The Salt Shaker

D E C 2 0 1 6

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY REFLECTION

by Bill Serbousek, Nov. 6, 2016

Today is Stewardship Sunday. This is when we

request that you turn in your pledge cards which

helps guide us into the next year. But in addition,

our church members have pledged to share their

talents with all of us. They are trade skills, leader-

ship and teaching qualities, musical talents and

personal time that is donated to the church. We

say thank you to everyone for your personal

contributions. We are also blessed to be stable

with your financial donations. But the upcoming

year does create some challenges for us financial-

ly. But this church is known to accept the challeng-

es before them and overcome these hudles. Giving

is an expression of gratitude for what we have re-

ceived.

So, there is one subject that I have not addressed

in the past. It is the young people of this

church. They are the next generation that will con-

tinue the teachings of Jesus and spread the word of

God.

The following was written by a young farmer in

southern Iowa. With his permission, I want to ex-

press to you the meaning of a child in our church.

THE PRICE OF A CHILD

The government recently calculated the cost of

raising a child from birth to 18 at $255,000 for a

middle income family. That’s some sticker

shock! Keep in mind that doesn’t include college.

But it’s not so bad if you break it down.

$13,900 a year $1,160 a month

$38.50 per day

And only $1.60 per hour

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEAR ELY

11100 Spanish Road, Ely, Iowa 52227

319-848-4624 elypres.org

So what do you get for $255,000?

Naming Rights

You get glimpses of God everyday

You get giggles under the covers at night

You get more love than a heart can hold

You get a hand to hold that is covered in jelly

You get a partner for blowing bubbles

You get someone to laugh with after a bad day

For $255,000 you don’t have to grow up.

You get to:

Finger Paint

Play with Play-Doh

Go Hide and Seek

Catch lighting bugs

Go to a Disney movie

You get to frame rainbows, hearts and flowers under

refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle

wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for

Mother’s Day and cards with backwards letters for

Father’s Day.

For $255,000 you get to be a hero:

Taking training wheels off of bikes

First words

First day of Kindergarten

First date

First time behind the wheel

You get to be immortal. You get another branch add-

ed to the family tree, and if you are really lucky, a long

list of limbs called grandchildren and great grandchil-

dren. You get an education in psychology, nursing,

criminal justice, and communication that no college

can teach.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo,

scare away the monsters under the bed, and patch a

broken heart. You can ground them for life, but you

will love them forever.

So… like you, one day they will love without counting

the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!

They are the future of our church.

Thank you, Bill Serbousek

P A G E 2

Pledges for 2017

As of 11/29/2016, 29 pledges for 2017 were made

for a total of $75,076 plus an additional $1,428 for

per capita. Thank you. A good start to the 2017

commitments. Please consider making a commit-

ment or increasing your current donations. 2017

cards are available at church, or a simple note to

Recording Secretary Judy Serbousek will help out

greatly. The Session’s goal is $96,296 for 2017

pledges. In 2016, the pledged amount was $83,290.

The $13,000 increase is to compensate for 2015

surplus of $13,000. Thank you.

Guatemala Goods

The Guatemalan hand-

crafts goods are coming

to church soon. Come

shop in fellowship hall at

church and know that

you are supporting “Sharing the Dream,” an organi-

zation that provides for two elementary schools,

scholarships for teens, and an elder center in Gua-

temala! Please see Jodie Chadima for more infor-

mation.

SESSION NOTES - Oct. 20, 2016

1. Attendance in September averaged 85.

Congregation membership 217

2. Treasurer’s report: at 75% of the year 73% of the

budget has been allocated. Contributions are

lower than expected.

3. Soup Supper report. 350 served. $3515 in supper

sales. $2178 kolach sales, $544 frozen soup

sales, $446 donations, and $1195 Country

store.

4. CROP Walk had 49 walkers. Sharon Methodist

Church joined in the walk this year.

5. Motion approved to issue mission checks to

Helping Hands, CR Soup Kitchen, Food Bank,

Food Pantry, and Diaconia in Czech Republic

6. Motion approved to replace electrical panels in

the church for $2600 out of the maintenance

fund.

7. Stewardship materials will be shared in Novem-

ber.

The next Session meeting is scheduled for

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

YOUTH MINISTRIES

Hello from the Youth Group!

It is the most wonderful (and busy) time of the year!

In Youth Group, we are taking a break from curricu-

lum to focus on Advent, what Christmas means to

believers, and how we can go out into this world dur-

ing advent, and every day, sharing God’s love and the

good news of Jesus!

Thank you to all of our senior meal guests; Youth en-

joyed the honor of sharing a meal with all of you!

Very special thank yous to those adults who guided,

taught, supported and fed the youth: Joanne Chadima,

Theresa Harder, Darla Meyer, Alyson Eadie, and also

Larry Harder for driving the youth who delivered

meals!

Thank you to each person who donated items, boxes,

and shipping funding for Operation Christmas Child!

Youth packed and wrapped 28 boxes – I believe this

is a new record for our Youth Group!

In December, Youth will be ringing bells for Salvation

Army, caroling with our congregation, performing in the Sounds of Christmas, going on a secret mission,

and having a Christmas party. In addition, we will be

going bowling in late December, and are inviting ALL

YOUTH GROUP ALUMNI to join us! If you have

ever been a Youth Group Member, please plan to join

us on December 28.

Youth will need a driver for our Secret Mission on

Saturday, December 10 – please contact Angie if you

can help drive in the afternoon.

As always, if there are any questions or comments

about the Youth programs, please feel free to contact

me at church, by phone.

Blessings, Angie

Advent Candlelighters Consider volunteering to light the Advent

candles this year during worship. Contact

Misti at office@elypres.org to schedule.

December 11, 18 & 24 are available.

P A G E 3

Sunday School December Schedule

Children's Sunday School schedule begins with 10:45 Sunday School Opening in sanctuary.

Adult Sunday School: Jodie Chadima concludes the study of the Book of Revelation this month. Watch for a

new study in January.

Christmas Caroling All are welcome to take part in Christmas caroling on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:00 p.m. We will share Christmas

joy with homebound church members and friends! Please consider bringing a dozen cookies to share as we

prepare plates of treats to give to those we will visit. No singing experience required! Families are encour-

aged to participate. Carolers are invited to enjoy a pizza lunch at noon before caroling begins.

Sounds of Christmas On Sunday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m., please join us for a musical celebration of the Christmas season. This is

open to everyone in our church family, whatever your ability/level may be. Please let Sharon Furler know ASAP if you

wish to participate at 319-360-1981.

Impromptu Children's Nativity on December 24

Parents can assist children in choosing shepherd, angel, or magi to participate in in nativity dur-

ing Children's Time on Christmas Eve. Each child will have a hat/headband for character they

can choose before service. Pastor Julie is looking for a Mary and Joseph for the event. Last

year Judy and Jim Serbousek did a great job in their roles as Mary and Joseph and assisting

children in front of the sanctuary.

Fairfax State Savings Bank The Fairfax State Savings Bank offers the “Spirit of Giving Program,” where the bank matches donations up to $20 for

charitable contributions made by its customers. In the past our church has received financial donations through the

Spirit of Giving Program. Thank you to Fairfax State Savings Bank and those who participate in this generous pro-

gram. Young Adult Volunteers

What is YAV? The Young Adult Volunteer program is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that sends

young adults age 19-30 into a year of transformational service at one of over 20 partner sites in the United States and

around the world. Application dates: Early Decision: Dec 1, 2016; Round 2: Feb. 1, 2017 (national and international)

Round 3: April 1, 2017. Last Call: June 1, 2017.

Apply by contacting Blake Collins at blake.collins@pusa.org or call 800-728-7228x5300.

Visit youngadultvolunteers.org for more information.

You can support YAV through monthly giving, or make a one-time gift online. Thanks for investing in young

adults in the church!

Sunday, December 4: Children’s Christmas program practice

Saturday, December 10:

Sunday, December 11:

10:00 a.m. Children’s Christmas Program practice

Children’s Christmas Program performed during worship;

No Sunday School. Sounds of Christmas program

Sunday, December 18: Sunday School Birthday Party for Jesus. Please bring a

small gift to donate in honor of Jesus’ birth. Children will

have games and activities and nativity story today.

Sunday, December 25: No SS. Blessings of the Christmas gifts during worship.

Each child is encouraged to bring a Christmas present to

talk about during Children’s Time.

WINTER WEATHER? If bad weather threatens, please check KCRG TV9 for church activity cancellations. We

will make every effort to update the church web site (elypres.org), Facebook, and send email alerts.

Annual Youth Group Poinsettia Sale Order Deadline: Sunday, December 18

This order form & payment may be mailed to:

Youth Group First Presbyterian Church near Ely

11100 Spanish Rd

Ely, IA 52227

Or placed in the offering plate by Dec. 18.

Number of Poinsettias ________ x $15.00 = $_____________

I enclosed my payment of (Circle one) CASH or CHECK

(Make checks payable to: Youth Group First Presbyterian Church)

Purchased In Honor Of: _____________________________________________

Purchased In Memory Of:_____________________________________________

You may pick up your plants after worship on Christmas Eve/the following Sunday

OR I would like to donate my plant(s) to a care center or homebound church

member. (Circle one) YES NO

Your Name: ______________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Email address: __________________________________________ Return this form with payment by Dec. 18. THANK YOU!

Youth December 2016 Calendar

Sunday, December 4:10:45 a.m. Sunday School; noon – Lunch at the Manse,

then Caroling

Saturday, December 10: 10:00 a.m.- noon, Ringing Bells for Salvation Army –

NEW LOCATION is 1st Avenue Hy-Vee; noon-ish: Lunch, then Secret Christ-

mas Mission

Sunday, December 11: 11:00 a.m. Sounds of Christmas at church (no Sunday

School); 6:30 p.m. Youth Group

Sunday, December 18: 10:45: Sunday School; 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Youth Group

Christmas Party at Angie’s (Third Sunday Supper)

Sunday, December 25: NO Sunday School or Youth Group

Wednesday, December 28: FIRST “ANNUAL” Quartermania for Youth

Group and Alumni at 9:00 p.m. at Westdale Bowling Center.

Sunday, January 1: NO Sunday School or YG

P A G E 4

P A G E 5

December 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Office Hours

9-12

2

Office Hours

9-12

3

4 Food Pantry

Sunday

Pizza lunch/

Christmas

Caroling

5 6

Office Hours

9-12

7

Bell Choir 6 pm

Adult Choir 7:30 pm

8

Office Hours

9-12

9

Office Hours

9-12

10

10:00

Kid’s Program

rehearsal

11 Children’s

Christmas Program

at 9:30 am

Sounds of

Christmas 11 am

12

13

Office Hours

9-12

14

Bell Choir 6 pm

Adult Choir 7:30 pm

15

Office Hours

9-12

16

Office Hours

9-12

17

18

9:30 am

Christmas

Cantata

Sunday School

Christmas party

19

Newsletter

deadline

20

Office Hours

9-12

21

Bell Choir 6 pm

Adult Choir 7:30 pm

22

Office Hours

9-12

23

Office Hours

9-12

24 Impromptu

Children’s Nativity

Christmas Eve

Service w/Communion

7:00 pm and Open

House at manse

following worship

25

9:30 Christmas

Day Worship

26

Church office

closed

27

Church office

closed

28

29

Office Hours

9-12

30

Office Hours

9-12

31

Sundays at First Presbyterian Sunday Services 9:30 A.M.

Sunday School 10:45 A.M.

Adult Forum 11:00 A.M. Youth Sunday School 10:45 A.M.

Youth Group, Sundays at 6:30 P.M.

(See page 4 for youth schedule)

ATTENTION church leaders: It’s time to start think-

ing about the 2016 annual report. Please prepare your

document and send to the church office via an electron-

ic file by Friday, Jan. 6. Direct questions to Misti at

office@elypres.org. Thank you for your help!

December 4 is Food Pantry

Sunday

Church Office Hours:

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tue., Thu. & Fri.

Phone: 319.848.4624 ... Leave a message!

The Rev. Dr. Julie A. Schuett

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. Postage Paid

Ely, Iowa 52227

Permit #1

11100 Spanish Road

Ely, Iowa 52227

CONTENTS:

Page 1: Stewardship

Reflection

Page 2: Session

Notes; Youth News

Page 3: Christian Ed;

Advent Activities

Page 4: B-day/Anniv.

Poinsettia Orders

Page 5: Calendar

—————————

The DEADLINE for

submitting information

for the newsletter is

Monday, December 19.

NOTEworthy Music Events in December

Christmas Caroling; Noon pizza at church and

caroling at 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 4.

Children’s Program, 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 11.

Sounds of Christmas Recital. 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 11.

Choral Cantata of First Pres and St. John Lutheran choirs, 9:30 a.m. on

Sunday, Dec.18

WORSHIP HELPERS U=usher G=greeter L= liturgist

Sunday, Dec. 4

U: Jeff & Diane Smith

G: Scott Tedrow family

L: Advent Candlelighters

Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve

U:Carl & Barb Zahradnik

G: Everett & Linda Williams

L: Advent Candlelighters

Sunday, Dec. 11

U: Phil & Misti Huedepohl

G: Dick & Zelda Sherman

L: Advent Candlelighters

Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day

U: Gary & Pat Kilberger

G: Angie Ehle family

L: Jim Serbousek

Sunday, Dec. 18

U: Larry Harder family

G: Everett & Linda Williams

L: Advent Candlelighters

Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day)

U: Jim & Theresa Grieder

G: Janelle Benish

L: George Chadima