Presbyterian United Church of Christ

858 7th Ave S.E. / P.O.B. 729

Le Mars, IA 51031-0729

Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Le Mars, IA 51031

Permit No. 145

2014

From: The Red Brick Church on the Hill.

The Messenger

COMING IN JULY

July 4– Happy 4th of July July 6- Communion Sunday July 7-10– VBS 5:300—8:00 PM @ PUCC July 27– Aug 1– Synod School

Presbyterian United Church of

Christ

www.pucclemars.com

858 7th Avenue SE

P.O. Box 729

Le Mars, IA 51031

712-546-6624

puccoffice@frontier.com

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday– Friday

9:00 am - Noon

1:00 pm- 4:00 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Sunday worship

10:00 a.m.

Nursery available for children

under six years during worship

service.

Weather-related

cancellations will be aired on

KLEM 1410 AM

Vacation Bible School

Hear ye! Hear ye! Christ, the King of Kids, needs you! A mighty

fortress is our God! Save the date, July 7-10, 5:30-8:00 p.m. A light

dinner will be served. Helping out at VBS is a great way to volunteer

over the summer with children. Please call the church office for more

information.

Mission Sunday

Steve Gross is a missionary in Haiti and he has a twenty year history with Le Mars. At that time, he was a youth pastor that worked with both Methodist churches in Le Mars. Since that time, he left Le Mars to attend and graduate from seminary, pastored a church, worked with youth in various churches and taught public school and now teaches high school in Haiti. Steve and Melissa’s four children attend school in Haiti and all six of their family are involved in the ministry of friendship and Christian outreach. Their enthusiasm and sacrificial living are making a big difference in the lives of those who know them. On Sunday, June 29, Steve and Melissa will be leading the 10:00 am worship service at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ. Everyone in the community who knew Steve Gross and those who are interested in the developments in Haiti are encouraged to save the date and come to the red brick church on the hill. Families with children ages 6-13 are especially urged to attend. All ages will be interest in this contemporary mission of sharing the joy and the hope of the gospel of good news. Watch the bulletin for further developments of the mission Sunday. The Gross family was financially supported by the mission commission of the PUCC. They work under ecumenical organization of the One Mission Society. Summer offers so many options for Sunday morning. The support and involvement of many families and individuals, is encouraged as we welcome the Gross family on June 29th.

DID YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE ON FACEBOOK?

Yes, we are on Facebook. All you need to do is search Presbyterian United Church of Christ

and there we are. Go ahead and click the (Like) button. When you see something that you

would like to share with other friends on Facebook, all you need to do is click the (share)

button and it will appear on your newsfeed. It is that simple. So, the next time we have

something extra special like a concert, picnic, or special service, go to

Facebook and share that information with all of your friends.

Why do we need to go to church?

Perhaps you have not asked this question since your youth and received the less than satisfying response from a parent,

“Because I said so.” Let’s face it, this is a common question young people ask from time to time, an appropriate question that

deserves a reasoned response. Why do we need to go to church? How would you answer that question?

This spring, a speaker at a conference I attended shared how she, a parent of a 14-year-old, had been challenged to think

about why church was important in their family. With all the options available in our lives today, why do we need church?

Resisting the temptation to respond with a crisp and clear, “We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church,” quoting

from the Nicene Creed, this parent reflected upon a response that would speak to where her teenager lived. She needed

grammar that was familiar in daily life. She chose words that surprised me at first, yet in the process of articulating her

thoughts, they came to make a lot of sense.

Church is a performance. Church is something we do. Church doesn’t happen only within the four walls of a beautiful

sanctuary, rather it can and does happen all over the place. Sunday morning is our workshop, our studio, where we are

equipped to be actors in God’s salvation.

While the words performance and acting may sound superficial, they do not mean we are pretending or faking it. Rather, in

the church through our singing, confessing sin, hearing scripture read and spoken about, passing the peace, and praying for

one another we are being shaped by the practice. As we break the bread, obey the commandments and bring our food for the

Christian Needs Center we are being crafted by the stories in the Bible.

In the Christian community, belief leads to certain emotions. For example, when we believe God created the earth, this leads

to feelings of gratitude and awe. The belief that one is a sinful human being leads to remorse. Believing God is gracious

trains us in gratitude, forgiveness and hope. These are what we practice at church and carry with us throughout life. What

we practice in church becomes part of our repertoire for life, similar to playing piano, doing dance, or riding a bicycle.

The speaker concluded, the best I know in this universe is Christianity. The best way one learns it is to be formed in it. By

going to church we are crafted as characters in a drama that is so much bigger than we are. We have a role to play.

Coming away from the conference, I’ve thought more about what this speaker shared and the truth in it. It is mind-boggling

to think about all the choices we have in life. Endless opportunities call our name. Activities compete for our time and

attention.

When reflecting upon Christianity, I agree whole-heartedly, it is the best I know in this universe. Whether one is a child or

somewhere on the spectrum of adulthood, we need to go to church, because we need to be formed as Christians. We are

loved by an awesome God. We have a role to play in this world.

Presbyterian Women of Prospect Hill Presbyterian Women of Prospect Hill Presbyter will hold a workshop in Cherokee on Monday, September 29 at 9:00AM.

Evelyn Kendall-Moderator

Audrey Scholten– Vice Moderator

Mary Bomgaars– Secretary

This summer, Messengers will arrive

mid-June and early August. Deadlines for submitting articles for the August Messengers will be July 20.

PW Retreat

The women of the Odebolt First Presbyterian PW would like to announce a won-

derful program that is open to all women. The Retreat is called “Heart to Heart –

Strengthening Friendships”. Our guest speaker and designer of this moving

program is Becky Linn of Follow Hard Ministries. She is a noted presenter and

musician who will guide us through the day. The retreat is scheduled for

Saturday, June 28th

from 8:30 for registration to about 4:00 p.m. The day includes

lunch, snacks, Bible study, activities, encouragement groups, and Becky’s

presentations for only $20/person. Child care will be provided nearby.

This is intended for all area women, so get the word out to your friends throughout

the community and surrounding towns. We want to fill the Sanctuary to the brim

with beautiful friends in Christ wanting to keep their human friendships

strengthened, renewed, and refreshed.

For more information please contact: Carol Raasch (raaschcd@netins.net) or

Maxine Bettin (pmbettin@netins.net), or phone 712-668-4285. We request your

registration by June 15th

if possible in order to plan for food needs. Payment may be

at the door. Please save Saturday, June 28th

to join us in a day you won’t soon

forget!

BIRTHDAY CARD SHOWER

For Jane Truesdell, will be celebrating her 95th birth-

day this coming June 24th. Jane's family invites you to

participate in a card shower honoring her on this spe-

cial occasion. Please send your cards and birthday

wishes to Jane at the following address: 3703 NE

Sycamore Lane, Ankeny, Iowa 50021.

Register today for the best summer opportunity out there! Our camps offer FUN, adventure, the

chance to meet new people, FUN, swimming, fabulous games, FUN, archery, and more FUN than

you can get anywhere else PLUS you have the chance to get away and test your abilities.

Synod School July 27– August 1“Becoming God’s Next Church”

Becoming God’s Next Church is the theme

of Synod School 2014. Come to participate

in a unique experience of Christian

community as we worship, study, play, and

live together. To grow in faith through

action, relationships, and a centering of

the spirit. For continuing education, for a

special family experience, or for individual

growth; to take it all in, then return home

to share and serve.

Synod School is a learning and personal enrichment experience for

people of all ages. We seek to create an environment of hospitality,

healing, and hope. The week is designed for laity and clergy,

individuals and families. Classes and activities are available for

adults, youth, and children.

This summer's Synod School carries the theme, "Becoming God's Next

Church." Evening worship leaders will be Katie Estes, Sarah

Dickinson, Sara Dingman, Sara Tonje and Bob Wollenberg. Morning

worship leaders will be Scott and Pam Prouty. Anna Case Winters,

professor of theology at McCormick Theological Seminary in

Chicago, will be the convocation speaker. She will address "Theology

and Science: A Constructive Engagement." Synod School information,

along with informational materials, is posted on the synod's website:

www.lakesandprairies.org.

FINANCE COMMISSION UPDATE!

As summer nears, thoughts turn to all sorts of fun activities. So while you are having

fun, I want to encourage you to continue your faithful giving to general and special

offerings. Your consistent tithes and offerings really make a big difference.

Just a reminder….PUCC has the ability to receive your gifts electronically. Please

contact Marlys Pelz, financial secretary or myself if you would be interested in setting

up ETF– Electronic Transfer of Funds.

I would also like to remind you if you have not paid your per capita you may still do so.

Each Presbyterian confirmed youth and adult member of the congregation is assessed

the amount of $30.94 which supports the greater ministry of the Presbyterian Church

(USA).

Have a safe and rejuvenating summer and thanks for remembering your Church with your continued faithful giving during the summer

months!

Bill Bomgaars

Treasurer

Congratulations Graduates! Cody Angerman graduated from Le Mars Community School Sunday, May 18, 2014 . He is the son of Penny & Matt Recker and grandson of Linda Angerman. Cody plans to work for a year with the hope of entering Culinary School in the future. Jake Peters graduated from MOC-Floyd Valley High School on Sunday, May 25th. He is the son of Harold & Karen Peters. Jake will be attending Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, majoring in Political Science & Biology. Jenny Jackson graduated from Le Mars Community School Sunday, May18,2014. She is the daughter of Bob & Barb Jackson. Jenny plans to attend Western Iowa Tech, majoring in Addictions Counseling. Jenny was confirmed in this Church in May of 2011.

Rachel Kendall graduated from Papillion-LaVista High School May 11,2014. She was a salutatorian of her class. She is the granddaughter of Jim & Evelyn Kendall Meghan Stanley graduated from University of Iowa with a BSN degree. She is the daughter of Jeff & Kim Stanley. Kymberly Peters graduated from Oklahoma City University. Kym was awarded the Top Student Award at Oklahoma this spring. She is the daughter of Harold & Kim Peters. Tiranee Ruchti graduated from Iowa State University with BS major in Biology & minor in Horticulture. She is the daughter of Susan Ruchti and granddaughter of Larry Ruchti. Jamie Anderson graduated from Iowa State University with major in Family & Consumer Science. She is the niece of Pastor Jan and daughter of Jim & Kim Christensen.

Ice Cream Days start Wednesday , June

18 to Saturday, June 21. The parade

starts at 9:00 am, starts at Plymouth

County Fairgrounds and moves west on

6th St NE to Central Ave, turns south

and proceeds through downtowns, past

Foster Park and ends at 8th St South.

Make sure to look for Noah’s Ark float in the Parade.

A GOOD LAUGH

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,

‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.’ Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!” A Sunday school teacher asked one of her students what he planned to give his younger brother for Christmas. “I don’t Know,” the little boy replied. “I gave him chicken pox last year.”

THANK-YOU ~ To Deb Thompson who has served as our Interim Music Director since Advent season. We are pleased to announce that Deb has recently accepted the position of Music Director. We look forward to her continued sharing of her love of music with us through directing both the children’s and

adult choirs here at PUCC!

Congratulations to the Confirmation class of 2014

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS ~ Session voted to approve the membership of Harold and Karen Peters by Reaffirmation of Faith on May 27th. Harold and Karen are the parents of Kym and Jake, who are recent graduates of

Oklahoma City University and Maurice-Orange City High School, respectively. Harold is employed as Division Manager of AMPI in Sanborn and Karen works as a substitute teacher/teacher’s aide, and instructs Zumba at the Y. Karen enjoys Zumba and walking. Harold likes fishing and hunting. We are so pleased to welcome this family

into this congregation.

Session Highlights Tuesday, May 27, 2014 – 7:00 PM

Roger opened the meeting with Devotions and Prayer.

Harold and Karen Peters were presented to the Session as individuals desiring to become members of the church. Members of the Session introduced themselves and shared what brought them and kept them at PUCC and then Harold and Karen shared about their own journeys. MSC to approve Harold and Karen Peters as members of PUCC by reaffirmation of faith. Moderator’s Report Pastor Jan presented a summary of her activities in the last month including Confirmation Sunday, Youth Sunday, a Presbytery meeting, a

funeral call, several home and hospital visits, and Session Retreat. She attended a Church Growth Summit. Pastor Jan officiated the wedding for Ashley Minar and Daniel Kayser on May 24, 2014. Clerk’s Report Communion was served to 70 on Sunday, May 4, 2014. Presbytery Report Evelyn Kendall presented a report from the Presbytery meeting on May 13, 2014.

Treasurer’s Report Bill Bomgaars provided a brief overview of the PUCC financial report for April. Year-to-date, general contributions have fallen about $5,000 behind contributions in April 2013. Year-to-date, new computers, carpet cleaning, and an improved sound system have resulted in a deficit of $14,354.05. Year-to-date expenditures are nearly in-line with budgeted expenses, with the exception of those expenses mentioned above. Personnel Team Report

Karissa presented a report from the Personnel team. The associate director of Noah’s Ark has resigned from her position, effective the end of the school year. The Personnel team decided to defer the decision regarding a new associate teacher hire to the Noah’s Ark Board. The personnel team has also agreed to a 3% merit increase for the Noah’s Ark Director for her 2014-15 contract. Shannon Hettinger has signed the contract and a few signatures will be collected this week to finalize the contract. The Personnel team has also recommended to Session that Deb Thompson be offered the full time position as Music Director. Deb excused herself from the meeting while Session discussed the position. The Personnel Team will decide the terms of her contract and salary.

MSC to approve the offer of full-time Music Director to Deb Thompson. Commission Reports Monthly reports were received from Noah’s Ark Preschool Board, Finance, Worship, Outreach, and Mission Commissions. No reports were submitted for April by Christian Education and Property & Maintenance Commissions. Noah’s Ark preschool requested approval of the possibility of a bouncy house castle as a fundraiser for Noah’s Ark at Foster Park during Ice

Cream Days. Rob suggested that insurance to cover the bouncy house would likely be too high and would not be profitable as a fundraiser. Finance commission suggested a survey/analysis be completed to determine if a new recording service would be used, although Memorial funds are available for such an upgrade. Lowell estimated that he cost of the service would be low, and will present a proposal for a record-ing service at the June session meeting. Old Business Rob Bixenman discussed insurance liabilities for the Home Assistance Program (H.A.P.) presented by the Deacons. There did not appear to be

any major worries regarding liability of the church for volunteers. Overall, Session is comfortable with the H.A.P. but would like to see a disclaimer for volunteers to sign when participating in projects. Rob will compose the disclaimer. New Business Session discussed the worship service time for the summer, while Sunday school is not in session. If worship time is changed, postcards and emails will be sent out with the announcement, and the information will be posted on the website.

MSC to adjust the summer Worship Service time to 10:00 a.m. beginning on June 8, 2014 with the worship service time to be reviewed again in the fall. MSC to allow Deb Thompson to continue on Session as a staff member with the expectation that she recuse herself from any discussion regarding her position as Music Director. Pam Helms, our Administrative Assistance will soon be undergoing one-year performance review. Session members were asked to provide input or comments regarding her performance to members of the Personnel team.

Karissa presented a summary of the Church Leader Retreat on May 2-3, 2014 at Lakeshore Center on Okoboji. Pastor Jan presented an idea for an Ecumenical Mission Sunday, which might involve community-focused service projects on a Sunday morning or on a Sunday afternoon. Shannon Hettinger, Noah’s Ark Director, requested the use of the Noah’s Ark preschool room for tutoring throughout the summer. MSC to allow Shannon Hettinger to use the Noah’s Ark preschool room four hours a week throughout the summer with the signing of a

disclaimer to recognize the potential liabilities. MSC to adjourn the Meeting at 9:10 pm. Meeting closed by reciting the Lord’s Prayer

MONTH INCOME EXPENSES DIFFERENCE

January $ 22,123.46 $ 19,024.01 $ 3,099.45

February $ 13,812.74 $ 25,548.79 $ (11,736.05)

March $ 22,855.69 $ 21,336.12 $ 1,519.57

April $ 15,515.50 $ 22,817.11 $ (7,301.61)

May $ $ $

June $ $ $

July $ $ $

August $ $ $

September $ $ $

October $ $ $

November $ $ $

December $ $ $

Total $ 74,307.39 $ 88,661.44 $ (14,354.05)

PER CAPITA APPORTIONMENT

The per capita payment which

supports the greater ministry of

the Presbyterian Church is

$30.94 for 2014. Each

Presbyterian confirmed youth

and adult member of the

congregation is assessed this

amount. Per capita envelopes

will be available in your 2014

envelope box.

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

June 2 Chuck & Pat Holz

June 2 Jerry & Audrey Scholten

June 3 Arlo & Lucille Swalve

June 4 Chad & Julie Lake

June 14 Tom & Pam Jeneary

June 15 Kevin & Dacia Bolton Bates

June 15 Norman & Kay Koch

June 15 Kyle & Amanda Keunen

June 16 Lon & Jeanine Penning

June 16 Kevin & Michelle Heilman

June 17 Lee & Brenda Wilson

June 17 Chad & Barbara Marcotte

June 19 Clint & Leslie Chapman

June 20 Bruce & Pam Kellen

June 22 Jeff & Kim Stanley

June 24 Dave & Sue Schneider

June 30 Bill & Mary Bomgaars

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

June 1 Bruce Brock

June 3 Ryan Michael Toel

June 6 Robert Brock

June 6 Andrew Thomas

June 8 Byron Benstead

June 9 Aspen Hanke

June 9 Roger Dempster

June 12 Ethan Swanberg

June 12 Patsy Walker

June 15 Kevin Bates

June 17 Brandon Marcotte

June 18 Janelle Bixenman

June 19 Glenn Waite

June 21 Regan Albers

June 22 Betty Lou Larson

June 22 Rob Bixenman

June 22 Meghan Stanley

June 23 Betty Swalve

June 24 Jane Truesdell

June 29 Malcolm Brodie

June 29 Patty Bendlin

JULY BIRTHDAYS

July 2 Jared Marcotte

July 4 Jim Oswald

July 4 Joshua Holz

July 5 Jay Penning

July 9 Elaine Doorenbos

July 10 Karen Dempster

July 14 Emily Lake

July 16 Tyler Bennar

July 17 Simon Bixenman

July 17 Kayla Hutton

July 18 Daniel Kayser

July 19 Jennifer Heilman

July 21 Tyler Penning

July 23 Pat Hawkins

July 24 Harold Hazen

July 27 Audrey Scholten

July 29 Gail Swanberg

July 29 Pat Holz

July 29 Carson Lake

July 30 Tyler Paulson

July 30 Brad Woltman

July 31 Kevin Heilman

Thanks~ For the May Basket and all the goodies in it. That was very thoughtful. Thanks to Elaine Dorrenbos for delivering it and for her visit with

me. God Bless you'll Jack M.

Thank you ~ To the Friendship Circle for the great May basket. How great it is to be remembered by my church friends. Betty

Swalve

Thank you~ So much for the basket full of goodies! Ruth Rahn

Thank you~ Friendship Circle for the May Day basket with book

Stories of Faith, the fruit and other good things! Eddie & Norma Martfeld.

Congratulations ~ Quinn & Melinda Collins who are proud parents of a son, Peter Lee, born May 19 in Charlotte, NC. Quinn is the

son of Ted & Malinda Collins.

Congratulations ~ Allison and Dustin Golhoffer are the proud parents of a baby girl, Scarlett Louise. Scarlett has a big sister Serena. Proud

grandparents are Steven & Nancy Ann Scholten and great grand-

parents, Rod & Colleen Scholten.

Congratulations ~ Melissa Christensen & Devin McAlister who were married in Florence, KY. On May 9,2014. The couple will reside in

Indianapolis, IN.

Congratulations~ Dan and Ashley Minar who were married May 24th, here at PUCC! Dan is the son of Deb and Dan Thompson and Terry

Kayser. Ashley is the daughter of Darrin and Renee Minar.

Congratulations ~ Allyson Woltman & Chris Larson who were married June 8, at St.

James Church in Le Mars. Allyson is the daughter of Brian & Janet Woltman. The

couple will reside in Le Mars.

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

July 1 Benji & Lori Kasel

July 15 Roger & Karen Dempster

July 19 Dennis & Linda Smith

July 22 Danny & Debra Thompson

July 24 Jim & Evelyn Kendall

July 26 Brian & Janet Woltman