SESSION

1. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is being received now through Easter. So far $615.00 has been received toward this offering.

2. The session approved having an Easter Sonrise service and breakfast on Easter Sunday. Holy week begins with the Palm Sunday service on April 25, 2018. This will be Rev. David Lick’s first Sunday with us. The Maundy Thursday service will be at 7:00 p.m. with communion. There will be a Good Friday service at 8:00 p.m. This service will be new to us. It is a service that Rev. Lick requested. The Easter Sonrise service will be at 8:00 a.m. followed by the breakfast at 9:00 a.m. The breakfast will consist of fruit, muffins, coffee and juice. The regular Easter worship service will be at 10:15 a.m.

3. Pastor Lick’s installation service will be on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. A reception hosted by the Pastor Nominating Committee will follow the installation.

4. The session approved a date for Summerfest 2018. It will be on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Details concerning Summerfest will become available as the date approaches.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

“You shall be called the repairers of the breach.” Isaiah 58Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation,

education and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self Development of People – all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance and hope.

Received during the season of Lent (February 14 – April 1), each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. The offering provides a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need.

Our goal this year for One Great Hour is $2,018. Help us “catch fish” on our One Great Hour display. Each fish caught represents $100. Help us to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world by providing relief from natural disasters, food for the hungry and support for the poor and oppressed.

SCHOLARSHIP

The VisitorMarch 2018

Main Office: 507-375-3432 Email: fpcstjames@gmail.com Website: www.fpcstjames.com

Last year the Session approved a program for Sporrey Memorial Scholarships. To apply for this scholarship the applicant must be a member of First Presbyterian Church in St. James, MN and the funds must be used in attending college or technical school. Up to 2 scholarships, of $500.00 each may be awarded to qualifying candidates. Applicants may be individuals returning to school or graduating seniors.Previous winners are not eligible to reapply. Applications will be available in the church office. They must be completed and turned in to the church office by May 1, 2018. If you have any questions please contact Margaret Smith or Jake Oldenburg.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

It’s not too early to mark your calendar for this year’s Vacation Bible School. First Presbyterian will once again partner with Augustana and East Sveadahl Lutheran Churches. VBS will be held June 4 – 8 from 8:30 – 11:30 at Augustana. The theme for this year will be “Shipwrecked.” Linda Becken will be the coordinator with Augustana/East Sveadahl.

TREASURER

February Offering Needed: $ 7,945.93February Offering Collected: $ 6,988.77Difference $ (957.16)

Year to Date Offering Needed: $ 187,962.00Year to Date Offering: $ 23,555.46Difference $ (164,406.54)

Line of Credit Balance: $ -

HEALTH MINISTRY

The Community Meals will be coming back. In collaboration with the St. James Ministerium, Community Meals will be held the third Thursday of each month from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. All meals will be served at First Lutheran Church but area churches have volunteered to provide and serve the meals.

The first meal will be held April 19 with First Lutheran serving followed by Augustana/East Sveadahl in May, First Presbyterian in June, St. James Catholic in July and The Rock Pentecostal in August. The mission statement for the group is “To provide a healthy monthly meal in a comfortable environment for the local communities through the collaboration of area families of faith.” Watch for more information as our turn to serve approaches June 21.

If you are in need of a ride for an appointment let Linda Becken know. When possible, she is willing to assist you. If you would like a visit from health ministry or are in need of other assistance that can be provided please let Linda know or leave a message in the office.

ANOUNCEMENTS/THANK YOU

Don’t forget about the food shelf cart in the back of the sanctuary. Bill Wilson brings the goods over to the food shelf once or twice a month, and he will be updating us of the needs for items. Please consider donating some food shelf items. Thank you.

Attention Presbyterian Bakers! The 3rd Annual Crazy Bingo Fundraiser to Defeat ALS to raise money for Team "Gus Freinds" and the annual Mankato Walk to Defeat ALS will be held this year on March 10 at the St. James American Legion. This event is dedicated in memory of our own Corinne Brown and in honor of those who journey with ALS today. If you would like to help us out in our annual bake sale we would greatly appreciate

it. The baked goods may be brought to the Legion between the hours of 10a-2p on the day of the event, March 10. If you could package your items ready for sale that is greatly appreciated and helpful upon delivery to our event. Thanks so much! If you have any questions, please contact Bill at 507-327-7801.

Fare For All- Food that makes cents- Open to everyone. Pick your grocery packs. Choose as many as you’d like. No limit. Choose your site: St James/Madelia. Pre-pay in cash at either site by order date or phone in EBT payment at 763-450-3880. Pick up at the location you place your order. Grab a flyer and order form in the back of the sanctuary if you’re interested!

Ecumenical Christian Women’s Retreat – April 20-22, 2018 – Living Waters Retreat Center. Dakota United Methodist Camp – Lake Poinsett, SD. Please see brochures in the back of the sanctuary for more information and the registration form. Please contact Sue Harris with any questions.

Please join us for a family & friends baby shower honoring “Baby Boy Harris” – Saturday, March 24: 11a brunch at First Presbyterian Church. Evan and Victoria are registered at Target.

Craig and Beth Christiansen happily announce the birth of Watson Wayne Christiansen on February 22, 2018. Watson arrived at 5:17 pm, weighing in at 7 pounds 13 ounces, 19.5 inches long. His proud parents are Brian and Kacee Christiansen of Alta, Iowa. He is also welcomed by Aunt Kym Christiansen of Sherburn.

BIRTHDAYSMarch/April

March 11- Odell Shupe April 19- Wesley Olson

March 12- Gabe Forstrum April 20- Tammy Johnson

March 22- Derrick Shupe, Al Haler April 25- Terry Watson

April 2- Amanda Ranniger April 26- Lydia FallApril 8- Jerrod Fritz April 28- John Olson

April 13- Lori Willemssen April 29- Kevin Spitzner

April 17- Emily Bottem April 30- Jon Wilson

VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICEMarch/April

March Communion Servers: Lee Lastine, Connie Edgerton, Margaret Smith, Wayne Sondag, Kevin JenceApril Communion Servers: Paul/Sue Harris, Wayne Sondag, Kevin Jence, Greg JohnsonMarch Ushers: Gerry Engstrom, Dale/Pam Runge, Jim/Louise Paulson, Duane/Sara CarlsonApril Ushers: Chris Beckius, Jay/Cathy Ness, Jake/Natalie Oldenburg, Wayne/Vonnie Mathistad March Greeters: 4- Mike/Mary Shupe family, 11- Wayne/Elaine Smith, 18- Jacquie/Matthew Sondag, 25- Wayne/Amanda SondagApril Greeters: 1- Kevin/Heidi Spitzner family, 8- Amanda/Ava Sturlis, 15- John/Cathy Vande Braak, 22- Abby/Brandon Watson family, 29- Terry/Carol Watson

March Lay Reader: Dawn LillevoldApril Lay Reader: Joan Engstrom March Deacon of the Month: Lindsey SchmidtApril Deacon of the Month: Elaine Modeen March Service Group: 2April Service Group: 1

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, March 4 9:00 a.m. Sunday School10:15 a.m. Worship/Communion

(Continued on next page)Wednesday, March 7 5:30 p.m. Lenten Supper Study

7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, March 11 9:00 a.m. Sunday School10:15 a.m. Worship/AttitudeDaylight Savings Time Begins

Wednesday, March 14 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Stroke Screening5:30 p.m. Lenten Supper Study7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, March 18 9:00 a.m. Sunday School10:15 a.m. Worship/Craig Christiansen

Wednesday, March 21 5:30 p.m. Lenten Supper Study7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, March 25 9:00 a.m. Sunday School10:15 a.m. Worship/Lick’s First SundayPalm/Passion Sunday (Holy Week Begins)

Wednesday, March 28 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, March 29 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service

Friday, March 30 8:00 p.m. Good Friday Service

Sunday, April 1 8:00 a.m. Easter SonRise Service9:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast10:15 a.m. Easter Worship/CommunionResurrection of the Lord/EasterOne Great Hour of Sharing

Wednesday, April 4 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, April 5 1-7:00 p.m. Blood Drive

Friday, April 6 8a-12:00 p.m. Blood Drive

Sunday, April 8 9:00 a.m. Sunday School10:15 a.m. Worship/Rev. Lick’s Installation

Tuesday, April 10 5:30 p.m. Historical Society Dinner

Wednesday, April 11 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, April 15 9:00 a.m. Sunday School10:15 a.m. Worship12-2:00 p.m. Culture’s Uniting

MONTHLY BIBLE VERSESMarch 11 –

Numbers 21: 4-9Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22Ephesians 2: 1-10John 3: 14-21

March 18 – Jeremiah 31: 31-34Psalm 51: 1-12Psalm 119: 9-16Hebrews 5: 5-10John 12: 20-33

March 25 – Mark 11: 1-11 (Palms)John 12: 12-16 (Palms)Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 (Palms)Isaiah 50: 4-9a (Passion)Psalm 31: 9-16 (Passion)Philippians 2: 5-11Mark 14:1 – 15:47Mark 15: 1-39 (40-47)

April 1 – Acts 10: 34-43Isaiah 25: 6-9Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24I Corinthians 15: 1-11John 20: 1-18Mark 16: 1-8Psalm 114 (Easter evening)

I Corinthians 5: 6b-8 (Easter evening)Luke 24: 13-49 (Easter evening)

April 8 – Acts 4: 32-35Psalm 133I John 1:1 - 2:2John 20: 19-30