Church and Home SEPTEMBER 2014

“Boldly with Christ We Belong, Believe, Grow and Reach Out”

First Presbyterian Church 1901 W Leota Street

North Platte, NE 69101

Telephone: (308) 532-1083 Fax: (308) 532-2968

Web site: www.fpcnp.org Church e-mail address:

office@fpcnp.org pastorpolly@fpcnp.org

STAFF

PASTOR: Polly K. Deppen-Williams

Admin Assist: Naomi Okoye

Custodian: Regan Brown

Choir Director: Connie McCreery

Bells Director: Ann Jones

Child Care: Deb Welsh

ELDERS Clerk of Session:

Jon Beggs Larry Pedersen, Treasurer

Scott Baker Doris Craig

Lowell Fenster Darlene Finke Chuck Francis

Rhonda Godbey JoAnne Greene

Ann Jones Dean Kurth Ned Mack

Martha Orcutt Glenn Petersen

Deb Weitzel Jim Whitney

DEACONS Jody & Tim Hudson

Glenda Feeney Jim McClymont

Marlene Minshull Maxine Mulder

Christina Ochsner Scott Orr

Susan Peters Betty Priel

Irene & Danny Ridgway Bev & Cecil Sallee

Maris Schad Gertrude Stewart

Doris Wells

PW Moderator: Joyce Kohler

Vice Moderator: Dixie Francis

Dear Friends,

Many of you had the chance to hear the Rev. Dr. Chuck Traylor preach while I was on vacation on Sunday, August 10th. During his time as Transi-tional Executive Presbyter, Chuck will be leading the presbytery in planning for the future. A first step is to listen to what church members around the presbytery have to say, so the presbytery is hosting six listening sessions.

"Listening Sessions" are something new in our presbytery: Chuck Traylor, as Transitional Executive Presbyter, invites those attending to share their dreams for the presbytery, and a member of Council will be present as recorder so that we can collect and work from the information and insights gathered at the meetings. Currently there are six sessions scheduled.

The Listening Session closest to us will be in Sutherland. Here is the infor-mation:

When: Sunday, September 21 at 1:30pm Where: First Presbyterian Church, Sutherland, 910 3rd Street, Sutherland, NE Contact to RSVP: Iris Kennedy donstr@gpcom.net or 308-386-8339

I think it would be great if we had some folks from our congregation there to listen and to give input. If you are interested in attending, let the office know and we can organize some car pools.

Grace & peace, Pastor Polly

P.S. - - We are looking for folks to serve as liturgists on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in serving, sign up in the office. Pastor Polly will send you the liturgy on the Wednesday before your scheduled date.

Introducing the new Peace & Global Witness Offering.

The PC(USA)’s Peacemaking Offering has been a source of relief and encouragement to those seeking peace around the world. Now, your 2014 General Assembly is transforming it into the Peace & Global Witness Offering. The new Offering will have a greater global reach, make a more significant impact, and empower participating congregations to use 25% of the money they raise on local and worldwide ministries of their choice. The Session has designated our portion (25%) to RDAP. This offering will be taken on World Communion Sunday, October 5.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. John 14:27

We express our sympathy to Marcia Traner (former member) whose husband, Mickey, passed away August 10, 2014.

FPC & ME will start Wednesday, September 3

Doors will be open at 3:30pm Scheduled events will begin at 4:30pm

Volunteers are needed!

Teachers Cooks Kitchen Helpers Classroom Helpers

Contact Pastor Polly or Rhonda Godbey and let them know which area you would like to help with.

Fellowship Time!!!

MS Friendship will meet Friday, September 5 6:00pm at Merricks

RSVP to Deb Welsh or Rhonda Godbey if you are planning on attending.

ALL are welcome!

4-H teaches: 'Leave the kitchen cleaner than you found it.' That is exactly what Bev Sallee, Nancy Mack, Mary Pendleton, Joyce Kohler, and Dixie Francis are doing. They have been busy with the deep cleaning of our kitchen. It sparkles! Thank you. Let’s help by keeping it that way.

What a wonderful musical message was added to our summer worship services! Sharing their talents: Eric Geilenkirchen, Lois Books, Gayle Lawson, Connie McCreery, Zac Ochsner, Brendon Diffendaffer, Martha Orcutt. Thank you. Thank you Connie for organizing the music each Sunday.

Be a part of one of the choirs. Prepare a meal for the Wednesday youth

program. Attend worship on Sunday. Participate in a Bible study. Volunteer to help at the fall festival. Plan a monthly fellowship dinner. Invite others to church happenings.

Choirs resume rehearsal Tuesday, September 3 Chancel Choir - 7:00pm

Bell Choir - 8:00pm

Congratulations to Kaitlyn and Alex Arthur on the birth of their son, Cale Frederick, born on August 23, 2014. Grandparents are Kay and Doug Wright.

“Pasta for Pantries” Sunday, September 21

5—7pm at First Presbyterian Church

Members of the North Platte Kiwanis Club hope you will come to the Family Life Center on Sunday, September 21st, anytime between 5:00pm and 7:00pm for a pasta meal. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale after church on September 7th and 14th and at the door or by contacting Kiwanians: Wayne Wickenkamp, Ford Craig or Doris Craig. This fundraiser benefits all of our local food pantries.

1 Mike McCrone 2 Bob Barr Mia Cauffman Joyce Kohler 3 Jane McCrone 4 Dana Howell 6 Loretta Paxton Murray Schad Jacalyn Whitney 7 Emily Barr 8 Kaytlynn Spellman Ramona Wickenkamp 9 Barb Baldridge 11 Frank Paxton

9/3/1950 - Dorothy & Joe Conger 9/3/1988 - Renee & Tom Callaghan 9/4/2010 - Hannah & Rick Dolan 9/5/1965 - Janet & Ed Barnhart 9/6/2003 - Stephanie & Mike McConnell 9/6/2003 - Jennifer & John Zachry 9/12/1958 - Judi & Larry Pedersen 9/13/1975 - Leigh & Chuck Henline 9/14/1974 - Erin & Mike Shultz 9/17/1988 - Jackie & Carroll Miller 9/23/1995 - Gina & James Spellman 9/27/1969 - Gaylene & Dennis Lombardi 9/27/2008 - Sara & Sean Pierce 9/30/2006 - Michelle & Bob Seibert

The Stamps for Mission program is coming to an end. The project was started in the mid-l980s by Rev. Robert W. and Mrs. Peggy Reinhold, retired Presbyterian Missionaries to the Congo. Their son, Rev. Bill Reinhold, was running the church press in the Congo. Plagued with equipment breakdowns, few replacement parts, not enough money to maintain the equipment properly, and scarcity of paper and ink, Bill’s father sold his personal stamp collection to help cover the expenses of the press. Seeing this as a new resource for much-needed funds, the Reinholds began collecting stamps from businesses, friends and churches, processing them and selling them to stamp companies.

One day the Reinholds mentioned to Mrs. Dorothea Staples of Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA. what they were doing to help the Congo. Mrs. Staples felt that their Presbytery would be interested in adopting such a project as well. Word of this stamp project soon spread through their Presbytery, to friends, PW of other presbyteries, missionary colleagues and total strangers.

Peggy's husband has passed away, but she continues to spearhead Stamps for Mission. Currently stamps are coming from 40 states. This has been an outstandingly simple and effective project. From 1990 to Dec. 2002, the project earned

$36,237.00 for Christian Education in the Congo. Since then, receipts vary from $4000 to well over $5000 each year. This money has been sent to the Congo for the purchase of Bibles, hymnals and Bible pictures, as well as for continuing education for pastors in a very rural area of the Congo.

Peggy's headquarters for Stamps for Mission have been at her home in the Sunnyside Retirement Home in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Now in her 90's, Peggy's pool of stamp cutters, as well as her own energy are waning. She will no longer be taking our cancelled stamps as of December 1st of this year. So, as Arlene Laurinat told me, "Let's load her up with as many as we can between now and then!" Arlene had gone through some old correspondence and contributed a hefty bag of great, older stamps and I plan to do the same. The collection box is in the Narthex on the west table near the Sanctuary doors. Let's give it our best effort in honor of Peggy and her 30+ year Stamps for Mission Project!

Ruth Reynolds has graciously given of her time and efforts the past several years to process and send our donated stamps to Peggy in Virginia. Peggy and Ruth have built a friendship with this project as well. We thank Ruth for her huge contribution to the Stamps for Mission project!! Remember, we still have time to donate our cancelled stamps, so keep your eyes open for the next couple months!

- - Leigh Henline

13 Judy Pederson (Dave) 14 Andrew Weitzel 15 Brendan Diffendaffer Matthew Dugan 17 David Bunker Gordon Johnson Larry Pedersen 18 Erin Shultz 20 Chuck Volcek Danny Whitney 21 Sara Pierce 22 Bobbi Barta Jackie Lashley 23 Carsyn Hudson Scott Orr 26 Cayler Hacker 27 Leroy Hare 29 Edward Dolan 30 Carson Trego

JULY 2014 RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURES

Sunday -September 28, 2014

Doors open at 3:30pm

Shop the country store: baked goods, preserved items and fresh produce --- Family Life Center

Shop the crafts and 'treasures' --- Choir Room

Bid on items in the silent auction--- Family Life Center (winners announced at 6pm)

Participate in an outdoor game --- on the lawn

Complete an iris folding craft --- Scout Room

Bingo 4:00pm – 6:00pm --- Chapel

Dinner served 5:30 – 6:30pm --- Family Life Center

Menu: pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, chips, baked beans

Dessert bar 4:00pm – 6:30pm --- Country Store

Plans for the Fall Festival continue – and your response is evident as items are collected at the church. These items will be sold/used in one of the following ways:

Crafts: These are products that you have made.

Treasure Trove: These are items that are like new.

Country store: These are food items.

Bingo prizes: These include useful/fun items for all ages (new or reusable).

Silent auction: Some examples are - dinner for 4 in your home, 2 golf lessons, a themed basket, a merchant's donation, a service (childcare, leaf raking), a stand alone item.

Please bring your items to the church as soon as possible. This will help with the planning and later with the promotion. You may price your items or suggest a minimum bid. You may reclaim your items if the minimum price is not met. If you have nontangible items, a note of your intention will be most helpful. Questions may be addressed to Ann Jones.

Proceeds from the festival will be used to purchase a gas grill and picnic tables for the church. Proceeds from the country store will be used by Presbyterian Women to help finance their organiza-tion and projects.

MTD YTD Receipts Receipts Actual: $13,115.30 $119,566.83 Budget: $19,351.24 $135,458.68

MTD YTD

Expenses Expenses Actual: $19,170.75 $141,955.47 Budget: $20,879.22 $149,665.52

From Grace Ministries Food Pantry…. This month, I'd like to share some of Dean Kurth's words. Dean is the Grace Ministries Food Pantry coordina-tor. This message was also sent to our partner groups of First Baptist, First Evangelical Lutheran, First Methodist, and the Masonic Temple.

Hi All, Seems like a broken record, maybe I should say a busted record, but we had another record month in July. You and your teams served 162 HOUSE-HOLDS, GAVE OUT OVER 200 SACKS OF GROCERIES AND PROBABLY ADDED SOME 1600 SACKS OF MEAT, BREAD, FRUIT AND PRODUCE!!!!!!! I am simply amazed that everyone works without complaining, keeps our clients happy, and accomplishes the mission of Grace Ministries Food Pantry.. Our management team and Mission Committee of the First Presbyterian Church keeps saying THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, AND THANK GOD for your work!! There are over 40 people each month give of their time and talent. You provided food to families comprising 381 people last month. You and your organizations must feel good knowing that this many people did not have to go to bed hungry. I know I do. Keep up the good work and thanks again for your help. - - Dean Kurth.

Dean also added a nice big yellow smiley face to that email. He's REALLY happy with all of you!!!! A reminder that the Pantry can accept fresh garden produce, but cannot accept home-canned items. Watch the Sunday bulletin each week for Nancy Mack's list of most-needed items. July saw 207 jars of peanut butter leave the pantry, as well as 553 cans of fruit, 692 cans of soup, and 346 boxes of Mac 'n Cheese! Try to picture in your head the amount of shelf space those items would fill. And then add all the hundreds of canned vegetables, canned meat, hamburger, margarine, cereal, bread and juice…..That's a huge turnover of food each month! In other words, it goes out as quickly as it comes in!

Thank you all for your generosity, your time, and your prayers!

- - Leigh Henline

“Second Sunday = Second Purchase” of an item for the Pantry

Bring an item (or two) and put them in the grocery cart on the Second Sunday - or - leave it in the pantry box any time during the week - or - take it to the pantry at 114 C Street between the hours of 1-3pm.

Pastor Polly’s Contact Info:

Church Office: 532-1083 Email: pastorpolly@fpcnp.org

Adventures of Bob and Kristi Rice Democratic Republic of Congo /

Kanaga, West Kasai

For the latest news from our missionaries go to their blog: http://bobandkristi.blogspot.com/

Red Cross Blood Drive We reached our goal of 37 pints. Thank you everyone who donated and thank you to all you donated of their time.

Working Our Way Through Grief Support Group

Date Every second and fourth Tuesday starting September 9 through December 23 Time 6:00pm to 7:30pm Location First Presbyterian Church 1901 West Leota North Platte, Neb. This group is open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. We will discuss the book “Understanding Your Grief” by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, along with open discussion time for group members. Leaders: Richard Karr and Renee Callaghan To register, please call Great Plains Hospice at 308/696-7918. Sponsored by Great Plains Hospice.

BY — FOR — ABOUT

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

SEPTEMBER SERVICE COMMITTEE Coordinator: Jeanie Thies

The Martyrs Song - Ted Dekker An old woman shares a story of violence and tragedy during World War II when Marci asks her to make her beautiful.

Twelve Years a Slave - Solomon Northup A true story of a married man who though the was getting a good deal from some men, and was instead hoodwinked into slavery. This is the story of his attempts to get back to his family and the cruelty that he endured.

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak Trying to make sense of the horror of World War II, death relates the story of Liesel - a young German girl who’s book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Attention Readers 2014 Reading List books are on the cart in the Narthex. Please be sure to check out the books, take them home and enjoy them and then bring them back in a timely manner so others may read them also. Whether you are part of Pres-byterian Women or not, you are welcome to join the reading list.

Members: Ruth Gebhardt , Sheri Hoschouer, Libby Lashley, Sara Pierce, Susan Petersen, Betty Priel, Kay Toillion, MaryAnn Youngren

PW Study Books are available in the church office. They are $8.

PW Bible Study

“Reconciling Paul - a contemporary study of 2 Corinthians”

Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These familiar words greet us at the beginning of Sunday worship and greet the readers of Paul's letters in the Bible. The title of the women's Bible study might raise some questions or your curiosity. What new under-standing comes from a contemporary study? Why jump in at 2 Corinthians? Who were the Corinthi-ans? Why were they receiving letters from Paul? What could any of his letter have to do with us today? Reconciliation is to look at something again in a different way. When one reconciles their bank account they bring it into balance. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty, the author of the study, guides us to walk in Paul's shoes but also to give meaning to Paul in our shoes. All women of the church are invited to attend one of the women's fellowships the second Thursday of the month.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

September is the start of our Fellowship meetings. We have two groups that meet at the church:

Morning Fellowship at 9:30am and Evening Spirts at 6:00pm. You are welcome to come to either Fellowship and if your schedule changes you can change. We all do the same study so you won’t miss anything. We would love to have you join us.

Presbyterian Women Fellowships Thursday, September 11

9:30am - Morning Fellowship meets at the church

Glenda Feeney, hostess 6:00pm - Evening Spirits meets at the church

Presbytery of Central Nebraska Presbyterian Women’s

Fall Gathering September 19 - Valentine, NE September 20 - Lexington, NE

Time: 9:30am Cost: $10.00

Hear the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Weber, missionary with the PCUSA to Mekane Yesus Seminary in Ethiopia for over four years. All Presbyterian Women are invited to attend the program located closest to you! A delightful lunch will be provided as well as fellowship and nourishment for your spiritual life. Registration forms and other information is available in the Narthex or church office. Contact Dixie Francis or Joyce Kohler if you are interested in attending.