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November 2014
From the Pastor……..
As I get ready for this coming Sunday’s worship service I am reminded that life is full of “beginnings” “journeys” and “endings”. They overlap and move us along through our entire life. This Sunday we will baptize Lila Rae Brege who will begin the journey of faith and we will also bring new members into the church as they begin a new part of their life/faith journey. In a smaller way every morning we get up we begin a new journey for that day. There is always excitement at the start of a new journey. As I prepare for retirement there is a lot of excitement but, if I am honest, more than a little anxiety about what my life will look like when the shape of my life/faith journey changes. But I know I will not make this journey alone. Family and friends will help guide my life and accompany me on the new path.
As I am typing this article Judy (Judith) is telling Ethan, our grandson, about what we used to call the breakfast cereal that he is eating. A little thing yes, but it is also one generation sharing with another their life story and helping each other put life together in healing and positive ways. Not one of us journeys through life alone or makes it all up as we travel. We build our lives on the shoulders of millions of people that we do not know by name.
When Saul experienced the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus, he was almost immediately taken under the care of Ananias and spent time with the disciples at Damascus. That is, he was immediately taken into a Christian fellowship. He was taken into a community of faith and was helped to begin his journey. During his ministry, Paul always mentioned men and women who were helping him along the way. There are at least 35 different people in the Bible that are named as travel companions, co-workers, fellow prisoners and supporters. The names include Aquilla, Priscilla, Lydia, Andonicus, Demus, Erastus, Lucius, Junia, Onesimus, Barnabas, Epaphroditus, Tertius, Timothy, Gaius and the list goes on. Paul begins his letters with thanksgiving for all the saints. The letter to Rome is an example when he writes the following in his introduction. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. … that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers. ” We do not often think of these traveling companions of Paul, but he tells us that he could not make the journey without their help and support. These are women and men of faith who surrounded Paul in his life/faith journey. There are many more whose names will never be known.
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 125 WEST ONTARIO, PO BOX 237, ROGERS CITY, MI 49779 - PHONE: 989.734.3929 - EMAIL: [email protected]
Website: rcwpc.org
Paul could not have carried out his mission alone. Unlike the names of the Apostles, no one but the most ardent of Bible memorizers remember their names and few think about them much but they were important to the great Apostle Paul. My own faith journey has been greatly affected by names that few others know. Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Judy, Al, Josh, Joe, Kristin, Art, Baldoni, Connie, Ted, Tom, Merrill, Keith, Ginny, Betsy, Greg, Bill, Kathy, Sam, Anna… well you get the idea. I didn’t list any parishioners because the list would go on almost forever of those who touched my life and changed and supported my faith. The list goes on and on. Not one of us pulled ourselves up by our own bootstraps. We were all aided on our journey by hundreds if not thousands of others and our list of names can fill books.
Not only have many others touched and changed our lives whether they know it or not.
It is always easy to find fault, the speck in a sister or brother’s eye, because as we read Paul’s letters we know those churches like our own are not perfect. But, if one of the first thoughts of the day were to give thanks for “All the Saints” and pray for their faithfulness and peace how different our lives would be. Paul then closes his letters by wishing them God’s grace and peace.
Having just finished celebrating All Saints day and preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, let’s take a few minutes each day and go through the list of those who have passed our faith down to us and made our life’s journey easier. Teachers, family, neighbors, members of churches, pastors and many others helped us to become who we are today.
I think Thanksgiving will have deeper meaning if we give God thanks for all who have accompanied us on our journey, accompany us now and will accompany us in the future.
I close this letter with the words of Paul as he concludes his 1st letter to Corinth.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen”
Bob
Sweaters: Once again we will be displaying in the church the wonderful sweaters
that are made for those in need. This will take place on Sunday, November 23,
2014. Please bring any you may have done and thank you!
GPAA members go for the gold in Switzerland (The following article is taken from Gold Prospectors magazine, July/August 2014.)
Dear Editor,
My initial experience with unrefined gold was in the form of gold panning. In 2007, my wife, Jeanette,
and I traveled to Westerstede, Germany to see our new grandson, granddaughter and family as well as to meet
our daughters’ in-laws.
Our hosts were Christine and Eckhardt Luetzen, who are both doctors. Soon after our arrival, Eckhardt
informed me that we would be “gold wasching” the next morning. The term “gold wasching” in Europe refers
to panning and related activities as I was to learn and also that it was something requiring a certain amount of
skill. Eckhardt had salted a few samples and it did not take long before I was excited by the thought of
separating gold from soil and with that experience, was bit by the gold bug and ensuing gold fever.
Eckhardt, by that time, had prospected in Germany, Sweden, Italy, France, Switzerland and several
locations in the United States, including Alaska.
Upon our arrival back to the States, it wasn’t long before I was browsing the Internet on the subject of
prospecting and subsequently learned about and joined the Gold Prospectors Association of America. Further
searching provided information about gold in Michigan, and I was able to locate several spots in the upper
peninsula of Michigan with success in finding very fine gold.
In August, the Luetzens arrived in Rogers City, Michigan to prospect for gold in our state. We had
success in both the upper peninsula and northern lower Michigan, but not enough to “quit our day jobs.”
In September of 2013, Jeanette and I returned to Germany to visit family and respond to an invitation by
the Luetzens to accompany them on a gold wasching trip to Switzerland, where they had been several times.
Our trip was to take us to the Napf region and the Grosse Fontanne River. We stayed at a very nice hotel in
Wolhausen, Switzerland.
Several days of rain prior to our arrival caused the river to be difficult to work without waders and
impossible to cross without chest waders. Eckhardt and I spent a good portion of one day near Doppleschwand
on the Fontanne River. It was here that we met Toni Obertufer the owner of the gold wasch shop in Willisau.
Toni was conducting a gold panning, sluicing and prospecting class with a group of more than 30 youth
and adults. Eckhardt and I panned and sluiced here for several hours and found fine gold in the gravel of the
river. The gravel is primarily stones and sand from weathered conglomerate which make up the walls and
banks of the river. I found the high percentage of quartz stones to be of interest. Jeanette and Christine used the
time that day to visit local shops and “cause inflation” in Wolhausen.
The following day, the four of us worked a branch of the Fontanne River near Wolhausen, panning and
sluicing, and were rewarded with fine gold. We also purged the river of wire, nails and other hardware. We
found gold in the mud between layers of shale and in the moss on the riverbank as well as in various gravel
bars. It was indeed a pleasant and enjoyable day with our hosts.
Our time which Christine and Eckhardt and our experiences with them has been very joyful and will
remain with us always. We returned to Stuttgart, Germany to spend time with our grandchildren and family
prior to returning to the States.
Richard Long, GPAA member, Rogers City, Michigan
Richard and Jeanette Long are members of the GPAA since 2007.
Meet Your “Neighbor”……a new addition in the On Course
Let’s meet a neighbor……..
*We received word at the church this morning that Diane passed away very unexpectedly last
night (November 3). We are thankful for the time she spent with us here at WPC and for
letting us get to know her a little bit better through the “Meet Your Neighbor” article below.
Diane Monnier
Diane Monnier spends her time between Rogers City and Tucson, Arizona where she attends
Christ Church United Methodist and coordinates the Children’s Moments and serves on the
Preschool Council.
Diane lives on Evergreen Highway during the summer and looks forward to visits from her
three children and six grandchildren who live in Long Beach, California and the greater Denver,
CO area. A retired children’s public librarian, Diane is a member of the Friends of the Library
here in town.
Travel is her number one pastime, and she loves to share the blessings of her experiences with
anyone who will listen. Diane is fortunate to have visited 60 countries as well as all 50 states.
Plans for 2015 include the Amazon and the Galapagos as well as New Zealand, China and Tibet
before she returns to the beautiful shores of Lake Huron next summer.
Diane feels blessed to be so warmly welcomed by the Westminster family each summer.
Please consider jotting down how you came to Rogers City or Westminster and some other things about
yourself. We have so enjoyed this column monthly and would like to see it continue.
-------------------
Coming Soon!
Westminster Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 15, 2014
9:00 – 12:00 Noon Attention you crafty people, bakers, sewers,
woodworkers, etc. items are needed for the
bazaar. Donations may be brought in on Friday,
November 14, from 9:00-Noon and from 4:00-
7:00 p.m. Cookie platters will again be available and can be
preordered by contacting Circle 4.
WESTMINSTER PRAYS Use this in your prayer time for our Westminster family and loved ones. To include someone in the prayer list please make a note on
the “Attendance Registration” pad or email us at [email protected]. We normally print names for one month.
PRAYERS
Westminster Members
For Sara Johnson, Jackie Fairbank’s niece, who is having cancer surgery and has just had a new baby.
For Alan & Eileen Pines, Heather and Sara on the loss of their mother/grandmother, Vera Basel.
For Judy Paradise, recovering from surgery at home.
For Ed and Shirley Kreft as they mourn the loss of Ed’s brother, Eugene Kreft. Memorial Service will be held
on Friday, October 3.
For Joyce Florip and family as they mourn the loss of husband, father, Mark.
Continued healing for Larry and Phyllis Syrett, Al Parris and Ed Kreft.
Prayers for Friends and Family
For Vic Kuhlman, son-in-law of Royden & Marci Schefke, for recovery following surgery.
For Bob, cousin of Gail Stoutenburg, healing following open heart surgery.
For Chip Lavely for healing following recent surgery.
For Joel Petz, brother-in-law of Art & Beth Getzinger and Don McLennan, undergoing treatments for cancer.
Prayers for Pastor Sam and Anna Wright as they mourn the loss of their son Steve.
Prayers for Cindy Streich, sister of Kerry, Molly and Becky, as she receives cancer treatment.
Prayers for Anna Wright as she undergoes cancer treatment.
For Lori Hincka Chenoweth, Gordon Barg, Jackie Bosch Fulekey, Audrey Gordon Schepler and Paul
Smolinski, all undergoing treatment for cancer.
Prayers for those in the Military
Prayers for those who are less mobile
Doras Hornbacher, Margaret Main, Mary Rodewald, Marion Graberstein
Memorials
Memorial Fund
In memory of Frank & Mildred Sager
To honor their 75th
Anniversary by Allen R. Sager
In memory of Mark Florip by Urlene Cousineau Owen & Marion Lamb
Jane Ann Geyer
Ed & Shirley Kreft
Dick & Donna Peacock
Elizabeth & Roger Fleming
David & Jeanne Howard
Gary & Paula Pietsch
Ronald & Kathleen Idalski
James & Ann Florip
Donn & Jeri Eldridge
David & Margaret Florip
Pauline Henry
In Memory of Mark Florip continued: Ken & Sue Geyer
Brenda & Mac Lamp
Mike & Ann Lynch &
Ruth Lynch Bidwell
Andrew & Jane Centala
Alice Lamp
Ester Santino
Anonymous Donors
Susan Mertz
Jerry & Joan Badgero
Royden & Marci Schefke
Harry & Betty Whiteley
Kathleen Kowalski
Richard & Jeanette Long
Capital Fund
In Memory of Earl Fairbanks & Mark Florip by Beach & Kellie Hall
In Memory of Mark Florip by Ken & Barb Rasche
General Fund
In Memory of Frank & Mildred Sager by Allen R. Sager
In Memory of Mark Florip by Betty Claus
Choir Fund
In Memory of Mark Florip by Richard & Jeanette Long
Let’s Brunch! November 16, 2014 12:30 p.m. Where? To Be Determined! Please watch the Sunday bulletin for more details. Sign up sheet will be on the desk in the narthex.
All are welcome to join this fun bunch at brunch!
◄ October ~ November 2014 ~ December ►
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 9:45 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir 11:00 am Worship 12:00 noon Cong. Meeting 12:00 noon Coffee Hour 3:00 pm AA Meet
3 10:00 am Worship Com 8:00 pm AA Meeting
4 3:00 pm Girl Scouts 4133 5:30 pm Women’s AA 5:30 pm Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm Deacons
5 9:30 am Food Pantry
6 9:00 am TOPS 1160 3:30 pm Pounds Aweigh
7
8
9 New Members 9:45 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir 11:00 am Worship 12:00 am Coffee Hour 3:00 pm AA Meet
10 7:00 pm Finance Com. 8:00 pm AA Meeting
11 3:00 pm Girl Scouts 4551 5:30 pm Adult Bible Study 5:30 pm Women’s AA 7:00 pm Session
12 9:30 am Circle I
13 9:00 am TOPS 1160 3:30 pm Pounds Aweigh
14 Bring in Bazaar Items 9:00-Noon and 4:00-7:00
15 Bazaar 9:00-Noon
16 9:45 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir 11:00 am Worship 12:30 pm Let’s Brunch 3:00 pm AA Meet
17 8:00 pm AA Meeting
18 3:00 pm Girl Scouts 4133 5:30 pm Adult Bible Study 5:30 pm Women’s AA
19 9:30 am Food Pantry
20 9:00 am TOPS 1160 3:30 pm Pounds Aweigh
21
22
23 9:45 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir 11:00 am Worship 12:00 noon Coffee Hour 3:0 pm AA Meet
24 8:00 pm AA Meeting
25 5:30 pm Adult Bible Study 5:30 pm Women’s AA
26 7:00 pm Circle IV
27 THANKSGIVING 9:00 am TOPS 1160 3:30 pm Pounds Aweigh
29
30 9:45 am Sunday School 10:00 am Choir 11:00 am Worship 12:00 noon Coffee Hour 3:0 pm AA Meet
Notes:
Church Office Hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
SERVANTS IN WORSHIP Communion
November 2, 2014 Barb Rasche/Marci Schefke
Liturgists
November 2, 2014 Dave Nadolsky
November 9, 2014 Bill Hanson
November 16, 2014 Marcia Tuma
November 23, 2014 Beach Hall
November 30, 2014 Hannah Viegelhan
Greeters
November 2, 2014 Ray, Cheryl, Nina & Violet Hanson
November 9, 2014 Emil & Molly Zielaskowski & Mike Grulke
November 16, 2014 Don McLennan, Jackie Poch, Geri Andrzejewski
November 23, 2014 Kerry & Hannah Viegelahn, Claire Storms
November 30, 2014 Gail Stoutenburg, Carol Lyberg & Peg Redes
Children’s Time Leaders
November 2, 2014 Pastor Bob
November 9, 2014 Pastor Bob
November 16, 2014 Pastor Bob
November 23, 2014 Pastor Bob
November 30, 2014 Pastor Bob
Acolyte
November 2, 2014 No Acolyte November 9, 2014 Hailyn Clark
November 16, 2014 Brody Clark
November 23, 2014 Andrew Pettit
November 30, 2014 Jadyn Hanson
Coffee Hour
November 2, 2014 Bill Hanchett & Elaine Mayer
November 9, 2014 Doris Sabin & Carole Erickson
November 16, 2014 Let’s Brunch
November 23, 2014 Marcia Tuma
November 30, 2014 Beach & Kellie Hall
Counters
November 2, 2014 Becky Hanson & George & Joan Smart
November 9, 2014 Jerry & Marcia Tuma, Barb Rasche
November 16, 2014 Richard & Jeanette Long & Sadie Lucas
November 23, 2014 Lois Allum & Owen & Marion Lamb
November 30, 2014 Barb Rasche and Pat Erfurdt
WESTMINSTER LEADERSHIP
Ministers All of our Members [email protected]
Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. H. Robert Case [email protected]
Organist Ann Bennett [email protected]
Choir Director Karl Heidemann
Church Secretary Linda Scranton [email protected]
On Course Editor Becky Hanson
Clerk of Session Beth Getzinger
Church Historian Kay Morrill
ELDERS
Elders, Class of 2014 Gail Stoutenburg Mission
Marci Schefke Christian Education Co/Chair
Barb Rasche Membership, Fellowship & Outreach
Elders, Class of 2015 Beth Getzinger Clerk
George Smart Stewardship & Finance
Ann Bennett Christian Education Co/Chair
Elders, Class of 2016 Owen Lamb Building & Grounds
Jeanette Long Worship & Music
Don McLennan Personnel
DEACONS
Deacons, Class of 2014 Deacons, Class of 2015 Deacons Class of 2016
Vonnie Gleason Joyce Lewis Pat Erfurdt
Kathy Hogan Carol Lyberg Marcia Tuma
Molly Zielaskowski Joan Smart Dawn Simpson
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PO BOX 237
125 WEST ONTARIO STREET
ROGERS CITY MI 49779
