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The 1st Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Gary Lohnbakken Greeters Ralph & Jane Myhre Chuck & Lois Maris Ushers Jean Ross Doris Backus Eleanor Reinecke Diane Noddings Liturgist Don Harr Care Board Phyllis Brown Van Driver Chuck Leggate Communion Bob & Cathy Culbertson Jerry & Bobbie Koch Kathy Baske The 8th Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Gary Lohnbakken Greeters Bob & Linda Fedric Chris Eriksen Ushers Royal Johnson Gary & Judy Lohnbakken John Thompson Liturgist Vicki Thompson Care Board Jody Mercer Wallace Van Driver Don Harr Sound Booth Chuck Leggate The 15th Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Sharon Brady Greeters Jody Lao Peggy Wilson Kay Doss Ushers Marlene Spencer Sharon Brady Marian Shehein Bey Ann Nesmith Liturgist Kay Doss Care Board Chuck & Cindy Leggate Van Driver Kate Mitchell Sound Booth Jeff Gruizenga The 22nd Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Bill Lorentz Greeters Ray & Jean Noble Cathy Culbertson Ushers Jim & Biff Hogue Greg & Deb Wiens Liturgist Jane Myhre Care Board Jody Lao Van Driver Don Harr Sound Booth Bob Culbertson The 29th Preaching Youth Sunday Key Elder Jenice Fugere Greeters Kurt & Mary Grabow Don Reed Ushers Pat Clark Jody Lao Midge Jarre Jo Albin Liturgist JoAnn Jones Care Board Tom & Ginny Helmer Van Driver Don Harr Substute Ushers: Pat Clark Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Anna Mae Dyce Ginger Green Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Bob & Barbara Muir Jane Myhre (if no choir) Ray & Jean Noble Diane Noddings Charlie Reed Don Reed George Schuman Bill Woolston Substute Greeters: Ann & Ken Chase Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Anna Mae Dyce Bob & Linda Fedric Ginger Green Jeanie Hekkel Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Midge Jarre JoAnn Jones Walt & Priscilla Laird Bob & Barbara Muir Marge Myhra Jane Myhra (if no choir) Ralph Myhra (if no choir) Bey Ann Nesmith Ray & Jean Noble June Pierce John & Marie Reamy Charlie Reed Bob & Shirley Shirley Jerry Swanson Lucile Weisbeck Bill Woolston Memory Joggers for September Pastor’s Pen September, 2013 Time for a Tune-Up? For those of us who drive cars, pick-ups, and SUVs, we know that regular mainte- nance is important to getting the most life out of our vehicles. Changing the oil and filter, rotating the tires, replacing the spark plugs, and flushing the radiator are all part of this im- portant upkeep. Over the next six weeks we will be learning about how we can provide regular maintenance to our spiritual lives. Titled Time for a Spiritual Tune Up? I will be preaching a sermon series on Sunday mornings about how we can provide regular spiritual upkeep to our lives to develop and grow our faith to a deeper and more meaningful level. I hope you will join us as this series will begin on Sunday, September 8 as we return to our 10:30 AM fall worship schedule. On Sunday, September 8 at 9:15 AM I would love for you to stop by our annual Ministry Fair, held again in the fellowship hall. A variety of groups from our church and community will be on hand to share information about their various ministries. Information about Sunday school classes, youth ministry pro- grams, campus ministry, adult Bible studies, fellowship groups, and others will have available information. Many of these groups will offer free giveaways and we will also be giving away several door prizes to local restaurants so you will want to join us. I am excited as we resume our fall activities. It is great to have Orrin Feddes on staff as our new Stu- dent Intern in Youth Ministry. Orrin will be helping us develop our programs for children and youth. A pro- file introducing Orrin and his wife Emily can be seen inside on page 3. Orrin has a fun personality and deep faith that bodes well with people of all ages. I would invite you to get involved by joining a Bible study group, volunteering with our Sunday school or youth ministry program, or helping out around the church. We have a place for you to become involved. I hope you will join us this fall to grow and develop your faith. Looking Forward, Dave INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Session Notes/ Finance/Church Mice 2 Events/ Personal Notes 3 Mission & Notices 4 Birthday/Calendar for July 5 PW/Memory Jog- gers for July 6 Birthdays/Calendar for August 7 Memory Joggers for August 8 Coming Attractions: Worship Time Change will take place on Sunday, September 8. Our Ministry Fair will be held at 9:15 AM in the fellowship hall and worship will follow at 10:30 AM. Sunday school for all ages will resume on Sunday, September 15 at 9:15 AM. In addi- tion, we will be offering a new Sunday Kidzzone during worship beginning on September 15. Children ages preschool through 5th grade will be given the opportunity to leave after the Children’s Time to go to a special class for age appropriate leaning activities. Volun- teers are needed to help staff this new program. If interested in helping, please talk with either Orrin Feddes or Heidi Duncan. Picture Directory: Our church will be taking a new picture directory October 16-19. You can schedule your appointment by contacting the church office, using the link on our website at www.fpcbillings.org, or signing up on Sunday mornings. We hope that every- one will participate. The directory pictures are free and by coming you will receive a free 8 x 10 photograph. Appointments are now being taken.
Transcript
Page 1: Pastor’s Pen - Razor Planetmedia1.razorplanet.com/share/512732-4639/resources/... · A letter of retirement from Craig Berens as Maintenance supervisor was accepted. The members

The 1st

Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Gary Lohnbakken Greeters Ralph & Jane Myhre Chuck & Lois Maris Ushers Jean Ross Doris Backus Eleanor Reinecke Diane Noddings Liturgist Don Harr Care Board Phyllis Brown Van Driver Chuck Leggate Communion Bob & Cathy Culbertson Jerry & Bobbie Koch Kathy Baskett

The 8th Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Gary Lohnbakken Greeters Bob & Linda Fedric Chris Eriksen Ushers Royal Johnson Gary & Judy Lohnbakken John Thompson Liturgist Vicki Thompson Care Board Jody Mercer Wallace Van Driver Don Harr Sound Booth Chuck Leggate

The 15th Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Sharon Brady Greeters Jody Lafko Peggy Wilson Kay Doss Ushers Marlene Spencer Sharon Brady Marian Shehein Betty Ann Nesmith Liturgist Kay Doss Care Board Chuck & Cindy Leggate Van Driver Kate Mitchell Sound Booth Jeff Gruizenga

The 22nd Preaching Dave Thompson Key Elder Bill Lorentz Greeters Ray & Jean Noble Cathy Culbertson Ushers Jim & Biff Hogue Greg & Deb Wiens Liturgist Jane Myhre Care Board Jody Lafko Van Driver Don Harr

Sound Booth Bob Culbertson

The 29th Preaching Youth Sunday Key Elder Jenice Fugere Greeters Kurt & Mary Grabow Don Reed Ushers Pat Clark Jody Lafko Midge Jarrett Jo Albin Liturgist JoAnn Jones Care Board Tom & Ginny Helmer Van Driver Don Harr Substitute Ushers: Pat Clark Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Anna Mae Dyce Ginger Green Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Bob & Barbara Muir Jane Myhre (if no choir)

Ray & Jean Noble Diane Noddings Charlie Reed Don Reed George Schuman Bill Woolston

Substitute Greeters: Ann & Ken Chase Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Anna Mae Dyce Bob & Linda Fedric Ginger Green Jeanie Hekkel Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue Midge Jarrett JoAnn Jones Walt & Priscilla Laird Bob & Barbara Muir Marge Myhra Jane Myhra (if no choir) Ralph Myhra (if no choir) Betty Ann Nesmith Ray & Jean Noble June Pierce John & Marie Reamy Charlie Reed Bob & Shirley Shirley Jerry Swanson Lucile Weisbeck Bill Woolston

M e m o r y J o g g e r s f o r S e p t e m b e r

P a s t o r ’ s P e n

September, 2013

Time for a Tune-Up?

For those of us who drive cars, pick-ups, and SUVs, we know that regular mainte-

nance is important to getting the most life out of our vehicles. Changing the oil and filter,

rotating the tires, replacing the spark plugs, and flushing the radiator are all part of this im-

portant upkeep. Over the next six weeks we will be learning about how we can provide

regular maintenance to our spiritual lives. Titled Time for a Spiritual Tune Up? I will be preaching a sermon

series on Sunday mornings about how we can provide regular spiritual upkeep to our lives to develop and

grow our faith to a deeper and more meaningful level. I hope you will join us as this series will begin on

Sunday, September 8 as we return to our 10:30 AM fall worship schedule.

On Sunday, September 8 at 9:15 AM I would love for you to stop by our annual Ministry Fair, held

again in the fellowship hall. A variety of groups from our church and community will be on hand to share

information about their various ministries. Information about Sunday school classes, youth ministry pro-

grams, campus ministry, adult Bible studies, fellowship groups, and others will have available information.

Many of these groups will offer free giveaways and we will also be giving away several door prizes to local

restaurants so you will want to join us.

I am excited as we resume our fall activities. It is great to have Orrin Feddes on staff as our new Stu-

dent Intern in Youth Ministry. Orrin will be helping us develop our programs for children and youth. A pro-

file introducing Orrin and his wife Emily can be seen inside on page 3. Orrin has a fun personality and deep

faith that bodes well with people of all ages.

I would invite you to get involved by joining a Bible study group, volunteering with our Sunday

school or youth ministry program, or helping out around the church. We have a place

for you to become involved. I hope you will join us this fall to grow and develop

your faith.

Looking Forward,

Dave

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Session Notes/Finance/Church Mice

2

Events/ Personal Notes

3

Mission & Notices 4

Birthday/Calendar for July

5

PW/Memory Jog-gers for July

6

Birthdays/Calendar for August

7

Memory Joggers for August

8

Coming Attractions:

Worship Time Change will take place on Sunday, September 8. Our Ministry Fair will

be held at 9:15 AM in the fellowship hall and worship will follow at 10:30 AM.

Sunday school for all ages will resume on Sunday, September 15 at 9:15 AM. In addi-

tion, we will be offering a new Sunday Kidzzone during worship beginning on September

15. Children ages preschool through 5th grade will be given the opportunity to leave after

the Children’s Time to go to a special class for age appropriate leaning activities. Volun-

teers are needed to help staff this new program. If interested in helping, please talk with

either Orrin Feddes or Heidi Duncan.

Picture Directory: Our church will be taking a new picture directory October 16-19.

You can schedule your appointment by contacting the church office, using the link on our

website at www.fpcbillings.org, or signing up on Sunday mornings. We hope that every-

one will participate. The directory pictures are free and by coming you will receive a free

8 x 10 photograph. Appointments are now being taken.

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P a g e 2

Office Hours: Mon—Fri 8:30 am— 4 pm 406-252-3434 [email protected] www.fpcbillings.org Summer Worship @ 9:30 Beginning Sept. 8 @ 10:30 STAFF Pastor:

The Rev. Dave Thompson

Office Manager:

Jeanne Thompson-Raney

Maintenance Supervisor:

Craig Berens

Music Director:

Denise Finn

Music Accompanist:

Bev Wornom

Nursery Attendant:

Catherine Kenney

SESSION MEMBERS Clerk of Session: Marlene Spencer 252-5027

Class of 2014 Carol Harr 656-3168 Janet Kline 652-6374 Gary Lohnbakken 656-2046 Bill Lorentz 656-8163

Class of 2015 Kathy Baskett 544-9857 Sharon Brady 655-9046 Marv Brown 256-0257 Jeff Gruizenga 850-3697

Class of 2016 Samantha Cormier 245-9497 Heidi Duncan 252-2373 Jenice Fugere 252-9641 Michelle Reed 252-5316

SESSION MINUTES

Session Notes: At the stated meeting of the session on August 6th Orrin Feddes was present to be introduced to the whole group. It was later decided to hire him as a student intern for children and youth Ministry. A letter of retirement from Craig Berens as Maintenance supervisor was accepted. The members then voted to hire Kent Fellingham, owner of Mr. Meticulous Cleaning Service , as a contract worker as our church’s clean-ing service.

2013 Income Expense Net

August $ 36,493 $ 50,839 $ (14,346)

YTD 282,373 288,567 (6,194)

The higher expenses in August is due to landscap-

ing and building improvements that are being paid

from our church’s reserve funds.

AUGUST 2013

4th 144

11th 154

18th 154

25th 182

2013 August Average

158.5

2012 August Average

143

Flower Sponsorship Opportunities

Our flower sign-up sheet is located on the back table in the nar-

thex. We invite you to sign up for a particular Sunday to sponsor the

flowers either in honor or memory of someone or a special event such as

an anniversary, birthday, etc. Suggested donation is $25.

Special thanks to Lucile Weisbeck, Pat Clark, and Marlene Spen-

cer for donating flowers during the month of August.

The church mice have had to

scurry and scramble recently to

stay out of the way of the feet

and equipment of workers at the

church. Under the able leader-

ship of Jeff Gruizenga, the prop-

erty committee has had the

sanctuary painted and carpeted

and had beautiful landscaping

put in on the outside of the

building. Modifications have also

been made to the former nurs-

es' office for our new Christian

Education employee, Orrin Fed-

dis. Thank you very, very

much Property committee for

your hard work and dedication.

SAVE THE DATE!

On Tuesday, October 8, 2013 the United

Campus Ministry at MSU Billings will be

hosting our annual celebration of ministry.

We hope you will make plans to join us!

Join us for this special evening as we intro-

duce our new campus minister, and enjoy

favorite hymns sung by Kerry Gruizenga.

This evening will feature a savory meal and

outstanding auction items at The Highlands

Country Club.

Relay for Life Appreciation

Special thanks to those who participated on

our church’s Relay for Life team this past Ju-

ly. Over $2,000 was raised by our team mem-

bers. Team captains were Chris Eriksen and

Bob Culbertson. We plan to have another

team next year.

Church Women United “Help for the Homeless” When: Friday. Sept . 6, 2013 Time: 12 PM Where: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1108 24th Street West, 656-1080 Please join us for fellowship and wor-ship and a POTLUCK!!

P a g e 7

Dear Dinners of Eight:

Fall is rapidly approaching. It’s time to do a little entertaining, whether it’s in the home of an outing, but make it easy.

I know I missed the July news letter, but I do not know they were combining it with August. I am aware this has been

a busy time for most of us.

If you find that you cannot host, give someone on your team a call and see if they can do it. There are times that you

just cannot host an event, but someone else may be happy to do it, give them a chance. The Host(s) (first name in

cell) picks a couple of dates during the subject Month that is convenient for you and calls your guests. If you are

short of guests, fill in the spaces with new faces with substitutes listed below or anyone not involved in dinners of

eight (don’t forget new members or older members). Let your guests know when and where to come and what side

dish or beverage to bring if any. (If you do not hear from your host call them.)

This is a very flexible program. Any activities to accompany or follow your dinner are up to you. Even the dinner for-

mat can be modified to a brunch or whatever creative ideas you come up with including eating out. Enjoy your din-

ners! If there are any questions or problems, etc., please notify Pat Hastings immediately at 696-0281 or

[email protected] (be sure to title it Dinners of Eight). Please note any new names on the list or changes. Also, if

you have a change in your email please let me know. I am getting some back.

Hogue Jim Biff 259-9114 Hastings Mike Pat 656-0072

Taubert Carlene Mark Parker 698-2205 Kline Russ Janet 652-6374

Lohnbakken Gary Judy 656-2046 Gore Pam 694-6381

Klovstad Howard Sharon 254-2011 Lorentz Megan 855-5427

Albin Jo 656-5600 Dayton Bob Shari 256-3130

Spring BeBe 252-7898 Muir Bob Barbara 256-6099

Mercer-Wallace Jody 656-4150 Wiens Greg Deb 652-1889

Stewart John Susan 652-3637 Lorentz Bill Colleen 656-8163

Hammermeister Lewis 252-8963

Drummond Tom Ruth 656-5977 Montville Chris Michelle 281-4466

Morrow Beth 656-2292 Brown Phyllis 652-3727

Brady Sharon 655-9046 Brown Marvin Janet 256-0257

Erskine Tom 656-4969 Ascheman Jason Meghan 259-1336

Spencer Marlene 252-5027 Fugere Jenice 252-9641

Riggs Thelma 658-0898

Reinecke Eleanor 248-8293

Swanson Jerry Colleen 656-8104 Converse Margaret 259-2354

Myhre Ralph Jane 652-9172 Leggate Chas Cindy 896-0686

Culbertson Bob Cathy 655-7826 Repka* Sarah 238-0092

Eichenberger Ken Barbara 248-8563 Thompson Dave Vicki 252-2562

Jones Kay JoAnn 652-3185

Reed Don Michelle 252-5316

PS. If you are inerested please call me or email me at the above numbers. Also, If you wanted to be readjusted for this year and I

forgot to do it let me know and I will try to make arrangements with your team. Things kind of got really busy. Thanks

Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy

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P a g e 6

We are about to start our new Bible study when our circles meet again the third week in September. New mem-

bers are always welcome. This year we are studying Exodus and Deuteronomy in a study called:

An Abiding Hope The Presence of God

Chapter 1 is called “Five Who Defied”. It tells how in Exodus 1, the pharaoh is concerned about the Hebrews

growing too numerous; he required the killing of all Hebrew male babies. The Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah,

Moses’ mother and sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter risk their lives to defy his order. We will have our annual Thank Of-

fering Luncheon on October 2 at noon in the Fellowship Hall. All women are welcome. We look forward to spending

time with old friends and new in fellowship, study, and prayer.

Presbyterian Women News

Special seminars to be held at Eagle Rock this fall Eagle Rock Sanctuary for Spiritual Renewal will be offering three different one day worships this fall to help people deep-

en their faith. Led by the Rev. Jim Bell these workshops will be held on Saturdays from 8:30 AM—3 PM at Eagle Rock Sanctu-

ary near Lockwood. The cost for each workshop is only $5, which covers the cost of lunch. The seminar schedule is

Saturday, September 21: Prayer– This seminar will look at Biblical references to prayer and will discuss praying in public

and in private. Discussion about creating spaces and time will prayer will be given. Deadline is Sept. 14.

Saturday, October 19: The Gospel of John– This seminar will look at the unique aspects of this Gospel including the pro-

logue, the seven “signs,” the 14th chapter, the Last Supper, and the resurrection. Registration deadline is Oct. 12.

Saturday, November 9: Advent Gospel Lectionary Passages from Matthew– This seminar will explore four passages from

Matthew that relate to Jesus birth and second coming. Registration deadline is Nov. 2

To register for any of these seminars please contact Jim Bell at 628-2524 or [email protected]

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 9:30 Worship Communion served Food Bank Sunday

2

HOLIDAY Office Closed for

Labor Day

3 10 Staff Meeting 7 CE Meeting

4 9 Mission Com. 11 Grief Group 7 Choir Practice Resumes

5

6

7 10 MT Celiac Society Meet-ing

8 9:15 Ministry Fair 10:30 Worship (note time change) 11 West Park Wor-ship

9 6:30 Men’s 10 Worship Com. 1 PM Deacons 6 BCCA Fellow-ship Hall/Kitchen

10 9:30 Women's Bible Study 12:30 Finance Com-mittee Mtg. 7 Session & Founda-tion Meetings

11 9-11 BSF Leaders 10 Staff Meeting 6 Deborah Circle 7 Choir Practice

12 9-11 BSF Re-sumes 4:30 PM Stephen Ministry Supervi-sion

13

14

15 9:15 Sunday School Resumes 10:30 Worship 11:30 WP worship 6:00 Travel Partner Banquet

16 6:30 Men's Bible Study

17 9:30 Women's Bible Study

18 Dave in Bozeman 9-11 BSF Leaders 10 Staff Meeting 6 Deborah Circle 6 Youth Group 7 Choir Practice

19 9-11 BSF 5-8 Benefit for Dwaine Ritter (Scotty McLeod’s Son in Law)

20

Newsletter Submission

Deadline!

21

8:30-3 Eagle Rock Sanctu-ary Seminar on Prayer with Jim Bell

22 9:15 SS 9:15 Newcomers Breakfast 10:30 Worship 11 WP Worship

23 6:30 Men's Bible Study

24 9:30 Women's Bible Study

25 9-11 BSF Leaders 10 Staff Meeting 6 Deborah Circle 6 Youth Group 7 Choir Practice

26 9-11 BSF 9:30 Presbytery Cabinet Meeting 4:30 Stephen Min. Supervision

27 10 Mission Mtg with George Goodrich

28

29 9:15 Sunday sch. 10:30 Worship 11 WP Worship 11:30 Mission Meet and Eat

30 6:30 Men's Bible Study

P a g e 3

Youth News

Youth group resumes on Wednesday, September 18 for all middle and high school students. Join us

on Wednesday evening beginning at 6 PM for supper, followed by a game, music, and leaning opportunities.

Friends are always invited to attend. We are in need of volunteers to help prepare and serve the meals on

Wednesday evenings. A sign up sheet will be available at the Youth Ministry table at the Ministry Fair on

September 8. To help volunteer in the kitchen, please contact either Teri Pattee or Sandi Schoenberger

Our special Travel Partner Banquet will be served on Sunday, September 15 at 6 PM in the fellow-

ship hall. This dinner is to recognize the 50+ individuals and families who helped sponsor our youth trip to

Indiana this summer. A nice dinner will be served as we express our thanks for your support of our trip. To

rsvp, please contact Pastor Dave at [email protected] or 696-4913.

We welcome Orrin Feddes to our church staff

Fun, energetic, mature, Christ-centered, outgoing, and organized-- these are some

of the attributes people have said about Orrin.

I am excited to introduce Orrin and Emily Feddes to you. Orrin has been hired to

work as our new Student Intern in Youth Ministry. He will primarily work with the chil-

dren and youth ministry programs of our church as his finishes his last year of college.

Orrin will graduate with a degree in Christian Studies from Yellowstone Christian Col-

lege next May. He brings a lot of experience, energy, and creativity to this position. Or-

rin will work with us part-time until his graduation, with the hopes of having him work

full time after that.

Orrin and Emily have been married for just over a year and have a heart for serving God and the

church community. They love working with people of all ages, helping develop faith and encouraging peo-

ple along their spiritual journeys. Emily works as a Special Events Coordinator for the Holiday Inn.

Orrin’s office is located in the former Parish Nurses’ office, across from the playground door. He

will work 20 hours a week and his job will primarily center around our Wednesday night youth activities and

our Sunday school program.

You might have seen Orrin at Red Robin as he has been working there as a waiter. He can be

reached by phone or text at 697-0994 or by e-mail at [email protected].

We will have a reception following worship on Sunday, September 15 as we welcome Orrin and

Emily to our congregation. I hope that you will be able to join us for that special time.

Church hires new custodian

Kent Fellingham, owner of Mr. Meticulous Cleaning Service, has been hired as the new custodian of

our church. Kent has had a number of years of experiences cleaning various businesses and homes in the

Billings area. Kent and his wife have three young children. He is always willing to help where needed, so if

you have a special request, please don’t hesitate to ask. Kent will be working part-time with us.

Church and Society Schedule for September SEPTEMBER 15: Pastor Dave Thompson, "The State of the Church.” Pastor Dave will give an update on

the summer programs and share what is on the horizon for our church. He will be introducing our new Stu-

dent Intern in Youth Ministry, Orrin Feddes, who will be directing our childrens' and youth ministries.

SEPTEMBER 22: Dr. Alan Muskett, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, "Pizza or Prayer.” He will offer

reflections on life, health, and medicine with a hearty dose of humor and poignancy. Author of “Mostly

True,” he also writes for the Billings Gazette.

SEPTEMBER 29: Dr. Ala'a Muslimani, Oncologist, Billings Clinic. A native of Syria, Dr. Muslimani will

discuss his country's history, religions, politics, and thoughts on the recent uprisings.

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P a g e 4

The Mission Committee is very busy as we look at the rest of this year and on into the future.

We would like to thank Eleanor from the bottom of our hearts for all of the time and love she has given to IHN.

She has officially retired. The new co-ordinators are Marv and Janet Brown and Chris Ericksen. Thank you Marv,

Janet, and Chris for volunteering.

Be sure to look for the Mission table at the Ministry Fair on September 8. We would love to have you join

our committee and help us find ways to help God’s children around the world.

We will again be having Time and Talent. We will pass out $10 seed money for your projects on Septem-

ber 8. Time and Talent Fair will be on November 10 on Stewardship Sunday. This year all proceeds will go to the

Habitat for Humanity house that we are going to work on next Spring.

We had a small group for the CROP Walk. We will be hosting this event again next year and will hopeful-

ly have more people join us. CROP is an acronym for Communities Responding to Overwhelming Poverty. Our

next Noisy Offering will be on September 29. The offering will go to the Gideons. A representative of the organi-

zation will speak briefly in worship that morning to explain their work. We will have Meet and Eat on September

29 also. Our Relay For Life raised about $1400 this year. Hooray and thank you. Thank you for your prayers and

ideas as we seek to do God’s work.

Alzheimer’s Walk coming in September This year’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s is being held on Sunday, Septem-

ber 22nd at Zoo Montana. Registration can be done anytime before and up to the day of

the event. Registration begins at 1pm, and the walk starts at 2pm. Registered partici-

pants may walk the zoo grounds and view animals after the event free of charge! You

can register anytime at http://act.alz.org, please click on Walk to End Alzheimer’s and locate the Billings city walk

using the search feature. You can start your own team, register as an individual walker, or join our First Presby-

terian Church’s team.

This is the Alzheimer’s Association of Billings largest fundraiser, and we welcome any donations! You

can donate independently or donate on behalf of the First Presbyterian Church team. If you have any questions

please refer to the website, or call the Alzheimer’s Association, at 1-800-272-3900, or Jeremiah O’Neill at 1-406-

272-2193, and leave a message and your call will be returned at the soonest opportunity. Thank you so much for

your support, and we’ll see you there!

Mission News

Stephen Ministry Update Stephen Ministry is bringing Christ's healing love to those who are hurting - and the results are life-

changing. Here are comments from some care receivers: "After having had a Stephen Minister, my life is unbe-

lievably different. I feel connected with God in a way I never felt before." "My Stephen Minister would show up

and be there for me. He was everything I ever thought a loving God would be. I'll be forever grateful that I had a

Stephen Minister." Please contact Pastor Dave or Joann Jones if you (or someone you know) could benefit from a

Stephen Minister. Stop by our table at the Ministry Fair on September 8! We look forward to seeing you there!

Grief support group continues every month A grief support group within our church continues to meet the first Wednesday of each month from 11-12

noon in the fireside room. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 5 at 11 AM. This new group is

open to anyone in the church or community who is experiencing grief. Facilitated by Dr. Don Harr, this group

will provide support and help to those facing grief.

Community Block Party Appreciation Thanks to all of you who helped at our block party this past Wednesday. We had a great time with food, games,

and music. Lots of you helped with set up, serving, and clean up for which we are very appreciative!! Special

thanks to Bill Dimich and Pepsi for donating the pop and water and to Jack Bell for providing the music.

P a g e 5

Foundation receives generous gift from the estate of Virginia Cox

The Foundation of our church recently received a gift of just over $32,000 from the estate of Virgin-

ia Cox. Virginia had set this money aside for the future use of our congregation. The Foundation gives a

percentage of its funds every year to the General Fund of our congregation for the operation and mission of

our congregation. Gifts to the foundation can me made by contacting Bill Dimich, foundation chair, or Pas-

tor Dave.

We wish to thank the family of Virginia Cox for this generous donation. We will use it to continue

to build the ministry of our congregation as we reach out those in our community and beyond.

On a Personal Note

We extend our condolences to Pat Clark and her family on the recent death of her husband Ted. His fu-

neral was held in our church on Thursday, August 22.

We share our condolences with John and Mary Quandt on the recent death of John’s mother.

Craig Berens, our church’s long time Maintenance Supervisor, has retired. A reception was held after

worship on Sunday, August 25 to thank Craig for his 21 years of work with our congregation.

Congratulations to Scott Kunn and Annette Lane who were married in our church on August 10. Scott

is the son of Earl Kunn. Scott and Annette recently moved back to Billings.

Alice Prescott has moved to Liggete Cottage, located on the campus of St. Johns, after being hospital-

ized in Billings.

Special thanks to Ken and Barbara Eichenberger who donated their Bridge Marathon winnings to the

church. The $80 donation was given to purchase items that our church will use to host Interfaith Hospi-

tality Network (IHN) families. Thanks Ken and Barbara for this special donation.

September Birthdays 1 Mara Duncan 5 Jordan Schaubel 6 Cathie Bell Kathy Butler Sara Thompson Barbara Nelson 7 Robert Anacker Hunter Skov 8 Andrew Letson Jacob Schoenberger 9 Elise Keenum 11 Michael Johnson 12 Mary Grabow

Sarah Luse 13 Tiffany Bell 14 Ellen Ward 15 Tom Davis 16 Emily Fangmeier Robin Bauer 18 Kallie Nagel Barbara Rice Lila Spring 19 Lois Maris Diane Noddings 20 Ruth Drummond Howard Klovstad 21 Mary Ann Canan

22 Greg Wiens 23 John Stewart 27 Heather Leggate Laura Bauer 30 Helen Hall Anniversaries 2 Dave & Judy Nusbaum 3 Jeff & Kerry Gruizenga Nick & Nikki Schaubel 7 Mike & Margaret Hofacker 13 Dan & Lou Ferguson 20 John & Debbie Oliver

Deborah Circle resumes on Wednesday, September 11 at 6 PM

A women’s Bible study, designed especially for working women, will begin on Wednesday, Sep-

tember 11 at 6 PM in the Church and Society Room. Facilitated by Kerry Gruizenga, this groups meets

every Wednesday from 6-7 PM for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. For more in formation about this

group, Kerry can be reached at 850-3697.


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