JULY 2015 NEWSLETTER

First Presbyterian Church 225 North Holcombe, Litchfield, MN 55355 PO Box 6

www.firstpreslitch.org ch:320-693-3548 Pastor’s cell: 320-221-0489

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, July 8 Home

Communions 3:30

Worship/Christian Ed mtg 7 PM

Tuesday, July 14 CCC meeting

4:00; Session 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 15 Deacon's meet

4:00 PM

Sunday, July 26 WELLNESS

service following morning worship

First Presbyterian Church

225 North Holcombe / PO Box 6

Litchfield, MN 55355

Pastor Gordy Pennertz

Website: www.firstpreslitch.org

****Secretary’s email:

mrsp57@nutelecom.net

Pastor Gordy & Julie Rae

703 West Crescent Lane

Litchfield, MN 55355

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, I've read a few books on the blessings of the small church

over the past couple of years. I see many blessings every day here

at First Presbyterian! We know what is happening in each other’s'

lives and can help and pray for each other. We care deeply for the

church and for each other. We all know when someone is missing

from Sunday worship (maybe not always a blessing!) Everyone

needs to pitch in to help with projects (again, doesn't always feel

like a blessing). There is a lot of responsibility as a member of a

smaller church. Serving at funerals, sharing in potlucks, ushering,

serving for coffee hour; tasks that all come around a lot more often

than in a big church. But for 145 years, we have been getting

those jobs done. But in the last 20 we are noticeably smaller and

older. That doesn't mean we are less of a church, just that we

adjust how we accomplish the things we do.

A goal I've had since I became Pastor was to find a local

mission project we could really call our own. The outreach to

WINGS seems to be that special project that we can sink our teeth

into. The CCC committee has plans to reach out a hand to the

Head start project this fall and we continue to support the Food

Shelf. I offer my thanks to all who are working to make life better

for our community people in need.

In a short time, we will be needing some of you to step up

in leadership positions in the church. The nominating committee

will soon be reaching out to individuals who they feel can offer

gifts of experience, leadership and time. Please prayerfully

consider now how you can serve—Elder on session,

deacon, Sunday School teacher.... We need you!

Volunteering would be great but we are asking that you

be open to a positive response if you are an individual…

asked to serve. It is one of the costs of living with the blessings of

a smaller congregation. Will you step up?

“As servants of God, we open our doors wide with the heart of

Jesus welcoming all as children of God. We strive to provide

spiritual growth and support for all through prayer and community

and the acceptance of mutual respect.”

… asked to serve. It is one of the costs of living with the

blessings of a smaller congregation. Will you step up?

The peace of God be with you!

Pastor Gordy

Verse for July: He destined us for adoption as his children

through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,

to the praise of his glorious grace. Ephesians 1: 5 July Communion Servers: Emily O., Arlyce, Judy H., Beverly D.

Liturgist: Ushers:

5-Michael Joldersma Philip & Leetha Waldron

12-Marshall Madsen Doug & Laurie Johnson

19-David Pennertz Savannah Joldersma

26-Julie Rae Pennertz Don & Jayne Ackman

Money Counters: 5-Arlyce Dedrickson & Beverly Driver

12-Susan Berg & Julie Rae Pennertz

19-Judy Holmes & Michael Joldersma

26-Emily Osmundson & Judy Holmes

Worship Committee Sanctuary

Duty

July: Rosie

August: Rhonda

September: Julie Rae

LITURGY FOR JUNE:

5th- Pslam 48 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13

12th- Psalm 24 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29

19th- Psalm 89:20-37 Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-34,

53-56

26th- Psalm 14 Ephesians 3:14-21 John 6:1-21

"Real joy is not found in having the best of

everything but in trusting that God’s making

the best of everything."

-Voskamp

July

4-Jim Lundberg

5-Emily Morrison

14-Rosie Graphenteen

15-Sara Schneider

17-Luciella Viehauser

17-Doug & Laurie

Johnson

20-Pastor Gordy &

Julie Rae Pennertz

21-Carol Blunt

21-Savannah

Joldersma

23-David Pennertz

24-Wade Viehauser

COFFEE HOUR

SERVERS

5th-Beverly Driver- 12th-Melva Burnette 19th-Shirley Brooks 26th-Katie Pennertz

Word of the Month: Gospel: it comes from

the English word godspel meaning good

tidings or good news. It has a dual meaning as

it is also the term given the books of the bible

telling the life of Jesus. When used in

scripture, it never means the books, but is the good news that is

ours in the life of Jesus Christ our savior.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS

Ann Abramson, PW Coordinator

“The STORY” Bible Study: We will take the summer off and resume in the fall. Deacons Communion Schedule: July 5: Julie Rae Pennertz August 2: Savannah Joldersma September 6: Harriet Koelln October 4: David Pennertz November 1: Stephanie Rech December 6: Amy Viehauser December 24: Amy Viehauser and help January 2016: David Pennertz...

On Sunday, July 26th, we will be having our next “Wellness Prayer Service” following morning worship. We hope that you can attend.

“Pray and ask God for everything you need.

And when you pray, always give thanks.”

Philippians 4:6 NCV

July Prayer List

1-Don & Jayne Ackman

2-Ryan Ackman

3-Joshua Anderson

4-Dwight Barrick

5-Joel Barrick

6-Mortie & Susan Berg

7-Carol Blunt

8-David Blunt

9-Linda Boll

10-Heath Bozonie

11-Barbara Bremseth

12-Shirley Brooks

13-Dennis & Melva

Burnette

14-CJ Crosbie

15-Roger & Mary Crosbie

Mariah & Katie

16-Arlyce Dedrickson

17-Beverly Driver

18-Bruce & Shirley Good

19-Gary & Rosie

Graaphenteen

20-Lauretta Hanson

21-Kay Hanson & Tim Lane

22-Greg &Karen Heath

23-Judy Holmes

24-Doug & Laurie Johnson

25-Harlan Johnson

26-Jared & Courtney

Johnson & Macy

27-Michael & Rhonda

Joldersma & Savannah

28-Sierra Joldersma

29-Ken & Harriet Koelln

Jackie, Ashley & Emily

30-Owen Kragenbring &

family

31-Roger & Roz Landers

Fishing Trip:

A Beautiful day on the lake and great fishing was had

by 12 people from little Luciella on up. The smallest fish was

caught by Lauretta Hanson, the largest by Pastor Gordy and

the champion fisherperson was Barbara Bremseth. Everyone

caught a fish or two and next year we are hoping to remember

to bring a stringer or two to bring home the keepers for a fish

fry! Thanks to Kay Hanson for lining things up again. Hope

more of you will join us next

year!

“Fishy Fishy in the brook, Daddy catch him with a hook.

Mama fried him in the pan, Baby eat him like a man”.

HEALTH

A Person’s body is an amazing

creation. It has the ability to

move around, to feel a summer

breeze, to hear the crack of

thunder, or to differentiate

between the taste of a strawberry

and a kiwi. Taking care of such

an incredible masterpiece is a big

responsibility. But, despite its

complexity, God has kept the

maintenance of your body rather

simple. Get enough sleep. Eat a

balanced diet. Get up and

move around on a regular basis.

Praise God when you are feeling

well. Ask Him for help and healing

when you are not. Why not take a

moment right now and thank

God for the miracle HE has

entrusted into your care. The

miracle of YOU!

“Do you not know that your body is

a temple of the Holy Spirit within

you, which you have from God?” 1

Corinthians 6:19 NRSV

“Look at your health; if you have it,

praise God and value it next to

good conscience.” Izaak Walton

“The one who has health has hope,

and the one who has hope has

everything.” Arab Proverb

“I wish above all things that thou

may prosper and be in good

health, even as thy soul does

prosper.” 3 John 2 KJV

“Take care of your health, that it

may serve you to serve God.”

St. Francis de Sales

SESSION MINUTES: Attendance: Pastor Gordy, Arlyce, Bev, Judy, Shirley B., Sue & Wade. 1. Education from Pastor Gordy: The Ministry Plan & Mission Design for the Presbytery of MN Valleys was reviewed by Session. Pastor Gordy will submit responses online. 2. Convened with the Lord's Prayer. 3. Agenda, Minutes for May 12, 2015 and Treasurer's Report were approved. 4. Pastor's Report: Home communions and home/nursing home visits done in May. Requested approval of baptism of Elijah Stephen Pennertz on July 19, 2015 at Presbyterian Church in Sartell. Pastor Gordy's mentor is Scott Thompson; they are meeting again on June 17 in Willmar. Pastor Gordy and Julie are going to Washington Island for spiritual training June 20 - 28, 2015. 5. Clerk's Report: Bev reported 39 people received communion on May 3, 2015. July 5, 2015 communion servers are Arlyce, Bev, Emily, and Judy. 6. Emily Osmundson's resignation from Session was approved. Session decided not to replace the elder position until the Nomination Committee seeks nominees for 2016. Julie will serve as the Worship Committee chair and will report to Session when necessary. 7. Carol Blunt has agreed to replace Linda Boll in taking care of the Memorials, keeping financial records and sending thank you notes. 8. Prayer: Pastor Gordy led Session in prayer. Mid-meeting prayer is done to seek God's support and direction with matters before Session. 9. Worship/Christian Education Committee: Mariah & Katelyn Crosbie will be going through confirmation next. 10. Christian Community Committee: Pontoon ride & fishing on Green Lake is on June10, 2015. Card making at Wings is on June 19, 2015. A new project for Head-start will get underway in August. The Committee will place "red boxes" in various community businesses so public can donate new books for 3-5 year olds. Advertisements will alert community to this project. After books are collected, the Committee will prepare bags for Head-start with items such as books, crayons, glue sticks and such. 11. Building & Grounds: Update on ramp & stairs. Stump and lilacs will be removed this fall. Considering new chairs in Library. 12. Stewardship & Personnel: Heidi Pennertz and Shirley Brooks met regarding who purchases what supplies. Michael will attend the next Session meeting to give an update on using Quicken for our finances. Committee meeting on June 30, 2014. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Next meeting is July 14. Respectfully submitted – Judy Holmes

INTRODUCING: The Red Box Project

When children learn to love reading, they will do better in school. When children are exposed to reading before preschool, they’re more likely to do well in all facets of formal education. And they’re more likely to choose books over video games, TV and other forms of entertainment as they grow older. (www.earlymoments.com)

First Presbyterian’s Christian Community Committee (CCC) has chosen another project with children in mind. Head Start classes are held almost across the street from our church. We asked if these preschoolers have any needs with which we could assist. They need school supplies and books.

CCC plans to supply two classes of 3-5 year olds (40 children) with a box of crayons and a glue stick to begin their fall term. Then, in order to promote reading at home, we’re also asking the Litchfield community through The Red

Box Project, to donate a children’s book that each child can take home. CCC will place red collection boxes at three Litchfield business locations in August to collect book donations. We hope to provide a new book for each of the 40 children to take home and read with their families. Since its inception in 1965 Head Start has helped children overcome barriers to learning associated with poverty. Head Start was one of LBJ’s programs in his War on Poverty. It has endured for 50 years and become a mainstay in communities to help children be ready for Kindergarten. Children will develop much of their capacity for learning in their first three years of life. We are privileged to be able to assist Head Start through the Red Box Project.

57 Cent Church A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was 'too crowded.' 'I can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus. Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday school.' For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there.... A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told

that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. When you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church ,with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday school building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time. In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, 'Acres of Diamonds'.

SIX LITTLE STORIES

{1} Once all villagers decided to pray for rain. On the

day of prayer all the people gathered, But only one boy

came with an umbrella. That's FAITH

{2} When you throw a baby in the air, she laughs

because she knows you will catch her. That's TRUST

{3} Every night we go to bed without any assurance of

being alive the next morning. But still we set the alarm

to wake up. That's HOPE

{4} We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero

knowledge of the future. That's CONFIDENCE

{5} We see the world suffering, but still we get

married and have children. That's LOVE

{6} On an old man's shirt was written a sentence 'I am

not 60 years old.... I am sweet 16 with 44 years’

experience'. That's ATTITUDE

Have a happy day, Live your life like the six stories!

WINGS is looking for postage stamps so the kids

there can send the cards and letters home to their

families. Donations are being accepted. Thank you!

Jokes:

Q: Why were the ink spots crying?

A: Because their mother was in the pen and they didn't know how long the sentence would be.

Q: Why are horses such lousy dancers?

A: They have two left feet!

Q: Why was the math book sad?

A: It had too many problems.

Q: What did the duck say when he bought lipstick?

A: Put it on my bill.

Q: What area of a room is typically the warmest?

A: The corner — it's always about 90 degrees!

Q: Two tigers were eating a clown. What did one of the tigers say to the other?

A: "Does this taste funny to you?"