It is the ancient spiritual practice of Christians, the repeating of prayers at intervals during daily activities. It may be as simple as a prayer to start and end the day with. Having something ready to pray is a willing reminder to one’s self. How easy it is to quietly stop for a minute in order to reflect upon God’s continuous presence with us.
But if we make no regular effort at remembering our spiritual heritage it is just as easy for us to bypass any thought of God and lose our mental grounded-ness in the Holy Spirit’s directives. Life soon becomes something we feel must be faced alone and on our own weak terms. Without God’s inner word to guide our actions we forfeit a much clearer outlook on day to day events.
For centuries Christians have faced uncertain days by keeping a prayer or scripture passage readily accessible and using it for the purpose of gaining a more righteous perspective on life. One example is the “Jesus Prayer”: “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sin-ner.”
Of course, there are many others available in your Bible:
• “This is the day the Lord has
made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”• “I would have despaired had I not
believed in the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
• “The Lord is my light and my sal-vation; whom then shall I fear?”
• “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good, and acceptable and perfect.”
Recently, I found a helful prayer that I would like to share with you. I have it at my computer and each work day attempt to pray it whole-heartedly.
PASTORAL MEANDERINGSby Pastor Lee
FOREST LARGER PARISHL a k e w o o d Wa b e n o L a o n aP R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H
C O N T A C T I N F O
OFFICE PHONE(715) 473-3603
WEBSITEwww.forestlargerparish.com
C H U R C H S T A F F
PASTORRev. R. Lee Jennings, Jr.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/NEWSLETTER EDITORLori Brooks
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (ASP) Cindy Hart
AWESOME CHRISTIAN YOUTH (ACY) — Deb Kempf
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIESPamela Schroeder
CHURCH TREASURERAlison Shepard
CLERK OF SESSIONPatty Earnest
NEWSLETTER LAYOUTKrystal Statezny
PRESBYTERY LIAISONLin Wittmann
If you would like to submit something for the website or have a suggestion, email Joyce Warnacut [email protected]. All submissions are subject toCommunications Committee approval.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 1
O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me.
Teach me to treat all that comes to me through the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all.
In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings.
In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you.
Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others.
Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that life shall bring.
Direct my will, teach me to pray. And you, yourself pray in me. Amen.
Prayer for the Beginning of the Day
Pastor Lee
CHURCH COMMUNITY
Clara Koskella, Anders Olsen, Logan Wamego, Jane Albers, Rita Pierce, Zetta Bangert, Pat Rasmussen, Kim Schelfhout, Lori Exferd, Lyle Weyers, Jackie Kelm, Arlene Kempen, Mary Reigle, Jay Mattick, Jamie Lowe, Joyce Lisner, Nancy Volk, Eileen Pasley, Elaine Hackbarth, Roger Market, Mike Beranek, the family of Mary Lou Enders, Brenda Mathison, Jim Geeslin, Joe Quinn, Cannon Henry Tarman, Mavis Vanselow, Shane Aschenbrenner, Donna Farrell, Lorraine Mar-ket, Roy Moore, Curt & JoAnne Gipp, Annette Harris, Susan (JoAnne Gipp’s sister), Colby Albert, Franny Sturzl, Jim Strupp, John M., Missy Marvin, Judy Mohr, Kolton Ouellette, Dorothy Rau, Eileen Collins, Barb Werner, Tristan McKutcheon, Rus Collins Jr., Jeanne Weyers, Kathy Marvin, Addy, Clarice Ritchie, Roy Feezor, Winda Collins, Seth Shepard, Jackie Klin-gensmith, Austin Ginter, the family of Chance Harcus,
Bruce Robinson, Anders Olson, Carole Bergner, Jim Lentz
Nu-Roc Residents: Jeanne Haskins, Phyllis Quinn
Serving in the Military: Michael Schmitt, Eric Peterson, Doug Smith, Scott Swann, Nick Swanda, Zack Ashbeck, Dakota Reynolds, Nicholas Pichotta, Clark Spaniol, Troy Graham, Mitchel Albert, Zack Derfus, Jerry Jeppson, Beau Gagnon, Ben Baker, Jesse Cotherman
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Federal Privacy Regulations, we encourage you to seek an individual’s permission before submitting their name to our printed prayer list. *If you would like to add a family member serving in the military to the prayer list, please fill out a prayer card and note “military” and give it to the pastors or call the church office.
COMMUNION DATESSept. 7 – traditional
Oct. 5 – intinction (World Communion Sunday)
Parents of baptized children:Baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table and the meaning of their response are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper, recognizing that their understanding of participation will vary according to their maturity.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIESSEPTEMBER
Shelby Kitchmaster 2
Dreckshmidt’s Anniv. 6
Jim Mathe 6
Maddyson Calhoun 7
Richard Symes 8
Vicky Pirus 9
Scholz Anniv. 9
David Mentz 11
Peterson Anniv. 11
Courtney Brooks 12
Leslie Howen 14
Bresser’s Anniv. 15
Suann Piontek 16
Gary Donaldson 19
Mark Hesselink 20
Betsy Hansen 20
Jonelle Gregg 21
Cliff Haskins 22
Gwen Manikowski 22
Mary Nash 23
Janet Sauer 25
OCTOBER
Andrew Boor 2
Scott Shaffer, Jr. 3
Shelly Spaude 5
Vay Jackson 6
Kevin Jameson 6
Cindy Rohe 7
Orville Fuller 9
Tim Connors 12
Joyce Barth 13
Gavin Peterson 16
Paige Peterson 19
James Peek 20
Mary Kendall 21
Joyce Lentz 26
Jackie Klingensmith 27
Russ Tiedemann 29
Paula Sangwin 29
Krystal Statezny 30
PRAYER REQUESTS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 2
The following are birthdays and anniversaries of our members and friends. If your birthday or anniversary has never been listed and you would like it to be, please write it in on the Birthday Calendar posted at your church.
EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014First United Presbyterian Church, DePere9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Explore issues, exchange ideas, share thoughts, ask questions, laugh a little and learn a lot with the leaders of the Church. There is no charge for this event; however, there is a suggested donation of $6 for the noon meal.
An Invitation from First Presbyterian Church, Wausaukee:Please join us to celebrate125 years of praising Godat First Presbyterian Church of Wausaukee onSunday, Sept. 7, 2014- Morning Worship – 9 a.m.- Praise Celebration – 3 p.m.Food, Fellowship, Music
SPaGhETTi DiNNERSaturday, Oct. 4 4:30 – 7 p.m.Lakewood
Peacemaking Offering:World Communion SundayOct. 5
Pastor appreciation SundayOct. 12Special plans are in the making.Watch the bulletin for details.
ANNOUNCEMENTSCOULD yOU hELP aN hOUR PER MONTh?Each month, Pastor Lee holds a worship service at Nu-Roc Com-munity Healthcare and Lakewood Assisted Living. The Assisted Living Service is always on the second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m., and the Nu-Roc Service is
always on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m.. The services generally last less than 45 minutes. We have just a few people who regularly volunteer to help with this service and would like to see more. There’s really not much to do, but it’s great having extra voices to help with the singing and the residents of both facilities love to see you there. Please consider helping with these services. No need to call ahead. Just show up before 2 p.m. on the appropriate days in the appropriate places and join us in worship!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 3
ELDER SyMPOSiUM
OUR COMMUNITYSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 4
PEACEMAKING OFFERING: WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAYOCTOBER 5, 2014
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering supports the efforts of Presbyterians through their congregations, presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly to work for peace by tearing down the walls of hostility. The day recommended for con-gregations to receive the offering is World Com-munion Sunday, which is a celebration of the unity of the worldwide church through Christ. Christians in congrega-
tions around the world participate in the Lord’s Supper.
Gifts to the offering are used in a variety of peacemaking efforts at all levels of the Presbyte-rian Church (U.S.A.).
• 25 percent is re-tained by congregations.
• 25 percent is used by presbyteries and synods.
• 50 percent is allocated to General Assembly peacemaking ministries.
MISSION/EVANGELISM DONATES SCHOOL SUPPLIESby Suzanne Bell
Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church delivered school supplies and NEWCAP in Cran-don to be distributed to their clients as part of a back-to-school initiative
to promote the impor-tance of education.
Gift certificates were also provided for kids’ haircuts to start off the new school year.
(L-R): Kathy Parise of NewCaP, Joanne Gipp, Joan Hansen, Suzanne Bell, audrey Peterson, Linda Mentz and granddaugh-ter Nadia, and Shirley Rohe of the Mission/evangelism Committee.
TALES FROM THE FLEA-zAAR 2014by Suzanne Bell
Overheard: “They have great stuff and the customer service is awesome!” “This is a great place to come to furnish a first apartment or dorm room!” “I didn’t think we would ever have a bedroom set this nice (from the purchaser of the oak bedroom set)!”
Overheard from OUR workers: “I worked with ___ and ___ — I feel like I really know them now, like we are sis-ters!” (And this was a mix of Lakewood, Wabeno, and Laona folk.) Lots of laughter was heard in the fellowship hall as we shared the treasures that we were finding in our boxes. It was a lot like Christmas morning!
Over strawberry shortcake on Sunday: “This is the best $3 I’ll spend today!”
First time event: A man pulled into our parking lot, opened the trunk of his car to display his wares and wanted to sell them! (We asked him not to, and then he left.)
There were cars as far as you could see lined up on the highway at 8 a.m. on Friday — looked like the most ever!
Pastor hoped they’d all come back on Sunday.Several folks indicated to us that they had stuff already in
mind to donate for the 2015 Flea-zaar! Pickups of new stuff continued as the sale went on. Guess people saw the sale stuff and got inspired to donate!
When asked, most people said this was not their first Flea-Zaar — they make a point to come every year.
The crowd early on Friday was well-behaved. Likewise, many FLPPC workers said they are asked by their friends well in advance as to when the sale will be.
New item: Surprise boxes filled with “treasure”, sealed with duct tape and sold for $3. A LOT of people had fun with this and they were all sold out. Great idea!
Many of us got tired (are we getting old?) but many of us also paced ourselves and took time off. And, most of those that reported being tired out said that they would be fine after a few days rest! We need to encourage our younger members to help when they can cont’d. on pg. 5
“Blessed Are The Peacemakers, For They Will Be Called Children Of God.”(Matthew 5:9)
SESSION MINUTESSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 5
aUGUST 2014Regular Meeting - Wabeno• The meeting opened with a devo-
tion and prayer.• The meeting was visited by a
group of members and friends of the church. Pastor Lee explained what recently happened at General Assembly regarding the issue of same sex mar-riage and the desires of these visitors to express their thoughts on this matter. Each person was allowed to speak, and Pastor Lee responded by giving the group a short history of the PCUSA on this issue. The visitors were then thanked and excused.
• Motion to approve the agenda. M/S/A
• Motion to give voice to all present. M/S/A
• Motion to accept Treasurer’s Report. M/S/A
• Jim Mathe submitted a letter of resignation as treasurer effective 8/31/14, and a request for their trans-fer of membership. Motion to accept this report: M/S/A
• Motion to pay our treasurer
$120/month; this amount to be re-viewed annually by the personnel committee. M/S/A
• Treasurer Mary Kendall read a letter to the Session resigning her posi-tion as treasurer. Motion to accept this resignation. M/S/A
• Motion to approve Clerk’s report of 6/2/14. M/S/A
• Motion to approve Pastor’s report for April 2014. M/S/A
COMMiTTEE REPORTSWorship:• Copies of the minutes from
7/23/14 were distributed and dis-cussed.
Flea-Zaar:• A Flea-zaar, 2014, report was
distributed and discussed. Concerns regarding the age and physical abilities of many members of our congregation were raised to continue this event.
Christian Education:• Pam Schroeder gave an oral report
for the CE committee.NEW BUSiNESS• Motion to approve a request from
Joey Derfus to borrow a Flea-Zaar
tent for the Northern Health Center’s Health Fair, with caveat that we need to know when this will take place. M/S/A
• Motion to reactivate Norman Schmelling’s membership M/S/A
• Pamphlets inviting our Elders to an Elder Symposium on 9/6/14 at the DePere church were distributed. Pastor Lee urged all elders to attend this event and both Mary Ellen Keller and Pam Schroeder said they would attend.
• Copies of letters from Suzanne Bell and Dick Kendall were distribut-ed and discussed. In light of the fact that many of our members may not be aware of decisions made at the recent GA regarding same sex marriage and possible changes to our Book of Order, Pam Schroeder volunteered to draft a letter to the congregation regarding this issue and a letter of response to Dick Kendall.
• Our next Session meeting will be Aug. 25, 2014 because of Labor Day.
• The meeting adjourned with prayer.
(maybe on Saturday if they work during the week?). Maybe invite our ACY members to pair up with one of us to help for an hour or two? (Mentz’s grandchildren are AWESOME workers.) Maybe youth from Blackwell would help if we offered them gift certificates to shop after we are open?
Point of information: Leftovers went to Christian Thrift Store in Wabeno, a thrift store in Antigo, and (alas!) the dump. Our junk dealer from Wabeno took several loads in his trailers as well. We sold one organ; the second, larger one found a new home at a nursing home in Suamico (the church that does their monthly services came to pick it up and delivered it to them!).
Maybe we should have a jewelry table next where we display ONLY jewelry? (A good job for someone who has difficulty standing up?) Our three new tables worked nicely in the garden/craft area. We were able to cull another white table from the sale to save for future Flea-zaars. We may want another table for eating outside next year?
The book sale went more smoothly this year because we used the library shelves at the church (of course, we removed the church library for the duration of the Flea-Zaar.) Great
idea! And Erwin Gutsell was masterfull at arranging every-thing!
The two checkouts in the Fellowship Hall worked well to reduce the congestion in the first hour or so of the sale. Great idea! And, many noticed that the rummage inside was neat-er, cleaner and more organized than ever before. Great job!
Dick Symes has resigned as head cashier for 2015 should we do the Flea-zaar — but he recruited Mike Mentz to the post. Mike will be good at it as he is a faithful worker and an experienced treasurer. Nancy Symes will no longer organize the gift certificates for the Silent Auction, so we will need to find someone to do that.
The Honda motorcycle(s) went down to the wire with an impromptu auction held at high noon on Saturday be-tween the remaining bidders. Sold for $1,500 to a very happy winner!
Everyone seemed happy with the expanded set up time—we started on Monday this year. Thanks to the folks who provided us with overnight security for FOUR nights! They undoubtedly now have a new appreciation for sleeping in their own beds!
TALES FROM THE FLEA-zAAR 2014 cont’d. from pg. 4