Messenger - Presbyterian UCC · to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) While all believers are called to service, some are called to ordered ministries, to fulfill particular

F r o m : T h e R e d B r i c k C h u r c h o n t h e H i l l .

Messenge r

Presbyterian United Church of

Christ

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- 4:30 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

COMING IN MARCH

March 4-Friendship Circle

March 5-Ash Wednesday

March 7- World Day of Prayer

March 13- Commission/ Deacon

Meeting

March 25- Session Meeting

Once again this year, we are blessed to be installing and ordaining a new class of elders and deacons. These servants are called by God, and affirmed through a congregational vote. Jesus himself set the pattern for ministry as one who came “not to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) While all believers are called to service, some are called to ordered ministries, to fulfill particular functions within the church. Elders are “persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people.” (Book of Order, G 2.03). We are welcoming 3 newly elected elders. The ministry of Deacon is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress year, we are welcoming 3 newly elected deacons.

MEET OUR NEW ELDERS and DEACONS

Rob Bixenman

A member of the church since 2000, he has served as audio technician and on finance committee. Rob works at Bixenman Insurance, where he is insurance agent/owner. Some of his hobbies are golfing,

hunting and fishing. In this position Rob is looking forward to getting to know the pro-cess of how the church is run and decisions

are made.

Thanks to those elders and deacons who are finishing their terms: Elders- Jim Bolton, Audrey

Scholten, Rod Schuller and Dennis Sohl Deacons- Larry Ruchti and Eileen Sohl

Betty Athens

Betty has been a member of PUCC for many years and is looking forward to serving as a deacon. A woman of prayer, Betty has a heart of compassion and cares deeply for those in need. She

looks forward to getting to know people in the congregation better as she serves as a deacon.

Betty enjoys reading and working at home.

NEW ELDERS

Dennis Smith

Dennis and his wife, Linda, joined this church in 2010, transferring from the Hartley United Methodist Church. Believing the true goal of any church is to reach out to people and show the compassion and love that our Lord has given to

all of us, without any catches, in the person of Jesus Christ, Dennis was ready to answer the call to serve as a deacon. He will be ordained and installed prior to the Deacon’s meeting on

February 13th at 6:45 p.m. in the chapel.

Ann Schulz

First ordained as an elder in 2006, this will be Ann’s second term on session. She is really looking forward to working with the other elders in continuing to reach out in growth and service. Ann is an officer at Primebank where her current focus is on human resources and serving as corporate secretary of both

the bank and the bank holding company. Ann enjoys a good book and isn’t immune to a little Candy Crush Saga. Lately she has returned to a hobby from her younger days, picking up her knitting needles and knitting infant blankets and caps for the World Vision

project “Knit for Kids.”

NEW DEACONS

Pat Walker

Having recently completed her first term and having liked everything about being a deacon, Pat was ready to say yes to a second term! A self-professing “people person,” Pat truly enjoys visiting our shut-ins and

delivering meals on wheels. Pat has been a member of this church since 2008. Pat will be installed on February

13th at 6:45 p.m. in the chapel.

Kevin and his wife Jackie moved to Le Mars in ­­­­2011 and transferred their membership into this church. Ordained an elder at the United Church of Avoca in Avoca, IA, Kev-in is looking forward to meeting more of the congregation and

working with the other elders here at PUCC. Kevin is employed at Wells enterprises as a Reliability Technician. Kevin loves being Dad to Regan and Seth, and enjoys going to their sporting events and choir and band functions, coaching little league football, boating, home brewing, and enjoying his season tickets to

cheer on the Vikings.

Kevin Albers

Page 2

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JAN Thanks for patiently waiting for the Messenger this year! As you may know, I was out enjoying a beautiful snowy day in late December when all of a sudden a slip on some ice brought everything to an immediate a halt! After a ride in the ambulance to Floyd Valley Hospital, the extent of the damage was revealed. A break in my upper humorous bone, just below the shoulder joint, could likely be cured without surgery. This was great news! My tender arm was carefully positioned into

a sling, which would become a close friend for the next few weeks until the bone began to grow back together. Yesterday, a mere six weeks later, I received word the sling could be shed. The bone is in a good place, and with a bit more physical

therapy, I should be good to go!

An unexpected bump in the road … we have all experienced them in one form or another. Never arriving at an opportune

time . . . of course, just when is a good time for something that knocks us off our feet and makes us stop and slow our pace?

While recuperating, the familiar words of Psalm 46 brought encouragement.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains

tremble with its tumult.

While attending CREDO last winter, we opened the day with centering prayer. One of these mornings, our leader read the first line of this Psalm, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We were invited to be still and let the words touch us. Moments later, she read it again, leaving off the last word of the sentence. She repeated this reading continuing to leave off the last word, until we were left with one word, God. It may sound unusual, but I invite you to take

some time to try this, to slowly meditate on our God who is always there for us in every situation.

The Psalmist reminds us that the earth will change and when it does for us, it may seem huge, like a tsunami, flood or earthquake has overtaken us. But God remains our refuge, our strength, a very present help! The Psalm ends with these

faithful reminders:

“Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is

with us: The God of Jacob is our refuge.

My dear friends, thank you so much for surrounding me with your love, prayers, and all your kindnesses these past weeks. I attribute my good recovery to all of you and the special care you have given to me. I cannot express how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate the ways you have given so selflessly in offering your help. Thank you

from the bottom of my heart!

MONTH INCOME EXPENSES DIFFERENCE

January $ 21,754.62 $ 21,228.17 $ 526.45

February $ 14,843.58 $ 19,863.12 $ (5,019.54)

March $ 23,579.59 $ 16,789.44 $ 6,790.15

April $ 15,780.01 $ 21,700.86 $ (5,920.85)

May $ 24,348.79 $ 18,005.77 $ 6,343.02

June $ 14,942.34 $ 16,584.22 $ (1 ,641.88)

July $ 13,552.43 $ 15,585.27 $ (2, 032.84)

August $ 9,278.09 $ 14,386.18 $ (5,108.09)

September $ 21,357.35 $ 17,679.05 $ 3,678.30

October $ 13,648.15 $ 20,342.31 $ (6,694.16)

November $ 17, 903.92 $ 18, 500.95 $ (597.03)

December $ 29,867.30 $ 21,050.12 $ 8,817.18

Total $ 220,856.17 $ 221,775.24 $ (916.07)

Session Highlights

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 – 7:00 PM

Complete session minutes are in the office available upon request.

Moderator’s Report Pastor Jan reported that it was a busy advent season and she thanked Deb Thompson for stepping in at a crucial time to help with the choir during the season. She also conducted care facility worship on last Sunday in December. On Monday, Dec. 30, Pastor Jan slipped on ice and broke her arm, resulting in a decrease in her activity. She expressed her gratitude toward the church for the support and understanding this last month, as she has been working partial days, with gradually increasing hours. She announced the death of member Jerry Rann, on Sunday, January 26th. His funeral will be on Thursday, January 30. Since her return to work, Pastor Jan has led Noah’s Ark Chapel time, met with Bill and Jeff Peters on the finance commission to discuss the 2014 budget, and met with Karissa to begin training her as clerk of the session. Confirmation class will resume on February 5. Pastor Jan made hospital visits, phone calls and visited at the Abbey. She also chaired a CPM meeting, and completed the care facility schedule for ministerial. Deacons and elders were installed this past month. Dennis Smith and Pat Walker will be ordained/installed Feb.13th. Clerk’s Report Communion was served to 86 on Sunday, January 5, 2013. Treasurer’s Report - Financials – December 2013 Bill Bomgaars provided a brief overview of the financial report for 2013. Overall, we experienced income in line with budget of $220,856, with expenses of $221,772, with a net loss of $916.07 for the year. The budgeted net loss for the year was $60,591, so we experienced a much better year-end total than planned. Bill Bomgaars was applauded for his effort as Treasurer this past year. Commission Reports Monthly reports were received from Property & Maintenance (for December and January), Finance, Noah’s Ark, Christian Education, Finance, Worship, and Missions Commissions. Lowell reported that carpet cleaning that was done in December, but the bill for the cleaning did not arrive until after the 2013 budget was closed.. Session agreed that P&M will not require adjusting the budget for the commission this year. Lowell also discussed the need to purchase new computers and requested authorization from Session to purchase them. Jim Kendall has served as point man on the research for the decision to purchase the new computers. To purchase three computers with monitors and updated software, the total cost appears to be near $4,800. Session suggested a motion to adjust the 2014 budget for Property & Maintenance before the final budget is approved. Old Business Karissa summarized the action item list, with many of the items now shown as completed. A discussion regarding the viability and future of Noah’s Ark was led by Lori. Session agreed that it was important to pray about the role of this mission in this church. Bill presented the final 2014 budget from finance commission. Total expenditures for 2014 are budgeted for $247.794, with a deficit of $32,936. Session voted unanimously to increase the capital equipment budget from $3,000 to $5,000 to purchase and update three computers. Session voted unanimously to approve the amended 2014 budget. Pastor Jan and Jeff discussed rescheduling the Okoboji Leadership Retreat. Session agreed to reschedule the retreat for May 2-3. Jeff agreed to contact Camp Okoboji to make the arrangements. Pastor Jan reported that February 23 is scheduled to recognize Laurey Zwart for 30 years of service to the church. New Business Communion dates for 2014 were presented and approved.

Evelyn Kendall was approved as the commissioner for the February 1 Presbytery meeting. Session approved the May 24th wedding of Dan Kayser and Ashley Minar.

PER CAPITA

APPORTIONMENT The per capita payment

which supports the greater ministry of the Presbyterian Church is $30.94 for 2014. Each Presbyterian confirmed youth and adult member

of the congregation is assessed this amount. Per capita envelopes

will be available in your

2014 envelope box.

December was a busy month at Noah’s Ark Preschool! The 4 and 5 year olds learned the letters K-L, and the 3 year olds learned the colors pink and white. All the classes also celebrated winter and Christmas! The Noah’s Ark Preschool Christmas Program was held on Sunday December 8. We had a TREMENDOUS turnout, and the kids had a great time! Thanks to those who helped with the program and to everyone who attended. We had several visitors throughout December. Santa and Mrs. Claus visited all of the classes again this year, and several church members read to the 4 & 5 year olds throughout the month. Thank you to all the volunteers who shared the love of reading with the preschoolers; they really enjoyed all the visitors and the stories. To end the month, Pastor Jan visited with each of the classes and taught them about the Christmas story. It was so fun and engaging! Finally on Friday December 20, the Kindergarten Readiness class sang at Plymouth

Manor.

In January, a police officer will visit the 4 & 5 year olds for the letter P. We will also wear our pajamas to school on the 22nd for Pajama Day! The 3 year olds will wear black on the 16th, and all of the

children will have their hearing tested by AEA.

During the holiday season, several groups and individuals donated

funds and supplies to Noah’s Ark Preschool. We greatly appreciate your

generosity and continued support! Happy New Year!

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL - WORSHIP MINISTRY

Children’s Chapel

February/ March Schedule of Bible Stories:

On Sunday, January 12th, we begin this new year

of Children's Chapel using the Godly Play curriculum.

Godly play is rooted in story, wonder, liturgy,

discovery and joy as children seek and learn of the

love of God’s presence among us.

You may come on any Sunday and join us during

our lesson presentations to see how our Sunday

morning is spent during Children’s Chapel.

2/16: Jesus and the Children- Matthew 19: 13-15,

Luke 18: 15-17

2/23: Jesus and Zacchaeus- Matthew 20: 29-34

3/2 : Communion Sunday-No Children's Chapel

3/9 : Jesus Feeds 5000 People- Luke 9: 12-17

Church Friends ~It was so nice of you to bring me a lovely basket of fruit and other treats. Bonnie

Woodke

Church Friends ~ Thank you for the lovely fruit basket and good wishes. Evelyn Weber

Church Friends ~ Thanks so much for the gift basket filled with goodies. Pam Helms

Church Friends ~Thank you for the basket of goodies that Annie Keunen brought to my house, I am

enjoying them very much. Ruth Anderson

Church Friends ~I really appreciate the gift basket full of fruit and other goodies! Pat Hawkins

Church Friends ~Thank you so very much for the lovely and plentiful basket of goodies. It made

Frances day! Kathy Braband

Thank You Presbyterian UCC Women~ Thanks for your donation of $200. We are very grateful for

your generous support.. Lakeshore Center at Okoboji

PUCC Church~ Thanks so much for the nice card and gift of Chamber bucks. It was so thoughtful

and generous! Pam Helms

Thank You~ For the gift of Chamber bucks. They will be put to good use! Ted & Malinda

Thank You~ So much for the $50 in Chamber dollars. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity. I wish great

blessings for all in the New Year! Shannon Hettinger

Thank You~ For the Chamber bucks. It was so very kind of you all. Have a blessed 2014! Ms. Trista

Thank You PUCC Family~ Thanks for the generous gift of the Le Mars Chamber Dollars and also for your support and

encouragement throughout the year! Laurey Zwart

Calling All Men of the Church! Have you wanted to join a Bible Study, but there wasn’t anything just for men? Do you want to start your Friday morning with fellow Presbyterian men discussing the Bible? Would you like to know more about the scripture passage that will be the focus of the sermon two days later? Would you be interested in coffee, juice and a light breakfast to go along with this? Then plan to join fellow Presbyterian Men at 6:45 on Friday morning, in the Fellowship Hall as we organize and begin our Fellowship and discussions. Our plans are to read the scripture passage that will be the focus of the following Sunday’s Sermon, Learn a little more about it, and discuss how this passage may affect us. It will not be a lecture! Everyone will be invited to participate if they choose. Then plan on returning every Friday morning as we continue. Oh, and wives, friends and others, tell the men in the church about this. Just in case they miss this article.

New Adult Discussion Group!

Start your New Year with a new Adult Sunday Program. There will be an opportunity for all adults to gather on the first Sunday of each month for an Adult Discussion Group that will focus on

Presbyterian topics.

We will be using resources from The Thoughtful Christian, a Presbyterian based resource that helps Christians from a wide variety of perspectives have resources to help them understand,

share and practice their faith.

We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 2nd. This month’s gathering we will explore views of heav-en as exhibited in the Bible and in ancient cultures and express our own perceptions of heaven. To help you remember each class will plan to meet only once per month on the first Sunday. If the topic for one month doesn’t interest you, the next month’s will be different. Future topics for these one time discussions include: The Exile: A Key to Understanding the Old Testament, Miracles: Does God Intervene? Does Hell Exist? What is Heaven Like? The God of the Old Testament. Four Gospels, One Story. Atheism. Atonement. Bible 101. Baptism 101. Did Jesus Always Preach Non-Violence? and many, many more choices.

Congratulations Dr. Charles Holz

Congratulations on retirement and occupations well served are extended to Dr. Charles Holz, D.V.M. Chuck and wife, Pat, have attended, served, supported PUCC for many years and we wish them new success in future years, endeavors and

adventures.

Chuck grew up on the family farm near Grand Junction, Iowa. After high school he attended Iowa State where his early farm experience led him to Veterinary Med-

icine and his degree earned in 1976.

Dr. Holz came to LeMars after graduation and a short time later joined Dr. Les Hemmingson at LeMars Veterinary Clinic where he practiced until his retirement. During those years of practice, Dr. Holz valued very much the friendships he made with clients and colleagues; and also the unspoken gratitude

of his patients.

Chuck and Pat have three sons; Josh, Dan and Chris. Josh and his wife Sam have three children- Addison 8, Cora 4 and Bennett 3. Dan has a house remodeling business in Fort Collins, CO. Chris lives in and has

construction business in Des Moines.

Once again, Chuck, congratulations on your retirement and your stellar veterinary career. To you and

Pat; all the best life and your faith have to offer.

FRIENDSHIP

CIRCLE will meet

Tuesday, March 4,

7:15pm at the home

of Beth Kehrberg.

Lesson study #8 will

be lead by Brenda

Wilson.

Quilt Retreat

March 9-13

Welcome Newest Members

Scott Goeken comes by letter of transfer from the Presbytery of South Dakota, where he was a faithful member of Scotland Presbyterian Church until its recent closure. Scott gets an early start each day traveling to Orange City work at Quatro Composites and returns late in the afternoon in time to spend a few hours cleaning at Clark School. He enjoys yard work and spending time

with family and friends.

Jim and Margaret Heeren came by letter of transfer from Prospect Hill Presbytery, where they were members of Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church until its closure in 2003. Both retired, Jim from farming and Margaret from the Vision Center, Jim enjoys drawing, rebuilding motorcycles and woodworking. Margaret likes to sew and do crafts. Jim and Margaret are the parents of Janet

Woltman!

Kelly McQuinn joins by profession of faith. Kelly is looking forward to being a full-time student at WIT studying to become an administrative medical assistant. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, crafts and anything to do with the outdoors! Kelly's mother is Pat Walker and her sister is Mikalla Ericson. Mikalla and daughter Lailece stood up with Kelly supporting her in her

baptism on December 8!

February 1 Brian Woltman

February 8 Jason Heilman

February 3 Dan Thompson

February 4 Cynthia Roosa

February 8 Jack McDougall

February 8 Drake Oswald

February 8 Matthew Steeg

February 8 Jason Robert Heilman

February 13 Lori Kasel

February 15 Mona Bomgaars

February 16 Katherine Detloff

February 17 Ruth Rann

February 18 Cheryl Risty

February 18 Connie Marcotte

February 18 Leslie Chapman

February 20 Mike Wells

February 21 Mikalla Ericson

February 22 Lailece Ericson

February 22 Ruth Farley

February 24 Joyce Anderson

February 28 Roxanne Kroese

February 1- Eddie & Norma Martfeld

A BIRTHDAY IS COMING!!! Walker Raymond will be celebrating his 15th birthday on March 3rd! While he was hoping to be home for this special day, it looks like he will be continuing his treatment program at Mayo at that time. Let's help him celebrate this special day by sending cards to: Walker Raymond c/o The Ronald McDonald House, 850 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902

OUR SYMPATHY ~ Goes out to Ron and Stacey Mahlke, Faustian, Rio & Sidney upon

the death of Ron's mother, Carole Mahlke, on Tuesday, December 3.

OUR SYMPATHY~ To Eddie and Norma Martfeld upon the death of Norma's sister,

Dee Mason, on Wednesday, January 8.

OUR SYMPATHY ~ To Ruth Rann and family upon the death of Jerry on Sunday, Jan-

uary 26th.

OUR SYMPAHTY ~ To Jim and Danelle Bolton and Dacia and Kevin Bolton Bates upon

the death of Jim’s mother and Dacia’s grandmother, Doris Green. Doris past away January 27 in Las Vegas,

NV.

OUR SYMPATHY ~ To Sheila Anderson and family upon the death of her husband, Rod, on Thursday,

February 6.

OUR SYMPAHTY ~ To Ken Wilson and family upon the death of his wife, Carole Wilson, February 6.

OUR SYMPAHTY ~ To Lee & Brenda Wilson upon the death of Lee’s sister, Lynne Tyroler, February 6.

OUR SYMPAHTY ~ To Tom & Pam Jeneary upon the death of Pam's brother, Jerry Maas, on February 10.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Le Mars, IA 51031

Permit No. 145

Presbyterian United Church of Christ

858 7th Ave S.E. / P.O.B. 729

Le Mars, IA 51031-0729

Address Service Requested

2014