First Things First JUNE, 2018

NEWS FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STERLING, COLORADO

Vacation Bible School

June 4-8 & 10, 2018

9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Register on-line: https://rrr.cokesburyvbs.com/sterlingvbs

5:15 Fellowship

A Message from Michelle. . .

I recently stumbled upon a reflection on Three Things the Church Can Learn from Jigsaw Puzzles

(by Artie Davis): 1. Y ou have to look at the big picture. 2. A ll pieces belong somewhere. 3.

Sometimes a piece looks like it wouldn’t fit, but it does.

During the coming weeks, we’ll be putting the pieces together as we embark on a series of taking

stock, expressing our thanks, and simply marveling at the number of people who come together to

make the church work. We want to recognize the groups and individuals who make our church

effective. Our purpose is two-fold. In recognizing people for their time, talent, and dedication, we

want to say thank you.

That’s the first purpose. The second is simply to recognize just how blessed we are with the many

individuals and groups who make our congregation relevant. It’s easy to take each other for

granted, and it’s easy, especially when things are running smoothly, to fail to notice just how many

hands on deck it takes to make the church work. We’re looking at the big picture, seeing how all

the pieces/people fit in together to make us who we are.

You won’t want to miss out on this special series that will be unfolding during the “Inspired:

Beyond Pentecost” series in worship that will explore how we are inspired and equipped by the

Holy Spirit to live into God’s call for us today.

Pray for our Church Family

Military Personnel Luke Brigham (Randy & Terry’s son) Thomas Gage Snyder (Kim Schlup’s son) Cameron Venn (Doris Ramsel’s grandson)

For those with special needs or concerns….

Jennifer Anand (Laura Guenzi’s cousin) Carol Barrett Leanne Bell (friend of Arden Fennell) Norm Blackburn Melody Bolton (friend of Kathy Campbell) Gabe Chapin Nancy Comber (Michelle White’s aunt) Cooperating Ministry Jeanne Crouch & family Joel Danielson (relative of Janet Foos) Cierra Favis (friend of Becky Cranwell) Family Resource Center Arden Fennell Pam Fiscus (Janet Kloberdanz’s sister) Norman Foos Rashell Fritzler Jim Gay (George’s son) Glaser Family Glen & Dowene Gregory (Jen DeSoto’s son-in-law) David Hashman, SCF Inmate Bob & Debbie Hessler Chris Jutz Josh Jutz & Kaylee

David Kaiser (friend of Janet Foos) Debby Korrey (Darla’s sister) Glenna Langshaw (Cheryl Kaan’s mother) Dona Lightsey Mary May Ken McDowell & Delinda Korrey McDowell Christina Nuila Nancy Offer (Jim Leh’s niece) Shannon Oyewole (friend of Nancy Mann) Jeni Porter (In-law of Blackburns Joy Post Tammy Sagel (friend of Arden Fennell) Dortha Skinner Gary Spahr (Janet Bigler’s brother) Dorothy Swanson Charlie & Roseanne Thompson (friends of Nebletts) Carol & Dick Trumpe (friend of Lehs & Arnolds)Under the Umbrella Vigil & Dilley Families (friends of

Bryce & Michelle White) Jeff Weskamp Zach Westrasmus (Tom Westfall’s nephew) Dave Whitney

June

2 Mikayla Christenson 3 Carol Barrett 5 Becky Cranwell Landon Roberts 6 Allen Benson Trent Eichhorn Sacha Borner 7 Larry Jackson Emma Parrish Leah County 8 Florence Annan Alyssa Foos 9 Jackie McGannon 11 Frank Dana Dortha Skinner 13 Barbara Korrey 15 Cindy Horner 17 Zack Benson 19 Gloria Walsh Betty Scharf 20 Agnes Rundus 22 Karen Torres 23 Janet Foos 24 William Fritzler 26 Cheryl Kaan 29 Janice Grauberger Judy Roumph

Celebrate!!

Happy 90th birthday to Sara Agnes Rundus

on June 20!

Condolences to the family of Mildred Fritzler who passed away May 11. Congratulations to Jan Mari who received the Crystal Ap-ple Award.

Old Fashioned Hymn Sing

June 10 10:15 - 10:30

Led by Darrell Smith

Session. . . From the May 8, 2018

Session Meeting

It was voted to seat Deacon Pat Borner and Treasurer Jana Lock and give them voice.

There was one baptism during the month.

There was one wedding during the month with Parish Assistant, Tim Lister, officiating. Tim is officially a Behavioral Health Disaster Responder who participated in Operation Al-pine Defender (a simulated tornado strike in Ft. Morgan). Tim also attended Boundary Awareness training with 44 other Disciples of Christ clergy.

Nine members have been deleted from the active member roll.

There was a suggestion that reports/updates from missions we are supporting be reported either as a Minute for Mission or/and in the monthly newsletter. This may keep members more engaged.

Overall, the budget seems to be in excellent shape.

The Youth Asset Club contribution to the Family Resource Center of $25,000 will be paid in two installments, one in July and one in October.

It was voted to donate new and wrapped board games (Monopoly, Scrabble, etc.) for prisoners at the Sterling Correctional Facility. Jim Leh will coordinate this effort.

After discussion, it was agreed to terminate our contribution to Grace Missions as the child we have been supporting has left the orphanage. These dollars will be used for other missions.

Asset Club update. Last month 60-70 youth attended weekly. Tom Westfall reported in doing year end assessment of the ASSET program that in the high school focus group, four of the eight youth participating said the program had helped them deal more effec-tively with their anger. Many of these youth are isolated and do not attend school.

There is still about $4000.00 remaining on the Giving Wall.

First Friday free-will offerings have provided $67 and $65 the first two months to off set operating costs.

A letter from CDOT requesting a temporary easement on the southwest corner of the lot during construction of the “S-Curve”

Communion Count: Sunday, April 29 - 102 Homebound, May 1 - 9

There is a need for additional sound room technicians. If you are interested, talk to Darrell Smith.

It was voted to approve funding for seven persons for various camps at Highlands.

Next Meeting: June 12, 2018 - Session Meeting

Finance Info April 2018

April YTD 2018 YTD Budget Difference Total Receipts (budget) $33,988.43 $114,280.38 $126,013.00 ($11,732.84) Total Expenses (budget) 27,364.64 115,379.66 124,564.50 (9,184.84) Net Ordinary Income (loss) $6,623.79 ($1,099.38) $1,448.50

Transfers from other assets 2,626.44 2,626.44 2,500.00 126.44 Net Ordinary Income (loss) $9,250.23 $1,527.16 $3,948.50 ($2,421.34) with transfers

On the Calendar. . .

First Friday @ First Presbyterian Featuring

John Fabela Tenor & Trumpet

“Faith, Family, Music”

Friday, June 1, 2018 12:05 to 12:35

SPEND YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT HIGHLANDS YOUR PLACE IN THE MOUNTAINS

Memorial Day Weekend: May 25-28, 2018

Fourth of July: July 1-6 Labor Day Weekend: August 31-September 3, 2018

Highlands is offering their lowest rate for any night in 2018! $90.00/night, the lowest rate we will offer in 2018. Rooms available that sleep up to 6 people. Join us for summer fun . . . canoeing, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, archery, star gazing and campfires with s’mores can make this a special summer for your family! Meals are available. On July 4th, join us for the unique experience of a small town Colorado parade and picnic! Ride through the streets of Allenspark on our float . . . Or enjoy the entire parade with front row seats! Then join our community for a picnic, games and activities! No charge for the picnic on July 4th! Contact Sue Spencer at sales@highlandscamp.org to make your reservations.

Warren Brown. Alumni Mace Bearer , leads graduates in at the 2018 NJC com-mencement ceremony. Warren graduat-ed from NJC in 1948.

Photo courtesy Callie Jones (Sterling Journal Advocate)

SABBATICAL UPDATE

Our sabbatical proposal has now been filed with the Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program. We should know whether it is approved by early August. If granted, it will cover all the expenses of the sabbatical for both Rev. Michelle and the Church. If not granted, we will go back to the drawing board regarding funding the sabbatical. Jim Leh, Chairman, Personnel Committee

A BIG Thank You to all who helped make our lunches at the ASSET

Club this school year a SUCCESS! The lunches you helped to prepare by cooking, baking or donating were a blessing to so many children in our community. Often times, it is the only nutritious meal for many of the children on those Mondays. I wish to Thank: Carol Arnold, Pat Borner, Linda Borner, Brenda Christenson, Bev Cumming, Tara Guenzi, Laura Guenzi, Jomari Lechtman, Jim and Ann Leh, Nancy Hall, Connie Ham, Tammie Malone, Linda Meisner, Harry Peterson, Penny Propst, Marc Reck, Karen Torres, Mary Smith, Pam Trimble, Sue Weingardt, Michelle Witherspoon and our youth from First Presbyterian Church.

Electing Church Officers The Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church is charged with the task of preparing a slate of nominees to be elected to serve in church offices for the class of 2021. We will need to elect three Elders to serve on the Session and six Deacons to serve on the Board of Deacons. They will serve for a term of three years. We will also elect one youth Elder and one youth Deacon to serve one-year terms.

The Book of Order charges us to seek “parity,” an equal number of men and women to serve as El-ders and Deacons. The congregational meeting at which these elections will be held is called ac-cording to the by-laws of the church for a Sunday in early fall.

As the nominating committee assumes its responsibility, it would like your help. If you would like to serve in one of these offices, or if you know of someone you think would be a good Deacon or Elder, please make that recommendation to the Nominating Committee with this form. Anyone who is an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, Colorado, is eligible to serve. Please note that any suggestion submitted is a recommendation to the Nominating Committee and does not constitute a nomination. The Nominating Committee will consider all recommendations and decide which among them shall be presented to the congregation. Nominations will also be taken from the floor at the congregational meeting.

If you wish to recommend yourself, or someone else, to be nominated, please fill out this form and turn it in to the church office as soon as possible. It is important that you not only give the commit-tee the name of the person being recommended, but that you also state some reasons why you think he/she is especially qualified to serve. And please sign this form so that someone from the com-mittee can visit with you about your recommendation. Note also that it is not necessary for you to determine his/her willingness to serve. The Nominating Committee will do that.

I believe that __________________________________ serve the church well as

*

Members of the Nominating Committee are: Session: Marc Reck, Chair; Congregation at Large: Harry Peterson, Carol Arnold, Steve Burnham, Jennifer Reck, Jackie McGannon

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Sterling, Colorado

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

WORSHIP

Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship

Fellowship Coffee follows Sunday worship service.

SUNDAY SCHOOL (September—May)

Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - All ages

RADIO MINISTRY

Sunday, 10:30 a.m. On KSTC (AM 1230)

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday — Friday 8:30am-12noon & 1-4pm

Staff:

PASTOR MICHELLE WITHERSPOON

E-mail michelle@firstpressterling.org

Cell Phone 970.580.4358

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR/BOOKKEEPER

E-mail bevc@firstpressterling.org BEVERLY CUMMING

PARISH ASSISTANT TIM LISTER

E-mail tim@firstpressterling.org

MUSIC COORDINATOR/ORGANIST ELSIE FETZER

CHOIR DIRECTOR DARLA KORREY

BELL CHOIR DIRECTOR LINDSEY JACKSON

PROPERTY MANAGER JANET KLOBERDANZ

CO-DIRECTORS OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

JANET FOOS & ALIE SHELDON

NEWSLETTER EDITOR NANCY MANN

FIRST THINGS FIRST

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Newsletter Deadline is the 15th day of the month prior to publication. Items may be submitted on flash drive, on CD or in text format to Nancy Mann c/o the church office, by e-mail (namann@bresnan.net) or phone (522-5477).

CHURCH PHONE 970.522.2708

Fax 970.522.1365

WEBSITE www.firstpressterling.org

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

130 SOUTH 4TH STREET

STERLING, COLORADO 80751

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