunday School and
Worship! SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST!
8:30 a.m.
CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE
DAY/DATE EVENT
Easter Sunday, April 1 NO CLASS
Sunday, April 8 CLASS: Why is Easter important?
Sunday, April 15 CLASS: Serving Others
Sunday, April 22 CLASS: Preparing to Meet with Session
Tuesday, April 24 SESSION at 7:00 p.m. (Profession of Faith)
Sunday, April 29 Meet with sponsor & banquet
Sunday, May 6 CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
Service begins at 10:15 a.m. with Baptism and Communion
SUNDAY
SCHOOL FOR
ALL AGES!
SUNDAY
MORNING!
9:00 A.M.
Do you know of young families that hesitate
from coming to church because they don’t
want their infants disrupting the service?
Let them know there is a nursery available
now during the morning worship service, so
they can focus on worship!
It is located at the north end of the
Fellowship Hall.
**If you are interested in volunteering for
the nursery, please contact Deb Kneller.
CHOIR PRACTICE! If you are in the Worship Service on Sunday
mornings, you have experienced the wonderful blessings of hearing the church choir. Would
you like to join the choir?
Practice is every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., in the sanctuary. Show up and sing with the choir!
Thanks to our choir director,
David Negley!
CHILDREN’S BELL CHOIR
THE CHILDREN ARE PRACTICING EVERY
SUNDAY, IMMEDIATLEY AFTER SUNDAY
SCHOOL FOR 15 MINUTES.
THE NEXT PERFORMANCE IS ON EASTER
SUNDAY!
Special Thanks to De Negley for leading the
children in this important part of worship!
Presbyterian Women Spring Connection Caring and Supporting Neighbors during Challenges Saturday April 7, 2018 United Presbyterian Church - 209 N 2nd Ave., E - Newton, Iowa 50208 9:00 a.m. Networking Coffee 9:20 Welcome and Local Announcements Pam Deichmann 9:30–9:45 Morning Worship Barbara Tooker Todd 9:45-10:30 “My Global Exchange Experience” Sue Ingels 10:30-11 Local Mission Spotlight Barbara Taylor Neighbors helping Neighbors: Interfaith Project
Making and distributing blankets to the homeless
Collecting small items for the homeless
Quarters for laundry 11-12:00 Keeping the Homeless Warm Barbara Taylor/Denise England This is a hands-on project to make 5 large blankets… so bring your scissors 12-12:50 Lunch hosted by First Presbyterian Church Women PW Awards - PW Business Meeting 1:00-2 p.m. Closing Worship with Communion Barbara Tooker Todd And installation of new officers Lunch cost: $7 Call or email reservation to Barbara Taylor @641-792-6990 or [email protected] NEED A RIDE? Contact Pam Deichmann if you would like to carpool to this event!
NURSERY NEWS!
BOARD OF ELDERS
Class of 2018
Sheryl Puderbaugh
Hal Jackson
Don Stanley
Class of 2019 Laura Silverthorn
Wendy Sawyer
Paul Millhollin
Class of 2020
Judy Robey
Hunter Pashek (Jr. Elder)
Pat Dickerson
Hannah Puderbaugh
Rev. Randal K. Lubbers,
Pastor & Moderator
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
FALL/WINTER HOURS! OFFICE DAYS & HOURS
TUES, WED, THURS
10:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
Office closed for lunch 12:30-1:00 P.M.
Phone: 515/462-3261
Email: [email protected]
APRIL BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays
Anniversaries
May God’s joy and peace be with you.
CHURCH STAFF Rev. Randal K. Lubbers, Pastor
Mike Dickerson, Financial Secretary Bill & Deb Kneller, Financial Secretary Assistants
Shane Pashek, Treasurer Steve Walker, Custodian
Chery White, Administrative Assistant
APRIL USHERS
Mike & Pat Dickerson
PROVIDING ELEMENTS OF COMMUNION
Judy Robey
EXTENDED COMMUNION
Teams of elders from our church will be taking the sacrament immediately after the
service to our homebound members.
Homebound members will be contacted during the week before communion is
served to ask if they would like to receive communion.
The names of those receiving communion at
home will be read during the communion service, bringing them into our fellowship
around the table.
Teams of elders will take the communion elements to the homes, after the service,
after previously arranging a convenient time with those being served.
4/07 Phil Macumber 4/07 Ruth Reed 4/09 Sheryl Puderbaugh 4/11 Floyd Dickerson 4/13 Wendy Sawyer 4/14 Ethel Lee Osborn-Tucker 4/19 Miracle Rice 4/21 Viola Williams 4/21 Larry Wilson 4/23 Kinslee Kephart 4/27 Lori Ryner 4/29 Wayne Clemens 4/29 Mason Payne
4/30 Nolan & JoAnn Collins
God has not given us a spirit of
fear and timidity, but of power,
love, and self-discipline. (NLT)
2 Timothy 1:7
CHURCH ORGAN UPDATE
Very soon you will be hearing the piano
during the worship services. The organ is
currently being repaired and there will be
a few months of the piano music
accompanying the worship service.
Thank you to all who have contributed to
the repair cost of the organ. We look
forward to enjoying the beautiful music
when repairs are done. Thank you
Connie Banks for sharing your gift of
music by playing the organ.
THANK YOU!!!
PASTOR’S SCHEDULE Here is a schedule of the times Pastor Randy will
be available to “get-together” Drop-In times
Wednesday, April 4: 10am-3:00pm
Wednesday, April 11: 10am-3:00pm
Wednesday, April 18: 10am-3:00pm
Wednesday, April 25: 10am-3:00pm
Appointments
If you’d rather make an appointment, just call me
(Chery) at 462-3261 during office hours. I will
be filling in Pastor Randy’s appointment
calendar for the following dates in
April:10, 17, and 24.
Pastor Randy can do home visits, or coffee/café
visits and/or meeting in the Pastor’s Office.
Thank you,
Chery
Starting with April/ May/ June booklet it is time to renew the quarterly booklet of "These Days" "The daily devotions for living by faith", published for Presbyterian churches. The cost is $5.00 per year, delivered to one address. If interested in receiving these please contact Ruth Reed 515 468 5880.
ORGAN UPDATE!
MAY DAY BREAKFAST MAY 1, 2018
Presbyterian Women invite you to “Mark
your Calendar” for the Tuesday morning of
May 1, 2018. It is Spring Time…. and that
means the annual Presbyterian Women
“May Day Breakfast” is right around the
corner.
This is an annual effort to raise funds for
mission projects; and we cannot do it
without your help.
Please consider donating food and/or being
a volunteer for this event. Sign up forms
will be located in the fellowship hall the
next couple of weeks.
This year PW voted to support college
students mission efforts; national disasters;
Hope Home; Dakota Presbytery Native
American mission projects; local emergency
fund; church repair efforts; and more…
CHUCKLE!
Hannah Puderbaugh led devotions. Hannah shared Romans 12:2-8 and discussed the conference that she attended last summer. She shared that all members of the conference had a job to do and each job was different. Although she did not believe that the job she was assigned suited her, she found that she was actually gifted that job. We are all given different gifts from God, and we should use them accordingly. She passed around sticky notes and asked each Session member to write what they believed their gift is. She asked us questions about our gifts. How can we nurture our own gifts? Other people’s gifts? Find opportunities to use your gifts. This is how we feel fulfilled and glorify God. Christian Education Report: New curriculum is being requested for the fall sessions. A motion was made to have the Christian Ed team develop a realistic budget to adequately meet their needs for this fall as well as Vacation Bible School and present it at the next Session meeting for discussion. MSC. A memorial was received from the family of Gail Leeper to be used for organ repair. The organ fund estimate has been fully funded unless unforeseen items appear. Submitted by: Laura Silverthorn,
Clerk of Session
MARCH 27, 2018
Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-barers. Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation. Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast. All desired to rejoice with Him, but few will suffer for Him. Many will follow Him in the breaking of the bread, a few drink the bitter cup of His passions. Many revere His miracles, but few follow the shame of His cross. Many love Jesus when all goes well with them, and praise Him when he does them a favor; but if Jesus conceals Himself and leaves them for a little while, they fall to complaining and become depressed. The Imitation of Christ Thomas A Kempis Chapter 11 Page 88,89 If we were to give up all our possessions, it is still nothing; if we did severe penance, it is but little; if we acquire all knowledge, still we are far from virtue. Even if we have great virtue and fervent devotion, we would be lacking the one thing necessary above all else. And what is that one thing? Leaving all things behind, we should leave self, renouncing our self completely and keeping nothing of self-love. And then when we have done all things that we know we thought to do, let us think that we have done nothing. Come to me when all is not well with you Nehemiah 1:7. What hinders you the most of all for receiving heavenly consolation is your slowness to turn into me in prayer. Before you pray earnestly to me, you first seek other comforts, trying to find distractions in outward things. Hence it is that all these things are of little benefit to you until you realize that I alone I'm the one who delivers those who trust in Me. The Imitation of Christ Thomas A Kempis Chapter 11 Page 88,89 Chapter 30 Page 159
OUR WEBSITE
Visit our website at www.wintersetpresbyterian.org find a
podcast, 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 where you can listen to
the Prayer for Illumination, the Old and New Testament readings and the sermon. To 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!
JUST A REMINDER…..
If you are booking/reserving the church or fellowship
hall, your reservation is not confirmed until the
building use form is completed and turned into the
church office. If someone books the date you want,
you will not be able to book that date!
If you need a building use form the church office has
them on file and can also email a form to you.
We have big news to share here at Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Earlier this month we launched our brand-new imprint, Flyaway Books!
Flyaway Books is a new children's book program dedicated to creating titles that inspire the next generation to fly. The new program will offer books that carry themes of diversity, inclusion, self-esteem, kindness, compassion and care for our world, and the titles will be intentionally multicultural in their artwork and characters.
To learn more about our exciting new children's book program, visit www.FlyawayBooks.com today or click below to see some of our new and upcoming titles.
HEY! This is a request from your administrative
assistant. Would you please take a moment and give
me some input as to what you really would like to
see in your newsletter? Do you want more
devotionals, more Christian history articles, what?
Let me know so that I can meet your needs and
desires through this tool of communication. You
can leave a note in my box, email me, call me, or
even see me in person in the church office during
office hours.
THANK YOU!
Chery
HEY!
The Presbytery of Des Moines
cordially invites you to attend
The Service of Installation
for
The Reverend Randal K. Lubbers
as Pastor and Teacher of the
First United Presbyterian Church
in Winterset
Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
First United Presbyterian Church
210 W. Green St.
Winterset, Iowa
A reception will follow the service
If possible, Please “Wear Red!”
CELEBRATING
SPECIAL
BIRTHDAYS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
MARY DEWITT
102 YEARS!
And PAT MONTROSS
98 YEARS!
Connie Banks, Pam Deichmann with
the birthday girl, Mary DeWitt
Helping Mary celebrate is
Elaine Newton, Pat Dickerson,
Ruth Reed and Connie Banks
Pat Montross celebrating with daughter
APRIL 2018
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
RESURRECTION OF
THE LORD/EASTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7:00 a.m Sunrise Service 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9 :00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship
LIONS CLUB CHOIR PRACTICE @ MILLER AUDITORIUM 7PM
7:00 p.m. Madonna Circle
EVENING GUILD 5:00 P.M
Choir practice 7:00 p.m.
7:00 P.M. Property & Finance Meeting
LIONS CLUB SHOW 7PM
World Day of Prayer
LIONS CLUB SHOW 7PM
SECOND SUNDAY OF
EASTER 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Holy Humor Sunday Fellowship/ Potluck 5:30 pm Confirmation
6:00 p.m. Hands to God
Choir practice 7:00 p.m.
JUGS 8:30 A.M
JUGS 8:30 A.M
THIRD SUNDAY OF
EASTER 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
8:30 a.m. Breakfast 9 :00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship 5:30 pm Confirmation
Choir practice 7:00 p.m.
JUGS 8:30 A.M
ALL CHURCH SPRING RETREAT “Growing in Christ”
FOURTH SUNDAY OF
EASTER 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 9 :00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship
5:30 pm Confirmation INSTALLATION SERVICE 3PM
STEEPLE DEADLINE
Calendar dates due
7:00 p.m. Session Meeting & Confirmation Class
Choir practice 7:00 p.m.
QUILT MUSEUM
DINNER & AUCTION
5-9PM
FIFTH SUNDAY OF
EASTER 29 30 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 9 :00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship 5:30 pm Confirmation & Banquet
First United Presbyterian Church
210 W. Green Street
Winterset, Iowa 50273
Phone: 515-462-3261
www.wintersetpresbyterian.org
MAY 2017 WORSHIP TIMES
Sunrise Service- 7:00 a.m.
Sunday School – 9:00 a.m.
Worship Service – 10:15 a.m.
