First Presbyterian Church Volume XVVV Number 10 October th Avenue, Kearney, NE (308)

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1 First Presbyterian Church Volume XVVV Number 10 October th Avenue, Kearney, NE (308) PASTOR Rev. Dr. Stephen Price-Gibson SESSION Clerk: Scott Matteson ELDERS 2013 Steve Case Doug Giles Patricia Hild Steve Miller 2014 Shirley McCammond John McKirahan Ben Nonhof Lissa Woodruff 2015 Nathan Badgley Heidi Cobb Jacob Hild Steve Rothenberger DEACONS 2013 Tim Hanson Jean Johnson Mary Jo Morrow Carol Smith Julia Tye 2014 Kit Alff Robin Bowers Mike Bryson Sally Olsen Dirk Shultz 2015 Richard Asher Jill Gealy Dwayne Hibbs Bev Pickens Paulette Wagner COMMITTEE CHAIRS Christian Education Heidi Cobb Congregational Life John McKirahan Evangelism Lissa Woodruff Finance Steve Case Memorial Steve Rothenberger Mission Pat Hild Nominating Steve Case and Pat Hild Personnel Doug Giles Property & Grounds Steve Miller Worship & Music Shirley McCammond 140TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION MEMORIES SHARED THE BLUE APPLE You asked about the "Bite a Blue Apple" sermon. I gave that sermon on my first Sunday in the Kearney pulpit, November 8, It was my way of saying that while blue apples look different they are still OK to bite. The taste is the same no matter the outward appearance. I was trying to say to the good folks of the Kearney Presbyterian Church that there were some new things on the horizon but not to be afraid of the new. The Gospel message was still the same but perhaps shared a little differently than they were used to. I hope during my 11 years in Kearney I was able to help folks embrace the new. I think the decision to leave the old building and start afresh is a good example of embracing the new. In all honesty there were times when I wondered what God had in mind when He led me to Kearney. I came to realize that what I was called to do was help facilitate the move to a new location. Perhaps you are not aware that I submitted my PIF to the Kearney search committee at the suggestion of the Synod Mission Consultant. I said that Nebraska was not on my radar! She insisted and so I sent the material to Joe Sajtar, the chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee. The committee had already voted not to receive any more PIFs when mine arrived. They had already decided to present to the congregation the person who submitted his PIF first. When mine arrived and they voted to read mine, it became a choice between the first person and the last person (me). I got the call! Jim and Barb Cobb

2 A NOTE FROM STEPHEN: Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itselef but the wrod as a wlohe. If you are still with me, let me assure you that I don t entirely agree with the conclusions about the research at that English University. Spelling does matter. Correct spelling makes it easier to understand the writer s meaning, and it also shows respect for the reader. Those who pour over newsletters and church bulletins looking for bloopers have been compared to the fish that are bottom feeders in lakes and ponds, but the water would not be fresh and clear without them. Still, there is an important point to learn from this letter s opening paragraph. It proves that we can accomplish our goals even if we make mistakes. The illusion of perfection is possible in print, but not in life. We all make mistakes. We all do things that have to be done even though we know that we cannot do them perfectly. We have a lot of things to do in First Presbyterian Church. We must worship God; we must teach the faith to our children, not neglecting our own lifelong task of spiritual growth; create a warm and welcoming congregation; maintain the building and grounds; reach out to the community in compassionate outreach; and not forget to pray and act for the whole world as often and as well as we can. Guess what: we can do none of these things without mistakes. Only this is certain: nothing will get done if we only set out to do the things we know we can do perfectly. Personally, I find a lot of comfort in the thought I wish I knew who said it first that God does not call the equipped, God equips the called. It is in this sense that I am also a great fan of the words of the great English Christian writer G. K. Chesterton: If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly. For example, when an apology is called for, a poorly worded apology is better than no apology at all. Whether we are about to bring in the harvest, or at the beginning of a new school year, or want to take steps to bring our lives more closely into line with what God has shown us in Jesus Christ, we must not let our fear of making mistakes keep us from doing the things we have to do. Together, guided and equipped by the Holy Spirit, we will do these things, as long as we do not make the mistake of trying to be perfect. God has prepared things for us to do (Ephesians 2:10 look it up!) as individuals and as First Presbyterian Church. They will not get done if we insist on being fussier than God. Stephen Price-Gibson OCTOBER IS

3 ALL IN THE CHURCH FAMILY Congratulations: Worship & Music Committee s recognition for special services to our congregation for OCTOBER are Allene Gimeson and Lorraine Feind for their service in the kitchen for so long in helping with funeral dinners. Thank Yous: Dear Members of First Presbyterian Church, What a wonderful surprise to learn your church chose TeamMates to bless with the proceeds of your Pentecost Offering. We are very honored you thought of us. We will use the money to help pay for materials we will use this winter when mentors and students participate in Real Colors a personality exploration activity. The gift of money is important in providing activities so our mentors and students can become good friends. The most important gift that can be given to a TeamMate student is time. If any of your members have a heart for mentoring, please have them contact me. We have a great need for mentors this year. Thank You, Deb Eickhoff, TeamMate Coordinator Sympathy to: Royal Jester and Family with the death of Betty Jo Jester on Wednesday, September 18, Betty s memorial service will be on Saturday, September 28 at 9:30 a.m. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX November 18-25, 2013 You often hear us use the phrase the power of a simple gift. That describes Operation Christmas Child in a nutshell. Last year, we delivered over 9 million gift-filled shoe boxes that brought smiles to the face of hurting children in places like earthquake-devastated Haiti and war-scarred Sudan. Beyond the boxes themselves, these tangible expressions of God s love open doors for us to share the greatest gift He offers the gift of the Savior, Jesus Christ. We praise God for the harvest of faith that is already taking place through our follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. Boys and girls in dozens of countries are becoming faithful followers of Jesus and telling others the Good News. As we prepare to collect shoe box gifts this Christmas, please keep in prayer the children who will be receiving our gifts and learning about God s Son. Make up your own shoebox. Shoeboxes and brochures are available in the Narthex. Items you can include in your shoebox are: School Supplies, Hygiene Items, Toys, Hard Candy, T- shirts, Small Stuffed Animals, etc. For more information, go to

4 CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS A NOTE FROM THE REV. JOHN F. WELLS, JR., PASTOR Author of The First Hundred Years A History of the First United Presbyterian Church (1973) NINETEEN FORTY-ONE One of the ways we are commemorating our congregation s 140 year history is with a monthly excerpt from The First Hundred Years A History of the First United Presbyterian Church (1973), written by the Rev. John F Wells, Jr., Pastor ( ). Copies of this informative congregational history can be found in the church library. This month s excerpt (from pp ) is an account of the church s activities in The year was notable for a new pastor, on-going building and financial concerns, and what happened in the church and in the world on the first Sunday of December. The pastor-seeking committee was formed early in October with Ludvick Johnson as chairman. By the end of the year they had completed their work and were ready to recommend the Rev. Paul Calhoun for the church s next pastor. Mr. Calhoun was just twenty-nine years old but had served well at Winfield, Iowa. He came to preach for the congregation on January 19, 1941, and the call was issued after a unanimous vote was recorded. The first year of Mr. Calhoun s ministry found us still very busy paying off our indebtedness and making improvements to the building that had been long delayed for lack of funds. Coal stokers were added to the church and to the manse, with financial help from the Ladies Auxiliary. Railings along the front steps were added, and a new roof was contemplated. The final compromise was a roof repair job with a four year guarantee. The building had been broken into in late 1940, so tighter requirements went into effect about having adult supervision at every church event. Mr. T. H. Bolte, of the first automobile fame, donated an acousticon system to the church for helping the hard of hearing. Young people under the direction of Julia DeYoung volunteered to repair the old hymnals until 200 new ones could be purchased at $1.00 each the following year. The debt reduction was considerably helped when a gift of $2,250 came from Mrs. Annette Harris. Many money-raising efforts were tried, and entertainment of groups and conventions absorbed a great deal of energy. Some of those accommodated were: the county W.C.T.U., the D.A.R. state convention, the Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, the state music contest, and the dinner for the men of the church. Sugar rationing had begun before the end of 1941 to curtail some of these activities. Lingering evidence of the depression shows in our records when we read of the W. P. A. having a program going for redecorating our gymnasium. Interest in utilizing the gym for our own church purposes caused us to reserve the gym for our own basketball schedule on Saturday nights. Mr. Calhoun s administration started off with new committee assignments, and a reduction of the session to twelve elders with a mandatory retirement after one term in office. Communion was held on December 7, 1941; new members were received, five children were baptized. Then the congregation went home to receive news on the radio that afternoon of Pearl Harbor.

5 WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY NEWS Greetings to each of you. This month the Women s Bible Study Circles are studying the second lesson from Exodus, God s Call to Serve. Moses was called to serve his people and we also are called by God to serve. On October 10 Pastor Stephen will have the lesson preview. The Ruth Circle will meet on October 15 at 1:30 pm and the B.A.G. Ladies will meet at 5:30 pm on October 16. Plan to join a circle this year. Thanks for your support of the School Emergency Fund in September, both the sweat pants that were purchased and the money given for the treasury. The steering committee voted to give the organization $ in addition to the sweat pants. In October we are remembering the Salvation Army with canned vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, baby items (no tear shampoo, lotion, wash cloths, and diapers). In addition we are contributing $ to them also. The Horizons Bible Study book, An Abiding Hope - The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy is now available in the church office to all circle members. Cost is $8.00 each. Happy Fall! Annabelle Wells Dates to remember are: October 10 Lesson Two Preview at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Stephen in Classroom October 15 Ruth Circle at 1:30 p.m. in Classroom Oct0ber 16 B.A.G. Ladies Circle at 5:30 p.m. in Classroom WHAT S ON THE BOOKSHELF? In Prayer is Good Medicine (09 A Dos), Larry Dossey, M.D. shows us how to reap the healing benefits of prayer. With the elegance of simplicity and the precision of science, Dossey shows us how we can create a lasting partnership between faith and medicine - Deepak Chopra, M.D. In his introduction, Dossey states that Doctors are taking prayer not just into their offices, clinics, and hospitals, but into experimental laboratories as well. Where the Wild Rose Blooms (09 C Wi) by Lori Wick is a love story set in the early West. In the high mountains of Colorado, Clayton Taggart dreams of the day when he can leave the rough life of a mine surveyor to become a teacher. In the midst of his plans, he meets Jackie Fontaine, a newcomer from the East whose strong-willed spirit causes friction from the start. Check one: When I listen to God, my mind is _ closed _cloudy _cluttered _committed. Charles Stanley gives biblical guidelines for distinguishing God s Voice from the imitator s voice in How to Listen to God (09 E Sta). Stanley also shares personal lessons in listening from his own life. Do we select what we want to listen to and ignore what we need to hear? SAVE LABELS FOR CASH Please save your Best Choice labels (UPC symbol) and bring them to the church where a box will be located in the church office. For every 1,000 labels we will receive $30. Best Choice products are available at Grand Central Apple Market. Some Best Choice products excluded are aluminum soda cans, aerosol cans, and cigarettes. Thank you!

6 WEDDING COORDINATOR Barb Friskopp will be resigning as wedding coordinator at the end of October in order to undertake new tasks. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve. The last scheduled wedding of the year is October 19th, so if you would like to practice, please contact Barb at or bfriskopp@rcom-ne.com for more information. PRIME OF LIFE Sunday, October 20 6:00 p.m. Prime of Life will be held Sunday, October 20 at 6:00 p.m. We ll enjoy a light dessert, fellowship and a short program. Everyone age 55 or older is enthusiastically invited to join the group. Please contact Barb Friskopp at or bfriskopp@rcom-ne.com for more information. CHIMES DEADLINE Just a reminder if you would like something published in The Chimes, the church s monthly newsletter, deadline is the 20th of each month. Thank you! SPREAD THE WARMTH Tree of Warmth has been renamed Spread the Warmth. The mission is the same to provide warm mittens, scarves, socks, throws, blankets, etc. We are also asking a little earlier this year so the recipients of our warmth are provided for before the bitter cold of winter. Items will be delivered to The S.A.F.E. Center early in November. Thank You. Sally Olsen and Jean Johnson, Board of Deacons The S.A.F.E. Center s wish list: Neutral-colored curtains for Shelter Laundry soap and Dryer sheets Batteries New Bed Pillows and Mattress pads Laundry Baskets and Hampers Household cleaners and Dish soap Sets of dishes, glasses and silverware Towels and washcloths New packages of underwear and socks (Toddlers through Adult sizes) Old cell phones and chargers Gas vouchers, Stamps, and Phone cards Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, and Make-up Children s shampoo Paper towels and Toilet paper Feminine products Diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6) Training pants/pull ups (all sizes) New door locks The S.A.F.E. Center s Dream List: Car, Van, or small SUV to transport clinics TV advertising Supplies for mobile displays Billboard advertising Funds for staff training New outdoor S.A.F.E. Center office sign Storage is very limited for large items like furniture. Please call ahead for approval. Clean and gently used donated items are accepted.

7 COFFEE HOSTS If you are one of the many who have enjoyed the coffee fellowship time after church, then WE WANT YOU! Coffee hosts are being sought for the remaining Sundays. Please sign up on the chart in front of the Family Life Center doors. You can not only serve God but also have an AWESOME time doing it. Homemade items are not required! What is required is someone who wants to have a great time. Thank you, The Congregation Life Committee MEN S BIBLE STUDY The Men s Morning Bible Study meets every Monday morning at 7:00 a.m. After a light breakfast, we study and discuss the Bible passages and the study questions listed in the study guide. We try to finish by 8:00 a.m. so that those who are still working may join us as well. All men of the church are welcome to attend!! PEACEMAKING OFFERING When the Peacemaking Offering is given, 25% remains in Kearney. The Peacemaking Offering was set up in a way to encourage all levels of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to work for peace. Each congregation is invited to find ways to promote peace within the congregation and within the community. For that reason, our church will retain 25 percent of the Offering we receive and the Mission Committee will make the decision where the 25% of this year s offering will be donated. Another 25% goes to our Presbytery or Synod and the remaining 50% goes to the General Assembly for peacemaking involvement throughout the world. Join us on October 6 th as our church celebrates World Communion Sunday and as we commit to being instruments of the peace we find in Christ. Come ready to give genereously to the Peacemaking Offering Mission Committee SAVE GENERAL MILLS BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION AND CAMPBELL S LABELS FOR EDUCATION The Mission Committee would like you to know that the Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is collecting General Mills Box Tops for Education and Campbell's Labels for Education (UPC product code and Labels for Education coupons). This program helps them "buy" classroom supplies. Most recently the school acquired a video/data projector for use in their science classrooms, as well as musical instruments, maps, globes, and sports equipment. The school is a project that we have donated Dimes for Mission to in the past. One of our former members, Ima Stapleman, worked for the school for a period of time. A collection box will be placed in the church office.

8 Taize Worship Service Sunday, October 13, :00 p.m. A TAIZE Worship Service will be held the Second Sunday of each month The TAIZE Community was first developed in Taize, France by Brother Roger Shutz in the 1940 s with an ecumenical group of church people from all over the world. It is from this community that TAIZE worship has come. Our faith begins and ends in worship; yet so often our worship can be submerged in a welter of instruction, edification and moral exhortation. In many churches on a Sunday morning there is little opportunity for corporate quiet, for reflection, for focusing in on the God who speaks to us in the silence of our hearts. The great contribution made by the TAIZE Community has been the popularization of a more contemplative approach to worship. TAIZE worship includes candlelight, prayers, readings, soft music, and silence. The service is very meditative and offers a wonderful opportunity to be silent and center on the Lord. The service is open to the entire community. Come as you are and bring your friends. FUNDRAISER AND SILENT AUCTION For United Campus UNK $7.00 per Person 4 for $25 & under Age 4 Free All You Can Eat-9 Belgian Waffles 7 Different Flavored Syrups Sausage & Drinks With SILENT AUCTION ITEMS Hundreds of crafts, gift cards, products and services donated by area businesses and individuals for you to bid on. When: October 6, 2013 Time: 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Where: First United Methodist Church 4500 Linden Drive, Kearney For more information contact--laura or laura@ucmunk.org UCM is sponsored by: First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian, Disciple of Christ, And United Church of Christ Churches of Nebraska

9 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS October 2 December 4 6:00-7:30 p.m. We're talking about the time of year when Wednesday Night activities begin to meet again each Wednesday evening. Wednesday Night Kickoff October :30 p.m. Light supper of soup provided. 6:00-7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study Eldin Wells, Teacher 3RD GRADERS BIBLE PRESENTATION OCTOBER 13 10:30 A.M. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Middle School and High School Youth Group Bible Study SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE We had a great Kick-Off on Sunday, September 8th. Thank you to everyone who attended and a big thanks to Lorraine Fiend and Heidi Cobb for helping me out with prep and clean up. Our first Sunday with classroom time was September 15th and we had another great turnout. Some friendly reminders; please fill out and turn in an enrollment form and picture release form if you haven't yet. Youth Sunday School begins in classroom 11 with fellowship at 9:00 am, and PreK-5th grade students return to classroom 11 after class. Parents, guardians or older siblings can pick up students at 10:25 a.m. Amanda Badgley

10 SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE Adult classes Bible 103 DVD series/current issues Youth Fellowship (Room 11) (snacks and drinks provided) Preschool (age 3-5 years)-high School Youth Classes Preschool (age 3-5 years)-1st grade 2nd & 3rd grade 4th & 5th grade Middle School and High School Post Sunday School (Parent(s) Pick Up Children) Preschool-5th grade (please pick up children by 10:25 a.m.) 9:00-10:00 a.m. Steve Miller John McKirahan 9:00-9:15 a.m. 9:15-10:15 a.m. Alan Rees Lynette Cobb Paulette Wagner Jack Hild 10:15-10:25 a.m.

11 OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESBYTERY WORKSHOPS Conflict Transformation Skills Saturday, October 5 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Westminster United Presbyterian Church, 109 North Colorado, Minden, NE Cost: $15.00 per person Deadline: Monday, September 30 Leadership is provided by the Lombard trained mediators of the Presbytery of Central Nebraska. Healthy Congregations Friday, November 1-Saturday, November 2 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. -- Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. -- Saturday First Presbyterian Church, 621 North Lincoln, Hastings, NE Cost: $50.00 per person Deadline: Thursday, October 24 A key concept at the heart of this workshop is self-differentiation, people s capacity to calmly articulate what they think and value, and to act on that basis, while staying in active relationship with those who disagree. This is crucial training for both clergy and congregation members. Call the Presbytery Office at to preregister for these workshops so materials will be available. ANNOUNCING BOB HOUSER S RETIREMENT Bob Houser, General Presbyter, will retire after 42 years of service on December 31, The Presbytery of Central Nebraska would like to thank Bob for his years of service to this presbytery and to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. As a way to show our appreciation the Presbytery will have an informal reception at the Presbytery meeting and a formal reception closer to his retirement date. INFORMAL RECEPTION Saturday, October 26 (at the Presbytery meeting) 12:00 pm First Presbyterian Church, 1901 West Leota, North Platte, NE FORMAL RECEPTION Sunday, December 29 3:00 pm 5:00 pm First Presbyterian Church, th Avenue, Kearney, NE For those who are unable to attend either reception, you may send a note of appreciation or thanks to: Attention: Robert Houser Retirement, Presbytery of Central Nebraska, th Avenue, Suite 28, Kearney NE The Presbytery office will be collecting letters and cards between now and December 17th. We will pass on the notes of appreciation to Bob at the formal reception on December 29th.

12 OCTOBER VOLUNTEER LIST LITURGISTS October 6 Carol Smith October 13 October 20 Richard Elliott October 27 Jill Gealy ACOLYTES October 6 Brian & Christopher Barua October 13 Callie Collins and Lauren Dillon October 20 Ethan Kinney October 27 Carol & Raygan Wright GREETERS October 6 Tim & Ivy Hanson October 13 John & Barb Icenogle October 20 Kent & JoAnn Lilly October 27 Larry & Barb Meyer COFFEE HOSTS October 6 October 13 Bev Gustafson and Suzzie Bresley October 20 Stewardship Lunch October 27 Peggi Jenkins HOSPITAL CALLERS Sept. 29-Oct. 5 Judy Rothenberger October 6-12 Pat Hild October Carol Smith October JoAnn Lilly Oct. 27-Nov. 2 Karen Diestler USHERS October 6 Beth Johnson Jean Johnson Mary Jo Morrow Gayle & Wilma Woodruff Ann Young October 13 Richard & Sandy Asher Ron & Diane Panowicz Sara Sup Julie Tye October 20 Tim & Ivy Hanson Vern Plambeck Eldin & Annabelle Wells Shawni Wright October 27 Dwayne & Vianne Anderson John & Barb Icenogle Earl & JoAnn Rademacher November 3 Leonard & Sue DeBrie Alan Rees Robert & Evelyn Vohland Lissa Woodruff October 6 COMMUNION SERVERS Alma Gaeth Dean Gaeth Bev Gustafson John Gustafson Bev Pickens Charlie Pickens FLOWERS October 6 Jean Henke October 13 Mike Tye October 20 June McConnell October 27 Mary Kulhanek REMINDER If your schedule does not permit you to be here on your assigned Sunday, please trade with someone else and notify the church office at

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14 First Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Organization th Avenue U.S. POSTAGE PAID Kearney, NE Kearney, NE Permit #6 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES October 6 World Communion - Peacemaking Offering October 13 Bible Presentation to 3 rd Graders October 20 Stewardship Lunch November 3 Seminary Sendoff Fundraiser Following 10:30 a.m. Worship Service

15 OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Suzzie Bresley /2 Bev Gustafson /2 Ella Lindstrom /2 Hewitt Moyer /3 Rodger Payne /3 Jada Byrn /5 Don Gimeson /5 Jayne Brunke-Proskocil /6 Ann Walker /6 Ken Slominski /8 Gage Townsend /9 McKenna Regenos /13 Julia Tye /13 Fia Feese /16 Natalie Regenos /16 Jamie Czarnek /19 Gordon Gealy /19 Sean Nicol /20 Kelley Jordan /22 Sierra Nonhof /22 Stephen Price-Gibson /23 Annabelle Wells /23 Dean Gaeth /25 Brenda Lindstrom /26 Vianne Anderson /28 Lydia Tye /28 Ben Tye /29 Diane Panowicz /30 If your birthday is not on our list, please contact the church office. Thanks!

16 SEMINARY SENDOFF Fundraiser for Tommy and Relena Myers Family November 3, 2013 Following the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Greetings Friends at First Presbyterian Kearney: We are so blessed to have such a caring Church community. When we lived in Kearney and were able to attend First Presbyterian regularly we were happy to assist with the preschool Sunday school class. In 2009, we felt God leading us to serve in Quebec as Christian camp directors. While completing our mission in Canada we were blessed to make many life-long friends. Our work included teaching God s Word to children and youth. The summer staff comprised mostly of young adults years is with whom we spent a majority of our time in the summer, leading them to lead the younger ones. Throughout the fall, winter and early spring months our services were mainly to Church, family and youth groups for their retreats. Last year (2012) proved a great adventure for our little family. In January, our beloved son, Toby, turned 5 years old and our precious daughter, Ryanna, was born. Then, in March, Tommy began testing and treatments for Multiple Sclerosis/Neuromyelitis Optica. We moved back to the United States in June We were so blessed to have the opportunities to visit and assist at several Christian camps (Homeward Trail near Mason City, Nebraska; Camp Rock near Bridgeport, Nebraska; Camp Joy near Alma, Nebraska; and Camp Victory near Pierre, South Dakota) all in an effort to hear God s voice in exactly where He wanted to plant us. Throughout 2012 we were praying and listening to understand what we were to do next. God has blessed us in so many ways. One of those blessings was for each of us to be raised in Christian homes. Our parents and grandparents served as good examples for us to raise our children. We grew up knowing Jesus loved us. Many years ago, we wrote this Family Mission Statement "To live life fully on the path God intended us with excitement and passion; and enjoyment of community and each other's company, thoughts, emotions and ideas; encouraged through openness and expression of love in understanding compassion and support of one another. To share our God given gifts, talents, and thoughts through example and love to help others without expectation or personal gain." We believe our personal relationships with God have been paths climbed up mountains and carried through valleys and will continue to develop and change throughout our lives. We believe that several events have shaped and added to our personal relationships with God. In 2009, professionally things changed for us. We learned more about God s purpose for us. (Tommy) Growing up, my grandfather, displayed many little things that added up to many big things that modeled my impressions and understanding of God, salvation, Christian community, compassion, and a personal relationship with Christ. Camp at Homeward Trail was imperative to my personal growth and relationship with God. Without that experience I would not be the person I am today. I'm glad that I have learned to recognize people in my life that are good for me and those that were not good for me. I believe that God lead me to distinguish between the two and has lead me to my belief statements and values. I feel that it was God's hand that guided me and now my way of giving thanks to the good works He has created in my life is by supporting my wife's outdoor ministry and helping others.

17 (Relena) I discovered that for 10+ years I was off my purpose path. Even though, I had developed a personal relationship with Christ, I was not fulfilling my purpose professionally. The two were not comingled. So, I began on the path to develop my personal relationship with God to further understand what he wants me to do professionally. We both feel God s peace in the out-of-doors and Christian camp was one of those places that helped us each to grow closer in our relationships with Jesus. We believe that God s hand has guided us on our incredible journey through life. We don t have all the answers but we know that if we each use the gifts God has generously given each of us with the mission, vision and goals directing us, we will succeed in our purpose. We are thankful to walk on these paths of finding spiritual leadership, purpose and working with committed, generous, talented individuals along the way. In our experience God s outdoor creation has fostered our discovery, growth, and renewal of our personal relationships with our Lord Jesus. In this we have found a way to help others to find that peace and joy that only a personal relationship with Him can bring. We continue to pray that we will be blessed to walk the path of purpose that He created us to do. We are excited to be embarking on a new adventure. We know we were made to serve God and His people through camp ministry. Tommy was hired at the newest Cabela s Lone Tree in south Denver at Ridge Gate starting June 29 th, Relena was accepted to Denver Seminary to complete a master s degree in Family/Outdoor Leadership Ministry. Together we are starting a new ministry for children, youth, and families in the south Denver area. Peace and Joy Ministries will be offering Christian outdoor experiential learning programs for children and youth 2-16 years. In October 2013, Tommy will have medical insurance and we will begin retesting for an accurate diagnosis. Will you pray for us? Specific prayer requests: 1. Tommy continue his smooth transition at Cabela s and for his health. 2. Relena to have successful learning at Denver Seminary. 3. For the success of the starting of Peace & Joy Ministries. 4. For Toby and Ryanna to have patience and form lasting friendships. Thank you for your time, thoughts and prayers. With hope, peace and joy, Tommy, Relena, Toby, and Ryanna Myers If people are not able to attend this fundraiser, they may send donations to the church office. Please put Seminary Sendoff Fundraiser in the memo line on the check. Money raised from the dinner will go toward Relena s seminary education expenses. Baked Ham Homemade Scalloped Potatoes Green Beans Homemade Pies MENU Turkey with Dressing Pineapple/Cranberry Jello Salad Rolls