(Photo by Dr. Bill Withers Jr.)
From the Pastor: ‘The Good Stuff’
Our friend Dr. Bill Withers Jr., a son of our congregation and lead pastor of Hope Network at the Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines, shares word that well captures one of the ways we are loving and serving friend, neighbor, and stranger.
After preaching for me in November, Bill loaded into his vehicle another cache of handiwork from the Presbyterian Women. The shipment was bound for Joppa, a Des Moines nonprofit that gathers donations for the benefit of the homeless community in central Iowa. It was one of many loads that Bill has delivered for the PW. Another load headed out just a couple weeks ago.
Bill’s November delivery came with a surprise. When he arrived at Joppa, the donation center manager, Stacey Amensen, came out to help unload Bill’s vehicle and to pass on thanks to the First Presbyterians of Waukon for our caring generosity with the homeless.
Several members of Stacey’s team also lent a hand. One staffer looked at our bin-busting donation of handmade goods and exclaimed, “Oh, that’s the good stuff!”
A typical shipment includes fleece mittens and 3×6-foot sleeping mats and handbags made with recycled plastic bags. For our latest shipment, a $300 donation from a church member purchased toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, towels, washcloths, and stocking caps.
And thank you, saints, for giving to the Lord and sharing the love of Jesus! Indeed, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Peace, Pastor Grant
Belltower masonry under repair
The Property Committee has identified damage to the masonry of the belltower, and there’s no debating that it must be repaired.
So at its meeting on Tuesday, March 12, Session passed a motion to accept a proposal from Darrold Berger Masonry to do the work for $21,500. Darrold has done other projects at both the church and manse, and he’s always done good work and treated us fairly. Work began on Friday.
To fund the project, Session asked the Finance and Stewardship Committee to review the church’s long-term savings accounts and suggest options for Session review and approval. Typically we do not proceed with major projects without a funding plan in place. But in this case, given the possibilities for further damage outside and inside, the elders decided that time was of the essence. More information about this project also will be forthcoming.
Session OKs sabbatical for Pastor Grant
Meeting Tuesday, March 12, Session passed a motion from the Human Resources Committee to provide Pastor Grant a four-week sabbatical leave next month.
“My mental, emotional, and maybe even spiritual health need some attention,” Pastor Grant wrote to Session. “Personal and professional challenges have pushed me to what feels like the breaking point. And like many first responders, I’m experiencing provider fatigue.”
In return, our church receives a refreshed pastor to serve with renewed passion and energy. He also expects to return with some thoughts and ideas for conversation about opportunities for future ministry and pastoral leadership.
More information about Pastor Grant’s sabbatical will be forthcoming.
Lenten, Easter activities planned
Wednesday Church Night activities for all God’s children are teaching lessons about Lent, Easter, and (as always) reaching out to serve our friends an neighbors.
Wed. March 20 ~ 4 p.m. Filling plastic Easter eggs with candy for the Easter egg hunt
Sun., March 24 ~ During Palm Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m., the children will process into the service waving palms
Thurs. March 28 ~ Families are encouraged to attend the ecumenical Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. at Zion UCC
Sat., March 30 ~ Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. at Waukon City Park (In the event of rain or snow, the event will be postponed to Saturday, April 6.)
The final “Lenten Wednesdays @ The Welly” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. Pastor Grant and his colleagues, pastors Cathy Jurgens of Zion UCC and Kim Gates of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, invite the ecumenical faith community to gather in the senior center of the Waukon Wellness Center for a 20- to 30-minute Lenten service of Scripture, sharing, and prayer. Participants are then invited to spend some time walking the track alone or with a friend, or to shoot baskets with family, or to work out alone or with a partner. In holding these Lenten gatherings, the pastors hope to nurture the spiritual discipline of taking better care of ourselves and our relationships. Pastors will be available for one-on-one conversations and prayer for those who desire it.
Two ecumenical services are planned for Holy Week: Maundy Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m. at Zion UCC, 113 First St. NE, Waukon. Good Friday, March 29, 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 25 Second Ave. NW, Waukon.
An Easter egg hunt will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30, at City Park in Waukon. In the event of rain or snow, the event will be postponed to Saturday, April 6. We’d appreciate some volunteers to help fill 6,000 plastic eggs with candy. Egg-stuffing begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, in the Fellowship Hall. Donations of bite-sized candy or cash to purchase candy are welcome. We’re also seeking sandwiches, snacks, or other light-lunch items to feed the stuffers. To help out, contact Elder Linda Mahr at (563) 794-1663 or via Facebook Messenger.
New leaders installed
Deacons, elders, and pastors surround Heather Homewood during her ordination and installation as an elder during Sunday worship on Feb. 23. As a member of Session, Heather will co-moderate the Finance Committee with Elder Jim Johnson. Also installed to active service was Jan Ellingson, who will serve as clerk of Session. Laying on of hands is an ancient Church tradition that conveys both blessing and authority during ordinations of deacons, elders, and pastors. (Photo by Maura Jones)
Church scholarships available
Our church is blessed to have endowed funds that generous donors have designated for scholarships, and for many years, our church has made scholarships available to graduating high school seniors who are members of our church. Scholarships also are available to members who are –
+ First-time students of post-high school education who have been out of high school for any number of years;
+ Students or professionals seeking post-graduate degrees;
+ Unemployed or underemployed individuals in need of job training or re-training.
To apply, call the church office at (563) 568-2981 or email fpcwaukon@gmail.com.
Announcements
The mission quilt and blanket-tying group meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 19. As usual there’ll be good conversation and tasty treats, and afterward, the group will go out for lunch. All are welcome (including men)!
Communion will be served this year on Sundays, March 31 (Easter), April 14, May 19, June 2 and 23, July 14, Aug. 4, Aug. 25, Sept. 15, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and 17, Dec. 1, 15 and 24.
The annual One Great Hour of Sharing is our special mission offering for March. OGHS supports three denominational programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, these programs provide others with safety, sustenance, and hope. To contribute to this special offering, earmark your check “OGHS” and place it in the offering plate during Sunday worship. Place cash offerings in an envelope labeled “OGHS.” Offerings also may be dropped off in the church office or mailed to the church at P.O. Box 422, Waukon, IA 52172-0422.