BELLVIEWS. January First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Center FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DALLAS CENTER, IA UPCOMING EVENTS: In This Issue:

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January 2017 BELLVIEWS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DALLAS CENTER, IA We at FPC have a vision to Know Jesus: To listen to his story, to sing his praises, To paint His portrait for all to share Page 1

Corner 5 6 Calendar 7 Church Information 8 Birthdays, Anniversaries UPCOMING EVENTS: Jan. 07 11:00 a.m. Congregational Meeting Jan. 08 10:00 a.m. Christmas Program Jan. 08 11:15 a.m. Session Meeting Jan.

1 January 2017 BELLVIEWS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DALLAS CENTER, IA We at FPC have a vision to Know Jesus: To listen to his story, to sing his praises, To paint His portrait for all to share Page 1 January 2017 In This Issue: Pastor s Message Announcements 2 3 Greeters, Fellowship, Liturgists, Deacons, 4 Announcements Christian Ed. Corner 5 6 Calendar 7 Church Information 8 Birthdays, Anniversaries UPCOMING EVENTS: Jan :00 a.m. Congregational Meeting Jan :00 a.m. Christmas Program Jan :15 a.m. Session Meeting Jan :15 a.m. Linkage Fundraiser Jan. 28/29 Linkage (High School) Lock-In at the church Jan :15 a.m. Congregational Meeting General Office Hours 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Center Pastor s Office Hours 8:00 a.m. Noon Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

2 January 2017 Page 2 A New Year Wrapped in Hope 2016 for me was a lot like riding bumper cars. Circumstances would go as planned only to inevitably ricochet off another car leaving me spinning off in a new direction with whiplash and a lack of strategy. Then I would cope as best I could, find my bearings, treat my aches and pains, and make a new goal. And when things seemed to begin to go right WHAMMM! Hit again! Life is like that though, isn t it? We can have the best plans in the world, set goals that we know we can accomplish, and then something unexpected comes about and where we once had direction, we re knocked off course left with chaos, confusion, and a myriad of emotions: anger, fear, depression, frustration, sadness, etc. Occasionally the unexpected change brings us great joy and excitement, but too often the changes interrupt our own plans and our own sense of control, and that in and of itself makes it hard to have a response that is not basked in fear. The truth is, life is unpredictable. It is a journey that however carefully planned out, rarely goes as we plan it. And we can choose how we respond to the spontaneity of it all. Instinctually, when things don t go our way we can get lost in the world of fear and anxiety. We can worry about the what should have been at the expense of living in the reality of what is. Every time we reach a new year I am reminded of this; this choice that we have and it has to do with Jesus. As Presbyterians, we confess that before we can do anything: before we can respond in faith, before we can even say the words, I believe, God has already chosen us in Jesus Christ. God is the catalyst in our salvation (Thanks be to God!). And as Presbyterians, we don t serve Christ, do good works, help the poor and needy, and love our neighbors to earn salvation, we are responding in gratitude to the grace God has already given us. In other words, we are a thankful people who love God and all of our neighbors because Christ first loved us! The choice we make is either to see, trust, and respond to God s grace in our lives, or to not see, trust, and respond. It s a choice that s not as easy as it seems. There have been many times where, in my worry and fear, I have lost sight of the grace that claims my life. I let my trust in my plans overshadow my trust in God s love and call for my life, and it left me in a place of emptiness and hollowness. The thing is, in God s grace, even in the worst of circumstances, there is always hope; hope that overshadows our fears, and our worries. Sometimes it has taken me time to realize this truth. Maybe you can relate. So here is my hope for each of you, dear saints, as we enter this new year. Make room. Make room to listen, to see, to trust, and to respond to the grace of God that has claimed your lives. Make room in your hearts. Make room in your daily routines. Make room in your minds. Here are some ideas for new year s resolutions: 1) Establish a daily rhythm of prayer. Take a set amount of time to spend with God. Set it in your routine, in your calendar if necessary. But spend time with the God whose grace has claimed your life. 2) Immerse yourself in the Word, in Scripture. One place we know we encounter God and where God opens our hearts and minds is in Scripture. You can do this alone using some structured reading plan, but Scripture is best engaged with others. Join a regular bible study group, a small group, a church study group. If one does not exist, think about starting one. 3) Corporate worship - When we come together in worship we come to pray, to read and hear the Word, to learn in community together. A regular spiritual rhythm of worship as a community of faith helps to frame our lives in God s grace. Sometimes the days we don t want to be in worship, are the days we most need to be there, and the times where God speaks to us in a life-giving way. And sometimes, just in our being together in worship, God uses us to share God s grace in someone else s life around us. (continued on page 3)

January 2017 Page 3 (continued from page 2) I know what you re thinking, But Pastor Adam, we know all of these things and we ve heard you talk about them before. And you would be right.

3 January 2017 Page 3 (continued from page 2) I know what you re thinking, But Pastor Adam, we know all of these things and we ve heard you talk about them before. And you would be right. But how often do we build these spiritual rhythms into our lives only to let them fall away all too quickly. How often does our busyness, our over-commitment, and trust in our own plans steal away the time we need to grow in our relationship with Jesus, and to see ourselves as children of God s grace: abundantly loved, of infinite value, and created with purpose in Christ. Sometimes a reminder to frame our lives in God s grace is reminder we need time and time again. Blessings to you all, dear saints, this new year. May God s grace define your lives, open you to God s call in your life, and sustain you for service to the world. I look forward to being your pastor in this coming year as each of you grow as disciples individually and as we grow together as a community of faith. With Grace & Peace, Pastor Adam 2017 MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARY 70 Year Members Janice Miles 60 Year Member Charlie Rhinehart 50 Year Members Brian Myers Pat Lint Mike McClure Janet Hougham First Presbyterian Online! Don t forget to keep up-to-date with the life and ministry of FPC using the church website: You can find information about church events, listen to Sunday s worship messages, look through photos, download forms and monthly newsletters, lift up prayer requests, and the like. Also find us on Facebook at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Center or follow us on Twitter at First Presby. FirstPresbyDCIA. We re always open to feedback to find ways to better communicate the life and ministry of our congregation to each other and to the world around us. 40 Year Members Jon Kimple 30 Year Members None 20 Year Members Sandy Boyer 10 Year Member Joanne Knoll Celebration of Communion Communion will be celebrated the first Sunday of each month. Additional Communion dates will remain for Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, & Easter services.

January 2017 Page 4 GREETERS for Jan/Feb Jan 01 Troy & Paige Fenn Jan 08 Jim, Niah, Maria Howard Jan 15 Todd & Amy Lawton Jan 22 Pat Lint Jan 29 Ryan & Corey Coon Feb 05 Jon & Kara McClure Feb 12

4 January 2017 Page 4 GREETERS for Jan/Feb Jan 01 Troy & Paige Fenn Jan 08 Jim, Niah, Maria Howard Jan 15 Todd & Amy Lawton Jan 22 Pat Lint Jan 29 Ryan & Corey Coon Feb 05 Jon & Kara McClure Feb 12 Cathy Kelly Feb 19 Carolyn Knoll Feb 26 Ardie & Glen Enderson If you are not able to serve on the day scheduled, please trade with someone and contact the church office. Jan 01 Jeff Van Houten Jan 08 Craig Ivers Jan 15 Curt Pion Jan 22 Kurt Greiman Jan 29 Denise Kelly Feb 05 Marco Bejarno Feb 12 Delaney Kidd Feb 19 Jeff Van Houten Feb 26 Craig Ivers Deacons FOR Jan/Feb LITURGISTS For January Jan 01 Ardie Enderson Jan 08 Christmas Program Jan 15 Sarah Wilson Jan 22 Mitch Hansen Jan 29 Youth Fellowship for Jan/Feb Jan 01 John & Carol Arrasmith Jan 08 Doug & Ann Beavers Jan 15 Jon Kimple & Patty Howard Jan 22 Carman Family Jan 29 Rick & Barb Ross Feb 05 Jon & Kara McClure Feb 12 Kurt & Tina Greiman Feb 19 C. J. & Erin Lane Feb 26 Mike Jones & JoAnne Ramaeker If you are not able to serve on the day scheduled, please trade with someone or call Richard Myers, Birthdays in January Jan 02 Melvin Beavers Jan 02 Coen Knoll Jan 03 Ardie Enderson Jan 03 Tucker Chambers Jan 05 Carolyn Kinney Jan 06 Don Chambers Jan 08 Craig Biggs Jan 08 Patricia Howard Jan 12 Sherry Madole Jan 14 Tom Pinegar Jan 14 Liz Heaberlin Jan 14 Easton Helps Jan 16 Hailey Chambers Jan 16 Stephanie Harris Jan 17 Joyce Biggs Jan 17 Kate Erickson Jan 19 Ty Chambers Jan 20 Sonny Gannon Jan 22 Doug Beavers Jan 23 Marian Keller Jan 23 Carl Carpenter Jan 23 Pat Lint Jan 23 Tyler Carman Jan 26 Paige Fenn Jan 27 Connie McClure Jan 27 Grace Horak Jan 27 Kaydence Smith Jan 27 Coy Drake Jan 30 Jason Harris

January 2017 Page 5 Three generations of McClure's (Mike, Jon & Herry) carrying on the

They're continuing to faithfully clean the snow off the church parking lot, making it

Service Board (Youth Fundraiser) Do you need any work done around your house? Your yard?

Do you need some painting done, odds and ends tasks done, or neighbors that might need

Beginning in November and continuing until the Summer 2017 we have created a SERVICE

On this bulletin board, anyone from the congregation can post work they need done

youth program to have youth come over to help.

5 January 2017 Page 5 Three generations of McClure's (Mike, Jon & Herry) carrying on the tradition that great Grandpa Mouse McClure started many years ago. They're continuing to faithfully clean the snow off the church parking lot, making it safer for all of us! Service Board (Youth Fundraiser) Do you need any work done around your house? Your yard? Your farm? Do you need some painting done, odds and ends tasks done, or neighbors that might need some extra workers? Well the Linkage Youth want to help out. Beginning in November and continuing until the Summer 2017 we have created a SERVICE BOARD fundraiser. On this bulletin board, anyone from the congregation can post work they need done around their house/yard or anything else AND how much they are willing to donate to the youth program to have youth come over to help. Here s how it works: simply write on a piece of paper the work you need done, what tools youth will be required to provide, how much you are willing to donate to the youth program, and a phone number to be contacted at. Youth and groups of youth will be checking the board weekly. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity that can both benefit you and our growing youth program.

January 2017 Page 6 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CORNER Mark your calendars for Christian Ed. in 2016-2017!

6 January 2017 Page 6 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CORNER Mark your calendars for Christian Ed. in ! Things to look forward to this year: Confirmation for 7th and 8th graders Adult Christian Education New opportunities in Youth Ministry Lots of ways to get involved and volunteer 5:00-5:45 Class time/confirmation 5:45-6:15 Activity/Music/Linkage 6:15-7:00 Dinner WOW Nightly Schedule for : WOW is for kids who are in Kindergarten-12th grade. Active participation by at least one parent (grandparent or family member) of every youth is required. This participation is a critical signal to the youth that this program is important. Since the staff is voluntary, part time service by a large number of people is essential to keep the many activities going. At least as important, however, is the morale boosting effect of a parents' physical presence and visible support of the program. You can sign up to help in the following ways: Classroom Teacher, Activity Leader, Kitchen food prep/serving, Dishwasher, Vacuum/Clean-up, and Table Parent. No WOW on: Jan. 4, March 1, March 15, March 22, and April 12. DATES TO REMEMBER Sunday School Jan 01 No SS Jan 08 No SS Mar 12 No SS Mar 19 No SS Apr 16 No SS Apr 23 Last Day Apr 30 SS Recognition LINKAGE Linkage is our youth program for all middle and high school youth. Linkage involves a whole lot of fun, fellowship, community, mission, service, and learning. The middle school group meets at the church on Wednesday evenings along with WOW. The high school group meets at the church on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m.

7 January, 2017 First Presbyterian Church Dallas Center Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 B: Melvin Beavers B: Coen Knoll 8 Worship / Communion Christmas Program B: Craig Biggs B: Patty Howard 15 Sunday school Worship Linkage Fundraiser 22 Sunday school Worship B: Doug Beavers 29 Sunday school Worship Congregational Meeting 3 B: Ardie Enderson B: Tucker Chambers WOW 16 B: Hailey Chambers B: Stephanie Harris 23 B: Marian Keller B: Carl Carpenter B: Pat Lint B: Tyler Carman 30 B: Jason Harris 17 B: Joyce Biggs B: Kate Erickson 4 Christmas Program Rehearsal 6:30 pm 18 WOW WOW 5 B: Carolyn Kinney 12 B: Sherry Madole 19 B: Ty Chambers 26 B: Paige Fenn 6 B: Don Chambers 20 B: Sonny Gannon 27 B:Connie McClure B: Grace Horak B: Kaydence Smith B: Coy Drake 7 Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m. 14 B: Tom Pinegar B: Liz Heaberlin B: Easton Helps Linkage Lock-In

Bellviews January 2017 page 8 Church Address: First Presbyterian Church 1204 13th Street PO Box 368 Dallas Center, IA 50063 Contact Information: Pastor: Rev.

8 Bellviews January 2017 page 8 Church Address: First Presbyterian Church th Street PO Box 368 Dallas Center, IA Contact Information: Pastor: Rev. Adam Smith Cell: Church Phone: Church s Website: dcpresbyterian.org Pastor s pastor@dcpresbyterian.org Church s office@dcpresbyterian.org Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Youth Elder Treasurer Clerk of Session The Session Duane Heaberlin Cathy Kelly Gary Wilson Darci Kidd Richard Myers Jeani Shepherd Ann Beavers Abbey Drake Julie Kopecky Ben Beavers Sue Beavers Nancy Wilson Capital Development Committee: Sue Beavers, Dennis Britson, Trent Drake, Tina Greiman, Mitch Hansen, Duane Heaberlin, Shelley Horak, and Aaron Wilson Church Staff Pastor...Rev. Adam Smith Secretary.Nancy K. Zehr Choir Director Jeani Shepherd Organists.....Carol Arrasmith, Jeani Shepherd & Nancy Wilson Pianists..Carol Arrasmith, Joanne Knoll, Pat Lint & Sarah Smith Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Youth Deacon Board of Deacons Marco Bejarno Curt Pion Craig Ivers Jeff Van Houten Kurt Greiman Denise Kelly Delaney Kidd

BELLVIEWS. April First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Center FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DALLAS CENTER, IA UPCOMING EVENTS: In This Issue:

BELLVIEWS. April First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Center FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DALLAS CENTER, IA UPCOMING EVENTS: In This Issue: April 2017 Page 1 BELLVIEWS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DALLAS CENTER, IA April 2017 In This Issue: We at FPC have a vision to Know Jesus: To listen to his story, to sing his praises, To paint His portrait