-
The Messenger
Presbyterian United Church of Christ
www.facebook.com/PresbyterianUCC
www.pucclemars.com
858 7th Avenue SE
P.O. Box 729
Le Mars, IA 51031
712-546-6624
[email protected]
OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday– Friday
9:00 am - Noon
1:00 pm- 3:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Sunday Worship
10:30 a.m.
Nursery available for children under six years during
worship
service.
Weather-related
cancellations will be aired on KLEM 1410 AM
2015 IMPORTANT DATES IN
DECEMBER
December 6: Congregation Meeting following Worship
December 13: Christmas Program
December 13: Noah’s Ark Christmas Program @ 2pm
December 24: Christmas Eve Service
**November 1 ~ Don’t forget to set you clock back an hour!
From: The Red Brick Church on the Hill
All Saints’ Day
In early Christian tradition, saints’ days began as a way to
mark the
anniversary of a martyr’s death — his or her “birthday” as a
saint. By the
middle of the church’s first millennium, there were so many
martyrs
(particularly due to the persecution of Diocletian) that it was
hard to give
them all their due. All Saints’ Day was established as an
opportunity to
honor all the saints, known and unknown.
All Saints’ Day has a rather different focus in the Reformed
tradition.
While we may give thanks for the lives of particular luminaries
of ages
past, the emphasis is on the ongoing sanctification of the whole
people of
God. Rather than putting saints on pedestals as holy people set
apart in
glory, we give glory to God for the ordinary, holy lives of the
believers in
this and every age. This is an appropriate time to give thanks
to members
of the community of faith who have died in the past year.
All Saints’ Day has been celebrated on November 1 since the year
835. Previously it had been connected
with the Easter season as a feast of all martyrs.
This year we will be recognizing the following who have entered
the church triumphant this past year: Jim
Kendall, Cindy Athens, Steven Scholten, Eddie Martfeld, Kevin
James, Frances Braband, Linda
Angerman, Marion Athens, Abby Penning, Gale Dennler, and Bette
Waite.
Celebrating Veteran’s Day
National ceremonies commemorating Veterans Day occur each year
at the memorial amphitheater built
around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 AM on November 11, a
color guard representing all military ser-
vices executes “Present Arms” at the tomb. The presidential
wreath is laid upon the tomb and the bugler
plays taps.
Each Veterans Day is a time for Americans to stop and remember
the brave men and women who have
risked their lives for the United States of America. As Dwight
Eisenhower said, "...it is well for us to pause,
to acknowledge our debt to those who paid so large a share of
freedom's price. As we stand here in grate-
ful remembrance of the veterans' contributions we renew
our conviction of individual responsibility to live in ways
that
support the eternal truths upon which our Nation is found-
ed, and from which flows all its strength and all its great-
ness."
Our Veteran’s will be recognized on Sunday, November 8,
2015 during the worship service.
HARVEST DINNER!
PUCC’s annual Harvest Dinner is fast approaching! The dinner
will be held on
November 15th after Sunday church service. Again this year we
will have the turkey
and ham catered and the rest of the meal will be potluck. You
will need to bring your
own place setting. Sign up sheets are posted in the Narthex.
Please join us for great
food and fellowship!!
Greek icon of saints and angels
around Christ’s throne (c. 1700).
-
Note From Pastor Jan
Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. He
climbed up in a Sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see…
With Sunday school in full swing once again this year, I’ve been
thinking about the impact the Bible stories have upon our lives.
The other day, I happened upon the story of Zacchaeus. Perhaps you
remember the story, as do I, from the song … and as the Savior
passed that way, he looked up in the tree, and he said, “Zacchaeus,
you come down, for I’m going to your house today. I’m going to your
house today!” When I visited Israel a few years ago, a tree was
pointed out on the streets of Jericho that was thought to be the
tree Zacchaeus climbed up into in order to see Jesus. Seeing the
tree was such a reminder to me of Jesus’ time on earth, the way he
was available to people and the way he transformed lives. We know
Zacchaeus as a wee little man, but we may miss the fact that he in
many ways was a lot like us. He had a job and diligently worked at
his job to get ahead. As a tax collector, he had done well and had
become rich. The problem was that in that day, many in his
profession were recognized as being dishon-est, of gaining riches
at the expense of the poor. The crowd thinks of Zacchaeus as a
sinner, one whom even Jesus should stay away from. Whether he was
truly guilty or not, the story doesn’t say. What the story does say
is that there was a transformation in his life when he comes into
the presence of Jesus. Immediately, Zacchaeus commits to giving
half of his possessions to the poor and goes on to say, “if I have
defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.”
Jesus responds, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he
too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to
save the lost.” Bible stories are not just for kids. This story of
Zacchaeus has a powerful message for all of us. His life was
transformed. Jesus names this transformation “salvation.” We
recognize the transformation in his actions. He made a complete
about-face. One has to wonder what exactly happened to Zacchaeus?
What caused him to have such a desire to see Jesus that he, a grown
man, climbed up a Sycamore tree along a busy city street? Who put
this desire in him? I find it encouraging to think of how God
quietly works within our hearts, beginning by giving us a desire to
see Jesus. Zacchaeus climbs the tree, and Jesus sees him and calls
out to him. I think of the scripture, “If you seek, you will find.”
Jesus went to Zach’s home and Zach was changed. He was transformed.
He now has seen Jesus and he will never be the same. An encounter
with Jesus changes our lives. Is God nudging you? Is a desire
growing up within you to seek Jesus in your life? What
transformative
work does God desire to do in your life? Friends, this is a most
amazing gift from God who knows and loves you and wants to do great
things in and through you. Perhaps it is time to climb the
tree!
With Thanksgiving,
-
October was a fun month at Noah’s Ark Pre-
school! We had several visitors including
Pastor Jan, Ms. Lisa from the Le Mars Public
Library, and Chief Dave and Chief Mike from
the Le Mars Fire Department! We also had our
pictures taken by Nancy Brechler from Nancy’s
Photography! The 4 & 5 year olds learned the
letters D, E, F, and G in October, and the 3
year olds learned the colors yellow, green, and blue. We ended
the
month with Halloween parties!
We have a lot of fun plans for November! Pastor Jan will visit
each of
the classes, and Ms. Lisa from the library will make her monthly
visit to
read to each class. Victoria DeVos, the Plymouth County
Naturalist,
will visit each of the classes to teach us how animals prepare
for
winter, and some football players from the Le Mars Bulldogs will
read
to the 4 & 5 year olds! The 4 & 5 year olds will tour
the church for their
first field trip in November. We also have parent-teacher
conferences
scheduled for November 9, 11, and 12. We will end the month
by
celebrating Thanksgiving.
Save the date! The Noah’s Ark Preschool Christmas Program will
be
on Sunday December 13 at 2:00 in the Sanctuary. Refreshments
will
be served in the Fellowship Hall following the program.
Did you know Noah’s Ark Preschool is on Facebook?! Please ‘like’
us
on Facebook to get updates on what is happening in the
classroom!
We do a lot of learning and have a lot of fun!
facebook.com/noahsarkpreschoollemars
Since the beginning of the school year, we have received
many
generous donations of supplies for our classroom. We sincerely
thank
you for all donations!
We look forward to a fun-filled November!
Children’s Chapel - Worship Ministry
As we celebrate the season of Thanksgiving, the Christian
Educa-
tion Commission is very thankful for the many Storytellers
and
Greeters that have volunteered their time to become involved in
our
Children’s Chapel ministry.
This year we have begun each lesson with the use of the Circle
of
the Church presentation set created and built by Rod
Scholten.
We have learned that there are three great times in the year of
the
church; Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. The time to get ready
for
Christmas is called Advent. The time for getting ready for
Easter is
called Lent and the season of Easter is also a time for getting
ready
to come to the mystery of Pentecost. Colors are also used in
our
Circle of the Church. Green blocks for ordinary time, purple for
Ad-
vent and Lent, red for the glow of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost
and
white for Easter. This avenue of learning invites children to
move
through the church’s special kind of time, marked not by
numbers
but by blocks of color.
Children’s Chapel November Schedule of Bible Stories:
11/1: Communion Sunday - No Children’s Chapel
11/8: A New Teaching - Mark 1: 21-28
11/15: Jesus and the Paralytic - Matthew 9: 1-8
11/22: Jesus and the Tax Collectors - Luke 5: 27-32
11/29: Mary & Joseph Show the Way to Bethlehem - Matthew
1-2
The Forum will suspend meeting due to a lack of interest. Save
the Date!
This year’s Christmas Program will be held on De-
cember 13th during the morning worship service!
Hope to see you there!
Middle School Youth Group
The year is off to a great start! After a kick-off at Rejoice
Community
Church in September, the joint Middle School Group from
three
congregations has been meeting at PUCC on the 2nd and 4th
Wednesday evenings. On October 14th, the group enjoyed a trip
to
Pumpkinland, north of Orange City. Thankfully everyone who
attended made it through the maze! A bit challenging with it
getting
dark so early! Each night of youth group we enjoy time
together,
which includes a lesson, games and always ends with Blue Bunny
Ice
Cream treats! Adult helpers this year include Jacki Albers and
Pastor
Jan from PUCC, Todd DeBoer from Rejoice Community, and Troy
Hughes from Calvin Christian Reformed Church. We are happy to
be
able to join together with these other 2 congregations again
this year!
Confirmation at PUCC
Confirmation class is off to a great start! On October
4th, confirmands received their Bibles from the
congregation. Bibles were passed through the
sanctuary, giving everyone a chance to pray for each
student as they embarked on their confirmation
journey. The class consists of 5 students this year, all
in the 7th grade. Each week, we welcome one parent
to experience the class, which is taught by Pastor
Jan. Students are going through the Confirmation
Curriculum titled “Professing Our Faith” from the We
Believe series. Meeting the first and third Wednesdays,
students are expected to attend worship at least twice a
month. Part of their homework currently is to read
through the gospel of Mark. Please keep Carter,
Emma, Owen, Seth, and Sophie in prayer as they move
through this special season of life.
-
Session Highlights ~ Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Elders Present: Pastor Jan Christensen, Evelyn Kendall, Deb
Thompson, Roger Dempster, Mike Cunningham, Linda Smith, Arlo
Swalve, Lowell Penning, Beth Kehrberg Excused: Kevin Albers, Rob
Bixenman, Karissa Carlson
Moderator’s Report Pastor Jan gave a summary of her activities
throughout the last month. She reports that the confirmation class
is off to a great start with a nice group of five kids. They meet
twice monthly for what will be a two-year process leading up to
confirmation. Jan has asked that a parent be present at each of the
meetings and has received the support of the parents. The middle
school youth also meet twice monthly with Jackie Albers helping
out. Jan may go to represent the PUCC during the high school youth
group but is also looking for suggestions of anyone who may be
interested in attending (currently PUCC has no representation). Jan
continues to attend various func-tions/events: attended the wedding
reception of Corinne and Logan Black, did a pet blessing at
“Woofstock,” had lunch with the new pastor at Christ Lutheran
Church, continues mentoring a woman under care of the presbyter and
has been involved in pastoral care, serving home com-munion,
visiting and counseling. Jan expressed both joys and concerns
involving ministry over the past month.
Clerk’s Report MSC to approve the September 22, 2015 Session
Meeting Minutes.
Communion was served to 73 on Sunday, October 4, 2015.
Deacon’s Report No report submitted.
Treasurer’s Report Rob was not present to provide a Treasurer ’s
report.
Nominating Committee Report Jan reports that two of three vacant
Deacon positions have been filled and several are considering.
MSC to approve the above reports as stated.
Commission Reports Lowell provided a summary for P & M.
Cleanup including tree trimming and removal continues in the grove
behind the church. Lowell has budgeted accordingly for the coming
year. The lights in the chapel have been fixed. Playground
equipment has been updated and installed.
Roger reported that the Worship Commission is getting ready for
Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year holiday decorating will take
place weekly starting at the end of November. In Rob’s absence,
Pastor Jan mentioned for the Finance Commission that expenses
continue to be lower this year compared to last.
The Mission Commission has put toys together and taken them to
Gehlen to be sent to Honduras. If the toys are popular they will
see that more are made and sent. Dennis has been in contact with P
& M in regards to a community garden which is being planned for
next year. Beth reported that the Noah’s Ark board shows an
increase of nine students this year compared to last. Pastor Jan
continues to offer chapel time to each section and has added a
Bible Story each month for the older class. Deb reported for the
Christian Education Committee that nursery cleanup will need to be
rescheduled. All members of the church will be welcome when a date
is determined. R.O.C.K program is off to a great start and the
committee seems pleased with the program. MSC to approve the
Commission Reports as stated.
Old Business The church growth task-force will meet 11/5/15.
Personnel will be meeting to review the child protection policy. No
further action has been taken on an opportunity for prayer.
Hill View Park fall retreat review: Dennis did a terrific job
contributing to the service and leading the nature hike, Arlo did a
fantastic job organ-izing the catered meal, approximately 52 people
were in attendance. Jan has some ideas for the spiritual formation
task-force. Jeff Peters will be facilitating an adult Bible study
group starting 11/8/15. Regarding the Sabbatical, Jan recommended
taking this off the table in order to communicate information
regarding pastoral sabbaticals to the congregation. Session
discussed various options available to help make a sabbatical
happen. Session plans to prepare a
letter to be sent out to the congregation to better explain
sabbatical and what it would mean for the PUCC. A discussion will
be held during an upcoming congregational meeting.
Old Business Congregational meeting scheduled for December 6,
2015: new officers and possible sabbatical discussion. Session in
pro-cess of determining commission and task force assignments for
2016. The process used by the Nominating Committee was discussed
includ-ing the idea of having a written list of potential
candidates submitted by the congregation prepared ahead of time.
MSC to reschedule the De-cember session meeting for December 15,
2015. MSC to adjourn the Meeting at 9:10 pm. Meeting closed in
prayer.
Month Income Expenses Difference
January $ 17,584.94 $ 17,446.77 $ 138.17
February $ 18,914.15 $ 19,861.01 $ (946.86)
March $ 18,013.81 $ 20,087.88 $ (2,074.07)
April $ 19,520.79 $ 19,748.11 $ (227.32)
May $ 33,546.40 $ 17,234.04 $ 16,312.36
June $ 13,297.78 $ 15, 767.12 $ (2,469.34)
July $ 9,201.69 $ 20,695.50 $ (11,493.81)
August $ 14,311.69 $ 18,770.10 $ (4,458.41)
September $ 17,971.77 $ 17,248.91 $ 722.86
Total $ 162,363.02 $ 166,859.44 $ (4,496.42)
-
NOVEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
November 4 Chance Marcotte
November 12 Maxine Pitts
November 13, Teri Brock
November 22 Dave Schneider
November 24, Christy Collins
November 26 Norma Martfeld
November 26 Parker Keunen
November 28 Cris Collins
November 29 Bruce Kellen
November 29 Fauston Mahlke
November 2 Dale & Donna Kluckman
November 29
Harold & Anita Hazen
THANK YOU ~ Hello Everyone, Thank you so much for your thoughts,
your prayers and your cards. Arlo and I are truly blessed to have
such a supportive church family. Love Lucille
THANK YOU ~ We want to thank Dennis Sohl for his participation
in service during the All Church Fall Retreat on October 18th and
also a special thank you to Arlo Swalve for organizing the
Retreat!
THANK YOU ~ We want to thank Kym Peters for sharing a beautiful
worship dance with us to Fight Song/Amazing Grace on Septmeber
27th.
THANK YOU ~ For your faithful giving to the ministry of this
church. We are grateful for your gifts, both monetarily and through
serving! You are a blessing!
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Pat Hawkins
Jean Rowe
Betty Swalve
Mikalla Ericson
Tyler Finley
Marlyce Christensen
Walker Raymond
Mavis Kuper
Jim Farley
Dr. Ron Batz
Chris Jackson
Dennis Smith
Tyler Schweisow
Pat Walker
Lucille Swalve
Evelyn Kendall
Brad Athens
Rod & Colleen Scholten
Pam Schweisow & Family
The Family of Linda Angerman
The Family of Sonny Athens
The Family of Abby Penning
The Family of Bette Waite
Near to Our Hearts! Please remember our shut ins and others
residing in care facilities. Home Bound: Bob Becker, Sally Plueger
and Glenn Waite. Plymouth Manor: Arlene Kratochvil and Mildred
Morton. Good Samaritan Society: Mavis Kuper Park Place Estates: Pat
Hawkins, Jean Rowe and Evelyn Weber. The Abbey: Dr. Ron Batz
Bickford Cottage in Sioux City: Marlyce Christensen Individuals Out
of Town: Jean Koenig, Betty Lou Larson, Maxine Pitts, Gordon
Thompson, Ruth Rann and Jane Truesdell.
Gifts in Memory ~
Through the years, this church has been the grateful recipient
of many wonderful gifts in memory of loved ones who have entered
the Church Triumphant. These gifts have been put to use in a
variety of ways to bless the ministry of this congregation. For
those who are looking to give a me-morial gift, there are two ways
of giving. First, a monetary gift can be given to be used at the
discretion of the church. These are called non-designated gifts.
The session draws upon these gifts when a new project is in the
works and needs funding. Second, gifts can be given for a certain
purpose or project that is underway within the church. Donors are
welcome to talk with the pastor re-garding current projects to
choose from.
Come to the Sanctuary
The session is encouraging members and friends of this
congregation to come to our beautiful sanctuary for a time of
solace and prayer. Recognizing the need in our lives for stillness
and communion with God, you are invited to come whenever the
building is open and spend time with God. This is a great way to
center on God, listen for God, and to lift up your concerns for
yourself, others, and for the ministry of this congrega-tion.
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 22
4:00 PM
At Rejoice! Community Church
NW Iowa Middle School Honor Band
Congratulations to Drake Oswald on
being selected into the Northwest
Iowa Middle School Honor
Band. Drake, an 8th grade student at
Remsen-Union Community Schools,
auditioned with his tenor saxo-
phone. He was selected as first
chair, which enables him to participate
in the All-Iowa 8th Grade Honor Band
in Des Moines in May. Drake, the son
of Jim and Stephanie Oswald and grandson of Roger and
Betty Athens, will be performing in a concert at Buena Vista
University Schaller Chapel on Saturday, November 7th. We
are proud of you, Drake!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Roger and Betty Athens are celebrating their 60th wedding
anniversary! They were married Sunday, October 30, 1955 at First
Presbyterian Church here in Le Mars. The Reverend James Ransom
officiated. Roger and Betty are hosting coffee time on Sunday
November 1st! Come and join them in celebrating this wonderful
occasion!
Wait Until Dark
Sophie and Rob Bixenman have been sharing their talents in
acting with the community this fall through the Le Mars Community
Theatre. Both had roles in the recent production “Wait Until Dark.”
Sophie played a young girl who helped solve a murder and prevent
anoth-er one, while Rob played the shady char-acter of Sergeant
Carlini. At one point Sophie had the rare opportunity to stick her
tongue out at her Dad! Only on stage, Sophie... only on stage!
-
Stewardship 2015
Once again this fall, it is the season we place a special
emphasis on stewardship. Our Book
of Order in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is explicit in the
importance of stewardship, not
only as something we do once a year, but as something that is
part of our lives all the time.
“Giving has always been a mark of Christian commitment and
discipleship. The ways in
which a believer uses God’s gifts of material goods, personal
abilities, and time should reflect
a faithful response to God’s self-giving in Jesus Christ and
Christ’s call to
minister to and share with others in the world. Tithing is a
primary expres-
sion of the Christian discipline of stewardship.”
“Those who follow the discipline of Christian stewardship will
find
themselves called to lives of simplicity, generosity, honesty,
hospitality,
compassion, receptivity, and concern for the earth and God’s
creatures.”
Beginning on October 25th, members and friends of this
congregation will
be invited to prayerfully consider stewardship. In the weeks
leading up to
this time, you are encouraged to read the above paragraphs
several times,
meditating and prayerfully considering how God is calling you to
live as a
faithful steward at this time of your life.
Pledge cards may be returned to the office or placed in the
offering plates.
Gifts Promise will be dedicated on November 15th.
Upcoming Events @ Lakeshore Center!
Christmas by the Lake!
December 5th ~ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM in The Lodge. There will be a
program at 3:00 PM. All are welcome to join in the Christmas
Celebration by the lake!
Scrapbook Retreat!
January 15-17, 2016. Bring your supplies and enjoy a full
weekend of scrapbooking at the lake!
Phone: 712-337-3313
Check out their website for more infor-mation!
http://www.lakeshorecenteratokoboji.org
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Brett & Bonnie Schwiesow on their
marriage! Brett
and Bonnie were married on October 16th in Oshkosh, WN. Brett
is
the son of Pam and the late Kent Schwiesow. Brett also added
three
more to the family, as Bonnie has three children,
Karlie, Brodie and Riley! Congratulation to you
Brett and Bonnie and the whole family!
-
Get Out and Vote on Tuesday, November 3rd
It has been said that church happens when one leaves the church
building. We are blessed in this congregation to have a number of
people
who serve in many different ways within our community and
beyond. This month, we want to feature a couple of
people who have made themselves available to serve.
Cris Collins has been on the Le Mars Community School District
Board of Education for 17 years. While Cris made
the decision not to run for another term, the Le Mars community
had other plans. Cris was
elected by write-in vote in September! Surprised at first, Cris
concluded he had a
responsibility to the community and the school to accept the
voters’ decision. Thank-you
Cris for your years of service and willingness to continue
serving in this way.
Dr. Chuck Holz is running for the fifth Iowa House District of
Representatives. When a
position became open, Chuck was approached by several people,
whom he highly respected, asking him to run. Chuck
sensed a calling to do so. Running unopposed, we are
anticipating his election to office, and are thankful for his
willing-
ness to serve in this way.
Election Night Soup Supper
Following your trip to the polls on Tuesday, you are encouraged
to stop by Calvin Christian Reformed Church for a
delicious soup supper. This year the menu will include 3 kinds
of homemade soup, pigs in blankets, taverns and a
variety of homemade desserts. Hours are between 5 and 7 p.m.
Price is $8.00 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 5-
10, and free for children 4 and under.
Apples for Advent!
Enjoy tasty apple treats during fellowship time each Sunday of
Advent this year. The first Sunday of Advent
is November 29 so get your taste buds ready. The coffee hour
hosts will be sharing their favorite apple treats with
us.
The lighting of the first candle of Advent and decorating the
Christmas tree will be a part of the worship service on
November 29. We will watch the children decorate the tree with
the new Chrismons. While the children
hang them we will view enlarged pictures of the various styles
and learn the symbolism of the Chrismons.
This summer several members of the congregation enjoyed time
together chatting and making the Chrismons. Karen Peters was the
"crew chief".
Poinsettias and the wreathes for the side walls will be put in
place during worship on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 6. We
will also serve communion that Sun-
day.
When you enter the sanctuary on December 13 you will see the
large banners and the garlands already hanging.
The twinkling white lights on the garlands will make a perfect
background for the Children's Program that third
Sunday of Advent.
Everyone is invited to "stay for dinner" on December 13. A warm
meal is planned for all who attend the morn-
ing service.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, the beautiful large
nativity will be brought forward and put
in place.