mhsjn t!qsphsftt t!qsphsftt! MAY 2009 Issue

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1 !!!Qj Qjmhsjn mhsjn t!qsphsftt t!qsphsftt! MAY 2009 Issue The purpose of this church shall be to bind together followers of Jesus Christ, for the object of sharing in the worship of God and in seeking His will for our lives, especially as that will is set forth in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. INCLUDED IN THIS MONTH S PILGRIM S PROGRESS: Page 1 Pastor s Letter Page 2 Church Calendar Page 3 Upcoming Events Page 4 Birthdays & Anniversaries Nursing Home Residents Our Soldiers Page 5 Personnel Com. Update News from Ashland, NE Page 6 Updates Thank Yous Page 7 Adventureland Tickets Table Garage Sale Goodie Bags Page 8 Church Contact Info The Pastor s s Letter To the observant Jew, the period of Pentecost represents an interval between Passover (Easter) and the arrival at Sinai - a journey of 50 days after leaving Egypt. In Judaism, it is known and celebrated as Shavuot an observance of thanksgiving to God for the Torah, the law, the Holy Word (see Exodus 19:1-6). We, too, celebrate Pentecost. To the observant believer, Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the anointed of God. It means that in Jesus Christ, God s son, the word became flesh and is given once more to God s people (see Exodus 19:1-6). Therefore, as we celebrate the birthing of the church during Pentecost, we remember that in Jesus Christ, God s word became real and dwells with us by God s power (Holy Spirit) forever and ever. Amen. Sincerely in Your Service and His, Pastor Barry Page 1

2 MAY WORSHIP SERVICES: 8 & 10:30 A.M. BELL CHOIR PRACTICE: 8:30 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 A.M. CHANCEL CHOIR PRACTICE: 9:30 A.M. SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Confirmation Banquet 6 p.m. 3 Communion Confirmation Sunday 4 5 **Girls of Grace II 3:30 the Holmes home 6 Cum Double 6:30 pm 7 8 FCC Stamp Club 10 am 9 NOOMA Nites 5:30 p.m. 10 Mother s Day Cancer Support Groups 7 pm ** 13 Youth Nite 6-8 pm Trustees Mtg. 6:30 pm 14 Amity 12:30 pm 15 Garage Sale Set-up 4-6 p.m. 16 Table Garage Sale/Bake Sale 8 2 p.m 17 HS Grad Reception Last Day of Sunday School Ben & Missions Com. Mtg. 11:45 am 24 Summer Worship Services Begin 8 & 9:30 a.m. 31 Pentecost Sunday Celebrations 18 Goodie Bag sewing day 10 am 3 pm 25 Memorial Day Church offices closed 19 ** Deacons Mtg. 6:30 pm 26 ** Board of Christian Ed. Mtg. 6:30 pm 20 * Women s Bible Study 1 p.m. The Shack 27 * 21 Women s Fellowship 11:30 Tremont Grille FCC Stamp Club 10 am 23 Meals-On- Wheels 11 MMSC Meals-On- Wheels 11 MMSC Page 2

3 Church Women United May 1, 9:15 a.m. May Friendship Breakfast St. Mary s Catholic Church CONFIRMATION CELEBRATIONS May 2 Confirmation Banquet May 3 Confirmation Sunday (during 10:30 a.m. worship svc. with reception following this svc.) Our Confirmands: Kali & Natasha Banks, Ashley Beaty, Nick Carson, Olivia Hawkins, Konner Kacmarynski; Raelene McGahuey, Jacob Shirar, Branden & Levi Storjohann Come help celebrate this very special time in these young people s lives! NOOMA NITES SCHEDULE 5:30-7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Meal 6:30 p.m. Video/Discussion + Free babysitters! May 3 June 7 July 5th Meyers August 2 What s NOOMA? Go to their website, for details or ask Greg & Kristin Meyer or Sam & Shelly Speas. It s a series of short films that explore our world through the teachings of Jesus. Each NOOMA touches on issues that we care about, that we want to talk about, and it comes in a way that fits our world. It s a format that s there for us when we need it, as we need it, how we need it. Marshalltown Cancer Support Groups May 5, 7 p.m. PROGRAM: Dr. Laura Browne, Assoc. Dean of Learning Svcs. IVCCD Dr. Browne will demonstrate Reiki which is an ancient Japanese healing technique for stress reduction/relaxation. It promotes healing via hand placement to channel healing energies; it creates a sensation that is deeply relaxing. Please use the 4th Street entrance (on the west side) at ground level. If you need a ride to the meeting call Mary Jo at For more information or to make an appointment for the resource center, leave a message at , or contact Bea Payne at or Mary Jo Albee at CUM DOUBLE Wednesday, May 6 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall HOSTS: Joan Carter & Kolleen Shollenbarger Cum-Double is a congenial group of FCC adult members who meet monthly for a potluck dinner. First time attendees need not bring a dish. Note that you do not need to be a "double" to attend. See you there. FYI: This is our last gathering until October May 14, :30 p.m. Hostesses: Miriam Bryant, Jan More, Jane Benbow, Lucy Grossman Wednesdays starting May 20 June 10 1:00 p.m. The Wednesday Bible Study will be studying the book The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. This bestseller is the story of finding God in the midst of tragedy, but it's not your pat answer kind of solution. The book will surprise, delight, raise questions, and answer questions. Come join us for a rousing discussion! You will want to read the book before the study starts! Women s Fellowship May 21 st 11:30 Tremont Grille 26 W. Main Street REMINDER: SUMMER WORSHIP TIMES BEGIN SUNDAY, MAY 24 TH : 8 A.M. & 9:30 A.M. NOTICE FROM THE FCC NURSERY: Anyone willing to substitute for Angie Dickey in the nursery when she is gone, please contact the church office. A substitute list is being compiled.nursery age: Infant through 3 years. Page 3

4 1... Grant Brintnall... Nichole Swope 2... Paul Packer... Kristi Hassler 3... Sandy Weuve 4... Don Lyman... Whitney Storjohann 6... Jennifer Allison... Megan Wildman 7... Doris McCarty... Chad Pinkston 8... John Garland 9... Madison Swartz... Eleanor Tjossem Lisa Gruver... Cynthia Ragland Caleb Janssen... Claire Meyer... Libby Meyer... Pattye Morrison Ken Lunsford Dave Burt... Doug Randall Michael McGregor Levi Storjohann Bob Gaynor... Stella Storjohann... Ken Winkler Lee Brintnall... Judy Gaynor... Gene Harmon... Michelle Lawthers Kara Kacmarynski... Renee Sedlacek Zada Smith Wendi Stanley Dave & Paulett Berg 5/6/72 Don & Jayne Bonnette 5/6/89 Aaron & Angie Dickey 5/10/97 Jerry & Sue Seals 5/10/80 Page 4 Rich & Rita Byers 5/14/83 Matt & Amy Dammon 5/20/06 Dave & Eleanor Rowden 5/24/52 Blake & Sarah Latham 5/26/07 Steve & Alecia Storjohann 5/27/83 Bill & Nancy Grabe 5/30/76!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Qmfbtf!lffq!p Qmfbtf!lffq!pvs vs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!nfncfst!jo!dbsf Nfncfst!jo!Dbsf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Gbdjmjujft Gbdjmjujft!jo!!jo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!zpvs!Uipvhiut! zpvs!uipvhiut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!boe!qsbzfst boe!qsbzfst;!! Mary Wilson Helen Berg Olive Showalter Woody Shives Virginia Burris Patsy Keyser Pattye Morrison The only thing harder than being a soldier is loving one. Dustin Hofert Mike & Cherryl Woltjer s nephew is deployed to Afghnistan. Dustin Hofert C62nd ENG COMBAT BN APO AE FOB-Fentey Marty Mettlin Debi Mettlin s son is deployed to Iraq: TSgt. Marty Mettlin 557 ERHS Unit 037 Camp Besrah APO AE Blake Latham Paul & Julianne Packer s sonin-law is deployed to Iraq. Returning soon!! Mission Monterrey is a GO! Travel dates are July 30- Aug 5!! Plane tickets have not been ordered yet, so there is still time to join if you are interested in being a part of the GO TEAM. HOME TEAM- Thank you so much to the people who helped make the boxes for the truffles (especially JULIANNE!), the people who sold the truffles, and any support you have given to help us get the show on the road! Future areas for you to participate: 1. Continue to PRAY 2. Bag making session-may am - 12 pm with lunch 1-3 pm as needed. 3. Collect those soaps and shampoos, small toys, tooth brushes/pastes, colored pencils and other appropriate gifts for bags. 4. We need someone to coordinate the letters to team members while we are in Monterrey, and a prayer chairperson to send prayer reminders. Let the church office know if you are interested!

5 GREETINGS FROM THE FCC PERSONNEL COMMITTEE From: Kim Schryver, Church Moderator Some of you may not even know that a Personnel Committee (PC) for our church exists. Article IV.III.D. of the church by-laws stipulate that three members of the church Cabinet shall constitute the PC. The three members shall include one member from each of the following church Boards: Trustees, Diaconate, and Christian Education. Because the PC is defined as a subcommittee of the Cabinet, this year the church moderator has served with the PC as a facilitator. One of the primary responsibilities of the PC is to review, not less than annually, the performances of all paid employees and the staff persons for the past year (by-law IV.III.D.1). The purpose of this work is to lift our employees up. Any of you who have worked for others know how frustrating it can be to work in a vacuum of feedback. It is the PC charge to make certain employees are encouraged by sharing all the positive feedback they deserve to hear and by helping to jointly identify ways to make each employee s job more effectively meet the mission of this church. In an effort to make these assessments as objective as possible, the Personnel Committee has met over 10 times in the past four months to create assessments forms that we hope will simplify and standardize the employee evaluation process between job positions and throughout the coming years. Evaluations will be completed by May 31, The PC humbly offers their best effort in fulfilling this responsibility. COMING SOON NEW SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE Details in our upcoming Summer Newsletter! Good News for FCC of Ashland After a long and prayerful search, First Congregational of Ashland, Nebraska has officially called 36 year old Abel Sisco to be its new pastor beginning this June. Abel has been married to Misha for 2½ years. They have a 6 month old son, Uriah. Abel has experience as a pastor, teacher and worship leader. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music, and served as music minister at Grace Chapel in Lincoln, NE for four years. Abel will also soon graduate from the Reformed Theological Seminary of Orlando, FL, earning a Master of Divinity degree with an emphasis in church planting and missions. Misha also holds a Master of Arts degree in religious studies. At its October 08 meeting, the IA/NE Association ratified a covenant of support with the Ashland church agreeing in part to intercede in prayer to offer encouragement when needed and council when requested and provide financial assistance and material aid so far as we are reasonably able as an association. Let us continue our walk in faith with Ashland church. Page 5

6 Stork s Nest Diaper Drive We would like to thank our church family for the overwhelming support for this year s Diaper Drive. With your generous donations, we were able to supply 2,683 diapers and 4,357 wipes! We also collected lots of blankets, caps, onesies, pajamas and outfits. The Stork s Nest and the annual Diaper Drive support the needs of lowincome families in our community. We had lots of fun participating in this service project and it was so successful because of your generous giving. We would also like to say a special thank you to Women s Fellowship and Benevolence & Missions for their financial support. In addition to all the items that were collected in our display in the fellowship hall, we shopped at Sam s Club and you can see we made quite an impression! We needed a BIG cart to transport all our purchases to the car! In His Service: Katie, Danielle, Peighton, Diane and Sharon. Senior Girl Scout Troop #162 The people who are really blessed are the ones who hear and obey God s message. Luke 11:28 Thank you for your prayers, cards and visits during and following my recent surgery. Recuperation is going well and I hope to resume my normal schedule soon. Please continue to hold my grandson, Nick, and his family in your prayers as he continues in treatment. Blessings, Leta Lacina Once again I d like to thank Pastor Barry and Cheryl and all the other great people at FCC for their visits, phone calls, beautiful flowers and get well cards plus the delicious meals which Alvin really appreciated because it gave him a break from cooking. I m gradually feeling better and we hope to be back in church very soon. Thank you and bless you, Stella & Alvin Storjohann We would like to say thank you once again this year to all our friends and family at First Congregational Church for buying Girl Scout cookies. Your generous support helped our troop tremendously and we are very grateful. Again this year we will be giving Our Gift of Caring cookies to the residents of Villa del Sol for their afternoon coffee time. The earnings from our cookie sale will be put in our troop treasury so that we can continue to fund our service projects and troop activities. Thank you for helping the Senior Girl Scouts of Troop #162 and the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. Peighton, Danielle and Katie Page 6

7 ADVENTURELAND TICKETS AVAILABLE Al & Stella Storjohann are again generously offering Adventureland tickets at their stockholder s discount price of $18.50 per ticket. The regular at the gate price is $ Please make your request for tickets directly to Al & Stella at by Sunday, May 10 th. FYI: If you have unused Adventureland tickets from 2008, those tickets PLUS $5 will get you thru their gates in KTDV 91.9 fm Broadcasting adult contemporary Christian music. Positive, uplifting, family-friendly radio 24 hours a day. Featuring such T H E D O V E popular Christian artists as: Jaci Velasquez, Avalon, The Newsboys, 4 Him, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Rebecca St. James, etc. Table Garage Sale Table Garage Sale and Bake Sale Saturday, May 16 8 a.m. 2 p.m. set-up: Friday, May 15, 4-6 p.m. sponsored by Women s Fellowship All available tables have been rented. This is to remind ALL of you that volunteered to bring bake sale items to please have them at the church during the set-up time of 4-6 p.m. on Friday, May 15 th. We are looking forward to another grand success!! GOODIE BAGS next sewing date: May 18 (details on Pg. 4) Picture this You re in the fabric department you put a few bolts of fabric in your cart that you JUST KNOW you re going to get around to making those great curtains you ve been thinking about or making that special something. However, that was 6½ YEARS AGO and that special something NEVER got made! Well, well, well, we d be more than happy to see to it that your special fabric gets put to some great use. We are in need of fabric to continue making the goodie bags that the GO TEAM distributes to the children of Monterrey, Mexico. Simply bring in your fabrics to the church office. Regarding the items that go INTO the bags we are looking for donations in TRAVEL SIZE of shampoos/conditioners, lotions, and toothpaste/brushes. Also needed are small boxes of colored pencils w/sharpeners and any small toys that would be appropriate. These items may be brought to the church office any time. Page 7

8 First Congregational Church 312 W. Main St. Marshalltown, IA Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 33 Marshalltown, Iowa Address Service Requested -