WE WORSHIP A LIVING GOD

Every Sunday we prepare our hearts and our minds to worship a living God. But, what does that really mean? The definition of worship is “the service of praise, adoration, thanksgiving and petition directed toward God through actions and attitudes. Christian Worship is Trinitarian in form, as praise is offered to God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Worship is at the very heart of the church’s life. All that the church is and does is rooted in its worship. The community of faith gathers in response to God’s call and is formed in its worship, so worship is the principal influence that shapes our faith and is the most visible way we express the faith. In Worship, through Word and Sacrament, the church is sustained by the presence of Christ, joined in worship to the One who is the source of its life, and through our Source, the church is empowered to serve God joyfully in the world.

Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor to our Triune God and it is God who brings all things into being through the Word: written, preached, proclaimed, through song and in the Sacraments. The people of God in turn acknowledge God’s presence in the world and in their lives by responding to God.

Here are a few biblical examples of worshipping a living God…

Psalm 66 1Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; 2 sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise.

Psalm 95 1O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice!

Psalm 98 1O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. 5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. 8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy 9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 148:1-14 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. 6 He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed. 7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, 8 fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command! 9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! 10 Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! 12 Young men and women alike, old and young together! 13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD!

Psalm 149:1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Psalm 150:1-6 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!


Jesus says… I am the Light of the world, I am the Door, and I am the Good Shepherd. Jesus has absolute power over life and death. Jesus is the Good Shepherd because His light shines in the darkest of circumstances, and can open any door even the door of death. Jesus is Alive!

There are four things necessary to sustain life: air, food, light and water. However, Jesus came not only to sustain life, but also to give life and ultimately eternal life.

On Sunday, April 12, we celebrate the Risen Lord! Jesus said, I am the Resurrection and the Life. That is why we worship a living God every Sunday. We are called to Life from the Giver of Life.

Easter Morning and every Sunday let’s join and celebrate ‘life’ together as we worship a Living God!


Live Enthusiastically,
Pastor Bev

Leave a Legacy

Have your life circumstances changed? It is important to your loved ones for you to update your will. When you make a will, you are helping family members deal with the future. Without a will, the state makes your decisions for you. Please also consider that you can express your love in Christ by including the church in your will through a specific, residual or contingent bequest.

Vacation Bible School

!!!Vacation Bible School is coming!!!
June 15 - 19, 2009

GARAGE SALE/BAKE SALE

April 24 and 25, 2009

FPC will be holding a Garage Sale/Bake Sale on Friday, April 24, from 7:00am to 6:00pm and on Saturday, April 25, from 8:00am to 1:00pm. As you know, it takes many hands to make light work! There are sign up sheets in the narthex for helpers and Dorothy Herrgott will be able to answers any questions you may have.
Items may be dropped off for the sale beginning Monday, April 20 (please don’t drop off things earlier than that as we don’t have room to store them!). Donations must be gently used and working and televisions, microwaves and computer monitors WILL NOT be accepted.

2009 Lenten Worship Service Schedule

Wednesday, April 1
6:30pm Joanna, the Wife of Chuza


Palm Sunday, April 5
10:00am The Triumphant Entry


Maundy Thursday, April 9
6:30pm The Last Supper


Good Friday, April 10
6:30pm Observance of the Crucifixion


Easter Sunday, April 12
8:30am Sunrise Service
9:00am Continental Breakfast
10:00am Worship Service and Communion

THANK YOU

We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support of our recent mission trip to Belize. Again, God blessed us with safety and health, and the opportunity to open our hearts to so many in need. With the item donations and cash donations, we were able to bless so many people in need, especially at the prison. They all thank you, and so do we.

We look forward to sharing more about our trip at a later date.
God bless you all, Loren and Mary

MISSION FOR APRIL

Mission offerings in April will benefit Heifer International. Heifer’s strategy is to “pass on the gift.” As people share their animals’ offspring with others – along with their knowledge, resources, and skills – an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe. Many children and families are looking for an opportunity to improve their lives. Your gifts can help them realize the dream of brighter futures filled with hope and happiness.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the women of the church, especially Jan Oliverson, for making Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday so very special.

NEWS AROUND THE CHURCH

SYMPATHY
Please remember in prayer the family of Ilse Welter. Ilse, a long-time member of First Presbyterian, passed away on March 17, 2009.


BAPTIZED
Welcomed through Baptism on March 15, 2009 was Kendal Kathleen Beck, infant daughter of Jason Beck and Jennifer Tokach-Beck.

BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
5 Bob Beck
5 Krystal Schanus
6 Zane Schultz
7 Dick Friend
7 Lou Kopisca
9 Mary Wolfe
9 Brandon Bush
9 Craig Whitney
10 Jim Whitney
11 Brenda Norland
12 Ron Seelye
13 Brandon Salden
18 Anthony Underwood
23 Christina Laridaen
24 Roger Ackerman
25 Phil Rudell
29 Judy Rudell
30 Rachel Theis


ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH
20 Ron and Donna Beeney
24 Gary and Barb Anderson
26 Jay and Traci Portwood

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. In the first three months of 2009, $2,143.89 has been donated to the Per Capita, leaving a balance to be paid of $2,237.57. 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.

JR/SR HIGH YOUTH GROUP PROMOTES 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.

EASTER LILY CROSS

The Worship and Music Commission will be purchasing Easter lilies for our traditional Easter Cross. If you would like to help defray the cost of the lilies, drop this form in the offering plate with a check for $7.50 or you may contact Sharon in the church office or Jan Oliverson at 445-4132.

Please take the lily home after the Easter Service.

SYNOD SCHOOL

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.

Building a Culture of Peace is the theme of Synod School 2009.
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;
• Take it all in, then return home to share and serve.

Additional information on Synod School is available in the narthex.

No Sunday School March 22

There will be NO Sunday School on March 22, 2009.

NEWS AROUND THE CHURCH

SYMPATHY
We offer our sympathy to the family of Werner “Buddy” Schesso who passed away on February 23, 2009. Buddy was a long time member of our church and was the brother of Louise Wiggen.


NEW MEMBERS
On March 1, 2009 we welcomed into membership Karen Arrell and Todd Myhre. Please keep them in prayer as they join the fellowship of our congregation.


BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
6 Brennan Benson
8 Cindy Volkart
13 Veneta Anderson
17 Noah Theis
19 Annette Nicholas
27 Shirley Ackerman


ANNIVERSARIES THIS MONTH
9 Scott and Merry Theis


THANK YOU
Thank you to the Men’s Morning Bible Study and Donna Case for the generous donation of CD players to the Sunday School rooms. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Thank you to Ina Lipke, Pat Zwart, the Deacons, Ron Rognlie and Mike Bush for the purchase and assembly of Pastor Bev’s new desk, filing cabinet and chair.

Reminder: Daylight Savings March 8

Just a Reminder that Daylight Savings Time begins on March 8. Clocks should ‘spring ahead’ the night before.

NEW SESSION ASSIGNMENTS

At their February meeting, the Session welcomed new members Michael Browers, Wendy Edberg, Nathan Olson and Ken Oliverson. The following are the commission assignments for 2009. If you have any questions or concerns about these areas of our church please feel free to call the Commission Elder.

Judy McGovern Clerk of Session and Nominating Committee
Loren Wolfe Personnel
Ken Oliverson Property & Maintenance
Jay Hensley Parish Life
Gaylen Case Stewardship & Finance
Frieda Olin Missions
Nathan Olson Music & Worship
Michael Browers Parish Life
Wendy Edberg Christian Education

EASTER LILY CROSS

The Worship and Music Commission will be purchasing Easter lilies for our traditional Easter Cross. If you would like to help defray the cost of the lilies, drop this form in the offering plate with a check for $7.50 or you may contact Sharon in the church office or Jan Oliverson at 445-4132.

Please take the lily home after the Easter Service.

MISSION FOR MARCH: ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21

If you were searching for God’s treasure, you’d find it in people. Every person, in every nation on earth, is treasured by God! Yet for many people life can be searingly tough.

One Great Hour of Sharing joins our hearts with God’s by providing decisive aid when disaster strikes and by helping refugees rebuild their lives. Your gift strengthens struggling communities with basics like education, health care, tools, seeds, and wells.

When we care for God’s treasured children, we ourselves are transformed. We see more clearly what matters most in life and are inspired to live courageously. Our hope rises as we realize new life is possible.

1 Timothy 6:18-19a exhorts us “to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up…the treasure of a good foundation for the future.” Our treasure lies in honoring God, doing God’s will, and loving God’s treasured people. May you find your treasure, and your heart, through sharing resources and changing lives with a generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing.

NEW BEGINNINGS

The Session is pleased to announce that beginning March 6, 2009, a church group from St. Paul will be sharing our space. Many of their members are residents of Shakopee and have found in First Presbyterian a place for Friday Bible Study without the long drive to St. Paul. This group will be using two Sunday School rooms during the evening hours on Fridays.

JR/SR HIGH YOUTH GROUP PROMOTES MISSION WORK WITHIN THE CHURCH

In an effort to expand their mission work within the walls of FPC, the youth group is rolling out a new program where they will make themselves available to congregants throughout the year for small tasks and projects. These tasks may require only the services of 2 -3 of the youth as opposed to the whole group which will allow us to reach more people through smaller work groups. This mission work will be in addition to our annual mission trip and other group mission activities the group does collectively. 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

The youth leaders will work with the youth based on schedule availability and the type of work requested. Please be aware that these students are very busy so we will need to work with them on the specific tasks and time availability. 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.

A Message from the Pastor

While times for listening as well as speaking are important in any prayer time, they are especially important in Lent, and the Psalms can be a great resource for prayer. The lectionary for this 2009 season of Lent has utilized the beautiful words of the Psalm, so I encourage you to read and pray these Psalms in the next 40 days…
Lent Week One ~ Psalm 25:1-10
Lent Week Two ~ Psalm 22:23-31
Lent Week Three ~ Psalm 19
Lent Week Four ~ Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Lent Week Five ~ Psalm 119:9-16
Week of Palm Sunday ~ Psalm 118 Passion ~ Psalm 31:9-16
Holy Week
Monday ~ Psalm 36:1-11
Tuesday ~ Psalm 71:1-14
Wednesday ~ Psalm 70
Maundy Thursday ~ Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Good Friday ~ Psalm 22
Saturday (Prayer Vigil) ~ Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26; 46; 19; 42; 98
Easter ~ Psalms 4; 100; 148

Let’s Prepare our Hearts and Minds to Worship a Living God!

Christ Love Be With You
Pastor Bev

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. In January and February $1,963.85 has been donated to the Per Capita, leaving a balance to be paid of $2,417.61. 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.