March 2007
From the Pastor:
In January our session voted to ask the congregation to approve a motion to ask Presbytery for permission to make the Rev. Nelson Craig Pastor Emeritus of First Presbyterian Church. The vote was unanimous at session. We then asked the congregation at the annual meeting that if they agreed with this motion to endorse it so that it could go to the Committee on Ministry and ultimately to the Presbytery. Once again the vote was unanimous. On February 10th the motion came to the floor of Presbytery and the governing body concurred with the church's request. Today we are planning to celebrate the gift Pastor Nelson was to this congregation.
Some of you have asked what Pastor Emeritus means. The book of order states, "When any pastor or associate pastor retires, and the congregation is moved by affection and gratitude to continue an association in an honorary relationship, it may, at a regularly called congregational meeting, elect him or her as pastor emeritus or emerita, with or without honorarium, but with no pastoral authority or duty." (G-14.605)
Pastor Nelson served this congregation faithfully from 1985 until 1999. Many of you have shared your own personal stories of Pastor Craig with me over the years. I too have experienced his gentle pastoral compassion when I had surgery in 2003 and have continued a collegial relationship with him over the years.
Making him Pastor Emeritus is a wonderful way to celebrate his imprint on the lives of so many here at First Presbyterian Church. On March 11th during the worship service we will recognize Pastor Craig and celebrate the gift he was to so many of you. I have asked him to preach and he has accepted.
On that day the moderator of our presbytery, Barbara Jordanger, and our executive presbyter, Rev. Dr. Lucy Rupe, will join us during the worship celebration. A potluck brunch will follow the service. The deacons have been asked to coordinate the brunch.
On February 12, 2007, our session also recommended that we purchase a memorial gift in honor of Pastor Craig. We have purchased the gift and although it will take up to eight weeks for it to arrive, we will present Pastor Craig with a picture of the gift. At a later date we will dedicate the gift and invite Pastor Craig and his wife Bev to join us too.
As pastor of First Presbyterian I am in awe and thankful for the opportunity to share in this celebration. As Presbyterians we bring a long history to this community, a history that is worth celebrating from time to time.
Celebrations mark a special time in the life of the church. For many they not only lift the past, but these celebrations open the door to dreaming about our future as a church.
On behalf of the session I would like personally to invite you to this special day. I encourage you to invite those we haven't seen in a long time.
Friends, we have been gifted by Pastor Craig and his wife Bev. Let us celebrate and lift our voices in thanksgiving and praise.
In love and peace,
Pastor Mara
Worship for the Month of March
March 4, 2007
Second Sunday in Lent
9:00 a.m. Worship with Communion by Intinction in the Sanctuary
Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 and Philippians 3:17-4:1
Sermon Theme: Are you giving up something for Lent? If it’s true that you are what you eat, what does rodent stew say about you? Lent gives us a different way of looking at who we really are. Lent reminds us that what goes into our bodies is less important than what we take into our spirits.
______________________________________
March 11, 2007
Third Sunday in Lent/ Pastor Emeritus Celebration
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Isaiah 6:1-7
Sermon Theme: When confronted by evidences of the Holy in our midst, we are forced to confront the contrast between the holiness of God and our own unworthiness. Isaiah confronts us by reminding us that worship is not about us, it’s about God. Worship affects us by calling us to do the work of Christ in the world.
_______________________________________
March 18, 2007
Fourth Sunday in Lent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Joshua 5:9-12 and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Sermon Theme: God’s love is as light as a feather and burden lifting ... until we try to run away from it. Then it becomes a burden in its own right. No one knew this better than the prodigal son. And like the prodigal son we too try to run, not realizing, that in the end, we can’t live without the Father.
_________________________________________
March 25, 2007
Fifth Sunday in Lent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Psalm 126 and John 12:1-8
Sermon Theme: “What’s that fragrance in the air? Is that Christian we smell?” Jesus had a reputation — an aroma — that people clearly knew. When people smell the aroma of our faith, do they smell Jesus? Do those around us know there is something different about us? Does our life make them curious as to what, or who, lurks in our distinctiveness? Do they inquire about that difference?
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION LENTEN STUDY
Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People: Nancy and John Oberg share their spiritual journey in six video presentations. They discuss spirituality, spiritual disciplines, and living spiritually transformed lives. The presenters discuss how personal challenges are issued for us to develop our own spiritual disciplines through our prayer life, Bible study, and servanthood. The sessions are (1) The Spiritual Life - Experiencing God in the Here and Now; (2) Spiritual Disciplines - Helping Ordinary People Grow Spiritually; (3) Quiet Time With God - Communicating With God Through Prayer; (4) Meditating on Scripture - Washing our Minds with God's Word; (5) Living the Spiritual Life - The Action Side of Spirituality; (6) Developing a Rule for Life - Having a Well-Ordered Heart.
The classes will take place February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1. Pastor Mara will teach this awesome study. Join us for this insightful study as we journey through Lent. The class will meet in the old green kitchen at 10:20 a.m.
LAMPLIGHT LIBRARY
"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105
There are now talking books available for your use.
Book of the Month and tapes: The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life by Suze Orman
Under category Financial
For years, Suze has anticipated what you need to know and want to know about your money. Her books, radio and television shows about personal finance have helped millions of people turn their financial lives around. Suze is known for her unique brand of financial savvy, tell-it-like-it-is honesty, and dynamic motivational style, which propels her readers to change the course of their financial destiny. You will learn to assess your current spending, savings, investments, and acquire a sure sense of what you can do with the money you have and the money you want to have.
Session Highlights
Pastor Mara called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The session began with its second study of the Peace, Unity, and Purity report of the General Assembly.
Clerk's Report- Don Hale's membership was transferred to Trinity Lutheran.
Deacon’s Report: The deacons have brought their sewing ministry to a start by getting the green kitchen ready.
Christian Education Committee: The committee met with a representative of Lord of the Lakes to talk about the possibility of doing vacation bible school together. A questionnaire with possible times and dates will be circulated to the families of young children.
Evangelism- The committee is getting ready to go to print with its new Church Directory. Evangelism continues to look for new members; if interested contact Lindy Olson or Jessica Harrison.
Personnel- The committee brought Bob Lindsey on board. Bob will be moderating the committee in the near future. Evaluation forms for our secretary and treasurer have gone out. Both will have a job review at the end of February.
Property- The committee continues to ensure that the building is in good shape. They asked session members to inform them of any needs that might come up regarding the building.
Stewardship- The committee expressed some concern that per capita has not come in as they expected. An article and notice will be in the next Bridge to remind the members that per capita needs to be in by the 15th of March.
Worship- Worship welcomed Karen Angell to the committee. It is still looking for people to sign up to usher, read, greet, do the nursery, and serve communion. The committee informed session that Omro will not be joining us for the Ash Wednesday service.
Memorials- Session recommended that the Memorials Committee purchase a new baptismal font in honor of service of the Rev. Nelson Craig.
Happy March Birthdays!!!
BUSER,Tyler James
1-Mar
LUCE,William
2-Mar
VERKUILEN, Pam
5-Mar
JONES, Steve
7-Mar
SCHAFER, Dawn
8-Mar
SWICK, Jean
10-Mar
MICKELSON,Kaitlyn
11-Mar
BROOKS, James
14-Mar
HOELZEL,Maureen
16-Mar
WEIDEMANN, Marcia
16-Mar
GRINNELL,Jim
17-Mar
ANGELL, Carly Ann
20-Mar
HARRISON, Jessica
22-Mar
KRINGS,Jessica
LA BELLE, James
23-Mar
PAPKE, Lorraine
ROSENKRANZ,Jack
31-Mar
In January our session voted to ask the congregation to approve a motion to ask Presbytery for permission to make the Rev. Nelson Craig Pastor Emeritus of First Presbyterian Church. The vote was unanimous at session. We then asked the congregation at the annual meeting that if they agreed with this motion to endorse it so that it could go to the Committee on Ministry and ultimately to the Presbytery. Once again the vote was unanimous. On February 10th the motion came to the floor of Presbytery and the governing body concurred with the church's request. Today we are planning to celebrate the gift Pastor Nelson was to this congregation.
Some of you have asked what Pastor Emeritus means. The book of order states, "When any pastor or associate pastor retires, and the congregation is moved by affection and gratitude to continue an association in an honorary relationship, it may, at a regularly called congregational meeting, elect him or her as pastor emeritus or emerita, with or without honorarium, but with no pastoral authority or duty." (G-14.605)
Pastor Nelson served this congregation faithfully from 1985 until 1999. Many of you have shared your own personal stories of Pastor Craig with me over the years. I too have experienced his gentle pastoral compassion when I had surgery in 2003 and have continued a collegial relationship with him over the years.
Making him Pastor Emeritus is a wonderful way to celebrate his imprint on the lives of so many here at First Presbyterian Church. On March 11th during the worship service we will recognize Pastor Craig and celebrate the gift he was to so many of you. I have asked him to preach and he has accepted.
On that day the moderator of our presbytery, Barbara Jordanger, and our executive presbyter, Rev. Dr. Lucy Rupe, will join us during the worship celebration. A potluck brunch will follow the service. The deacons have been asked to coordinate the brunch.
On February 12, 2007, our session also recommended that we purchase a memorial gift in honor of Pastor Craig. We have purchased the gift and although it will take up to eight weeks for it to arrive, we will present Pastor Craig with a picture of the gift. At a later date we will dedicate the gift and invite Pastor Craig and his wife Bev to join us too.
As pastor of First Presbyterian I am in awe and thankful for the opportunity to share in this celebration. As Presbyterians we bring a long history to this community, a history that is worth celebrating from time to time.
Celebrations mark a special time in the life of the church. For many they not only lift the past, but these celebrations open the door to dreaming about our future as a church.
On behalf of the session I would like personally to invite you to this special day. I encourage you to invite those we haven't seen in a long time.
Friends, we have been gifted by Pastor Craig and his wife Bev. Let us celebrate and lift our voices in thanksgiving and praise.
In love and peace,
Pastor Mara
Worship for the Month of March
March 4, 2007
Second Sunday in Lent
9:00 a.m. Worship with Communion by Intinction in the Sanctuary
Readings: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 and Philippians 3:17-4:1
Sermon Theme: Are you giving up something for Lent? If it’s true that you are what you eat, what does rodent stew say about you? Lent gives us a different way of looking at who we really are. Lent reminds us that what goes into our bodies is less important than what we take into our spirits.
______________________________________
March 11, 2007
Third Sunday in Lent/ Pastor Emeritus Celebration
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Isaiah 6:1-7
Sermon Theme: When confronted by evidences of the Holy in our midst, we are forced to confront the contrast between the holiness of God and our own unworthiness. Isaiah confronts us by reminding us that worship is not about us, it’s about God. Worship affects us by calling us to do the work of Christ in the world.
_______________________________________
March 18, 2007
Fourth Sunday in Lent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Joshua 5:9-12 and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Sermon Theme: God’s love is as light as a feather and burden lifting ... until we try to run away from it. Then it becomes a burden in its own right. No one knew this better than the prodigal son. And like the prodigal son we too try to run, not realizing, that in the end, we can’t live without the Father.
_________________________________________
March 25, 2007
Fifth Sunday in Lent
9:00 a.m. Worship
Readings: Psalm 126 and John 12:1-8
Sermon Theme: “What’s that fragrance in the air? Is that Christian we smell?” Jesus had a reputation — an aroma — that people clearly knew. When people smell the aroma of our faith, do they smell Jesus? Do those around us know there is something different about us? Does our life make them curious as to what, or who, lurks in our distinctiveness? Do they inquire about that difference?
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION LENTEN STUDY
Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People: Nancy and John Oberg share their spiritual journey in six video presentations. They discuss spirituality, spiritual disciplines, and living spiritually transformed lives. The presenters discuss how personal challenges are issued for us to develop our own spiritual disciplines through our prayer life, Bible study, and servanthood. The sessions are (1) The Spiritual Life - Experiencing God in the Here and Now; (2) Spiritual Disciplines - Helping Ordinary People Grow Spiritually; (3) Quiet Time With God - Communicating With God Through Prayer; (4) Meditating on Scripture - Washing our Minds with God's Word; (5) Living the Spiritual Life - The Action Side of Spirituality; (6) Developing a Rule for Life - Having a Well-Ordered Heart.
The classes will take place February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1. Pastor Mara will teach this awesome study. Join us for this insightful study as we journey through Lent. The class will meet in the old green kitchen at 10:20 a.m.
LAMPLIGHT LIBRARY
"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105
There are now talking books available for your use.
Book of the Month and tapes: The Laws of Money, the Lessons of Life by Suze Orman
Under category Financial
For years, Suze has anticipated what you need to know and want to know about your money. Her books, radio and television shows about personal finance have helped millions of people turn their financial lives around. Suze is known for her unique brand of financial savvy, tell-it-like-it-is honesty, and dynamic motivational style, which propels her readers to change the course of their financial destiny. You will learn to assess your current spending, savings, investments, and acquire a sure sense of what you can do with the money you have and the money you want to have.
Session Highlights
Pastor Mara called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. The session began with its second study of the Peace, Unity, and Purity report of the General Assembly.
Clerk's Report- Don Hale's membership was transferred to Trinity Lutheran.
Deacon’s Report: The deacons have brought their sewing ministry to a start by getting the green kitchen ready.
Christian Education Committee: The committee met with a representative of Lord of the Lakes to talk about the possibility of doing vacation bible school together. A questionnaire with possible times and dates will be circulated to the families of young children.
Evangelism- The committee is getting ready to go to print with its new Church Directory. Evangelism continues to look for new members; if interested contact Lindy Olson or Jessica Harrison.
Personnel- The committee brought Bob Lindsey on board. Bob will be moderating the committee in the near future. Evaluation forms for our secretary and treasurer have gone out. Both will have a job review at the end of February.
Property- The committee continues to ensure that the building is in good shape. They asked session members to inform them of any needs that might come up regarding the building.
Stewardship- The committee expressed some concern that per capita has not come in as they expected. An article and notice will be in the next Bridge to remind the members that per capita needs to be in by the 15th of March.
Worship- Worship welcomed Karen Angell to the committee. It is still looking for people to sign up to usher, read, greet, do the nursery, and serve communion. The committee informed session that Omro will not be joining us for the Ash Wednesday service.
Memorials- Session recommended that the Memorials Committee purchase a new baptismal font in honor of service of the Rev. Nelson Craig.
Happy March Birthdays!!!
BUSER,Tyler James
1-Mar
LUCE,William
2-Mar
VERKUILEN, Pam
5-Mar
JONES, Steve
7-Mar
SCHAFER, Dawn
8-Mar
SWICK, Jean
10-Mar
MICKELSON,Kaitlyn
11-Mar
BROOKS, James
14-Mar
HOELZEL,Maureen
16-Mar
WEIDEMANN, Marcia
16-Mar
GRINNELL,Jim
17-Mar
ANGELL, Carly Ann
20-Mar
HARRISON, Jessica
22-Mar
KRINGS,Jessica
LA BELLE, James
23-Mar
PAPKE, Lorraine
ROSENKRANZ,Jack
31-Mar
posted by harmon at
11:07 AM
