If you know of someone who would enjoy receiving this communication, please or call Jeannie.

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1 January 18, 2018 The North Iowa Presbyterian E-News is a bi-weekly joint newsletter for the Presbytery of North Central Iowa and the Presbytery of Prospect Hill. If you would like to contribute to the E-News, please contact Jeannie Stolee in the Presbytery office at or northiowapresby@gmail.com Presbytery Staff: Rev. David Feltman, Pastor to the Presbytery, Presbytery of North Central Iowa Rev. Dr. S. Glenn Wilson, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of North Central Iowa Rev. Richard Francis, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Prospect Hill Jeannie Stolee, Administrative Assistant Donn Martens, Financial Director If you know of someone who would enjoy receiving this communication, please or call Jeannie. Please consider making copies of this E-News for your Session and also running several copies to make available to your congregation on your information table. Normal Presbytery Office hours are Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

2 North Central Iowa January 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Special Called Presbytery Mtg. 3:30 COM 5:00 First Pres., Ackley M&M 10:00; Northminster Pres., Ames 14Mission Trip Orientation 3:00; First Pres., Ackley 15Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presbytery Office Closed 21 22East Cohort 10:00; First Pres., Marshalltown All Iowa Conversation Retreat, Hotel Pattee, Perry West Cohort 10:00; United Pres., Goldfield 19All Iowa Conversation Retreat, Hotel Pattee, Perry New Elder Training and Ruling Elder Cohort, 9:30; ECC, Iowa Falls North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

3 North Central Iowa February 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1Council 5:00, First Pres., Ackley 2 3Mission Trip 4Mission Trip 5Mission Trip 6Mission Trip 7Mission Trip 8Mission Trip 9Mission Trip 10Mission Trip 11 12Ames Cluster 12:30, Mandarin 18Men s Retreat, Lakeshore Ctr. VMI 2:30 COM 5:00 Ackley First Cluster in Grundy Ctr. 11:30, Bethany Tom Tewell Event 2:00, Bethany Lutheran, Iowa Falls 16Lakeshore Ctr. Mission Bd. Mtg. 11:00 Men s Retreat, Lakeshore Ctr Men s Retreat, Lakeshore Ctr North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

4 Prospect Hill January 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat COM 10: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presbytery Office Closed All Iowa Conversation Retreat, Hotel Pattee, Perry 19All Iowa Conversation Retreat, Hotel Pattee, Perry North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

5 Prospect Hill February 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Lakeshore Ctr. Mission Bd. Mtg. 11:00 Men s Retreat, Lakeshore Ctr. 17Men s Retreat, Lakeshore Ctr. 18Men s Retreat, Lakeshore Ctr Moderator Team 10:00, Lakeside Pres., Storm Lake North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

6 Prayers of the Presbytery of North Central Iowa Week of January 14 Week of January 21 Week of January 28 Week of February 4 Week of February 11 Week of February 18 Week of February 25 Salem Church of Lincoln, Lincoln Rev. Barbara Muhs First Presbyterian Church, Kamrar Rev. Paul Fischer First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls Rev. Brad Braley Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls Rev. Dr. Dave Kivett Rev. Johnny Janssen First Presbyterian Church, Fort Dodge Rev. Austin Hill Rev. Sara Hill United Presbyterian Church, Goldfield Rev. Sara Sutter First Presbyterian Church, Steamboat Rock CP Lynn Arends Prayers of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill Week of January 14 Week of January 21 Week of January 28 Week of February 4 Week of February 11 Week of February 18 Week of February 25 First Presbyterian Church, Schaller Rev. Michael Sydnor First Presbyterian Church, Manning Rev. Nancy Anderson First Presbyterian Church, Spirit Lake Rev. Clint Loveall Rev. Michael Gewecke Lake City Union Church, Lake City Rev. Beth Harbaugh First Presbyterian Church, Lake Park Rev. Tim Harmon First Presbyterian Church, Estherville Rev. David Ullom First Presbyterian Church, Glidden Rev. Brian Camara 6 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

7 Churches and Pastors in Transition The following churches are in transition: Presbytery of North Central Iowa Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Ames First Presbyterian Church, Albion First Presbyterian Church, Grundy Center First Presbyterian Church, Jesup First Presbyterian Church, Reinbeck Presbytery of Prospect Hill First Presbyterian Church, Alton Wheatland Presbyterian Church, Breda Elliot Creek Presbyterian Church, Bronson First Presbyterian Church, Cleghorn Union Church, Lake City Community Presbyterian Church, Lawton First Presbyterian Church, Sioux City Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Storm Lake 7 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

8 Additional Prayer Concerns Please keep Bien, Marinella and Manny Acosta in your prayers as they transition to living back in Iowa and settle in Fort Dodge. Please keep Angie Reemtsma, daughter-in-law of Walt and Jan Reemtsma, in your prayers as she is hospitalized in Iowa City. Our sympathy is extended to Rev. Brice Hoyt (United Presbyterian Church, Traer) and his family as they grieve the loss of Brice s brother, Brent. Memorial services for Brent were held on December 23, 2018, at the Celebrate Church in Knoxville. Greetings may be sent to: Brice Hoyt 401 Green St. Traer, IA North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

9 Presbytery of Prospect Hill Session Records Review It s time for the annual review of Session Records. We will again have three opportunities for Clerks of Session to come together and share in this process. All events will take place on Saturdays: March 10: March 17: March 24: Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Storm Lake Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sioux City Lakeshore Center at Okoboji The record reviews will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. and will be done by noon or a little after. In addition, there will be training/orientation for new Clerks of Session beginning at 10:00 a.m. on each of the days. Experienced Clerks are also welcome to attend if you feel the need of a refresher or would like to get caught up on changes in the Book of Order. If you plan to attend the orientation/training, please contact the Presbytery office so we will know how many to expect. We have a new Session Minutes Review form available this year. It has been sent digitally with an to the Clerks. You can also download it from the Presbytery website ( If you need a printed copy, please let Jeannie know and she can send you one (northiowapresby@gmail.com or ). Our goal is to make this process as efficient and effective as possible. If you have questions, please contact me. Richard Francis, Stated Clerk clerk@prospecthillpresby.org North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

10 Annual Report packets have been provided to all churches in both Presbyteries. Please return your annual reports to the Presbytery and to the General Assembly. Thank you! North Central Iowa Mission Trip We have a full slate of people participating in the Presbytery mission trip to Beaumont, Texas. We would like to have some money available to purchase and provide building materials and supplies. We will receive gift cards for Lowe s and Home Depot. Please mail them by January 26 to: David Feltman Following are the 2018 IRS mileage rates: 54.5 cents for every mile of business travel driven (up 1 cent from 2017) 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes (up 1 cent from 2017) 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations 10 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

11 A Day of Reflection on the Spiritual Disciplines Led by: Sponsored by: Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell Presbytery of North Central Iowa Date: February 15, 2018 Time: 9:30 a.m. Cost: $10.00 Location: Bethany Lutheran Church 2712 Washington Ave. Iowa Falls, Iowa This event is for all who want to deepen their faith. Deep Roots in Turbulent Times A Study of the Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life North Korea and the bomb...racism...a divided nation...issues of character...abuse...sexual exploitation of others...hurricanes...climate change...economic uncertainty...illness...loss Everywhere we turn, we face challenges and crises, as a nation and as individuals. Where do we get the spiritual strength to face these vicissitudes of life with a strength based on faith? How do we overcome the disillusionment and despair that characterizes so many in our world today? As we begin the sacred season of Lent, we will set aside a day to examine the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life, that when applied to our daily lives can give us a reservoir of strength to draw upon in turbulent times. Specifically, we will examine the five disciplines of worship, prayer, giving, study and service. Join Tom Tewell for reflection on how we can put down deep spiritual roots, so that no matter what life brings our way, we will be able to stand and blossom rather than wither and fade. This seminar is designed for pastors, officers and lay leaders of congregations in Iowa. Don t miss this opportunity to put your roots down deep into the soil of God s marvelous love! If you do...you will experience the greatest Easter of your life! Please register by contacting the Presbytery of North Central Iowa / / northiowapresby@gmail.com 11 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

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13 Registration for the 2018 Next Church National Gathering is open. Titled The Desert in Bloom, the event takes place February in Baltimore. The gathering features church leaders, both pastors and lay people, sharing stories of their experiences of ministry, new ideas, and conversations about ministry in today s environment. Creative worship centers us around God s presence. Multiple opportunities to engage in workshops and conversation about particular aspects of ministry foster new and deeper connections. Details and a link to registration can be found at The National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen will conduct their triennial conference at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina, April 23-26, Conference details and registration information can be found at: 13 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

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15 223rd General Assembly St. Louis, Missouri June 16 23, North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

16 Meet the Missionaries Rev. Dr. Thomas Harvey England Tom, a long-time volunteer, is academic dean of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS) in England, a critical center for global Christianity and mission that was founded by church leaders from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The founders saw the need for informed engagement to better understand and facilitate the growth of the church worldwide and to address the many issues facing Christians globally. The global reach of the OCMS is reflected in the diversity of its student body, which includes around 120 doctoral scholars from more than 40 countries. Home presbytery: New Hope E200358, D Rev. Ryan White and Alethia White Germany Ryan and Alethia work with Iranian refugees in partnership with the Iranian Presbyterian Church in Berlin. They provide pastoral care and collaborate with a number of Christian organizations and churches that serve Iranian refugees. We are passionate about reconciling relationships across cultural, religious, and political divides, with the hope of promoting sustainable and peaceful partnerships. Through entering into relationships with others, by listening to their stories, and extending hospitality, we hope to participate in this ministry as a family. Home presbytery/ecclesiastical body: Seattle/Pasedena Mennonite Church E200500, D North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

17 Thoughts of Rev. David Feltman, Pastor to the Presbytery, Presbytery of North Central Iowa Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I will preach at Grundy Center First and Reinbeck First this Sunday and then moderate their congregational meetings. As we begin a new year, I will ask them to reconsider what they are giving; the title of my sermon is Moving from Stewardship to Generosity. Stewardship is a tired, old word in the church filled with shoulds and oughts. A cynical church member once said I ve been in the church so long I can look a challenge in the eyes without a tinge. The old faithful have heard, we challenge you to give one percent more of your annual income or we challenge you to go the second mile. The old cynic within me wants to say most church members haven t gone the first mile, if we are going to be legalistic. The word stewardship is old and tired. Generous is a gracious word. If we have been graced by God in Jesus Christ, since God s grace and faithfulness is new every morning, we simply want to share the grace in practical, necessary ways. I recently heard of a church member in an inner city church who overheard a conversation at the door of his church one Sunday morning between the pastor and a person needing food. The next day the church member delivered a check to the church office for $50,000 saying, I want us to always be able to help. I recently heard of a collector who began selling off the collection. This was money which was no longer needed, there was plenty for the necessities of life. One piece in the collection brought an extravagant price. I wondered if the word generosity made it into the disposition of those unexpected funds. I recently heard of an estate which was settled and the church member received far more than he could have ever imagined. I wondered if any of those dollars made it to an offering plate or any special cause for Christ. The cold hearted steward says I fulfilled my pledge to the church or I gave what I gave last year. When God is at work in our lives and our churches ministry it moves to generosity. 17 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

18 One person has said, the test of a church s teaching on generosity is reflected in how well the Christians tip the waiter. The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. (II Corinthians 9:6-8 New Revised Standard Version). Please pray for me, and for your pastor and all who will preach and teach generosity in With love in Christ, David Feltman 18 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

19 Poor Richard s Almanac by Richard Francis, Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Prospect Hill Let s talk about pastors professional expenses. Professional expense allowances are a normal part of all pastoral calls, covering things like mileage reimbursement, books and subscriptions, continuing education, and even pulpit robe cleaning. It s a way for both pastors and congregations to make the best use of resources, since legitimate professional expenses are not considered taxable income. And because they re not taxable income, it s important that we keep good records of both expenditures and reimbursements. I recommend, following the advice of one of my predecessors in this position, the Rev. John Pehrson, that the Session review the pastor s reimbursement requests. John created a form for this, and I have modified it into an Excel spreadsheet that allows you to record each trip, calculates the reimbursement at the current IRS rage (54.5 cents per mile for 2018), and copies the total to the summary sheet. Both sheets can be presented to the Session for review. Then the top sheet can be signed by both the pastor and Clerk of Session and submitted to the church treasurer for payment. If you rely on a smartphone, you can keep the file on it and record your mileage directly. If you would like a copy of the file, I can it to you. clerk@prospecthillpresby.org. Just ask: I will also ask Jeannie to post it on the Presbytery web page for you to download. I see it s time for my usual disclaimer: I am not qualified to give tax advice, so if you have questions about whether or not a specific item qualifies as a professional expense you should consult a tax professional who is versed in the ins and outs of clergy taxes. Reimbursing the pastor for expenses related to the work of ministry is good stewardship, and good business. Rightly used, the professional expense reimbursement is a benefit to both pastor and congregation and a way to make resources go farther. Let s use it. Blessings, 19 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

20 Grace, peace, and happy New Year! Moderator s message I hope that your Advent and Christmastide was filled with moments of joy, even in the midst of a busier schedule, Christmas Eve services, and spending time with family. I come from a family of list-makers and schedule-setters. We always consulted the schedule for that evening s meal, what appointments lay ahead, and upcoming birthdays. Usually, when I spend time with my family of origin we plan things to do each day, whether it s a day trip to Des Moines or something more local. The bitter cold put an end to our schedule in the week between Christmas and New Years. My mom was set to accompany me to the gym every morning but then declared, I m not going anywhere at 8 a.m. when it s 5 outside! My dad and I were set for a wine tasting at the local winery, but 6 of snow stopped our plans. We spent most of the week snuggled inside and being lazy. It was exactly what I needed after a busy few weeks. I am well aware that the cold brought a lot of frustration and struggles to many living in my town. I am grateful that for me with a week off from work, my family in town and the means to heat my house that I found joy in being stuck inside with not much to do. Crafts were assembled, sugar cookies were decorated, movies were watched, toys were played with, and we all napped at least once or twice. I so appreciated the bitter cold s damper on what is usually a busier visit from my parents. I appreciated the reminder that what makes grandparents visits so special isn t the flurry of activities and events, but rather simply being together and making memories, even in the bitter cold. Where did moments of joy break through in this Advent or Christmastide? Joy, Rev. Sara Hill, Moderator Presbytery of North Central Iowa 20 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

21 A RULING ELDER COHORT FOR NORTH CENTRAL IO- WA PRESBYTERY Participation dream goal, at least one ruling elder from each of our congregations. Participants will sign a covenant promising commitment to the group and placing the dates for the eight sessions on personal calendars. Cost - $100 per participant per year. Dates Saturdays 9:30AM 2 PM October 8, 2016 January 21, 2017 April 29, 2017 July 15, 2017 Location Ackley First Presbyterian October 7, 2017 January 20, 2018 April 28, 2018 June 30, 2018 Led by Dr. Joe Small. Session 1: Origins: Calvin s unified plural ministry in Geneva Session 2: The loss of Calvin s vision and its potential recovery Session 3: Ruling elders as ministers of Word and Sacrament: Baptism Session 4: Ruling Elders as ministers of Word and Sacrament: Lord s Supper Session 5: Ruling Elders as ministers of Word and Sacrament: Proclamation Session 6: Ruling elders as Ministers of Word and Sacrament: Teaching Session 7: Councils of the church: discernment in session and presbytery Session 8: Spiritual disciplines for ruling elders and sessions The goal of the cohort, Ruling Elders who are *Scripturally - Broader and Deeper *Theologically Deeper with a basic understanding of the Book of Order, Confessions and Creeds *Spiritual Formation - Encouraged and resourced in the spiritual disciplines *Leadership - Understanding the role of Ruling Elder, learning how to support pastoral leadership and when to challenge it. *Koinonia - Connecting with other Ruling Elders, sharing best practices and supporting each other. 21 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

22 Order Commission of the National Council of Churches, and a frequent participant in international ecumenical consultations sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches and the Centre International Reformé. Dr. Small will be in Iowa for Oct. 8, 2016, October 7, 2017 and June 30, 2018, and teach with the aid of technology for the other gatherings. Dr. Small lives in Louisville, Kentucky. The Instructor Dr. Joe Small Dr. Small retired recently from his 22 tenure at the General Assembly Mission Council. Most recently, he served at the Council as Director of Theology, Worship and Education Ministries, where he directed the work of the Office of Theology and Worship, the Office of Theological Education, and Congregational Ministries Publishing. A graduate of Brown University, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Louisville, Theological Seminary. He has served the church in roles ranging from professor to pastor. Dr. Small is the author of To Be Reformed: Living the Tradition (2010), Let Us Reason Together: Christians and Jews in Conversation (2010), Proclaiming the Great Ends of the Church (2010), Conversations With the Confessions (2005),Preservation of the Truth (2005), Fire and Wind: The Holy Spirit in the Church Today (2002), Committed Conversation (2000), and God and Ourselves: A Brief Exercise in Reformed Theology (1997), and has written numerous journal articles, study series, and theological papers. He is a core member of "Re-Forming Ministry," co-chair of the international Reformed-Pentecostal Dialogue, board member of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology, member of the Faith and REGISTRATION DETAILS Sign me up I am committed! Name: Address E Mail address CELL: Church: o $ Check enclosed Make Check payable to: Presbytery of North Central Iowa Return this page along with check payable to: Presbytery of North Central Iowa Lakeshore Center at Okoboji 1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

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27 The 2018 version of Winter Pastors School, the annual winter education event of Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation, is slated February 5-8, and this year takes place at Calvin Crest Retreat Center near Fremont, Nebraska. The featured speaker is Gene T. Fowler, a pastoral theologian and church pastor who currently served the Irondequoit Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York. More complete details can be found at then Winter Pastors School. 27 North Iowa Presbyterian E-News