It’s almost time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new.
It’s time for New Year’s resolutions! Wow ~ it’s 2009!
All through Advent, we were preparing for the Christ-Child, for the coming Messiah. Not through trees, wreaths, lights, tinsel…not even through the Ho, Ho, Ho’s, but through the One who created us. So why did Jesus come and what He did He do after He got here?... …Jesus came to change the world, one person at a time, to call us away from the things that lead to spiritual death and lead us to the way of truth and life. He came to make us new creations. It’s a New Year and Fresh beginning – a gift from God. Enthusiastically, let’s pray and walk together, saying ‘hello’ to each new possibility in 2009.
Friday, December 26, 2008
“Kindness comes from a place in the heart”
Thank you SFPC for the much-appreciated heartfelt monetary gift.
Your Christmas kindness will be used to buy something that
will always remind us of Christ’s love shinning through you.
In many ways, You have helped make this place a home.
First Presbyterian Church of Shakopee, YOU have a huge heart!
In Christ Love,
Pastor Bev and Rick
Your Christmas kindness will be used to buy something that
will always remind us of Christ’s love shinning through you.
In many ways, You have helped make this place a home.
First Presbyterian Church of Shakopee, YOU have a huge heart!
In Christ Love,
Pastor Bev and Rick
2009 PER CAPITA
The per capita apportionment is the required assessment of $30.01 per active member of the church to support the administrative costs of the presbytery, synod and General Assembly. For 2009, our church’s per capita responsibility is $4,381.46 based on 146 members. We are asking every member to do what they can to offset this amount. Please consider writing a check (earmarked on the memo line “per capita”). Thank you.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 25, 2009
In accordance with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the by-laws of First Presbyterian Church, the Session calls the congregation to its annual meeting, at 11:15 am, Sunday, January 25, 2009 in the fellowship hall.
The purpose of the meeting is to hear reports from the Session and its commissions, the Board of Deacons, 2008 end-of-year financial report and 2009 operating budget, the Nominating Committee regarding the election by the congregation of elders and deacons for the year ahead, and any other such business as is appropriate.
All active members are encouraged to attend. The meeting is open and visitors are welcome to observe. The meeting is expected to run about one hour.
The purpose of the meeting is to hear reports from the Session and its commissions, the Board of Deacons, 2008 end-of-year financial report and 2009 operating budget, the Nominating Committee regarding the election by the congregation of elders and deacons for the year ahead, and any other such business as is appropriate.
All active members are encouraged to attend. The meeting is open and visitors are welcome to observe. The meeting is expected to run about one hour.
BAPTISM
On December 21, 2008 we welcomed, through baptism, Jac Nicholas Leroux Campbell. Jac is the son of Melani Leroux and Nicholas Campbell and the grandson of John and Karen Leroux.
THANK YOU. . .
. . . to everyone who has donated to the Mitten Tree. 19 hats, 33 pairs of mittens, 51 scarves and 10 headbands were donated to the CAP Agency. Thank you to Mary Etta Shiner for spearheading this project.
. . . to everyone who donated to the winter gear drive. Dozens of coats, jackets and snow pants were donated. Thanks to Annette Nicholas for spearheading this project.
. . . to everyone who donated to the roof fund. All but $230.00 was donated to pay for the roofing bill!
. . . to everyone who donated to the organ fund. The goal was reached!!!
. . . to everyone who donated to the winter gear drive. Dozens of coats, jackets and snow pants were donated. Thanks to Annette Nicholas for spearheading this project.
. . . to everyone who donated to the roof fund. All but $230.00 was donated to pay for the roofing bill!
. . . to everyone who donated to the organ fund. The goal was reached!!!
MISSION: CHURCH WORLD SERVICES
Our special mission opportunity during the month of January is CHURCH WORLD SERVICES TOOLS AND BLANKETS. The Tools and Blankets offering provides resource help to people in 80 nations including the United States.
The CHURCH WORLD SERVICES TOOLS AND BLANKETS provide the right tools at the right time, making a difference in the lives of children and families the world over, whether faced with an emergency or struggling to keep food on the table. Gifts to Tools and Blankets can provide blankets, tents and other emergency shelter items in the wake of a disaster. Refugees returning home can be helped with tools to rebuild and seeds to replant fields. Families living in drought-plagued areas are helped to dig wells for clean, safe drinking water, and for water to irrigate crops and gardens.
We will be collecting for Tools and Blankets during the month of January. Please give generously.
The CHURCH WORLD SERVICES TOOLS AND BLANKETS provide the right tools at the right time, making a difference in the lives of children and families the world over, whether faced with an emergency or struggling to keep food on the table. Gifts to Tools and Blankets can provide blankets, tents and other emergency shelter items in the wake of a disaster. Refugees returning home can be helped with tools to rebuild and seeds to replant fields. Families living in drought-plagued areas are helped to dig wells for clean, safe drinking water, and for water to irrigate crops and gardens.
We will be collecting for Tools and Blankets during the month of January. Please give generously.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Mission Opportunities
Winter Gear Donations Accepted We have two opportunities to help the needy in Scott and Carver Counties this holiday season. The traditional mitten tree is up the narthex for donations. You will also find a box for gently used and new winter gear (coats, jackets, snowpants, winter boots, etc.). Mitten Tree information may be obtained from Mary Etta Shiner (952.451.6379). Winter gear donation questions should be directed to Annette Nicholas (952.440.2713).
Operation Christmas Child Thank you to the congregation of our church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Shakopee community, 65 shoeboxes were delivered to Operation Christmas Child this year. Thank you!
Christmas Joy Offering The Christmas Joy Offering dates back to the 1930s when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income and provide supplemental medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families.
In the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), a Christmas offering was first taken in 1960. Called the White Gift, its funds were used for general mission and world relief. The emphasis on global work with children continued until 1973, when the offering was used to assist former servants of the church who were living on inadequate pensions. In 1974 racial ethnic education was added. Funds were distributed evenly between the Board of Pensions and racial ethnic education.
In 1988 the PCUS and the UPCUSA offerings were joined into one offering, the Christmas Offering Joy Gift. 1989 the offering was renamed the Christmas Joy Offering, and in 1991 the 203rd General Assembly changed the distribution of funds to 50 percent to the Board of Pensions and 50 percent to the Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges.
All this to say, please give generously to the Christmas Joy Offering this year. The offering will be received during the month of December.
Operation Christmas Child Thank you to the congregation of our church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Shakopee community, 65 shoeboxes were delivered to Operation Christmas Child this year. Thank you!
Christmas Joy Offering The Christmas Joy Offering dates back to the 1930s when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income and provide supplemental medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families.
In the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), a Christmas offering was first taken in 1960. Called the White Gift, its funds were used for general mission and world relief. The emphasis on global work with children continued until 1973, when the offering was used to assist former servants of the church who were living on inadequate pensions. In 1974 racial ethnic education was added. Funds were distributed evenly between the Board of Pensions and racial ethnic education.
In 1988 the PCUS and the UPCUSA offerings were joined into one offering, the Christmas Offering Joy Gift. 1989 the offering was renamed the Christmas Joy Offering, and in 1991 the 203rd General Assembly changed the distribution of funds to 50 percent to the Board of Pensions and 50 percent to the Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges.
All this to say, please give generously to the Christmas Joy Offering this year. The offering will be received during the month of December.
“Country” Props
2 Christmas Trees
1 Outdoor Nativity Set
Various Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Lights
Star for Tree Top
Outdoor Winter Lawn “Stuff”
Please see Judy or Merry if you have any of these items we can use for “It All Happened in the Country.” For all props: Please mark item with your name if you would like to have it returned to you after our presentation.
Thanks!!
1 Outdoor Nativity Set
Various Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Lights
Star for Tree Top
Outdoor Winter Lawn “Stuff”
Please see Judy or Merry if you have any of these items we can use for “It All Happened in the Country.” For all props: Please mark item with your name if you would like to have it returned to you after our presentation.
Thanks!!
Letter From Pastor Bev
Can you believe it? December is upon us. Just look around, at the evidence that the Xmas season is fast approaching ~ decorations of wreaths, trees, garland, lights, ornaments, and fake snow are everywhere! You’ve made your list and checked it twice (or more)!
I’m sure many of you have already taken time to sift through the boxes of decorations that have been stored away for a year. As you inspect each decoration, there may be broken ones which you need to fix. While being very careful, it’s now time to hang each decoration in its special place, as you do not want to forget a thing! Whew! The decorations are complete, now you can focus on the Xmas shopping – fighting the crowds – standing in line – watching the ads – wrapping the gifts, etc. busy, busy, but you want to be prepared! …You are almost done! Oh yes, the baking of Xmas cookies/candy! …Ok, now that the house has an inviting aroma, you can sit back with a cup of hot chocolate or eggnog and relax for everything is now complete. The excitement is rising…you are tired, but full of anticipation. You look around your beautifully decorated home ~ remember the past year and the years before. You fondly think about when your kids and/or grandkids were small, each decoration has a special meaning and it takes you back to that moment. You sigh…The big day is almost here!
I wonder…Of all the decorations, which one is the most important decoration of them all? Would you say the tree? The Christmas tree is important because without it, you wouldn’t have anything to hang your decorations on. Maybe it’s the decorations…the family heirloom perhaps. Is it the garland, wreaths, lights? Whatever it is, you are pleased that your home is beautiful and everything is …complete… then just to be sure…you check your list (again) to make sure you haven’t forgotten a thing! …You haven’t forgotten anything right?!
What about Christ…Have you forgotten Christ? So many times, we lose sight of what this season is all about. We get caught up in the preparation of Xmas that we forget the preparation of CHRISTmas ~ the Christ Child! Christ is the special place to hang the decorations of life and if you are not prepared, you will not know where that place is.
Use this time of anticipation to sift through your life – Prepare your heart, your mind and your soul as you look to Christ to help you fix your broken pieces.
Christ is the food for our soul and the tree of life. Remember to celebrate the love of our Lord Jesus Christ this CHRISTmas for He is the Light of the world!
Have a blessed CHRISTmas,
Pastor Bev
“For unto us a child is born”
…Prepare for a new beginning with much Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
I’m sure many of you have already taken time to sift through the boxes of decorations that have been stored away for a year. As you inspect each decoration, there may be broken ones which you need to fix. While being very careful, it’s now time to hang each decoration in its special place, as you do not want to forget a thing! Whew! The decorations are complete, now you can focus on the Xmas shopping – fighting the crowds – standing in line – watching the ads – wrapping the gifts, etc. busy, busy, but you want to be prepared! …You are almost done! Oh yes, the baking of Xmas cookies/candy! …Ok, now that the house has an inviting aroma, you can sit back with a cup of hot chocolate or eggnog and relax for everything is now complete. The excitement is rising…you are tired, but full of anticipation. You look around your beautifully decorated home ~ remember the past year and the years before. You fondly think about when your kids and/or grandkids were small, each decoration has a special meaning and it takes you back to that moment. You sigh…The big day is almost here!
I wonder…Of all the decorations, which one is the most important decoration of them all? Would you say the tree? The Christmas tree is important because without it, you wouldn’t have anything to hang your decorations on. Maybe it’s the decorations…the family heirloom perhaps. Is it the garland, wreaths, lights? Whatever it is, you are pleased that your home is beautiful and everything is …complete… then just to be sure…you check your list (again) to make sure you haven’t forgotten a thing! …You haven’t forgotten anything right?!
What about Christ…Have you forgotten Christ? So many times, we lose sight of what this season is all about. We get caught up in the preparation of Xmas that we forget the preparation of CHRISTmas ~ the Christ Child! Christ is the special place to hang the decorations of life and if you are not prepared, you will not know where that place is.
Use this time of anticipation to sift through your life – Prepare your heart, your mind and your soul as you look to Christ to help you fix your broken pieces.
Christ is the food for our soul and the tree of life. Remember to celebrate the love of our Lord Jesus Christ this CHRISTmas for He is the Light of the world!
Have a blessed CHRISTmas,
Pastor Bev
“For unto us a child is born”
…Prepare for a new beginning with much Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
Outreach Success!!!
What an exciting time it is for our church. We have our new pastor in place and many new ideas that are starting to take shape on their way to reality. Many of these ideas were part of our Church Revisioning Process that so many of us participated in. Thank you to everyone who took part.
I want to highlight one of the exciting initiatives right now. Almost every one of the groups that worked on the Revisioning discussed the need for community outreach right here in our back yard. There is a great opportunity to bring God’s message to many people within a 5 mile radius of our church.
We have been able to accomplish this goal of the church by allowing a Hispanic Church – The Church of the Seventh Day Adventists to use our facilities for their membership. This group was worshipping at the Shepherd of the Lake Church for the past several years. Due to all of the building expansion, senior housing, and other activities they were being squeezed on their time. They come highly recommended and the church indicated they were great tenants during their time there.
Our church actually fits their needs ideally. We are in a close proximity to many of their members and our schedules mesh well together. They worship on Saturday mornings and evenings and on Tuesday nights. They have been very appreciative and gracious for our hospitality and we are receiving rent for use of our property. As with any new venture, we may have hiccups along the way, but with both parties committed to make this work it truly is a great day for our church.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Bev or any of the session members. This is truly a great day when we can provide a place for more people to worship God.
I want to highlight one of the exciting initiatives right now. Almost every one of the groups that worked on the Revisioning discussed the need for community outreach right here in our back yard. There is a great opportunity to bring God’s message to many people within a 5 mile radius of our church.
We have been able to accomplish this goal of the church by allowing a Hispanic Church – The Church of the Seventh Day Adventists to use our facilities for their membership. This group was worshipping at the Shepherd of the Lake Church for the past several years. Due to all of the building expansion, senior housing, and other activities they were being squeezed on their time. They come highly recommended and the church indicated they were great tenants during their time there.
Our church actually fits their needs ideally. We are in a close proximity to many of their members and our schedules mesh well together. They worship on Saturday mornings and evenings and on Tuesday nights. They have been very appreciative and gracious for our hospitality and we are receiving rent for use of our property. As with any new venture, we may have hiccups along the way, but with both parties committed to make this work it truly is a great day for our church.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Bev or any of the session members. This is truly a great day when we can provide a place for more people to worship God.
Deacons’ Notes
The Deacons are busy taking cookies to Senior Singles, packing goodie bags for the children, giving rides to those who need rides. The Deacons are also in charge of the nursery. We are always in need of volunteers in the nursery. Contact Scott Theis or Sharon Rognlie in the church office if you can help. If you need help, contact a Deacon, we’ll try to help you.
Carol Balvance
Steve Nicholas
Sheldon Schultz
Bev Friend
Scott Theis
Brenda Norland
Gail Hall
Lyle Crider
Edie Cook
Carol Balvance
Steve Nicholas
Sheldon Schultz
Bev Friend
Scott Theis
Brenda Norland
Gail Hall
Lyle Crider
Edie Cook
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who helped by donating money and time to accomplishing the new kitchen floor: Pat Zwart, Ina Lipke, the Deacons, the Pop Can Fund, the Women’s Association, Ron Rognlie, John McGovern, Marty Underwood, Rick Modlin, Gaylen Case, Mike Bush.
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