First Things First OCTOBER 2020
NEWS FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STERLING, COLORADO
Bible Study Begins September 17, 2020
A Message from Michelle. . .
For everything there is a season…
In the book of Ecclesiastes we read that “there is a time for everything,” including
a time to be born, and at time to die...
a time to speak, and a time to keep silence...
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing...
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Some seasons are beyond our control. No matter what we do (or don’t do), the leaves will turn and fall, and
winter will come. Then, without any effort on our part, winter will succumb to spring and then give in to
summer.
In our current worship series, I’m inviting you to join me in a different kind of season. Unlike the seasons in
nature that change without our help or desire, A Season of Peace is a season for turning our minds and hearts
toward peace, in a time that is rife with conflict. Tension is in the air, and we are all impacted by it —
whether it’s the headlines, or social media, or the actual air we breathe that is sometimes contaminated by
smoke or potentially filled with coronavirus aerosols or droplets.
I invite you to engage this season as a spiritual pilgrimage, where we turn our focus toward peace:
Recognizing Peace (09/20), Finding Peace (09/27), Practicing Peace (10/04), Remembering Peace (10/11),
Extending Peace (10/18), and Living Peace (10/25).
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of
you…” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
OCTOBER
BIRTHDAYS
Best Wishes
Prayer List Updates Do you have an update on anyone listed on our church prayer list?
We’d love to hear the good news of recovery, healing and answered prayer.
Carol Barrett Norm Blackburn Brenda Boeff Gabe Chapin Cooperating Ministry Jeanne Crouch & family Cierra Davis (friend of Becky Cranwell) Karol Dickson (Shane’s daughter) Family Resource Center Rev. Jamie Fiorino Norman Foos Maryanne Forwood Jim Gay Bryce Gilliland (friend of Kaans) David Hashman, SCF Inmate Sonja Holden (friend of Arden Fennell) Chris Jutz Josh Jutz & Kaylee Nathaniel Kaan (nephew of Cheryl & Dennis) Robert Koehler (friend of Laura Guenzi) Debby Korrey (Darla’s and Delinda’s sister) Glenna Langshaw (Cheryl Kaan’s mother) Gary & Deb Lauer (friend of Propsts) Dona Lightsey Paige Marchant Pryor (Bev Cumming’s Niece)
Emerson McClanahan (Ellen Bernhard’s daughter) Delinda Korrey McDowell Jackie McGannon Katie Neblett Shannon Oyewole (friend of Nancy Mann) Jeni Porter (In-law of Blackburn's) David Prince (Tanna’s brother) IdaMae Prince (Tanna’s mother) Frances Rhodes (Dave’s mother) Ben Skeen (Mike Gertner’s nephew) Darrell Smith Dorothy Swanson Barb Thiele Charlie & Roseanne Thompson (friends of Nebletts) Amy & Byron Uhrich (Jill Vollmer’s parents) Under the Umbrella Norma Wagner (Jana Lock’s mom) Declan Nash Warner (Jason Rose’s grandson) Masi Wells (friend of Taylor Cranwell) Jeff Weskamp Zach Westramus (Tom Westfall’s nephew) Jim & Jean Williamson
Pray for our Church Family Military Personnel
Luke Brigham (Randy & Terry’s son) Thomas Gage Snyder (Kim Schlup’s son) Cameron Venn (Doris Ramsel’s grandson)
For those with special needs or concerns….
Condolences to the family and friends of Wally Beardsley who died September 28th.
It was Voted to seat Pat Borner and give her voice.
Pastor reported there was one baptism in August.
Personnel Committee reported that annual performance and salary reviews were conducted for all staff members.
It was Voted to eliminate the cur rent “Director of Children’s Ministry” position and replace it with the “Innovator of Family and Youth Connection and Faith Development” position and to retain the current “Director of Children’s Ministry” until a suitable candidate is found for the “Innovator” position, at which time the Director of Children’s Ministry will continue for an additional 30 days. Compensation for this position will be $8,000 per year.
It was Voted to shift Dar la Korrey Ger tner to be Director of Chancel Choir as Kay Rich has resigned as Co-director.
It was Voted to approve the revised Chancel Choir Director job description.
It was Voted to approve Elsie Fetzer resuming organ lessons in the sanctuary, in accordance with state health guidelines.
It was Voted to amend the 2020 Budget to allow the Family Resource Center to use the ASSET Club mission funds to support children becoming successful.
The worship committee recommended suspending in-person worship until further
notice, due to the recent increase of positive COVID numbers in Logan County. The Session decided to continue in-person worship, with a commitment to providing worship online and on the radio.
It was Voted to move communion to the second Sunday of October (October 11), as there is a baptism on the first Sunday in October.
It was Voted to present an “Advent at Home” service for Sunday, November 29, the first Sunday of Advent, and also a “Christmas at Home” service on Sunday, December 27. Rev. Witherspoon will provide resources (likely including a video) for people to worship at home instead of having in-person services those days.
It was Voted to approve donating $1040 for 5 picnic tables for Sterling High School
It was decided to cancel the fall rummage sale. Event dates will be re-assessed in 2021.
It was Voted to approve the baptism of Cohen Joseph Guenzi, born March 3, 2020, son of Carson and Erin Guenzi, during the worship service on October 4, 2020.
It was Voted to move 2 people from the Active to the Inactive Member Roll and remove 4 people from the Active Member Roll.
Session. . . From the September 15, 2020
Session Meeting via Zoom/ Phone Conferencing
August, 2020 YTD 2020 YTD Budget Difference
Total Receipts * 20,242.36 238,186.05 218,650.00 19,536.05
Total Expenses 22,366.79 199,444.80 237,423.06 (37,978.26)
Net Ordinary Income (Loss)
(2,124.43) 38,741.25 (18,773.06) 57,514.31
Transfers from other as-sets 0 13,259.83 15,980.00 (2,795.11)
Net Ordinary Income (Loss) with transfers (2,124.43)
** 52,001.08 (2,793.06) 54,719.20
* $3,300 was received in 2019 as prepaid pledges
** PPP loan was $29,204; Walsh Bequest was $18,077
Financial Information August 2020
FPC is excited about a new position: Innovator of Family and Youth Connection and Faith
Development. Rather than passively waiting for the pandemic to pass, we’ve decided to take
this time of upheaval as an opportunity for intentional transformation.
This new position will help us re-vision the roles of engaging and supporting congregational
families and youth. The position will be a 12 month role that will focus on developing a plan for
ongoing programming and staffing needs to appropriately fit the needs of current church
demographics. The position will be responsible for doing congregational outreach and research on
the needs for children and families to assist children with their journey of faith within the church.
The Innovator is expected to create a plan for embracing new technology and other tools to
modernize the delivery of youth and children’s ministry work.
During the 12 month plan development process the Innovator will also be expected to provide
delivery of family focused services and programming, as allowable with current health guidelines
and restrictions. It is expected that the Innovator will maintain and adapt current programming to fit
with the changing needs of the next 12 months through technology use.
The role will emphasize:
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Technology Utilization
• Research
• Staffing Plans
• Budgeting
This is a contract position that will pay $8,000 annually. The role is expected to require
approximately 8 hours per week and will report to the pastor. Both members and non-members of
FPC are encouraged to apply.
Let us know if you think you or someone you know would be a good fit!
Cooperating Ministry of Logan County
Donations of Ramen Noodles, Spaghetti Noodles, canned Sloppy Joes are needed this month for the Food Pantry at the Cooperating Ministry of Logan County. You can take donated food items to the north door of the Ministry at 230 N. 10th Ave., then call 522-6405 and staff members will come and assist you.
The Peace and Global Witness Offering encourages the church to cast off
anxiety and fear, discord and division, and embrace our God’s mission to
those around the corner and around the world.
In God’s house, people who are different from each other in almost every
way live together and seek ways to bring about Christ’s peace in every
part of our lives.
Rev. Michelle is currently providing a worship series entitled Season of
Peace. Our church will collect the Peace and Global Witness Offering
each Sunday during the month of October.
25% of this offering stays with the our church. In 2019 our church donat-
ed our portion of the offering, $110, to the Help for Abused Partners
organization.
To donate to the Peace & Global Witness offering:
· Through FPC—Envelopes are on the table outside the church office or write “Peace” on the memo line of your check and drop it in the offering plate. · Text PEACE to 20222 to give $10 · online giving at www.pcusa.org/peace-global
Now May the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every
way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
— VIRTUAL — First Friday @ First Presbyterian
Lindy Craig Country Gospel
Join us online for a virtual concert
facebook.com/ FPC.Sterling
October 2, 2020
12:05 PM
It’s not just for kids anymore! Coloring is a great way to rest and relax your busy mind. Enjoy!
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
130 SOUTH 4TH STREET
STERLING, COLORADO 80751
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit
Organization
US POSTAGE PAID
Permit #5
Sterling, Colorado
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WORSHIP
Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship
SUNDAY SCHOOL (September—May)
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - All ages
RADIO MINISTRY
Sunday, 10:30 a.m. On KSTC (AM 1230)
Staff:
PASTOR MICHELLE WITHERSPOON
E-mail [email protected]
Cell Phone 970.580.4358
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR/BOOKKEEPER
E-mail [email protected] BEVERLY CUMMING
Cell Phone 970.466.0262
MUSIC COORDINATOR/ORGANIST ELSIE FETZER
ASSISTANT ORGANIST MARSHA DAVIS
CHOIR DIRECTOR DARLA KORREY GERTNER
BELL CHOIR DIRECTOR LINDSEY JACKSON
PROPERTY MANAGER JANET KLOBERDANZ
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY JANET FOOS
NEWSLETTER EDITOR TAMMIE MALONE
AND JACKIE REYNOLDS
E-mail [email protected]
FIRST THINGS FIRST
If you wish to be taken off this Newsletter mailing list, please call the church office at 522-2708.
Newsletter Deadline is the 15th day of the month prior to publication. Items may be submitted on flash drive, on CD or in text format to Tammie Malone or Jackie Reynolds c/o the church office, by e-mail ([email protected]) or phone (522-5477).
CHURCH PHONE 970.522.2708
Fax 970.522.1365
WEBSITE www.firstpressterling.org
October