Internally Nurturing – Externally Serving October 2015

“We Care” members celebrating birthdays in October are Paul Stoppels on October 10, Mary Stearns on

October 15 and Shirley Nove on October 30. You may contact the church office for their addresses.

On Saturday, September 26, longtime member Norman Nielsen passed away. Norm and his wife, Sharon,

joined FPC in 1962. He served faithfully as an Elder, a Trustee, on the Building & Grounds Committee and on

the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee that called the Rev. Andrew Rausch. We extend the heartfelt

sympathy of the congregation to his family.

Condolences are also sent to Sandi & Gene Richards on the death of Sandi’s mother and to Bob & Jean Gritman

on the death of Jean’s brother.

Finance Secretary, Barb Bjork, her husband, Ed, and their family wish to thank everyone for the prayers, cards

and memorials given at the time of Ed’s father’s passing.

Rides to church during October are provided by Deacon Diane Bean. Call the assigned deacon or the church

office to make arrangements. PLEASE don’t hesitate to take advantage of this service. Your presence in

worship is important to your church family.

HARVEST DINNER Autumn brings falling leaves, crisp, cool air and, of course, the Harvest Dinner. The youth of the

church will prepare and serve this annual meal on Sunday, October 25. Mark your calendar!

Dinner is served at 5:00 p.m. Call the church office, 377-7309, by Wednesday, October 21, to

make your reservation or to have a meal delivered.

Again this year the youth will be offering their services for raking leaves. Watch the bulletin for

more information.

319-377-7309

(For Your Information)

NEW HYMNALS

We are delighted to introduce the new Glory to God: Presbyterian Hymnal to our

congregation. The PCUSA publishes a new hymnal every 25-30 years, and this is the

2013 version commissioned by the General Assembly.

Glory to God includes traditional hymns, spiritual songs of the global Christian

community, praise and worship music, Taize and other meditation songs, African-

American and early American spirituals, gospel songs and several beloved hymns that

have never been printed in a Presbyterian hymnal before. The scoring and

arrangements have been updated to be appropriate for use with organ and piano, praise

bands and a cappella singing.

A few individuals have given some substantial gifts to make this happen and we are so very grateful for their

generosity. If necessary we may use some of our memorial funds to cover the cost, but envelopes are available if

you would like to dedicate one or more hymnals to a loved one with a printed bookplate. The cost is $20 per

hymnal.

We will continue to use the 1985 (blue) Presbyterian hymnal and Sing the Faith for now, as both contain hymns and

songs not included in Glory to God. Damaged copies of the blue hymnal have been removed and available for free

to anyone who would like one. Those who donated a blue hymnal in memory/honor of a loved one are invited to

take them home, if they wish.

If you have questions about Glory to God, please talk with one of the pastors or the organist.

GET YOUR TARTAN ON!

On Sunday, October 25, we will be celebrating our Celtic heritage. The Presbyterian

Church traces its ancestry to 1560 when the Scottish Parliament, under the influence of John

Knox, voted to accept the Scots Confession as the creed for the Church of Scotland. So

Scottish customs, music and traditions have influenced the Presbyterian Church down

through the centuries. We would like to recognize and appreciate this rich heritage, but

expand it to beyond just the Scots. Some of our favorite hymns have Irish and Welsh

origins as well.

So be with us on October 25 when both worship services will have a Celtic flavor. We are

planning on opening with a procession led by bagpipes, using Celtic prayers and liturgy and singing Celtic

hymns. The Chancel Choir is preparing some Celtic pieces, and Karen Pierce will be playing some beautiful

Celtic tunes on her hammer dulcimer. So whether or not you have Scot, Irish, Welsh, or Cornish ancestors, you

are encouraged to wear something plaid if you have it; a tartan tie, skirt, jacket or whatever you can find to

show your Celtic pride.

(For Your Information)

A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

We have had two fine adult classes on Sunday mornings led for some time by Hal Klink and Roger Dana. But it

is always good to take a break once in a while and try something new.

So, beginning on Sunday, October 11, adults are invited to join Jim Langley in the Chapel

at 10:10 for a six-week study of a book called The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. Using

the parable of the prodigal son, the study will highlight the heart of the Christian faith and

help us discover our place at God's table. If you'd like to purchase the book, it can be

ordered from Amazon or christianbook.com, however reading the book is not a

requirement for attending the class.

MARION CARES IN TRANSITION

FPC has supported and been involved in Marion Cares from its beginning by providing volunteers for TxT

Time, hosting fundraising dinners, participating in the school backpack program and the Angel Tree to name a

few. Volunteers are still needed for TxT Time on Mondays and Thursdays and for Homework Help on

Tuesdays and Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Contact Pastor Beth to volunteer or to offer financial support.

Joe Polzin, Director of Marion Cares, has recently resigned his position to pursue other opportunities. In an

email to the pastors Joe wrote, “The last 5+ years have been a joy, thanks to our Board of Directors, volunteers

and donors. Our churches have been key to the successes that we have experienced.” We thank Joe for his

dedicated service to the children of Marion. Former summer intern, Abby Turner, has agreed to serve in the

interim while the Marion Cares Board begins its search for a new director. Programs like TxT Time and the

upcoming Socktober and Trunk or Treat will continue.

As our Mission statement affirms, FPC is “externally serving,” and we want to see Marion Cares continue to

thrive and help the children of Marion. In this time of transition please keep Marion Cares and the Board in

your prayers as we continue to support this important ministry.

SEWING GROUP

The Sewing Group is in desperate need of help in sewing queen size quilt tops. They need to

finish 30 quilts for the Helping Hand to be given to those in need during the winter months.

If you can help by sewing at home, please contact Dixie Jurgens. She will have a quilt top

bundled and ready with directions and a picture showing the pattern.

DINE AT WENDY’S

Dine at Wendy’s on Collins Road NE on, Wednesday, October 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Navigators will receive 10% of all sales, so please bring your friends, family, neighbors… The

money will be used for all-church activities. Thank you for your support. Contact Cathy Bossard

for more information.

11th

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH Sunday School meets from 10:10 to 11:00 a.m.

Please pick up your younger children at the close of Sunday School from their classrooms.

Classes are divided into Preschool, Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, and 3rd through 5th Grade.

Middle School & High School will meet in the Youth Basement of the Mission House from 10:10 to 11:00.

SUNDAY ADULT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES Classes meet from 10:10 to 11:00 a.m.

The Upper Room study of “Great Figures of the New Testament” will conclude on Sunday, October 4, with

the second lecture relative to Jesus, the Christ of Faith. Stand by for an announcement of future studies!

Coffee Chats is a casual, coffee-drinking class looking at issues and events, both nationally and locally, that

impact our faith. This group meets in the Lounge.

Coming October 11 – a six-week study of the book, The Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller. Jim Langley

will lead the study. Meet in the Chapel. The Upper Room study and Coffee Chats will be on hiatus for six

weeks.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES The LOGOS program meets Wednesdays

from 5:20 – 7:00 p.m. A meal is served at 6:30 p.m. Children from Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited for an evening of fun, music, a meal and studying God’s word.

LOGOS themes in October are: October 7 – Beach Party

October 14 – Mustache Mania October 21 – Campfire

October 28 – Halloween

CHERUB CHOIR, for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade children, meets as part of the LOGOS program from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. All K-2nd Grade children are welcome.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP AND TEEN CREW meets at 5:20 p.m.

YOUTH GROUP CALENDAR Saturday, October 3 Middle School Half Lock-In from 6:00 or 7:00 pm to midnight

Sunday, October 4 No High School Youth Group

Sunday, October 11 High School Mini Golf at 5:00 pm

Sunday, October 18 High School Pumpkin carving/painting at 5:00 pm

Sunday, October 25 Middle and High School Youth Harvest Dinner 3:30 to 7:00 pm

Saturday, October 31 High School Youth Leaf Raking Time TBD

Presbyterian Women

SARAH CIRCLE is using the Horizon Bible Study for 2015-2016 entitled Come to the Waters. The second lesson

is Life Giving Waters – Baptism, which considers the meaning of baptismal waters, for Jesus, the early church,

and for our lives today. Join Sarah Circle Wednesday, October 7, at 9:30 am in the Social Hall as Pastor Beth

leads the study of this lesson. Everyone is welcome!

MARTHA CIRCLE will meet Wednesday, October 14, at 7:00 pm in the Lounge. Dixie Jurgens will present the

program and also give the Sunshine Devotion. The Bible word for this month is Spirit. Everyone is welcome!

PW (Presbyterian Women) invites you to join them Saturday, October 24, when speaker Kathy Good from

Family Caregivers Center of Mercy Medical Center will present a program about Caregiving, how it affects the

whole family and the resources available. Refreshments will be served at 9:30 am followed by the program at

10:00.

PW (Presbyterian Women) HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP. It is time once again for church

members to nominate a deserving person for the PW Honorary Life Membership. Any woman,

man, or child may receive this award for outstanding service and leadership in the church.

Please turn in the name of your nominee(s), listing the reasons you feel they are deserving of

this recognition, to Jeanne Simmons by November 1.

NNAAVVIIGGAATTOORRSS

Join Navigators as they celebrate Fall by the Falls with dinner at the Bluff Lake Catfish Farm, Maquoketa on Sunday, October 11. We will car pool from the church parking lot at 12:30 pm, hoping to arrive for dinner at 2:00 pm. (NOTE: Bluff Lake does not take reservations, so we may have a little wait when we arrive.) The Sunday special is all you can eat chicken and shrimp for $11.50. There are other items on the menu. Check out the menu at blufflakecatfishfarm.com.

Contact Shirley and Tony Pantini if you plan to go. Be prepared to let them know if you will be joining the car pool. We guarantee that there will be no unimproved roads on this year’s route to Bluff Lake!

FINANCIAL NEWS

Budgeted income September 2015 - $31,500

Actual income September 2015 - $22,258

Per Capita for 2015 is $34.27 per active member.

Submitted by Sheila Myers

First Pres Family Promise Volunteer Coordinator

Our most recent hosting week was July 12 -19. Shelter and meals were provided for three families during that

week, and once again, and thank you to all for providing a warm welcome and hospitality to our guests.

During our hosting week, the director of Family Promise left the program to pursue other opportunities. There

was one family in the program at that time. They stayed in the program until they found housing at the end of

August, and they are now enjoying their new home. Their oldest child started kindergarten and loves school!

The program is currently temporarily suspended while the Family Promise Board of Directors evaluates the

program in order to determine if changes are needed to further improve the program to provide even better care

and case management to the families. Part of the evaluation includes forming a task force to begin the search

for a new director. Other ongoing activities are fundraising, board meetings, and working with the national

office to prepare to re-open the program. The goal is to be up and running again on January 1.

The next hosting week for FPC is January 3 - 10. We will keep everyone posted as we get closer to that date. If

you have any questions, please contact Sheila Myers.

There continues to be a big need in our community for shelter programs. Thank you for your commitment to

Family Promise.

CHURCHES OF MARION FOOD PANTRY

Each month the Churches of Marion Food Pantry highlights a specific need and requests contributions. In

October they would like to stock supplies of canned meat and fish. If you wish to make a financial contribution,

make checks payable to the Churches of Marion Food Pantry. Please indicate your church affiliation on the

memo line of the chec

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD We would like to focus on older children and boys as they tend to have fewer boxes donated. Sewing and

fishing kits are a good idea for older children.

For October we would like to complete the collection of several items. These include, but are not limited to,

toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, t-shirts, pencils, pens, notepads, erasers, sharpeners, sewing and fishing

supplies, hats and gloves. Toy donations are always welcome as our quantity is low.

Boxes cost $8 to ship from the processing center to the final destination. If you choose, $25 can be pledged to

help purchase necessary items to fill your box. Monetary donations and pledges are accepted all

year to help defray the costs.

The mission trip to the processing center in Minneapolis will leave Friday, December 11,

returning the next day. Contact Carrie Dancey if you would like to go and for more information.

October 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3

9:00 Sewing Group & Yarn Overs

8:00 A.A. & Al-Anon

Middle School Half Lock-In

COMMUNION 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9:00 Traditional Svc. 10:10 Sunday School 11:00 Synergy Svc.

5:00 Prayer Team 6:00 Youth C.E. 7:00 Building & Grounds 7:00 Children’s C.E.

9:30 Sarah Circle

5:20 – 7:00 LOGOS Theme: Beach Party

6:30 Chancel Bells 7:00 Confirmation 7:10 Chancel Choir

9:00 Sewing Group 1:00 Book Club

8:00 A.A. & Al-Anon

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9:00 Traditional Svc. 10:00 Blood Pressure Screening 10:10 Sunday School 11:00 Synergy Svc. 12:30 Navigators 5:00 High School Youth Group

5:00 Prayer Team 6:30 Personnel 7:00 Evangelism & Membership

5:00 Finance & Stewardship

5:00-7:00 Navigators Fundraiser @ Wendys

5:20 – 7:00 LOGOS Theme: Mustache Mania

6:30 Chancel Bells 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 Martha Circle 7:10 Chancel Choir

9:00 Sewing Group & Yarn Overs

8:00 A.A. & Al-Anon

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

9:00 Traditional Svc. 10:10 Sunday School 11:00 Synergy Svc. 5:00 High School Youth Group

5:00 Prayer Team 6:30 Adult C.E. 7:00 Mission

11:30 Cornerstone

5:20– 7:00 LOGOS Theme: Campfire 6:30 Chancel Bells 7:00 Confirmation 7:10 Chancel Choir

9:00 Sewing Group

8:00 A.A. & Al-Anon

9:30 PW

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 CELTIC HERITAGE

9:00 Traditional Svc. 10:10 Sunday School 11:00 Synergy Svc. 3:30 Middle & High School Youth 5:00 Harvest Dinner

FIRST PRESS

Deadline

5:00 Prayer Team 7:00 Session

5:20 – 7:00 LOGOS Theme: Halloween 6:30 Chancel Bells 7:00 Confirmation 7:10 Chancel Choir

9:00 Sewing Group

8:00 A.A. & Al-Anon

High School Youth Leaf Raking