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Northminster TimesNorthminster Presbyterian Church of Kansas City, Missouri

www.northminsterkc.org • 816-453-2545

Volume 54, Issue 9 October 2016

My nine year old dog lies asleep, just outside my office door, as I sit at my desk trying to figure out how write an inspiring and uplifting article for our newsletter (I know we’ll all be happy when we have an interim for this job). As I try and focus, jolted by occassional snores that escape my dear old dog as

she slumbers without an apparant care, the first and last stanzas of the song Changes by David Bowie keep running through my head. Turn and face the strange, Ch-ch-Changes… Time may change me, but I can’t trace timeMost of my fellow “boomers” will remember this song. It has a catchy little tune, and seems an appropriate reference as we enter yet a new season of change here, at Northminster. When our new class of elders and deacons was installed and ordained last month, and when later that day the email announcing Seth’s resignation came, I experienced a sad feeling of Déjà vu. A little over a decade ago, a similar experience happened to me. I had just been installed as communication elder, and at our first session meeting, Mike McDowell announced he was leaving Northmin-ster. As I reflected on this, my first thought was, “Why did I say I could write this column until we had an interim in place?” Then I remembered, very simply, that the last time this happened, the articles were never really mine. I was but a messenger for a much higher power. And, my job is relatively simple — I am to open my heart and mind and listen to what that quiet voice is telling me. Then, I type on my keyboard like mad and hope to relay the message a way that is accurate, fair and true, so that it might open the heart and mind of each reader in a way to speaks to you personally. Today, that voice tells me to remind us all that we are to never lose faith. When we look back, we should do so with the intent of seeing what knowledge we can pull from our past that will provide us with wisdom and vision so we can move forward, together, with purpose – learning from both successes and failures, toward a brighter future. An article that summarizes the New Beginnings process many of us went through during the Spring and early Summer is included in this issue. I hope it gives those who weren’t able to participate a better understanding of the information on which we were asked to focus, and how it led us to the decisions that were made. If you couldn’t participate then, you may still contribute now with your ideas and support as we build toward our future. Before he left, Seth shared that our moderator had commented, because our members have completed this process, it will help us move more quickly toward finding a permanent pastor. Please keep our elders and deacons, as well as the search committee members, in your prayers as they organize and move forward. As time continues to change and shape us... let us remember that through God’s will, it be for the better.

Peace and grace be with you, Nyla

From the Editor...

Rolling with the Changes

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

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In this Issue:Presbyterian Women .............. 2

Birthdays ................................ 6

Calendar ................................. 6

Prayer List .............................. 7

Our Staff

Office AdministratorTeri VanGilderCommunications ElderLisa BurdenEditorNyla Mischke

J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth)

MLM collection items for October are dried pasta, canned or jars of spaghetti sauce, canned veggies, detergent

Presbyterian Women

BLANKET DRIVEIt Is once more time to collect for blankets during the months of September and October. These are donated to organizations to be given to needy families who might otherwise becold during the winter months, not having the warmth of a blanket. Checks should bemade payable to NORTHMINSTER PW and given to Hazel Fleck or Jane Lewis. Last year we purchased 98 blankets of all sizes. These were donated to Northland Assistance Center, SafeHaven, MLM, and Uplift. You gave many warmth and security through the winter months. Thank you for your support.

Circles Meet Wednesday, October 12

Rebekah – 10:00 a.m. Meet at Wexford Place6500 N. CosbyModerator: Pat Hulett

Martha – 1:00 p.m.Meet at ChurchModerator: Jeanette Hartke

Lydia – 7:00 p.m.Meet at ChurchHostesses: Michelle Chastain and Joyce SageModerator: Linda Drollinger

90th Birthday Party for Lorene Dieckman

on Sunday, October 9 at Wexford Place (6500 N. Cosby)

in the Stratford Room from 2 – 4 p.m. No gifts please,

but cards are greatly appreciated!

JOY group will meet on Thursday, October 6 at 12:00 p.m. Get out your Halloween costume and come to the JOY group. Not only will we have a costume contest, but our guest speaker will be in costume as well. Who is it??   Mystery speaker...come and enjoy a delightful program.

Join us for a SPOOK-TACULAR time!

THINK YOU KNOW PW?

Fall GatheringSaturday, October 1510:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Light refreshments

ALL WOMENARE INVITED!

(bring your friends and neighbors!)

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October 24 — 6:00 p.m.Northminster’s Fellowship HallFree & Open to the Community

The 9th annual Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert Auction will be on October 23, immediately following Worship in the Fellowship Hall. The proceeds ben-efit the Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission scheduled for February 2017. We will serve 4 to 5 kinds of spaghetti sauce, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Take out will be available! Cost is a free will offering. The des-sert auction will start toward the end of the dinner. If you wish to make a tax deductible donation, write your check payable NORTHMINSTER and put Jamaica in the memo line. Please look at the signup sheet in the old narthex. We need lots of help preparing, serving and cleaning up. We need desserts for dinner, as well as for the auction. Last year we made $1,554.00. Every penny goes to purchase medica-tions. In February of this year we filled 3,800 prescriptions for a 30 day sup-ply of medications. The dentists did fluoride treatments, as well as extractions. The optometrist fit 388 people with reading glasses. The total of medical/den-tal patients seen was 2,408. Questions or need additional information? Contact Carol Wagner.

Annual Fall Gathering Saturday, October 8

from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

This annual lunch is hosted by your Deacons and the Fellowship Team. Everyone is invited for great food, fun and fellowship! Watch your mail and the bulletins for information about this event.

The Men’s Breakfast will meet on Saturday October 22, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. for fellowship, food and encouragement. We will be starting a series of videos from the 2016 Global Leadership Summit held this last August. We will view and discuss ideas from some of the top leaders around the world in business and in the church. Hope you can make it.

A HUGE thank you to all our volunteers who helped in making Rally Day successful and a job well done. Cake Servers: Jennifer Artz and Diane Darby Serving the Punch:Janet KaylorAll of our “Clean-Up Volunteer”: Michelle Chastain, Beccy Vaughan and Diane Darby. Also, what a hit with everyone loving the ice cream sundaes for Rally Day! We want to thank Don and Janice Spencer from the Fellowship Team with both coming up with this idea and help serving. Amanda Renno, once again, thank you for designing and baking our Rally Day cake. It was deli-cious. What a great “Rally Day” was had by all. Our new Pre-K Sunday school classroom was finished. I want to thank Cheryl Lupton for making the drapes as well as helping to paint the room, it looks great. Also, what a nice job Beccy Vaughan did on sanding and painting the yellow shelving. It looks brand new! Jim Cole – a big thank you for all your hard work in helping us to prepare this new Sunday school class-room to get ready for Rally Day. The church appreciates all you do for your church.

SPAGHETTI DINNER & DESSERT AUCTION

Wrap Up!

Men’s Breakfast

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New Beginnings Initiative… A Program Overview and Summary of the Vision

In January, Northminster joined three other churches in Heartland Prestytery to participate in a program called the New Beginnings Initiative. The program is designed to encourage involvement from the entire congregation, so my hope is, that by sharing this information, I might spark an emotion, an idea, and hopefully a desire within you to share your own special gifts with other members as we enter the next chapter in the life of our church. Overview: In April and May, 47 participants committed to attend six weekly small group sessions for a 90 minute period. The process for New Beginnings started months before the in-house sessions ever began. In Mid-January, an outside consultant was provided, by Presbytery, to conduct an assessment consisting of a building review, a financial review, an assessment of the community surrounding the physical location of the church, an historical review, and last, an inquiry session with members of the church. Five small groups were formed — ideally they would be comprised from 50% of the average number of worshipers each week. During these six weeks, we would delve into “meaningful conversation” to help form a sustainable plan to guide our church into the future.

1Session one was intended to get the group thinking about what attributes makes a congregation vital. We were to identify two or three things our

congregation is best at, and then identify the resources available to help us succeed in these areas. We were also asked to discuss those things that distinguish us from other social clubs or service organizations in our area.

2 Session two presented members with the task of interpreting the assessment report. Prepared by the consultant, its purpose was to paint

for us, a realistic picture showing the strengths of our present ministry. We were asked to think about the types of ministry or programs our congregation is really good at, the depth of energy or passion we have for these kinds of ministry and the financial and leadership resources available.

3 In week three, we were asked to discuss the ministry needs of the community as it related to the people in the physical area surrounding our

church. A part of the consultant’s report included a demographic breakdown describing the area and the people who live around our building. We were asked to consider what those people might need in the form of ministry and how we might work to serve those needs.

4 The purpose of session four was to revisit and address the needs of the community surrounding our church. Focus was on identifying the types

of missions and ministries our congregation needs to be best at in order to effectively serve and reach our neighborhood community.

Congratulations to our new officers. Below is a list of elders and deacons, and their respective teams for the upcoming year.

EldersLisa Burden, CommunicationsJim Cole, PropertyDon Correu, OutreachGeorge Gates, OutreachSue Gates, WorshipAlex Harriger, NurtureMarilyn Hoefer, DiscipleshipKaaren Jones, FinanceDebbie Peterson, Human ResourcesCaren Seaman, MissionDon Spencer, FellowshipStuart Woody, WorshipCarol Wagner, Clerk of Session

Deacons Beth Luther, ModeratorCheryl Woolley, SecretaryTeri TromblaMary GreenupCheryl LuptonKatreina RennoKen BurdenDiane DarbyJeanette Hartke, Vice-Moderator

Free

Halloween Weenie Roast and Costume Party! Sunday October 30 at Northminster Presbyterian Church 4:30-6:00PM outside in the parking lot (weather permitting) or inside if needed. Bring your little ghouls and goblins for Halloween Eve fun and food! Candy, games and prizes for the best costumes! Contact Outreach (Don Cor-reu/George Gates) or Mission (Caren Seaman) for more information

(continued on page 5)

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5 Challenging group members to explore options and realistic possibilities for the future of the congregation was the focus for session five. The goal

was to get members to think, realistically, about ideas we could implement, both from a financial and human resources perspective, engaging the congregation as a whole, and to articulate a clear vision for the future of Northminster.

6 In session six, each small group summarized their sense of the future for the church. The decision presented by each group was designed to contain

a path for the next steps as we move forward.

In July, all who had participated in the small groups, as well as all members of the church, were invited to attend a meeting where the results were recapped. A conversation of how to move forward began. As a whole, the groups believed we, as a congregation, are passionate about our church and our mission to be disciples of Jesus Christ in our community. All groups also agreed that our resources are limited. From the options outlined in the program handbook, Mission Redefinition was the path chosen by the majority of the groups. An excerpt from handout #5-2, defines this option as follows: “This long-term re-visioning has to do with changing the soul and passion of the congregation so that it is singularly focused on a particular direction into the community to be and share the good news of Jesus Christ. This option calls for hard choices to break with certain structural and programmatic ways of “doing church.” Reasons to support this option included creating increases in community involvement and building usage, and the opportunity to refine outreach and our personal mission. When asked to describe possible barriers to change, reasons stated were; resistance to change, the age of the congregation and the need for a better picture of the neighborhood. The overall attitude of the combined groups, at the end of the six weeks, was optimistic yet tentative. Members were concerned that we would complete the New Beginnings process but not move forward with the suggestions. The need for additional training and a more clearly defined vision to move forward effectively was also expressed as a concern. Mission Redefinition offers a path for growing as we utilize areas of strength and passion for our members, and one where it was felt growth could begin without a large budget being required. In his sermon on September 11, Paster John Welton shared several ideas he’d seen used in a church he had attended. One that stuck with me was the example of the member who used his gifts in gardening to brighten up the outside landscape of the church. It may have seemed like a small gift to many, but if we each contribute, in a way that is personally meaningful, with a small gift of our own — be it time, talent or money, think of what a major impact that could have! What are your thoughts? Do you have any ideas for the direction of our mission redefinition? If so, please share them! Just send an email to Teri in the office, and she can pass it onto Session members as they begin planning and executing during our new program year.

Greetings from the Book Nook

Progress is being made even if you look in and can’t see it. People have been donating books. Thank you. We can always use more, just remember that it needs to be one that if Jesus walked into the room you wouldn’t try and hide it. Most of the books on the shelves have cards in them. Please sign and date the card inside and leave it on the desk before you leave. If you have donations, please put them on top of the small bookcases or on the desk. Please don’t shelve them in the big shelves. That makes me have to see them to catalog them. By the same reason-ing, please don’t reshelf the book you’ve taken to read. Place it on the desk with or without the card. This will make it much easier for me. Please treat this library by the same way you would treat a large public library. The book that I want to show case this month is one by Charles Sheldon, called In His Steps. When the small groups were going through the New Beginning booklet, my mind kept coming back to this particular book. The library has two copies. Charles Monroe Sheldon wrote this book in 1896 but is still very much relative to to-day. He read this story in the Sun-day evening service at the Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas, where he was the first pas-tor. The book was written partly because of his own experience. I don’t want to spoil any cliffhangers. Just let me say that it fits in with the changes that our congregation is going through right now, and in my mind, a must read. If you have any questions about the library or need help, just let me know. You may call, text, email or just talk to me at church! Librarian, Mary Greenup

New Beginnings Initiative… (continued from page 4)

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October Calendar OctoberBirthdays

3 Rosalie Minor

4 Donna Douthit

5 Lorene Dieckman

8 Bill Biggerstaff

Joe Rembolt

9 Keith Langabee

15 Mary Lou Clark

18 Jeff Lucas

19 Frances Halter

20 Hannah Wheeler

21 John Colomy

22 Melanie Schuler

27 David Harper

28 Blake Allen

Joan Roberts

2 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 3 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 4 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Study Group 6:00 p.m. Bells 7:00 p.m. Choir 5 10:00 a.m. PW Coordinating Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Team Meetings 6 12:00 p.m. J.O.Y. Group 7 10:00 a.m. Friday Coffee Café 8 11:00 a.m. Annual Fall Gathering 9 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 10 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 11 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Study Group 6:00 p.m. Bells 7:00 p.m. Choir 12 Circles Meet 13 7:00 p.m. Scout Masters Meeting 14 10:00 a.m. Friday Coffee Café 16 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 17 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 18 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Study Group 6:00 p.m. Bells 7:00 p.m. Choir 19 6:30 p.m. Session 21 10:00 a.m. Friday Coffee Café 22 8:00 a.m. Men’s Group 3:00 p.m. Set-Up for Spaghetti Dinner 23 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction 24 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 25 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Study Group 6:00 p.m. Bells 7:00 p.m. Choir 28 10:00 a.m. Friday Coffee Café 30 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 4:30 p.m. Halloween Weenie Roast & Costume Party 31 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

Sharon Arndt (effective October 1, 2016) 6041 SW 27th St. #5Topeka, KS 66614Same phone number

Dear Northminster Family,

Thank you for the cards with well wishes, prayers and blessings during my recent illness.They are most uplifting and so appreciated. Ann Underwood

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2016 Per Capita Tax is $39.52 per person.

If you’d like to help by paying your tax, please

indicate Per Capita Tax in the memo line

of your check.

Prayer RequestsKim Halter, breast cancer, Troy Halter’s aunt

Al Schlauch, health concerns, Jeanette Hartke’s brother-in-law

Sharon Maydess, recovering from surgery, Sharon Arndt

Taryn Jones, employment search, Lindsay Browne’s friend

Maggie, bone cancer, Dick and Martha Pierson

Stacy Hopper, health concerns

Kim Halter, breast cancer, Troy Halter’s aunt

Donna Kramer, hospice care

Caani Santos, cancer, Carlos Cruz

Frances Judd, hospice care

Michelle Summers and family, passing of her husband, R.L. and Marilyn Hoefer

Gene Sloan, health concerns and loss of his wife, friend’s father – Katreina Renno

Family of Holly Cole, her passing, Sue Gates

God’s Prayer Garden

Vickie Stewart, liver cancer, Bill Auch’s daughter

Heather Saam, return of cancer, Lana and John Colomy’s daughter

Dr. Larry Wheeler, health concerns

Nathan Harper, brain tumor

Lauren, health concerns, John & Toni Platt’s granddaughter

Betty Scott, serious health concerns

Bob & Corinne Brown, health concerns

David & Jo Harper, health concerns

Anita & Joe Shelton, health concerns, Brent Shelton’s parents

Lorene Dieckman, lung cancer

Sarah, long term health concerns, Dick & Martha Pierson’s daughter-in-law

Cheryl Lupton, thyroid cancer

Joe Rembolt, health concerns

Pat and Horton King, health concerns

Sharon Brown, health concerns

Popcorn, Nuts, and Trash BagsBoy Scout Troop 288 will be at church October 9th to sell pop-corn, nuts, and trash bags. Pop-corn orders that can’t be filled immediately will be delivered late October or early November. Nut orders that can’t be filled immediately will be delivered the following Sunday. Nut sales will continue through December 5th. You can pick up an order form from the bulletin board by the Fellowship Hall, complete it, and place it along with your payment in the Scout mailbox (located across from the Church office). There are envelopes in the scout mailbox to use for your money. Orders placed by Monday will be delivered the following Sunday. Trash bags will be available October 9th and all year. Please talk to Keith Langabee or Jim Cole to purchase trash bags during the year. If you have questions, please contact Bill Dodson at 517-6788.

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Northminster Presbyterian Church1441 N. E. Englewood RoadKansas City, MO 64118816-453-2545 — www.northminsterkc.org

Northminster Presbyterian Church is committed to seeking and serving God, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and reaching out to others.

The Northminster Times is published 11 times a year (each month except July) by:Northminster Presbyterian Church1441 N.E. Englewood Road, • Kansas City, MO 64118(816) 453-2545http://www.northminsterkc.org

Articles are due the 15th of the month prior to publica-tion. Submit copy to nmischke@kc.rr.com or leave in the newsletter mailbox in the church. Electronic submissions should be typed in Microsoft® Word or directly into your e-mail document.