First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield, MN JUNE 2017 NEWSLETTER. Pastor Gordy s Message

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1 First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield, MN JUNE 2017 NEWSLETTER Pastor Gordy s Message By Pastor Gordy Pennertz Verse for JUNE: Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I'm not the pray-er I would like to be. I don't think I'm the worst pray-er in the world, but know I can do better. How about you? I do spend a lot of time talking about the importance of prayer from the pulpit. And we read in scriptures of the consistent prayer life of Jesus; the promises associated with prayer. And then we shoot up prayers only when we are desperate or frightened. I'm challenging us as a congregation to get serious about prayer. Our church needs prayer, I need prayer, out church leadership needs prayer; our world needs prayer. Robert Murray McCheyne: If the veil of the world's machinery were lifted off, how much would we find is done in answer to the prayers of God's children. I invite you to join our new bible study on prayer, there is a little more info elsewhere in the newsletter. But I am not writing to advertise that, I'm writing because I'm convinced our prayers; sincere, consistent prayers can make a difference. And not because of our power or our good thoughts. It is because God has invited us to pray and has promised that prayer changes things. Prayer changes things because of God's faithfulness. John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I know we know these verses, these promises. But are we living like we believe them? If we believe, we should be making our requests made known to God. And we should be giving thanks for the blessings we receive. And we should be experiencing peace in our lives; the peace that God gives. So pray. Peace, Hope and Joy in Christ's name, Pastor Gordy Worship time Sunday starting June 4 th at 9:30!! Spring ahead!!

2 Upcoming events: Thursday, June 1 st --MAM meeting here 11:00 AM Sunday, June 4-Time change to 9:30 PENTECOST Please wear red! Monday, June 5-PW CT mtg 9 AM --Clerk's Session records review in Willmar Tuesday, June 6 th : CCC mtg 6 PM!---PW Gathering in Amboy! Wednesday, June 7-- Home Communions Thursday, June 8th -MAM Night in the Park 5-8 Tuesday, June13th-- Session meeting Wednesday, June14th-- Bible Study 4:30 Friday-Saturday the Pastor Gordy and Julie Rae gone for Kelly Crosbie and Alex's wedding Tuesday, June 20 th -- Newsletter items due Wednesday, June 21 st -- Bible Study 4:30 Wednesday, June 28 th -- Bible Study 4:30 Looking ahead: July 13 th -- Let's Go Fishing at Green Lake! LITURGIST: 4-KAY HANSON 11-DAVID PENNERTZ 18-MICHAEL JOLDERSMA 25-JULIE RAE PENNERTZ Coffee Hour: 4-JUDY HOLMES 11-DOTTIE MADSEN 18-JAYNE ACKMAN 25-ARLYCE DEDRICKSON USHERS: 4-SUSAN BERG 11-RYAN ACKMAN 18-JULIE RAE PENNERTZ 25-SAVANNAH JOLDERSMA Communion Servers: JULIE RAE PENNERTZ, SUSAN BERG, JUDY HOLMES, BEVERLY DRIVER Money Counters: 4-SHIRLEY & KAY 11-GARY & JULIE RAE 18-MICHAEL & ARLYCE 25-JUDY & BEVERLY Deacons serving schedule: If you are in need of a deacon for rides, for help, for notifying someone is in the hospital etc Please contact the deacon of the month: June: Amy Viehauser July: Julie Rae Pennertz August: Barbara Bremseth September: Rhonda Joldersma October: Savannah Joldersma November: Barbara Bremseth December: Rhonda Joldersma Christmas Eve: Rhonda Joldersma/all

3 4-MARIAH CROSBIE 7-TRUMAN STEHR 11-TIM LANE (KAY S HUBBY) 12-DAVID DETERT BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES: 13-RUTH AND TOM TOWNSEND 15-RUTH TOWNSEND 15-DON & JAYNE ACKMAN 18-DOTTIE & MARSHALL 23-SUSAN BERG 24-DOTTIE MADSEN 27-MELVA BURNETTE 27-TOM TOWNSEND 27-SCOTT RECH 28-JIM & LILA LUNDBERG SANCTUARY DUTY: June: Shirley July: Jayne Aug: Julie Rae Sept: David Oct: Amy L. Nov: Rosie Dec: Shirley Pastor Truman Update : As was shared from the pulpit and in the prayer chain, Pastor Truman was hospitalized after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Red Wing. His injuries were much less severe than at first thought and while he does have a few broken bones, he is fortunate to be healing at home. On a brighter note, he is being recognized this month by the United Church of Christ for the 60 th anniversary of his ordination. Congratulations Pastor Truman! JUNE Liturgy 4-Acts 2: Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20: Genesis 1:1-2:4a 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28: Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23) 25-Genesis 21:8-21 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39

4 Holy Humor: There was a mixture of super heroes and villains and congregational joke telling as we celebrated the joy of the risen Lord with Holy Humor Batman! Thanks to all who participated, either in the skit or by telling jokes or coming in costume or providing food for the meal! Bible Verse of the Month: This month s Bible verse is from David & Katie Pennertz. When asked why, their response was, Because it is a message of HOPE! Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. PRESBYTERIN WOMEN Coordinating Team Minutes: The Coordinating Team met on May 8 th. The meeting was called to order and opened with prayer by Moderator Rosie Graphenteen. Members present were Rosie, Shirley, Dottie and Jayne. The secretary s report was read and approved. Jayne gave the treasurer s report. As of now we have $ There was no news from Ecumen. Mission report: At our July meeting of the CT we will pack up our projects and send them out. Lilac Luncheon: Rosie will purchase the food needed to make potato salad, order bread, punch items, and get the cheese whiz. Jayne would like us to find someone to do the treasurer s job. Julie Rae offered and was approved. We discussed the Spring Gathering which is in Amboy on June 6 th. If you are interested in attending, let Julie Rae know as registration deadline is May 31 st. Respectfully submitted, Rosie Graphenteen Moderator/secretary Come and join us in making cards at WINGS Tuesday, June 13. EVERYONE is welcome!! Once again we will be hosting our annual Father s Day Tie contest! The categories are; Most creative, Most unusual, Most colorful, Favorite! Get your ties on!!

5 THANK YOU to all who helped in any way with the Lilac Luncheon!! We couldn t do it without EVERYONE helping in some way. Though attendance was down, we were able to raise about $1500. Thanks again to Shirley Good for donating a quilt and for once again being willing to share her quilts with all who came. We were able to raise $300 from her quilt. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. THANK YOU! There are many people who have helped with this year s mission projects. If you have projects, please get them to Julie Rae by the end of June. We will then gather at CT and put our projects together for mailing. If you have ideas for next year s projects, please let me know. We are to be the hands of Jesus in service to others! Have a great summer and blessings to all. Blessings, Julie Rae PW Missions Coordinator SESSION NOTES Session Minutes May 9, 2017 Attendance: Sue Berg, Shirley Brooks, Gary Graphenteen, Kay Hanson, Judy Holmes & Pastor Gordy Pennertz. Excused: Michael Joldersma 1. Pastor Gordy opened the meeting with prayer. 2. Elder training: Pastor Gordy talked about the marks of the church using F from the Book of Order. 3. Pastor's Report: Pastor Gordy announced a new Bible Study on prayer beginning Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. The Bible Study will meet for four weeks. Pastor Gordy & Julie will be in Iowa on May 25/26, 2017 to attend a wedding for a niece/godchild. Pastor Gordy reminded us that worship time changes to 9:30 a.m. on June 4, Judy will change the ad in The Independent Review. 4. Communion served: Maundy Thursday-34; Easter Sunday- 43; & May Correspondence received: The Presbytery sent a letter reminding churches of the value in attending the Presbytery meetings. Pastor Gordy & Amy Levinski are attending the Presbytery meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 in Worthington. During the meeting, Amy will move from enquirer to candidate & be presented to the Presbytery. 6. Presbytery annual review of our official church records: Sue will take our official church records to be reviewed at the Presbytery office in Willmar on June 5, Custodian for September & October while Richard & Heidi Pennertz & their children welcome a new baby into their home (Due date is early September.): No responses from the congregation. Sue Berg will ask two people she knows who clean. If necessary, the Stewardship/Finance/Personnel committee will place an ad in the local paper. 8. Sound system: Installation has not been done yet. Michael

6 will make contact with company responsible for the installation. 9. Home communion: With David & Katie Pennertz and Wade & Amy Viehauser moving, we are short two deacons (David & Amy). Pastor Gordy asked for volunteers to help the deacons deliver home communion. Kay volunteered to help Pastor Gordy with home communion on May 10, The Deacons will meet after church on May 14, 2017 to discuss how best to accomplish their duties for the rest of Prayer for our congregation members & others who are dealing with health & life issues. 11. Worship/Christian Education: Review of Holy Humor Sunday. Applause & a huge thank you to Julie for her writing & directing skills! Julie wrote the words to the songs! The Committee will meet in June or July to begin working on fall programming. 12. Christian Community: Committee is sponsoring a dunk tank at the MAM fundraiser on June 8 in Central Park from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Other churches & organizations are volunteering to do various booths balloon animals; popcorn; hamburgers; music; etc. Motion passed to pay for the dunk tank out of the Church's Outreach budget. All proceeds from the dunk tank will be given to MAM. Let's Go Fishing annual event on Green Lake is scheduled for June 13, 2017 at 1 p.m. Two pontoons are reserved. The initial contact with Headstart for the Red Box project (books & school/dental supplies) has been made. The grant from the Mission Redevelopment Committee at First Presbyterian Church in Medelia, Minnesota was approved. The monies will be used to hold a program on child sexual predators & keeping children safe. The plan is to ask Patty Wetterling to speak. 13. Buildings & Grounds: The Joldersma family will mow the church lawn this summer. Greg Heath will tend the Prayer Garden for the summer months. The annual lift check-up was completed on May 9, There is minor follow-up, particularly with the phone on the lift. Carpet on the ramp will be laid when the weather is appropriate. Lawn spraying has been scheduled. 14. Stewardship/Finance/Personnel: Pastor Gordy will contact Leetha Waldron with a question about the Treasurer's Report. 15. Presbyterian Women: The Lilac Luncheon is May 17, Potato salad will be made on May 16, In June, the Presbyterian Women in our Presbytery will meet to discuss the viability of the organization continuing due to declining number of participants. 16. Unison blessing of one another. Next meeting: June 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Judy Holmes Mary Martha Circle The last meeting of the year was held on Monday, May 22 nd. Thank you to Judy Holmes for stepping in and leading our lesson on Esther. We hope that others of you will join us in September as we continue our study. We have found it to be very pertinent to our times. AS it says in Esther, For such a time as this you were placed upon the earth. What is your mission? Maybe our lesson can help you, no matter what your age! Blessings Julie Rae Pennertz and Jayne Ackman, co-chair

7 Presbytery Meeting: Presbytery Meeting: Amy Levinski took the next step in her ordination process with the Presbyterian Church (USA) when she moved from the Inquiry Phase to the Candidacy Phase. She was examined by the Commission on Leadership and then by the whole gathering of the Presbytery. She presented the group her Statement of Faith and a summary of her faith journey. Then she was asked question about her call to ministry. She passed with flying colors. This is her final step on the road to ordination. Congratulations, Amy! We also hired a new Executive Presbyter, now called Executive Director of Presbytery Mission. Rev. Ashley currently serves as Assistant Stated Clerk, manager for Call Process Support and Teaching Elders Ministries in the Office of the General Assembly. Rev. Dr. Ashley is the seventh child of Dorothy and Freddie Gaulman. Born in Frankfurt, Germany to a military family, SanDawna spent her formative years living in Columbia, South Carolina and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SanDawna is married to the Reverend Murphy Ashley, Jr. She is the mother of Jay, and grandmother of Christian and Olivia. We welcome the Rev. Dr. SanDawna Ashley to Minnesota from Chicago. She begins her duties here in August. BIBLE STUDY! Do you struggle with prayer? Is it hard to concentrate when you try to pray? Can we pray with more power, faith and fervency? Join us for a Bible Study on Prayer. Using Max Lucado's Video lessons on prayer, we will study in particular The Lord's Prayer and learn to stop underestimating the power of God to work through prayer. We will strive to take what we learn and become more active and consistent in our prayer life. Our bible study on prayer continues the last 3 Wednesdays of June. We meet at church at 4:30 for an hour look at prayer and scripture. GRATITUDE QUESTION OF THE MONTH: Since it is graduation month What teacher made the greatest impression upon you? Give thanks for that teacher! NOTICE!! We have a new tax ID number. If you have the old one, please see Julie Rae and get the new one for tax exempt purchases. Thank you!

8 MARK your clendars! Thursday, June 8 th from 5-8 PM Meeker Area Ministries will be hosting their first fund-raising event to help the homeless population in Meeker County. There will be LOTS to do and plenty of food! Enjoy the music of the Kingery Family and the Kargas family! Our church is sponsoring a dunk-tank with MANY familiar faces sitting on the bench. Come and share the joy and help raise money for those who haven t any! DAVID & KATIE PENNERTZ TH AVE ST. AUGUSTA, MN WADE & AMY VIEHAUSER & FAMILY SKYE ROAD BRAINERD, MN 56401

9 Q: Why do they say 'Amen' at the end of a prayer instead of 'Awomen'? A: The same reason they sing Hymns instead of Hers! The Monkey One day the zoo-keeper noticed that the monkey was reading two books - the Bible and Darwin's The Origin of Species. In surprise he asked the ape, "Why are you reading both those books"? "Well," said the monkey, "I just wanted to know if I was my brother's keeper or my keeper's brother." Q: Did you know that they had automobiles in Jesus time? A: Yes, the Bible says that the disciples were all of one Accord. A Woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. "What Denomination?" Asked the clerk. "Oh, my goodness! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well give me 50 Presbyterian and 50 Catholic!

10 JUNE PRAYER LIST 1-Heidi & Richard Pennertz, Ariel, William, Viola, Rebekah, Conor &?? 2-Tina Pennertz 3-Jackie, Ashley & Emily Perez 4-Scott & Stephanie Rech, Kennedy and Frankie 5-Orville Reinke 6-Cicily Savoy 7-Stephanie Savoy 8-Tom & Ruth Townsend 9-Wade & Amy Viehauser, Luciella 10-Philip & Leetha Waldron and Jeff 11-Presbytery of MN Valleys 12-Bill and Bev Barr 13-Rev Mark & Nancy Chamberlain 14-David & Sharon Detert 15-Rick & Carrie Johnson 16-Russ Joldersma 17-Christa & Jacob Joseph & (Baby) 18-Ty, Sara and Aiden Schneider 19-Truman Stehr and family 20-Kris Torkelson 21-Ann Abramson 22-Don & Jayne Ackman 23-Ryan Ackman 24-Dwight Barrick 25-Joel Barrick 26-Mortie & Susan Berg 27-Carol Blunt 28-David Boll 29-Foley Presbyterian Church 30-First Lutheran Church of Litchfield PRAYER Why do we call our friends on the phone? To share exciting news? To ask for advice? Because we enjoy each other s company? Communication is the key to any relationship whether it s with friends or the Creator of the Universe. God s line is always open. We ll never receive a busy signal, an answering machine, or get Him out of bed. He s ready to hear it all our concerns, our questions, our words of thanks. God wants to dry our tears from the inside out and whisper to each of us the counsel we most need to hear. He also wants to act on our behalf. Ask God for what you need physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Whatever is important to us is important enough to become a prayer. Prayer is conversation with God. Clement of Alexandria Pray and ask God for everything you need, and when you pray, always give thanks. Philippians 4:6 God listens to us every time we ask Him. So we know that He gives us the things that we ask from Him. 1 John 5:15 When you can t put your prayers into words, God hears your heart. Author Unknown All who call on God in the true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard and will receive what they have asked and desired. Martin Luther We should speak to God from our hearts and talk to Him as a child talks to his father. Charles H. Spurgeon Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.

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