North Iowa Presbyterian E-News

Presbytery Office Lakeshore Center at Okoboji

1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA 51351

319.233.1747 northiowapresby@gmail.com

July 20, 2017

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to this issue of the E-News! We are always looking for things to include in the E-News. If you have anything you would like to share or if you would like to contribute an article, please contact Jeannie at 319.233.1747 or northiowapresby@gmail.com. Please remember the Presbytery Office will be closed next week (July 24-28) so Jeannie can attend Synod School. Voice mails and e-mails will be checked during the evenings, but no assistance will be available during the day. The Social Location and the Gospel workshop is coming up quickly! It will be held on August 9, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. It is open to all. Registration deadline is August 1st! Please send your registration and your $10 registration fee to the Presbytery Office by August 1st so you won’t miss this exciting workshop. The 2017 Partnership Grant Application from the North Central Iowa Ministry & Mission Committee was sent the beginning of May to all pastors and clerks of Session in each church. It is also available on North Central Iowa’s website; go to: For Church Leaders/Policies and Forms/Ministry and Mission Board/2017 Mission Partnership Grant Application. The deadline for submission of grant applications is August 25, 2017. Applications received after that date will not be considered.

Please consider making a donation to North Central Iowa’s Pastors’ Education Debt Assistance Fund. It’s easy – merely note the designation in the memo portion of your check and mail it to:

Presbytery Office Lakeshore Center at Okoboji

1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA 51351

Thank you in advance for helping support new ministers as they begin their service!

Calendar Dates North Central Iowa events are shown in blue Prospect Hill events are shown in red Combined events are shown in green July 20 Nominating Committee, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 12:30 – 1:30 (NCI) July 23 Wendy Pittman Commissioning, First Presbyterian Ch., Grand Junction; 3:00 (NCI) July 23 – 28 Synod School – Presbytery Office Closed July 23 – 28 The Academy at Synod School (NCI & PPH) August 8 Committee on Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Odebolt; 10:00 -12:00 (PPH) August 9 Social Location and the Gospel, First Presbyterian Church, Waterloo;

9:45 – 3:00 (open to all) August 10 Committee on Preparation for Ministry; First Presbyterian Church, Ackley;

10:00 – 2:00 (NCI) August 3 Personnel Committee, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 11:00 – 1:00 (NCI) August 14 Committee on Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00 – 8:00 (NCI) August 18 Lakeshore Center Board Meeting, Lakeshore Center; 11:00 – 3:00 (NCI & PPH) August 23 Vital Ministries Initiative Subcommittee, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00–6:00 (NCI) September 4 Labor Day – Presbytery Office Closed September 11 Committee on Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00 – 8:00 (NCI) September 12 Committee on Ministry; 10:00 – 12:00 (PPH) September 12 Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Storm Lake; 10:00 – 3:30 (PPH) September 15 All-Iowa Conversation, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Ames; 9:30 – 3:00 (NCI & PPH) September 18 Vital Ministries Initiative, John Calvin room; 2:30-3:30 (NCI) September 21 Council, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00 – 8:00 (NCI) September 23 M&M Grants Consultation, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 9:30 – 1:00 (NCI) September 25 Macedonian Ministry Cohort East; 10:00 – 2:00 (NCI) September 28 Macedonian Ministry Cohort West; 10:00 – 2:00 (NCI) October 9 Committee on Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 5:00-8:00 (NCI) October 10 Committee on Ministry; 10:00-12:00 (PPH) October 12 Committee on Preparation for Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Ackley; 10:00-4:00 (NCI) October 13 A Day with Dr. Thomas Long, Lakeshore Center; 9:00-4:00 (NCI & PPH) October 14-15 Fall Academy Class, Lakeshore Center (NCI & PPH) October 23 Macedonian Ministry Cohort West; 10:00-2:00 (NCI) October 26 Macedonian Ministry Cohort East; 10:00-2:00 (NCI) October 28 Stated Presbytery Meeting, Lakeshore Center; 9:00-3:00 (PPH) November 5 Stated Presbytery Meeting, First Presbyterian Church, Conrad; 3:00-7:30 (NCI)

Prayers of the Presbytery of North Central Iowa Week of July 23 Pray for other Minister members of North Central Iowa: Rev. Sam Hamilton-Poore,

Rev. John Hanna, Rev. Barb Huisman, Rev. Judy Mulock, and Rev. Mary Wilber

Week of July 30 Lakeshore Center at Okoboji - Beth Ehlers, CRE, Executive Director Week of August 6 First Presbyterian Church, Ackley – Rev. Lynne Hanna Week of August 13 Northminster Presbyterian Church, Ames – Rev. Jim DuBois Week of August 20 Westminster Presbyterian Church, Waterloo – Rev. Patricia Jacobs and Rev. Daniel Voigt Week of August 27 First Presbyterian Church, Albion – Rev. Bruce Baillie, Moderator Week of Sept. 3 Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Ames – Rev. Craig Palmer, Interim Pastor/Head of Staff Rev. Dr. Barbara Gaddis, Parish Associate Rev. Betsy Thompson Week of Sept. 10 Theological Institutions related to the PCUSA Week of Sept. 17 First Presbyterian Church, Dows – Rev. Shawn Hill Week of Sept. 24 First Presbyterian Church, Grand Junction, and First Presbyterian Church, Paton – Tere Erickson, CRE, Interim

Prayers of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill Week of July 23 First Presbyterian Church, Spirit Lake – Rev. Clint Loveall &

Rev. Michael Gewecke Week of July 30 First Presbyterian Church, Schaller – Rev. Michael Sydnor Week of August 6 First Presbyterian Church, Estherville – Rev. David Ullom Week of August 13 First Presbyterian Church, Ringstead – Rev. Suzanne Wobig Week of August 20 First Presbyterian Church, Rockwell City – Rev. Jim Mossman Week of August 27 Shared Ministry of Rolfe – Lorna Peters, CRE Week of Sept. 3 First Presbyterian Church, Sanborn – Rev. Gregg Johnson Week of Sept. 10 Lakeshore Center at Okoboji – Beth Ehlers, CRE, Executive Director Week of Sept. 17 First Presbyterian Church, Sioux City – Rev. Tom Murray Week of Sept. 24 Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sioux City – Rev. Erica MacCreaigh

Additional Prayer Concerns Please continue to keep Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson of Burt in your prayers. Please continue to pray for the Ballard Community Ministry Commission. Please keep Bob Rich of Fort Dodge, who is hospitalized, in your prayers. Please keep Bea Lebuda of Marshalltown in your prayers. Please keep Rev. Charles Quirk and family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of Gale Quirk. A Celebration of Life for Gale Quirk will be held on Friday, July 21, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. Please keep Lee Nicholas and family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of Margo Nicholas, who passed away the morning of July 19. Please keep Rev. Rikki Sorensen, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Carroll, in your prayers as she undergoes health tests. Please keep First Presbyterian Church of Cleghorn and the Administrative Commission in your prayers. Please keep Alton Presbyterian Church and the Administrative Commission in your prayers. The Presbytery of Prospect Hill is invited to First Presbyterian Church of Armstrong’s 125th Celebration on August 6, 2017. All are welcome to worship at 10:30 a.m. and lunch after. A program will be held at 1:00 p.m. If you plan to attend lunch after worship, please RSVP to Pastor Suzanne Wobig (swobig@ringtelco.com).

Amity Presbyterian Church invites everyone to their Ice Cream Social Sunday/Sundae! When: August 20, 2017 Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Where: Amity Presbyterian Church 405 Broad Street Reinbeck, Iowa Loose meat sandwiches, grilled pork loin, hot dogs, pies and cakes will also be served.

Please join First Christian Church of Sac City for their “Name that Tune” Supper

When: Monday, July 24, 2017 Time: 7:00 p.m. Where: First Christian Church 521 Park Ave. Sac City, Iowa Cost: $7.00

The speaker will be Kris Roberts of Brandon, SD, who shares how disbelief is transformed into hope through song titles. Special Feature: Sammie Landis Bruce – leading a “Name that Tune” Challenge For reservations, please call: Cathy Staton (712.660.8629) Micki Quail (712.662.7953) Lavern Kraft (712.662.3561)

Free Organ Concert Sunday, July 23, 2017; 3:00 p.m.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Marshalltown 201 E. Church Street

Presented By Mr. Mark Babcock Organist, Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul’s, Des Moines

Mark A. Babcock, a native of Iowa, received a Bachelor's degree in music education from Central College, Pella, Iowa. He holds a Master's degree in choral conducting and organ performance from the prestigious Westminster Choir College - Princeton, New Jersey. He has worked with great musical leaders such as Joseph Flummerfelt, Joan Lippincott, Robert Shaw, and Riccardo Mutti. He is currently a Professor of Music at Central College in Pella, Iowa As a recognized organ recitalist, he was honored by Iowa State University as the 2005 “Organist of Iowa.” His organ performances demonstrate the versatility and virtuosity and he regularly collaborates with other instrumentalists and shares his mastery of organ improvisation. This is a free event and open to the public.

A freewill offering will be available for those who wish to express their gratitude for the event. A reception will follow the concert.

The Burt Presbyterian Church will present local musical artist Glenn Henriksen in concert on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. Glenn is an accomplished, versatile pianist and organist, known for his music in a variety of settings: church services, weddings, receptions and other social occasions. Glenn’s repertoire includes classic, ragtime, blues and jazz standards, pop and rock, country, Gospel and sacred. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy an evening of fine entertainment. A free-will offering will be taken.

By the grace of God, The Presbytery of Prospect Hill ordained Reverend Erica MacCreaigh as a Teaching Elder/Minister of Word and Sacrament and installed her to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux City on Sunday, July 16, 2017!

Praise be to God!

Wendy Pittman will be commissioned to serve as Commissioned Ruling Elder in the Greater Greene County Presbyterian Ministries, which consists of First Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction, First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson and First Presbyterian Church in Paton. Wendy’s commissioning will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 302 12th St. S, Grand Junction, Iowa, on Sunday, July 23, 2017, at 3:00 p.m.

Reverend John Molacek concluded his ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Jesup on Sunday, July 16. He will begin his commission at Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada, Iowa, on August 1.

Thoughts of David Feltman, Pastor to the Presbytery, North Central Iowa Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The Great Ends of the Church, stated in our Book of Order, F-1.0304, are:

the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

These are the reasons the church exists, according to our constitution. A wise preacher would preach on these from time to time. Today I draw your attention to number four – the preservation of the truth. A respected therapist was mentioned in a conversation this week and my friend said – “She spoke the truth.” In other words, she would not let those she counseled go on living in their lies or misperceived realities. This conversation took place in a hospital where we thought about doctors and how important it is they speak the truth. Some of us remember, years ago, when folks danced around the truth – don’t tell the patient the truth, she can’t handle the news she is dying. As if the patient didn’t know there was something radically wrong. In Family Systems theory, we hear statements such as – in healthy families there are no secrets. Truth is crucial in the closest relationships of our lives. The reason we have a Prayer of Confession in our service of worship in the Presbyterian Church is so we are honest with God at least once a week, especially when we come to the Table – let’s come clean. Where truth is absent there is no foundation for relationship. It baffles me that we live in a time when so many Christians are winking at the lies in politics. I can hear some of you saying – Dave stay out of politics. How can we stay out of politics and live these Great Ends of the Church? Revisit numbers 1, 4, 5 and 6, and let’s remind ourselves the church is here for the community, for the world. Let this statement about TRUTH fall on both sides of the aisle, but Christians, especially Presbyterian Christians, must keep on lifting up truth for we follow the one who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). We follow the one who was able to live grace and truth – “The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). And his follower Paul challenges us in truth. “So then, putting away falsehood, let us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25) and “Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Rev. Amy Wiles uses a benediction I appreciate; it includes these two lines: “the world is too dangerous for anything but truth, and too small for anything but love.” May God bless your preaching, teaching and living “The preservation of the truth.” With Love in Christ, David Feltman

Moderator Mussings

I was over at our local Assisted Living facility leading a Bible study the other day. The passage we were looking at was Romans 5:1-11. One of the subjects that is addressed helps to answer one of the questions the curious have about Christian faith – namely: “Why is there suffering in the world?” The short answer that I was always taught is that there is suffering in the world because of the fallen nature of humanity. In short, there is suffering because of sin. But that really is only a partial answer to the questions, and Romans 5 helps us with that. Paul reminds us that all suffering in our lives produces endurance, endurance produces character (what we are like when only God is looking), and character produces hope. This hope is not just a “pie in the sky by and by” kind of wishful thinking brand of hope. Rather, it is a hope that points us to the only hope that lasts – the hope we find relationally with Jesus Christ. However, to access this hope, it requires being in a relationship with Christ. God’s nature is both holy and graceful, perfect and forgiving. In other words, we are sinners by birth, but God’s love, mercy and grace are given through the sacrifice Christ has made for us. In other words, suffering is the first step on the road to hope – the redirecting of our focus off of ourselves and concentrating on God’s agenda for us and the world. My senior friends appreciated this word of hope – this reminder that our life with Christ is not about convenience or ease, but rather faithfulness and trust. When we get that perspective right, our lives turn from despair to hope. Friends, we live in a time that feels fairly hopeless. What a great message our God has for us to share with the world about where to find authentic hope! I trust you will be encouraged and be an encourager to those around you to be the beacons of hope where God has planted you. Living into Hope, The Rev. Kerry Carson, Moderator Presbytery of North Central Iowa

Northminster Presbyterian Church is Looking for a Part-Time Christian Formation Director

Position Description

Director of Christian Formation

Northminster Presbyterian Church

Ames, Iowa

JOB SUMMARY: To provide spiritual formation to people of all ages that will equip them to grow in their own faith.

To support the mission of Northminster, which is to “Gather People to Christ, Grow in Discipleship,

and Serve all with Love.”

STATUS: This position will require 15-20 hours per week with an annual salary of $17,000.

QUALIFICATIONS:

An active and committed disciple of Jesus Christ.

A demonstrated ability to make a creative contribution to the total church ministry through

Christian education and spiritual formation.

Experience working in Christian Education in a church environment.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study or an appropriate combination of education and

experience.

Knowledge and proficiency in teaching, leadership development, and administration of

educational programs and curriculum building.

Spirit and vision to attract and inspire participants in the educational ministry, including children,

youth, and their families.

Possess strong and effective communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Working knowledge of computer, sound, and video technology.

CORE COMPETENCIES: Passion for Christ and love for people of all ages; Biblical knowledge; Leadership; Planning and

organizing; Time management; Problem solving; Verbal/written communication skills, ability to

communicate with our youth and adults via social media.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provide for Sunday Christian Formation, children through adult by:

o Helping with curriculum resources

o Teaching segments of classes or filling in when necessary

o Scheduling classes and locations

o Maintaining classrooms and supplies

o Recruiting and supporting teachers

o Evaluating programs and implementing a future vision for Christian Formation at NPC

o Planning Confirmation

o Actively participating in Sunday worship and in the life of the church

o Coordinating with Grow team for yearly curriculum budget

Implement a yearly Vacation Bible School

o Recruit and train volunteers

o Schedule and oversee registration

o Pick curriculum

Lead Youth Group (Middle or High School)

o Schedule gathering times

o Arrange and lead a study or fellowship activities

o Build relationships with youth and foster their involvement in the life of the church

o Keep communication with the youth group throughout the week

o Attend youth activities outside of church

o Possibly attend a mission trip with the youth group

Plan children/youth Christmas program

Work with Pastor/Staff and Grow Team

o Meet with Pastor as needed

o Cooperative communication with the staff about current and future Christian Formation

opportunities

o Lead Children's Time during worship on occasion (approx. once per quarter)

If interested in the position, please contact the church office at 515-233-2540.

Send resume to:

Northminster Presbyterian Church

1416 20th

St. Ames, IA 50010

Or

amesnpc@gmail.com

A RULING ELDER COHORT FOR

NORTH CENTRAL IOWA PRESBYTERY

Participation – dream goal, at least one ruling elder from each of our congregations. Participants will sign a covenant promising commitment to the group and placing the dates for the eight sessions on personal calendars. Cost - $100 per participant per year. Dates

Saturdays 9:30AM – 2 PM October 8, 2016 January 21, 2017 April 29, 2017 July 15, 2017 Location – Ackley First Presbyterian October 7, 2017 January 20, 2018 April 28, 2018 June 30, 2018 Led by Dr. Joe Small.

Session 1: Origins: Calvin’s “unified plural

ministry” in Geneva

Session 2: The loss of Calvin’s vision and its

potential recovery

Session 3: Ruling elders as ministers of Word

and Sacrament: Baptism

Session 4: Ruling Elders as ministers of Word

and Sacrament: Lord’s Supper

Session 5: Ruling Elders as ministers of Word

and Sacrament: Proclamation

Session 6: Ruling elders as Ministers of Word

and Sacrament: Teaching

Session 7: Councils of the church: discernment

in session and presbytery

Session 8: Spiritual disciplines for ruling

elders and sessions

The goal of the cohort, Ruling Elders who are –

*Scripturally - Broader and Deeper *Theologically – Deeper with a basic understanding of the Book of Order, Confessions and Creeds *Spiritual Formation - Encouraged and resourced in the spiritual disciplines *Leadership - Understanding the role of Ruling Elder, learning how to support pastoral leadership and when to challenge it.

*Koinonia - Connecting with other Ruling Elders, sharing best practices and supporting each other.

The Instructor – Dr. Joe Small

Dr. Small retired recently from his 22 tenure at

the General Assembly Mission Council. Most

recently, he served at the Council as Director of

Theology, Worship and Education Ministries,

where he directed the work of the Office of

Theology and Worship, the Office of Theological

Education, and Congregational Ministries

Publishing. A graduate of Brown University,

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Princeton

Theological Seminary, and Louisville, Theological

Seminary. He has served the church in roles

ranging from professor to pastor.

Dr. Small is the author of To Be Reformed: Living the Tradition (2010), Let Us Reason Together: Christians and Jews in Conversation (2010), Proclaiming the Great Ends of the Church (2010), Conversations With the Confessions (2005),Preservation of the Truth (2005), Fire and Wind: The Holy Spirit in the Church Today (2002), Committed Conversation (2000), and God and Ourselves: A Brief Exercise in Reformed Theology (1997), and has written numerous journal articles, study series, and theological papers. He is a core member of "Re-Forming Ministry," co-chair of the international Reformed-Pentecostal Dialogue, board member of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology, member of the Faith and

Order Commission of the National Council of

Churches, and a frequent participant in

international ecumenical consultations sponsored

by the World Council of Churches, the World

Communion of Reformed Churches and the

Centre International Reformé.

Dr. Small will be in Iowa for Oct. 8, 2016, October 7, 2017 and June 30, 2018, and teach with the aid of technology for the other gatherings. Dr. Small lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Sign me up…

I am committed!

Name:

Address E Mail address CELL:

Church:

$_______Check enclosed Make Check payable to: Presbytery of North Central Iowa

Return this page along with check payable to:

Presbytery of North Central Iowa Lakeshore Center at Okoboji

1864 Hwy. 86 Milford, IA 51351

Synod of Lakes and Prairies

Racial Ethnic Student Preparation for Leadership

Scholarship Fund

The Racial Ethnic Scholarship Fund is an educational assistance program designed to encourage Racial Ethnic students in their preparation for service in the Presbyterian Church USA. Funds for this program are provided by the Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministry. Applicants must be:

1. Racial Ethnic students whose permanent residence is within the bounds of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies.

2. Active member in a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

3. Enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing.

4. Making progress toward a degree. 5. Able to demonstrate financial

need. Applicants will be evaluated and awards selected on the basis of information supplied on this form and the pastor’s and teacher’s recommendations. Students must be able to demonstrate their preparation for service as a church professional or community leadership role. Winning consideration will focus on personal qualities reflected in school, church and community activities, and academic achievement.

If you are interested in this scholarship program, all necessary admissions and financial aid forms for the school to which you are a current student must be completed. It is your responsible to be sure that all forms, including the required transcript, financial aid statement and letters of recommendation are submitted to our committee by the deadline with your scholarship application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to return a completed application. All applicants will be notified by the committee if they have been chosen as a finalist or not. The scholarship awards may only be used toward educational costs and will be paid directly to the school. The grant is a supplement to any other financial aid received by the student and becomes a part of the total financial aid package. Please direct your questions to: Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministry Synod of Lakes and Prairies 2115 Cliff Drive Eagan, MN 55122-3327 Phone: 1-800-328-1880, x204 or x 202 Fax: 651-357-1141 mkes@lakesandprairies.org Deadline: September 30, 2017

The Scholarships are made available through funds provided by the Committee on Racial Ethnic Ministry, Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Presbyterian Church (USA). If you would like a copy of the application packet, please contact Jeannie in the Presbytery Office at 319-233-1747 or northiowapresby@gmail.com.

If you or your church has anything to be included in the E-News, please submit it to Jeannie in the Presbytery Office by emailing it to northiowapresby@gmail.com If you know of someone who would enjoy receiving this communication, please email Jeannie or call her at 319-233-1747. Please consider making copies of this E-news for your Session and also running several copies to make available to your congregation on your information table.

We will conclude this E-News issue with this gorgeous photo taken by a member of the Albion community showing a beautiful rainbow seeming to flow right into First Presbyterian Church in Albion. Thank you Karen Oaks for sharing this photo!