Last months VBS program “POWER LAB - Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power” was a great success. Over 20 kids and adults got to learn about God’s love through interactive activities songs and lessons. Thank you to everyone that made the week a BIG success. Now it’s time to begin planning for next near. Our 2010 Theme will be “Crocodile Dock” where no matter what station the kids are exploring, they will hear the daily Bible Point–and experience it in a new way! At Crocodile Dock, every activity plays an important role in the overall Bible learning experience. Kids will love this multi-sensory trek through Crocodile Dock!
Our 2010 VBS will run mornings June 21st – 25th with the final VBS program on Sunday June 27th. So mark you calendars NOW and think about kids you know who would benefit from this program. Also keep in mind our theme as we will need lots of props. The theme is set in the bayou and we’ll be looking for items like Spanish moss, inflatable alligators, bugs, snakes, rope lights (to make your bayou glow), green or blue material, fishing nets or other fishing equipment, lanterns, crates, and greenery – basically anything you may find in a swamp. We’ll also be looking to build a dock (pallets) and a swamp shack for our main stage. If you have or find any of these props or have other great ideas please contact Mike or Colleen Bush.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Message From Pastor Bev
A good journey begins with knowing where we’ve been, where we are,
and being willing to go somewhere else!
Chapter 11 in the book of Hebrews speaks of the great faith of God’s people. The kind of Faith that makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.
Last June, in my candidacy sermon, I asked if we could keep our eyes on Jesus as we get out of the boat together. For when we do keep our eyes on Christ, we will be able to do the unreachable, the unthinkable, uncomfortable, things that only Christ calls us to do.
Just shy of one year ago, because we said ‘yes’ to being willing to get out of the boat and to go somewhere else, the First Presbyterian Church of Shakopee along with Rick and myself, took a leap of faith. Together we began our Christ planned journey, a place called the ‘unknown’. But the one thing I was confident about is that… Christ encourages us and His love comforts us. While God's Spirit unites us, as we walk where He is leading us.
Do you feel the Holy Spirit walking with us?
There is a goal that we have not yet reached, but Christ has taken hold of us. So together, we must keep on running and struggling and sometimes even swimming or walking, to take hold of the prize. Ultimately, our personal prize is being with Christ forever, but along the way, (thankfully) Christ leads us to places in which we can use His power to be brave – to be helpful and to share with others God’s powerful love for us as we further the Kingdom of God.
Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God's command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.
Let’s celebrate, as we know where we’ve been, we recognize where we are and that we are willing to go somewhere else! Even though the unknown sometimes feels uneasy, with our eyes on Christ… In His time, God will make all things beautifully clear to us.
So, together, we must keep going in the direction of Christ’s Calling for SFPC!
Live Every Day Enthusiastically,
Pastor Bev
and being willing to go somewhere else!
Chapter 11 in the book of Hebrews speaks of the great faith of God’s people. The kind of Faith that makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.
Last June, in my candidacy sermon, I asked if we could keep our eyes on Jesus as we get out of the boat together. For when we do keep our eyes on Christ, we will be able to do the unreachable, the unthinkable, uncomfortable, things that only Christ calls us to do.
Just shy of one year ago, because we said ‘yes’ to being willing to get out of the boat and to go somewhere else, the First Presbyterian Church of Shakopee along with Rick and myself, took a leap of faith. Together we began our Christ planned journey, a place called the ‘unknown’. But the one thing I was confident about is that… Christ encourages us and His love comforts us. While God's Spirit unites us, as we walk where He is leading us.
Do you feel the Holy Spirit walking with us?
There is a goal that we have not yet reached, but Christ has taken hold of us. So together, we must keep on running and struggling and sometimes even swimming or walking, to take hold of the prize. Ultimately, our personal prize is being with Christ forever, but along the way, (thankfully) Christ leads us to places in which we can use His power to be brave – to be helpful and to share with others God’s powerful love for us as we further the Kingdom of God.
Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God's command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.
Let’s celebrate, as we know where we’ve been, we recognize where we are and that we are willing to go somewhere else! Even though the unknown sometimes feels uneasy, with our eyes on Christ… In His time, God will make all things beautifully clear to us.
So, together, we must keep going in the direction of Christ’s Calling for SFPC!
Live Every Day Enthusiastically,
Pastor Bev
FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Submitted by Michael Browers
Phil Klein, our new treasurer, has been developing new financial reports with the upgraded finance software. Further refinements are in progress and should be completed by mid August.
List of Needs and Wants
Want to give back to First Presbyterian Church beyond your pledges and offerings? Listed below are some items requested by staff and lay leaders that we are considering. We appreciate your generosity!
Cabinets for Kitchen
Windows
Parking Lot
Air Conditioner
Furniture for Library
Water Pitchers
Coffee Maker
Pew Pads
Phil Klein, our new treasurer, has been developing new financial reports with the upgraded finance software. Further refinements are in progress and should be completed by mid August.
List of Needs and Wants
Want to give back to First Presbyterian Church beyond your pledges and offerings? Listed below are some items requested by staff and lay leaders that we are considering. We appreciate your generosity!
Cabinets for Kitchen
Windows
Parking Lot
Air Conditioner
Furniture for Library
Water Pitchers
Coffee Maker
Pew Pads
PARISH LIFE
Submitted by Jay Hensley
Parish Life monthly meetings are held following the worship service on the first Sunday of the month. We meet at a table in the back of fellowship hall and all are invited. Parish Life is responsible for the following activities: Derby Days Parade, Wednesday night suppers, Rally Day after service festivities (i.e. Road Kill Café), Coffee Fellowship, and more. We would love to have your input regarding the planning of these events as well as your help in organizing them.
Parish Life monthly meetings are held following the worship service on the first Sunday of the month. We meet at a table in the back of fellowship hall and all are invited. Parish Life is responsible for the following activities: Derby Days Parade, Wednesday night suppers, Rally Day after service festivities (i.e. Road Kill Café), Coffee Fellowship, and more. We would love to have your input regarding the planning of these events as well as your help in organizing them.
JULY MISSION – CAP AGENCY GENERAL FUND
During the month of July, mission donations will go to further the work of the CAP Agency General Fund. Thank you for your generous support.
The CAP Agency assists and empowers people to achieve social and economic well-being by providing services in partnership with our communities.
Investing in People, Building Community
The CAP Agency is a private non-profit organization serving children, families, and older adults in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. The agency is part of a national community action association focused on reducing poverty through Case Management, an integrated service approach that addresses strengths and barriers and creates a plan for increased self-reliance. Organized in 1965, the CAP Agency’s various programs “fill the gap” by providing assistance not available elsewhere. Each year, the agency provides services to approximately 32,000 residents in the tri-county area.
Programs and Services
Nutrition
Meals on Wheels—annually provides home delivery of more than 53,000 nutritious, hot meals to home-bound residents in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties.
Senior Dining—each year offers nutritious, hot noon meals to nearly 1,000 older adults at 20 congregate dining sites throughout Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties.
Food Shelf—located in Shakopee, a five-day supply of nutritionally balanced food is being provided to 1,000 individuals and families each month in Scott and Carver counties.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)—promotes good health by providing nutrition information and counseling along with supplemental foods to over 2,400 women, infants, and children every month in Scott and Carver counties.
Education
Head Start—a family-centered preschool program providing education, social services, and health and nutrition services to more than 500 children 3 or 4 years old (before September 1) and their families living in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. Early Head Start is a home-based, year-round program for infants and toddlers (ages 0-3) and their parents residing in Dakota county. Group activities for the entire family are also provided.
Healthy Families—supports new and expectant parents from Carver and Dakota counties in the areas of child health and development, positive parenting skills, and a safe home environment through a home visiting program. Referral required.
Childcare and Crisis Care
Crisis Nursery—offers families in Carver and Scott counties up to 24 hours of overnight care or up to 5 days of day care for their children when the family is in crisis. Additional services are also available to help parents resolve the situation. Last year, 88 families turned to Crisis Nursery for help.
CCR&R (Child Care Resource & Referral)—connects families to childcare and supports childcare professionals in Scott and Carver counties.
Energy-Related Assistance
Energy Assistance Program—provides financial assistance to help renters and homeowners in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties pay a portion of their energy bill. Funds may also be available for energy crisis situations and energy-related repairs. Last year 4,950 households received energy assistance and 1,127 households
received crisis assistance.
Weatherization—helps reduce heating and cooling costs by providing insulation,
caulking, minor furnace repairs, and furnace replacement services to more than 55 homeowners in Scott and Carver counties.
Energy Related Repair Program—assists homeowners in correcting hazardous and life-threatening safety or no heat problems due to malfunctioning or nonfunctioning heating systems. Last year, 84 homeowners in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties received the safety repairs and installations.
Conservation Improvement Program—over 1,533 families in Dakota and Scott counties received electric conservation services and materials. CAP Agency partners with Dakota Electric, Minnesota Valley Electric and Shakopee Public Utilities to promote electrical conservation.
Clothing and Items
Thrift Shop—gently used clothing and small household items are available to residents of Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties at reasonable prices. The Thrift Shop is located at the CAP Agency office in Shakopee.
Emergency Services
Emergency Services—helps families in Scott and Carver counties get through an immediate crisis when all other resources have been exhausted. Families receive a grant or loan to assist with housing, employment, medical or personal issues.
Housing and Homeless Prevention
Permanent Supportive Housing—provides a CAP owned, rental unit for homeless individuals and families with disabilities in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. Last year, this program housed 28 households.
Mainstream Section 8 Housing—provided 60 rental vouchers for individuals and families with disabilities in Dakota county.
Transitional Housing—provides a CAP owned rental unit to homeless families and individuals in Scott and Dakota counties (limit of two-year occupancy.) 26 families and 13 individuals received assistance last year.
HUD Transitional Housing—provides a rental voucher for homeless families living in Scott and Carver counties.
.
Other Programs and Services
Chore—volunteers help with indoor and outdoor home maintenance for Scott and Carver county older adults so they can live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Getting There—assists qualified households in Scott, Carver, and Dakota Counties to purchase affordable transportation through a lease-to-own program. Must be employed 30+ hours per week for 6+ months, have minor dependent children. Must attend financial education classes. Must be able to afford ongoing monthly payments and insurance.
FAIM (Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota)—helps qualified wage earners in Scott, Carver, and Dakota Counties to save for post-secondary education, first time home ownership or starting a business. FAIM matches $3 for every $1 saved. Financial literacy classes are required.
Food Support Outreach—helps Minnesotans with low-income get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. Under the guidance of the USDA and DHS, monthly benefits are issued in the form of a re-usable Electronic Benefit Transfer card.
Community Projects
Food Drives—throughout the year schools, faith communities, scouts, businesses and civic organizations help replenish the CAP Agency Food Shelf.
Give Where You Live—fundraising campaign to support services and programs of the CAP Agency. Kick-off event is “A Vine-a-Fare” held each year in mid-November.
School Supply Distribution—over 1,800 children in Scott and Carver counties start school with backpacks full of school supplies. The backpacks and school supplies are donated by community members, businesses, civic organizations and faith communities.
Hope for the Holidays—adopt-a-family holiday gift sponsorship project ensures a happy Holiday for children and families in Scott and Carver counties. To ensure that no child is forgotten during the holiday season, CAP welcomes Toy Drives to provide gifts for children whose families did not participate in the adopt-a-family project. Parents can select from the gifts and toys that are donated through toy drives. Last year, over 6,300 individuals received holiday gifts.
Minnesota FoodShare Campaign—CAP participates in the March statewide
campaign which supports local food shelves.
The CAP Agency assists and empowers people to achieve social and economic well-being by providing services in partnership with our communities.
Investing in People, Building Community
The CAP Agency is a private non-profit organization serving children, families, and older adults in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. The agency is part of a national community action association focused on reducing poverty through Case Management, an integrated service approach that addresses strengths and barriers and creates a plan for increased self-reliance. Organized in 1965, the CAP Agency’s various programs “fill the gap” by providing assistance not available elsewhere. Each year, the agency provides services to approximately 32,000 residents in the tri-county area.
Programs and Services
Nutrition
Meals on Wheels—annually provides home delivery of more than 53,000 nutritious, hot meals to home-bound residents in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties.
Senior Dining—each year offers nutritious, hot noon meals to nearly 1,000 older adults at 20 congregate dining sites throughout Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties.
Food Shelf—located in Shakopee, a five-day supply of nutritionally balanced food is being provided to 1,000 individuals and families each month in Scott and Carver counties.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)—promotes good health by providing nutrition information and counseling along with supplemental foods to over 2,400 women, infants, and children every month in Scott and Carver counties.
Education
Head Start—a family-centered preschool program providing education, social services, and health and nutrition services to more than 500 children 3 or 4 years old (before September 1) and their families living in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. Early Head Start is a home-based, year-round program for infants and toddlers (ages 0-3) and their parents residing in Dakota county. Group activities for the entire family are also provided.
Healthy Families—supports new and expectant parents from Carver and Dakota counties in the areas of child health and development, positive parenting skills, and a safe home environment through a home visiting program. Referral required.
Childcare and Crisis Care
Crisis Nursery—offers families in Carver and Scott counties up to 24 hours of overnight care or up to 5 days of day care for their children when the family is in crisis. Additional services are also available to help parents resolve the situation. Last year, 88 families turned to Crisis Nursery for help.
CCR&R (Child Care Resource & Referral)—connects families to childcare and supports childcare professionals in Scott and Carver counties.
Energy-Related Assistance
Energy Assistance Program—provides financial assistance to help renters and homeowners in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties pay a portion of their energy bill. Funds may also be available for energy crisis situations and energy-related repairs. Last year 4,950 households received energy assistance and 1,127 households
received crisis assistance.
Weatherization—helps reduce heating and cooling costs by providing insulation,
caulking, minor furnace repairs, and furnace replacement services to more than 55 homeowners in Scott and Carver counties.
Energy Related Repair Program—assists homeowners in correcting hazardous and life-threatening safety or no heat problems due to malfunctioning or nonfunctioning heating systems. Last year, 84 homeowners in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties received the safety repairs and installations.
Conservation Improvement Program—over 1,533 families in Dakota and Scott counties received electric conservation services and materials. CAP Agency partners with Dakota Electric, Minnesota Valley Electric and Shakopee Public Utilities to promote electrical conservation.
Clothing and Items
Thrift Shop—gently used clothing and small household items are available to residents of Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties at reasonable prices. The Thrift Shop is located at the CAP Agency office in Shakopee.
Emergency Services
Emergency Services—helps families in Scott and Carver counties get through an immediate crisis when all other resources have been exhausted. Families receive a grant or loan to assist with housing, employment, medical or personal issues.
Housing and Homeless Prevention
Permanent Supportive Housing—provides a CAP owned, rental unit for homeless individuals and families with disabilities in Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. Last year, this program housed 28 households.
Mainstream Section 8 Housing—provided 60 rental vouchers for individuals and families with disabilities in Dakota county.
Transitional Housing—provides a CAP owned rental unit to homeless families and individuals in Scott and Dakota counties (limit of two-year occupancy.) 26 families and 13 individuals received assistance last year.
HUD Transitional Housing—provides a rental voucher for homeless families living in Scott and Carver counties.
.
Other Programs and Services
Chore—volunteers help with indoor and outdoor home maintenance for Scott and Carver county older adults so they can live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Getting There—assists qualified households in Scott, Carver, and Dakota Counties to purchase affordable transportation through a lease-to-own program. Must be employed 30+ hours per week for 6+ months, have minor dependent children. Must attend financial education classes. Must be able to afford ongoing monthly payments and insurance.
FAIM (Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota)—helps qualified wage earners in Scott, Carver, and Dakota Counties to save for post-secondary education, first time home ownership or starting a business. FAIM matches $3 for every $1 saved. Financial literacy classes are required.
Food Support Outreach—helps Minnesotans with low-income get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. Under the guidance of the USDA and DHS, monthly benefits are issued in the form of a re-usable Electronic Benefit Transfer card.
Community Projects
Food Drives—throughout the year schools, faith communities, scouts, businesses and civic organizations help replenish the CAP Agency Food Shelf.
Give Where You Live—fundraising campaign to support services and programs of the CAP Agency. Kick-off event is “A Vine-a-Fare” held each year in mid-November.
School Supply Distribution—over 1,800 children in Scott and Carver counties start school with backpacks full of school supplies. The backpacks and school supplies are donated by community members, businesses, civic organizations and faith communities.
Hope for the Holidays—adopt-a-family holiday gift sponsorship project ensures a happy Holiday for children and families in Scott and Carver counties. To ensure that no child is forgotten during the holiday season, CAP welcomes Toy Drives to provide gifts for children whose families did not participate in the adopt-a-family project. Parents can select from the gifts and toys that are donated through toy drives. Last year, over 6,300 individuals received holiday gifts.
Minnesota FoodShare Campaign—CAP participates in the March statewide
campaign which supports local food shelves.
NEWS AROUND THE CHURCH
CONGRATULATIONS
Barbara Hensley is being awarded, this week in Chicago, a national award sponsored by Wells Fargo Banks and NAWBO (The National Association of Women Business Owners). The “Trailblazer Award” is given to three winners nationally and is in recognition of her development and implementation of the Hope Chest model.
NEW ADDRESS
Tal Nolting has a new address:
1850 Sarazin St.
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 641-2721
HELP US STAY INFORMED
If you are hospitalized, have scheduled surgery or would like a home visit please call the church office (952-445-3562) or call Pastor Bev directly (952-445-1695) and let us know. Thank you.
BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
7/3 Pat Zwart
7/4 Jane Rockwell
7/7 Mary Bawden
7/9 Mary Etta Shiner
7/10 Jan Oliverson
7/13 Thelma Schoen
7/14 Lynne Loewing
7/14 Tim Underwood
7/15 Jim Underwood
7/15 Tom Benson
7/19 Lyle Crider
7/19 Jeff Norland
7/20 Mary Loftness
7/30 Jack Anderson
ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH
7/8 Dave and Barb Willemssen
7/11 Loren and Mary Wolfe
Barbara Hensley is being awarded, this week in Chicago, a national award sponsored by Wells Fargo Banks and NAWBO (The National Association of Women Business Owners). The “Trailblazer Award” is given to three winners nationally and is in recognition of her development and implementation of the Hope Chest model.
NEW ADDRESS
Tal Nolting has a new address:
1850 Sarazin St.
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 641-2721
HELP US STAY INFORMED
If you are hospitalized, have scheduled surgery or would like a home visit please call the church office (952-445-3562) or call Pastor Bev directly (952-445-1695) and let us know. Thank you.
BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
7/3 Pat Zwart
7/4 Jane Rockwell
7/7 Mary Bawden
7/9 Mary Etta Shiner
7/10 Jan Oliverson
7/13 Thelma Schoen
7/14 Lynne Loewing
7/14 Tim Underwood
7/15 Jim Underwood
7/15 Tom Benson
7/19 Lyle Crider
7/19 Jeff Norland
7/20 Mary Loftness
7/30 Jack Anderson
ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH
7/8 Dave and Barb Willemssen
7/11 Loren and Mary Wolfe
MISSION WORK WITHIN THE CHURCH
In an effort to expand their mission work within the walls of FPC, the youth group will make themselves (with adult supervision) available to congregants throughout the year for small tasks and projects. This mission work will be in addition to our annual mission trip and other group mission activities. If you have a need or a task at home where you feel the youth could be of assistance, please contact:
Sharon in the church office 445-3562 or shakopeefpc@msn.com
Mike Bush (612) 207-3996 or mbush@integra.net
Wendy Edberg (612) 805-7663 or wledberg@cbburnet.com
Jeri Benson (952) 221-5877 or jerilyn_benson@yahoo.com
Please note that this is being provided as mission work, however, all free will donations will be gladly accepted and go to offset youth group mission costs for the year.
Sharon in the church office 445-3562 or shakopeefpc@msn.com
Mike Bush (612) 207-3996 or mbush@integra.net
Wendy Edberg (612) 805-7663 or wledberg@cbburnet.com
Jeri Benson (952) 221-5877 or jerilyn_benson@yahoo.com
Please note that this is being provided as mission work, however, all free will donations will be gladly accepted and go to offset youth group mission costs for the year.
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