Westminster Witness Glenn Ave. Sioux City, IA

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1 September 2014 Our Mission Statement The mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church is to recognize that Christ is the head of the church. We are to be servants of God. We are not to think more of ourselves than others. Let each of us look not only to our own interests but humbly to the interests of others. We all have gifts that differ let us use Let us overcome our own disappointments and dislikes with constructive action. Westminster Witness them. Let us speak the truth in love and let love be genuine. Worship 10:30am Coffee 11:30 am Communion Served Sept. 7th Church E:mail Church Website westminstersiouxcity.org 2915 Glenn Ave. Sioux City, IA Rev. Dr. John Pehrson, Pastor E:mail Cell phone # SUNDAY SEPT. 7 th Our Fall Schedule Returns Sunday School 9:00 am Worship Hour 10:30 am Come join us as we gather together to Leap into Learning and start our Fall Sunday School schedule once again. This year we will be using the Grow, Proclaim, Serve curriculum once again. Our first stories will be from the book of Genesis and Psalms. We will again be gathering each week at 9:00 am. We will have a joint story/video time for those age 3 years 5 th grade and then divide into smaller age leveled groups for activities. Volunteers are always welcome in Sunday School. If you would like to help just let us know The Jr/Sr High and the adults begin their classes at 9:15 am also. Judy Pehrson will be leading the adults this fall with a study of the book of Revelation. Pam Pfautsch will have the Jr/Sr High group as they continue their study of The Story. Children s Church will also restart on Sunday, Sept. 7 th during the worship hour. The children will stay in worship with their families through the Children s Message and then go back to their room where they will have a short worship service specifically designed for their level. We will then add in some activities that expand upon our lesson that morning from Sunday School, the season, etc. If you would like to help in Children s Church you need to be in 6 th grade or higher. We would like to have 1 teenager helping each week. It would also be nice to have a list of adults who are willing to help on a Sunday when attendance is high. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board now for helpers. 1

2 Dear Friends, The earliest and simplest declaration of the Christian faith is the statement, Jesus is Lord. This statement is still the most basic confession uniting all Christians as one people serving one Lord. Despite all the differences which often divide people of faith, it is important to constantly be reminded of our unity as brothers and sisters in Christ. I bring this up because so often we human beings seem to have an innate desire to divide, and many of the issues we use as causes for division are issues which should not be as important as we make them. The old theologian Paul Tillich divided issues into ultimate concerns and preliminary concerns. He then went on to explain that an Ultimate concern is the abstract translation of the great commandment: The Lord your God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:29-31). Loving God and neighbor is the ultimate and therefore the primary concern of the Christian faith. Preliminary concerns are all the other concerns we have in life. In many respects, they are the small stuff which we should not sweat Don t sweat the small stuff! Our human problem is, not only do we sweat the small stuff, we elevate many of these things to the level of an ultimate concern. We make mountains out of molehills. Tillich called this idolatry. The problem is, all of us have and even continue to engage in some level of small stuff idolatry. We take some small issue and make it a primary issue regarding faithfulness to God and even biblical interpretation. If others disagree with us about a particular issue, then they are not only wrong, but ultimately wrong, and therefore somehow apostate. Yet, I ask, are these issues which so often divide us of such ultimate importance that they should lead to divisions and even church splits? All of the current issues surrounding human sexuality are one example. I think there is no question but what human sexuality, in all of its various expressions, has become idolatrous in our culture and even in the church. Sexuality should not be placed on the level of an ultimate concern. Since it is not to be an ultimate concern, it should mainly be addressed only when it interferes with the way we are called to love one another, such as when it becomes abusive, controlling, demeaning, or debasing of another human being. Then it stands in the way of loving God and neighbor and needs to be confronted. I realize this is heavy food for thought this month, but I think reflecting on what is of ultimate concern in the life of faith is an important daily task for all of us to keep in mind. It is the ultimate concern of our faith that binds us all together. It is the truth that Jesus is Lord and it is in him that we live and move and have our being. Yours in Christ s service, Pastor John Sunday Adult Bible Class Journeys Through Revelation This fall the Adult Sunday School class will study the Book of Revelation using the study booklet, Journeys Through Revelation by Barbara Rossing. Revelation is often the most misunderstood book of the Bible, and while it is filled with mysterious symbolism, it is actually a book of hope for those who are oppressed. Come join the class at 9:15 as it meets in the basement on Sunday mornings. The class is likely to be filled with lively discussion. The coffee pot is always on as well. 2

3 Salvation Army Prayer Breakfast September 11 There will be a Salvation Army Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, September 11 at 7:30 am at the Marina Inn and Conference Center in South Sioux City. There is a suggested donation of $15.00 for each breakfast. If you are interested in attending, please see Pastor John for more information. He needs to purchase tickets by Sept. 1. Out-of-Town Events Pastor John will be attending in September September 11-12: Conflict Transformation Skills training at Lakeshore Center September 13: Presbytery meeting at Lakeshore Center September 22-24: Synod-Presbytery Forum at Mt. Olivet near Minneapolis September 28-29: Quad Presbytery gathering at Calvin Crest If you need anything during this time and Jean is not in the office you may call Elder of the Month, Larry Horky at or Clerk of Session, Liz Barrett at You may also reach Jean at home ( ). Congratulations Westminster extends its congratulations to Amanda Prescott & Keith Seubert who exchanged marriage vows here on Sat., Aug. 23 rd. Amanda is John Prescott s granddaughter. May God bless your union with His special love and joy. Cutters Club See you September 13 th at 6:30 pm There are no hosts signed up yet so if you would be willing to put the meeting together, sign up today. The group has been on hiatus for a couple months and a potluck would be a great way to start the fall season. It will be fun to catch up on everyone s summer activities. With our sympathy Westminster extends it s sympathy to Marilyn Wacker and Bob & Jen Walker and their family on the recent death of Marilyn s mother. Madalin Shell, age 96, passed away in Grinnell, IA Aug. 20 th after suffering a stroke recently. We hope that the family can feel us lifting them up in prayer at this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are here to help in anyway we can. God s Word is Sweet!!! And so was our Vacation Bible School week. Thanks to everyone who helped. Whatever role you played we thank you. Whether you were in attendance each night or kept us in your prayers we appreciate your contributions. From teachers to helpers to cookie bakers and hot dog servers we couldn t have done it without you. Here are a few photos of our week. A special thanks also to all of you who brought items for our Community Service Project. The agencies involved were very happy and thank you for your assistance as they seek to make the Siouxland area a sweeter place to reside. 3

4 A Few More VBS Shots 4

5 Dear Bible School Students, These notes have come into the office to thank you for your support of our VBS Mission Project On behalf of the Community Action Agency of Siouxland I would like to sincerely thank you for including us in your donation drive during Bible School. All of the great items will truly be a blessing to many families and their children. Thank you for your generosity and caring for those in need in our community. Sincerely, Jean Logan Executive Director Thank you all so much for your generous donation of wishlist items! We so appreciate your kindness and you all taking the time out of your days for support of our mission! Ronald McDonald House Staff Here are a couple of photos of Westminster showing it s appreciation to Jan Loewen for her many years of service as our custodian and a note of thanks that Jan has sent to the congregation. Dear Friends of Westminster. I want to say thank you for the cards & money. Time seems to go fast and everyone has many items to do in our life. Jan Loewen Remember in Your Prayers Red DeStigter Verne Olson Lawrence Murren Carrie McAdo Norm Davidson Marilyn Wacker & family Dick Stephan They re Getting Better Many people have been asking so I thought I d go straight to the sources for this information. I am happy to report that both Red DeStigter & Norm Davidson are feeling better and slowly making their way back to normalcy. They both are very thankful for your concern and prayers. It was good to talk to Red & Norm both personally and hear those familiar voices sounding good. Hang in there, guys. You are both in our thoughts and prayers. New Address Here s another address change So grab those church books and a pen and mark this down Donna Krause 2605 Nicklaus Blvd - #132 Sioux City, IA Lawrence & Roxie Murren no longer have house phone. They can be reached on their cell phones Roxie and Larry at Congratulations to Doug DeStigter recently promoted to division manager of the Structural Fabrication Dept. at Sioux City Foundry Co. A 1992 graduate of Iowa State, Doug started with the Foundry in 2008 as an estimator and his extensive knowledge of project engineering and estimating has led him to this current position. Congratulations, Doug!!! 5

6 Blackwood Legacy LIVE in Concert Right Here at Westminster!!! Coming to you direct from Nashville, the Blackwood Legacy has an all-star line-up and a heart for sharing the Gospel. With an unbroken connection to the Blackwood Brothers, both through the singers who helped launch this group and group owner, Rick Price. They have been touring continuously since This stellar group links the best of Southern Gospel s traditional sound with today s newer Country gospel and worship music. Westminster will be hosting the Blackwood Legacy group in concert here on Sunday, August. 31st at 6:30 pm. Mark your calendars today for this great opportunity to sit back, relax and hear some old favorites and some new sound blended together as only these gentlemen can do it. This is one evening you don t want to miss. We hope to see you for this evening of upbeat hand-clapping, positive joyful Christian music!!! Hope Starts Here - in our city, our community, our neighborhood. The Convoy of Hope, a nation wide program, is just the beginning of a longlasting movement that has the power to transform people s lives, inspire compassion and service, and bring people and organizations together like never before. Westminster is excited to become involved in the Convoy of Hope this year. This is the second year for this project in Sioux City, a collaborative effort to bring hope to a city through free groceries, health screenings, job services, family portraits, haircuts, prayer, activities for children and more. They even have1400 pairs of shoes to give away. The group organizing the days events is made up of dozens of area churches and other civic organizations all working together to bring the basic necessities of life to Siouxland area residents. Volunteers are needed the day before the event for set-up and then again on the 13th to help in each of the areas, direct people from one service location to another, greet those attending, etc. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board if you would like to volunteer to help. If you have questions, please ask Pastor John. He has been attending the planning meetings and has the most information about the event. If you know of someone who could use the services being offered, please help us spread the word. The event will begin at 10 am on Sat., Sept. 13th at the Sioux City Convention Center and will run until early afternoon. Shuttles will be provided from various pick-up points ( South Sioux Walmart - & Liberty, Irving, Leeds & Washington Elementary schools ) beginning at 9:30 am. Don t Forget!!! Choir Practice is every Wednesday At 6:30 pm and ALL ARE WELCOME Come sing with us!!! 6

7 Youth Help Needed We have enjoyed working with the youth of Westminster more than you can imagine. We want to thank all those who helped with the Wild Westminster Waterslide event. We couldn t have done it without MANY, MANY hands. As you can see by the photos, we had a great time. A special thanks to Jennifer Walters for arranging the 14 x 86 foot waterslide materials Ingenious! We have already been asked to offer this event to all our SS kids next year. We have a few more meetings planned throughout the coming months but we really need your help to do this. If you would be willing to help with meal prep and clean-up that s a great start. Then we can get you involved with the kids and before you know it you ll be HOOKED!!! This is a great bunch. Our next meeting will be held at noon on Sept. 14th. Who wants to help? Thanks again Rick & Jean Turner September Birthdays and Anniversaries Teanna Davila Cindy Backer Brent & Becky Paulsen Jennifer Walker Leathen & Lacy Richards Bev Howard Keegan & Heidi Richards Brian Drew Teigan Milner Will Buell & Terry Lockie Russ Clifford Aaron Paulsen Bob Howard Garang Thong Pam Stephan Listen for the Call!!! We are waiting until after the roof has been repaired to replace the sanctuary carpet. We are also waiting for the carpet that has been ordered to come in. We will be calling for help, however, as soon as we know a date for carpet installation. Plans are to move everything OUT on a Sunday afternoon and have things all back in place by the next weekend. This is going to be a BIG undertaking so please listen and when your phone rings answer with a Sure I can help! The Session The Session One More Reminder Worship Returns to the regular time of 10:30 am Beginning Sept. 7th! 7

8 The church building is now 50 years old and over the years we have had to deal with various maintenance and improvement issues. We are now facing at least 2 large issues with our facility our roof and our sanctuary carpeting. Bids have been received and work is planned for the month of September. As the next 50 years begins, we will need to eventually deal with some drainage issues and our furnaces and AC units and water heater are rapidly aging as well. The funds left to the church by Laura Rudd will be used to get these projects started but we feel that now is the time to start gathering funds for future infrastructure issues we will be facing down the road. We have been very lucky to have great volunteers here to help us with issues that have come up over the years and we have also been very lucky having these major items last as long as they have. We know the day is coming that funds will be needed to handle these issues and know that we must plan ahead for these basic building operation costs. The Session voted during their last meeting to establish a Building Maintenance and Improvement Fund and would like to ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation earmarked to this fund. Specially marked envelopes are in the pew racks. There are also envelopes already addressed to the church included in this newsletter in case you want to mail in a contribution to this fund. If you would like to help but can t make the size of donation you would like at this time, you may also make a pledge to this fund and indicate your wishes on your offering envelopes. Even adding a dollar or 2 to your pledge each week would be most appreciated and help us greatly. We take very seriously our job of keeping the church facilities in good working order and also our commitment to be good stewards of the funds you donate so, If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to any of us. We thank you in advance for your support of this special fund. Building and Grounds committee - Tim Jackson, Larry Horky & Rick Turner Clean up day The Building and Grounds committee is planning a Church clean-up day for Sat., Sept. 20th starting at 8:30 am There are a few projects that we definitely want to get done and any and all help will be most appreciated. One of our projects will be trimming some of the lower branches from the big trees lining the driveway to facilitate mowing. If someone has a pick-up and is coming that day it would be a big help if we could use your pick-up to haul away branches. See you there In true Westminster fashion donuts & coffee will be provided!!! MOPS Mothers of Preschoolers, meet at St. James UMC, 2032 So. Cypress, each Tuesday morning from 8:30 11:30 am. MOPS connects mothers all over the world in their journey through motherhood. During the MOPS meetings, mothers can leave their children ( the MOPPETS) in a loving, and safe childcare environment. The group is seeking volunteers to help in the childcare room during their meetings. If you would like to volunteer to help or would like more information about the MOPS program, you can contact Sara Williams Gill, MOPPETS coordinator, BeeGee728@aol.com or Christine Cappetta, MOPS coordinator, christinemcappetta@yahoo.com 8

9 Session highlights: submitted by Liz Barrett, Clerk of Session September 7th we will be returning to 10:30 am Worship service time. Someone from the Food Bank will be at church on November 16th to speak about their program Church quarterly giving statements have been printed. Any questions call Greg Howard Rally Day for Sunday School will be September 7th They approved a bid for a new roof on the sanctuary and entry way Tim Barrett has been hired as the new church custodian When we have been notified that our new sanctuary carpet is in, we will be asking for members to help move items from the chancel area ( organ, pews, pulpit, etc.) and tear up the old carpet in the sanctuary so we can have new carpet laid. Watch your bulletins for a date. Rick Turner is now on Building and Grounds committee and Judy Skoglund is now on Christian Education committee Fall clean-up day is set for September 20th beginning at 8:30 am. Financial Report Monthly Income - $10, Checking Balance - $ 20, July 2014 Monthly Expenses - $ 9, Savings Balance - $ 52, From the Personnel Committee The Session has selected a new custodian for the church. After much deliberation we voted to hire Tim Barrett for the position. Welcome!!! Westminster welcomes Tim Barrett as our new custodian. Tim has been a member of Westminster for many years. He and his wife, Liz Barrett, have 2 daughters and will soon welcome another daughter to their family. Tim works at Ray s MidBell Music. You will also see him around the church, particularly in the sound system area in the back of the sanctuary, recording the worship service, running the projector, etc. We welcome Tim to this new component of his work at Westminster. If you have any questions or special needs as far as the building is concerned you can reach Tim on his cell phone at Westminster Leadership Pastor Rev. Dr. John Pehrson Custodian Tim Barrett Music Director Terry Lockie Organist Kevin Lammers Secretary Jean Turner Westminster Committees If you have questions about an aspect of Westminster s ministry, feel free to contact anyone on the committee Treasurer & Financial Reports Susan Logsdon Offering & Giving Statements - Bob Howard & Greg Howard Sunday School & Bell Choirs Jennifer Walters & Allen Zevenbergen Deacons Bob & Marilyn Loghry, Russ Clifford, Jan Culver, Marv & Vickie Jessen Christian Education Pam Pfautsch, Mary Murad & Judy Skoglund Building & Grounds Tim Jackson, Larry Horky & Rick Turner Stewardship & Finance Cindy Backer, John Culver & Susan Logsdon Worship Jeri Ducommun, Judy Miller & Terry Lockie Personnel Committee Jeri Ducommun, Liz Barrett & Judy Skoglund 9

10 September at Westminster Sept. Ushers - Mary Murad & John Wansink Sept. Elder of the Month Larry Horky Sept. Worship Leader Cindy Backer ************************************************************************************************************************** Every Week Choir Wednesday at 6:30 pm Sunday Schedule Sunday School 9:15 am Worship 10:30 am Fellowship Coffee 11:30 am Aug am Worship & Coffee Hour 6:30 pm Blackwood Legacy Concert Sept. 2 6:00 pm Women s Fellowship Sept. 7 9:00 am Sunday School Rally Day 10:30 am Worship w/ Communion Coffee Hour (Servers Bldg. & Grounds Comm) 11:30 am 11:30 am Deacons Meeting Sept. 13 8:30 am Presbytery at Okoboji Camp 6:30 pm Cutters Club Sept. 14 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour ( Servers Deacons ) 11:30 am Youth Meeting (Helpers Needed ) Noon 1:30 pm 5:00 pm All Committees Meet CE, Bldg/Grounds, Finance & Worship 6:00 pm Session Meeting Sept. 21 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour (Servers Women s Fellowship ) 11:30 am Sept :00 am Naomi Circle Sept. 28 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Coffee Hour ( Servers Cutters Club ) 11:30 am Noon Newsletter Deadline Don t spend your time mourning the summer that is past or dreading the winter that is to come. Rather seize the moment and enjoy the treasure that God has created for you today. It is a beautiful gift. 10

11 This Fall at the Camp!!! Young at Heart Retreat Sept. 9 11, 2014 Ages 55 and older We often think of camp and think it is just for kids. NOT TRUE! Camp can be for God s older children, too! We have hotel-style rooms, a beautiful Lodge, and all we need is YOU! Don t let the kids have all the fun! Come to this mid-week event to experience God in this beautiful, sacred space! Watch the sunrise by the cross. Take a canoe ride. Sit around a campfire and eat s mores! Take in the Clay County Fair, one of Iowa s best fairs! Or, just take time to walk around the camp and look at the birds and the wildlife. We have lots to offer! Check in will be anytime after 3 pm on Tuesday and our first activity will be fellowship time at 5:30 before a supper at 6 pm. Young at Heart will include Bible Study The Gospel According to Andy Griffith & Mayberry The Clay County Fair - Campfire & S mores - Yummy Food Swimming - Ping Pong Canoeing / kayaking - Time to explore the Lakes Area - Cribbage, Dominos & Cards and Of Course Plenty of Time to PRAISE GOD and Laugh!!! (Room costs range from $86 to $103 ) Another event that may interest you is A Prayer Life that Fits: The Secret Sourse of Abundant Life and Strength for All God s Servants. October 9th 11th God s servants need to connect deeply and regularly with the One we served, or we risk burning out. But what if our usual way of praying doesn t really help? spend three days exploring several very different way s of praying, each of which has deep roots in a major branch of the Christian faith. We will learn together from Gary Neal Hansen, author of the award-winning book Kneeling with Giants: Learning to Pray with History s Best Teachers and Associate Professor of Church History at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. We will take time to practice each form of prayer presented and to discuss our experience in small groups. Event Pricing Registration Cost: $215 with room costs from $60 per person to $120 Meals will cost $35 for 4 meals. Please Register by: October 1st. 11

12 Westminster Presbyterian Church 2915 Glenn Ave. Sioux City, IA Beginning on Rally Day, the Christian Education Committee is going to kick off an exciting challenge and we invite all of our Sunday School children and anyone in the congregation wishing to participate to help us achieve a goal of performing 100 Random Acts of Kindness. We will have a board ready with 100 Stickynotes on it. You will be invited to remove and take a Kindness Kard on Sunday morning and try to perform that Act of Kindness during the week. When the acts are completed you can remove the next layer of paper and we will slowly reveal what we have planned as a Celebration of Kindness! Watch the newsletter & bulletins for more details as the project grows and GROws...and GROWS!!! Let s put down roots in the words of Kindness and Comfort shared in the Bible and see what beautiful things God has in store for our church. 12