Church and Home June 2015

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

Bell Director: Ann Jones

Child Care: Deb Welsh

ELDERS Clerk of Session:

Jon Beggs Dean Kurth, Treasurer

Rachel Allison Scott Baker

Lowell Fenster Chuck Francis

JoAnne Greene Ann Jones Ned Mack

Ron Ochsner Martha Orcutt

Cyndee Orr Glenn Petersen Mandy Vargas

Jim Whitney

DEACONS Glenda Feeney

Howard & Ruth Gebhardt Janet & Leroy Hare

Jim McClymont Tammy Miller

Marlene Minshull Maxine Mulder

Scott Orr Susan Peters

Betty Priel Irene & Danny Ridgway

Gertrude Stewart Robert Weber

Doris Wells

PW Moderator: Dixie Francis

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

Dear Friends,

Recently, I came across an interesting article that I want to share with you called, “Seven Things Church Members Should Say to Guests in a Worship Service.” I want to share the list with you:

Thank you for being here.” It’s just that basic. I have heard from numerous church guests who returned because they were simply told “thank you.”

“Let me help you with that.” If you see someone struggling with umbrellas, young children, diaper bags, purses, and other items, a gesture to hold something for them is a huge positive. Of course, this comment is appropri-ate for member to member as well.

“Please take my seat.” I actually heard that comment twice in a church where I was speaking in the Nashville area. The first comment came from a member to a young family of five who were trying to find a place to sit together.

“Here is my email address. Please let me know if I can help in any way.” Of course, this comment must be used with discretion, but it can be a hugely positive message to a guest.

“Can I show you where you need to go?” Even in smaller churches, guests will not know where to find the nursery, restrooms, and small group meeting areas. You can usually tell when a guest does not know where he or she is to go.

“Let me introduce you to ___________.” The return rate of guests is always higher if they meet other people. A church member may have the opportunity to introduce the guest to the pastor, other church staff, and other members of the church.

“Would you join us for lunch?” I saved this question for last for two reasons. First, the situation must obviously be appropriate before you offer the invitation. Second, I have seen this approach have the highest guest return rate of any one factor. What if your church members sought to invite different guests 6 to 12 times a year? The burden would not be great; but the impact would be huge.

I hope these seven things will encourage you as you welcome folks visiting with us for Sunday worship.

Grace & peace,

Polly

Looking ahead . . . Vacation Bible School This Summer we are doing something different for Vacation Bible School - - VBS will be for all ages! On each of the five Sundays in August, everyone is invited to come to the church from 4-6pm for worship, activities, study and fellowship including a simple meal. Next month, you will see an outline of the activities being offered each night. The month will conclude with an “End of Summer Cele-bration” on Sunday, August 30th. Put it on your calendar now and plan to attend!

Fellowship Time!!! MS Friendship meets Friday, June5 at 6pm

at the airport Everyone is Welcome!

We express our sympathy to the family of Melvin Ackerman who passed away May 13.

Mandy & Mike Vargas

have moved to 1919 W 1st Street

In Celebration of their

65th Wedding Anniversary,

the family of Joe & Dorothy

Conger will host an open

house on Sunday, July 5,

from 3:00-6:00pm at their home at

1202 Cedarberry Road. Y’all come now!

June Anniversaries 6/01/1985 Barb & Jeff Baldridge 6/02/1979 Carol & Jon Beggs 6/03/1950 Ramona & Wayne Wickenkamp 6/07/2014 Marcia & Nick Henline 6/07/1971 Irene & Danny Ridgway 6/08/1968 Sharon & Dave Glenn 6/08/2006 Nicole & Michael Kissinger 6/08/1985 Tammy & Kent Miller 6/13/1964 Dixie & Chuck Francis 6/14/1964 Janice & Eldon Walters 6/15/1958 Kay & Dennis Toillion 6/18/1966 Carol & Ron Norgaard 6/19/1976 Bobbie & Roy Barta 6/19/1950 Betty & Bud Priel 6/23/1962 Linda & Jerry Nelson 6/28/1969 Beverly & Cecil Sallee

Congratulations to Ned and Nancy Mack on the birth of their granddaughter, Katelyn Marie Mack, born on April 30, 2015. Parents are Ginny and Adam Mack.

1 Teresa Detlefsen Nicole Kissinger 2 Helen Bell Joseph Staroska Clarence Stearns 4 Sue Ann Finke Caitlin Williams 9 Timothy Dilley 11 Cutler Cauffman Carol Norgaard Paul Wickenkamp 13 Isabella Seibert 14 Adeline Erickson Kay Toillion 15 Carol Beggs Jackie Miller

15 Tammy Weber 17 Marlene Dodson Donna Mulholland Christine Ochsner Lila Oltmans Gina Spellman 19 Jo Callahan Cheryl Kurth Joy Peterson 20 Julie Bunker 21 Nancy King 25 Betty McEvoy 26 Michael Vargas 27 Kelly Blackledge 28 Makenna Johnson Abby Kaminski Leonard Priel 29 Paul Baxter Maxton Libsack 30 Kylee Wiezorek

Please give a round of applause to Ann Jones and the members of our Bell Choir! Thank you for giving of your time and talents to make

our worship service so wonderful. Prayer Vigil

A belated “Thank You” to Tammy Miller, Janice Walters, Maxine Mulder and Regan Brown for your help with the Easter Prayer Vigil. I couldn’t have done it without you. I trust it was meaningful to all who attended. God Bless Joyce Kohler

Recipe Corner Pennie Mattke presided over our Presby kitchen for over sixty years preparing dinners for countless occasions with seeming ease. However, obtaining a recipe from her collection for less than 100 servings was a challenge. Here is one of our members' brunch favorites. It only serves 10. Thank you Pennie for warming our tummies all these years with perfectly seasoned, healthy, homemade everything. We cannot begin to estimate the hours of planning, procuring, preparing, serving, and cleaning up you have done for us, all with a smile. We love you!

Pennie's Brunch Fruit Salad (Serves 10)

1 can (20 oz.) pineapple tidbits, drain and reserve juice 2 large, firm bananas, cut into 1/4 inch chunks 1 cup green grapes 1 can (15 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained 1 Golden Delicious apple, sliced 1 Braeburn apple, sliced, or bite-sized pieces 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tablespoons cornstarch 1/3 cup orange juice 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Combine the drained pineapple, bananas, grapes, oranges and apples in large bowl, set aside. In saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add orange, lemon, and pineapple juice. Stir until smooth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and cook and stir 2 minutes. Pour over fruit. Mix gently.

Coming to First Presbyterian Church-NP Monday, June 8 at 7:30pm

Carillon Ringers of Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church

The Carillon Ringers is a high school handbell choir from Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. During their thirty-one year history (1984-2015), the Carillon Ringers have played in churches, schools and retirement communities in the Midwest, on the East and West Coast, in the Southern and Western United States and in Canada. The Carillon Ringers have been invited to ring at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, at Disneyland in California and have toured England twice. The Carillon Ringers' annual tour program features original music for handbells, as well as arrangements of familiar hymn tunes, folk songs and spirituals. Selections for this year's program include Down by the Riverside, Dona Nobis Pacem, and Rolling in the Deep.

Mark your calendar. Plan to come and enjoy the concert.

"Dipping Your Feet" This month we have two exciting offerings for you to try!

On Wednesday, June 3, at 9:00am, Dave Glenn will start a "Men's Coffee Hour" at the "Pop Corner" café (formerly the "Corn Popper") in Westfield Shopping Center. (We've heard they have really good sweet rolls!) This first time, let Dave or the office know if you plan to attend so he can claim an appropri-ate spot, after that no notice is neces-sary. Together, the group will decide how often to meet. Dave has had many requests to get this organized, so thanks Dave for stepping up!

********************* On Thursday, June 4, at 4:00pm, Jim Orcutt and Chuck Francis have kindly offered to teach the proper way to swing a golf club to anyone who has ever wanted to try it! If you already play golf, but simply want to brush up on basics, you are welcome to attend as well. We will meet at the Lake Maloney Golf Club driving range. Golf clubs will be available for those who do not have any, but please bring your own if possible. Golf balls will be provided. Please let Jim, Chuck, or the office know if you can join in and if you need clubs. Jim and Chuck, you are brave souls, thank you in advance!

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

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

Adventures of Bob and Kristi Rice Democratic Republic of Congo / Kanaga, West Kasai

Keeping up With the Rices http://bobandkristi.blogspot.com/

A Big Thank You to all who came to the “Mission Lunch” on Sunday, May 17. Your gener-ous donations of $537 will be a big help with the Ditekemena Program in Congo. This is an im-portant project for Bob and Kristi Rice (our mis-sionaries). It is so important to work with and help children learn how to live in a healthy, caring envi-ronment, with love and an education. These kids will grow up with a better attitude and it will reflect in their lives and the lives of those they are in contact with. Children are the future for all of Gods people. I feel supporting this program and Bob and Kristi Rice is so important and every penny collect-ed will go directly to them to be used for food, medical and educational needs. If you were unable to attend the lunch and would like to make a dona-tion, send it to the church office and desig-nate Mission for Rices and we will gratefully added to what we have. A big thank you also for the women who pro-vided us with the wonderful deserts: Elaine Boyle, Willa Fenster, Doris Craig, and Glenda Feeney. You did a superb job of providing decadent de-serts. Thank you to Cheryl MacDonald, Rhonda Godbey, Annie Pankonin, and Maxine Mulder for all your help in preparation. Nancy and Ned Mack, Deb Weitzel, Susan Peters and everyone else that helped clean up. And, Ann Jones, your table center pieces were so elegant. Every one of you made this luncheon a big success. I hope I didn’t leave any one out, if I did I apologize. On behalf of the Mission Committee and Pres-byterian Women, I want to thank you all for your support. - - Joyce Kohler

Hymn Basket Beginning this Sunday we will be gathering hymns which can be placed in the basket that has been placed in the front of the sanctuary. During announcements, Pastor Polly will draw one hymn which will be sung the following Sunday. There are colored slips of paper in the pew rack. Check which book (PH, Sing the Faith, Lift Up Your Hearts) and write the page number on the paper. If you are not sure where you hymn is found, just write the name and we will find the hymn. You may add your name if you wish. Please place your paper in the offering plate. Think about hymns that stir the spirit in you.

Pastor Polly’s Contact Info:

Church Office: 532-1083

Email: pastorpolly@fpcnp.org

If you or a loved one has been admitted to the hospital or is ill, please notify the church office.

Special Offerings: Thank you to all who contributed to our special offerings taken during the Lent Season. Donations to the Easter Offering were over $800 of which 50% was designated to PCUSA Youth Triennium and 50% to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat is currently working on house 43 and 44. The house located at 1019 N Walnut has been painted inside and out. The College electrical class has finished installing fixtures. We are about ready to install tile and wood trim. The house at 516 E. 10th has been sided and the plumber and electrician have about completed their work. Drywall is the next step. If you are interested in getting involved in this local ministry, please contact Larry Pedersen. The 2016 Presbyterian Youth Triennium will be held July 19-23. Donations to the One Great Hour of Sharing were $236.00. These dollars enable the church to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and help to empower the poor and oppressed.

Deacons Meeting Sunday June 7, 2015

The Deacons will have a meet-ing on June 7th. Normally this is right after church, however, Ned

Mack will be giving a demonstration of the AED device the Deacons purchased. After the AED demonstration, we will then have the meeting.

News from the Pantry

Just the Facts, ma'am:

10 volunteers from First Baptist put in 22 hours at the Pantry in April 2015. 6 volunteers from First Lutheran put in 16 hours. 6 volunteers from First Methodist put in 16 hours. 16 volunteers from First Presbyterian put in 149.5 hours. (Wow, thank you!!!) 5 volunteers from the Masonic Lodge put in 17 hours. It took 220.5 volunteer hours to run the Pantry in April 2015! We served 128 households that are home to 295 individuals in April 2015! 35 households were served in first half of month, 93 households in second half.

What did we serve those 295 individuals in April 2015? 269 cans each of green beans and legumes 160 jars each of spaghetti sauce and peanut butter 160 cans each of tomatoes, corn, peas, and mixed veggies; 160 boxes of Hamburger Helper or muffin mix; 160 packages of pasta or rice. 109 cans each of carrots, potatoes, and Spaghetti-O's

429 cans of fruit 538 cans of soup 269 boxes Mac 'n cheese, 269 cans each of tuna and chicken 365 pounds of frozen meat 102.5 pounds of margarine 308 boxes of cereal 139 large cans of juice 164 loaves of bread 308 bags of dry beans The USPS Mail Carrier Drive brought in 52 TUBS of great quality food! Our own Boy Scout Troop 291 helped the Mail Carriers with their annual food drive! Farm Credit Services has given the Pantry a $2000 grant! WOW! What do all these facts mean? They mean that we are running one heck of a good Food Pantry for those in need in our area! These facts mean that the generosi-ty in this church and in this community is outstanding! We are so grateful to be able to share such successful reports like these EACH AND EVERY MONTH! Thank you ALL!

- - Leigh Henline

Defibrillator Training scheduled for Sunday, June 7

following morning worship

A person around you may suddenly collapse. If that person's heart has stopped there may be only seconds for you and other bystanders to begin rescue. Calling 911, finding an AED, and beginning CPR are the immediate actions to take in such a case of cardi-ac arrest. We must all have these first steps in mind!

Our church has recently placed an "AED" or Auto-mated External Defibrillator near the front door of our church. Such defibrillators are present in many public buildings in town as well. These devices can often "restart" a person's heart and are very simple to use.

On June 7, right after the service, there will be a demonstration on using the AED. We will have a brief video in the Family Life Center. Two mannequins and two "practice" AED will be available for practice. We are inviting the entire congregation to observe or participate.

A course on Basic Life Support (including CPR training) will be offered at a later date.

Grief Support Group The next “Working our Way Through Grief” group will be meeting every other Tuesday start-ing August 4th through November 24th, 2015 from 6:00pm—7:30pm at the Presbyterian Church, North Platte. To register, call Great Plains Hospice at 696-7918 or contact Renee Callaghan.

Summer Church Camp . . . June and July are camping months.

At Calvin Crest near Fremont week long op-portunities are available for children and youth grades 1 thru 8. Themes include: ranch camp, mountain bike camp, high adventure, night owls.

At Highlands camp near Allenspark, CO, camping weeks for grade 3 thru 12 include adventure camp; music, art, and drama camp; mission adventure camp.

For adult and/or families there is Synod School on the Buena Vista campus in Storm Lake, IA. Pastors and lay persons lead sessions providing a variety of topics and activities to pursue. A planned schedule of activities includes children of all ages. All campers attend energiz-ing worship at beginning and ending of the day.

Camperships are available through: our church—stop by the church office for a

form. Presbytery—The 2015 church camp

scholarship application is now available on the Presbytery Youth Committee page of our website www.centralnepresby.org. Also, available are suggested church camp facilities and their websites. If you have any questions in regards to camp scholarships please contact Dan Davis, chair of the Presbytery Youth Committee.

Information on these camps will be available on the table in the Narthex or stop by the church office.

Fun and Fellowship LAUGHTER, CHEERS, SIGHS resounded inside Wild Bill's Wings and Bowling as our children and youth stepped up

and sent the ball down the lane. Bowling form was as unique as each one taking his/her turn. The ball, regardless of its release, rolled forgiv-ingly down the alley. Sometimes, at the last minute, dropping into the gutter and sometimes curving ever so slightly to upset an unbelievable number of pins. For the bowler at a lane with the bumpers up the ball took a varying straight to zig - zag course and always made a score. And so we closed our year of FPC & ME. We send all out to go with God, hoping that our time together sends them knowing that God is the bumper in their life guiding them on their journey. Thank you to the many people who support our children and youth. Thank you to those who shared their time and talents on Wednes-day evenings.

READING TIME: Attention Readers

Look for the 2015 Reading List books on the book cart.

Still Alice: Lisa Genova Still Alice captures in remarkable detail what it’s like to literally lose your mind, while living and adjusting to life with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Invention of Wings Sue Monk Kidd Hetty an urban slave in early nineteenth century Charleston, yearns for life beyond the walls that enclose her within a wealthy household. Sarah, has known from an early age she is meant to do some-thing large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women. We follow their remarka-ble journeys as both strive for a life of their own.

The Mistletoe Promise Richard Paul Evans Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. One day a stranger approaches Elise. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. The lonely Elise agrees to the idea. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the joy.

The Song of the Lark Willa Cather This is Cather’s story of a young artist who leaves the mediocrity of her hometown to seek fame and success in the big city. A bittersweet reflection on severing oneself from one’s past relationships and surroundings. The book explores the loss that can accompany an artist’s achievements.

BIBLE STUDY: Reconciling Paul a contemporary study of 2 Corinthians

Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Presbyterian Women's Bible study was intro-duced with these words: 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 second Corinthians? What could any of Paul's letter have to do with us today? Reconciliation is to look at something again in a different way. 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. Paul was passionate in his calling as an apostle to share the message of the crucified and risen Christ. Knowing that God has power over death and know-ing God's words: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul was sustained in his task. May this knowledge also sustain us; for we, too, are called as apostles. God's grace does not allow people of faith to remain content and rest easily. The Holy Spirit embodies Christ in us making us a new creation. Our identity as people of faith, believers, representa-tives of God's presence is shown in acts of healing, love, and reconciliation. We are the aroma of God. Our words and actions announce and proclaim the presence of the Holy. As we demonstrate acts of compassion, mercy, and generosity, God's light shines. Words for the Corinthians. Words for us. The Summons, a hymn from the 80s, has gained renewed popularity and is exemplified in Paul's example. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don't know and never be the same? Will you? Our present study has concluded. Is our under-standing and reconciliation of Paul's writing complet-ed? NO! Just like the carpenter who after running his fingers over the wood to check for a perfectly smooth finish goes back with more sanding when he finds a rough spot; we go back to the unsettling places in the scriptures to read, contemplate, and explore again. . . . . . . our faith journey continues.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

SERVICE: June Service Committee Coordinator: Carol Norgaard Members: Willa Fenster, Sharon Glenn, JoAnne Greene, Ann Jones, Nancy King, Connie McCreery, Susan Peters

2015 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women

June 18-21, 2015 in Minneapolis, MN “One Body, One Spirit”

Registration booklets can be found on the table in the narthex or stop by the church office. You can also visit www.presbyterianwomen.org/gathering. Get your registration in as soon as possible.