First Presbyterian Church 115 - 6th Ave. NW P.O. Box 188 Independence, Iowa 50644

Come and See

!

- John 1:46

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Independence, Iowa 50644

Permit No. 128

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

Phone: 319-334-3523

Fax: 319-334-4134

Email: fpcoffice@indytel.com Website: fpcindependence.com

GOOD FRIDAY?

At first glance, Good Friday appears to be a misnomer. It

seems inconsistent that the day of Christ’s crucifixion should in any way be described as “good.” But

that seeming inconsistency vanishes when we understand that the ancient meaning of good was “holy.” The word holy is entirely consistent with the suffering and cross that Christ endured for us. Hence, Good Friday is also known

as Holy Friday.

2222 All in the FamilyAll in the FamilyAll in the FamilyAll in the Family

3333 Member SpotlightMember SpotlightMember SpotlightMember Spotlight

4444 Mark Your CalendarMark Your CalendarMark Your CalendarMark Your Calendar

5555 Community LifeCommunity LifeCommunity LifeCommunity Life

6666 Kids ActivitiesKids ActivitiesKids ActivitiesKids Activities

7777 April CalendarApril CalendarApril CalendarApril Calendar

8888 April Worship April Worship April Worship April Worship SSSScccchhhheeeedddduuuulllleeee////BBBBiiiirrrrtttthhhhddddaaaayyyyssss//// AnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversaries

9999 Bible Quiz/Recipe/PWBible Quiz/Recipe/PWBible Quiz/Recipe/PWBible Quiz/Recipe/PW

10101010 8th Grade Girls8th Grade Girls8th Grade Girls8th Grade Girls

11111111 Youth PageYouth PageYouth PageYouth Page

KERYGMA

A trivia question: If, after the Presidential election, no candidate would have a majority of the electoral votes, how would the President be determined?

Trivia: unimportant matters; a quizzing game involving obscure facts. So when is trivia not trivial? When it raises money for a good cause.

On March 28th our church hosted our second Trivia Night. We charged $5 per person and we raised $350 for our HOT (Help Our Teachers) program. HOT will assist classroom teachers in our school district to obtain necessary supplies. With the strain on school budgets we know teachers are tempted to use their own resources to purchase supplies. HOT helps ease the budget strain, both for the schools and our teachers. Our first Trivia Night raised $397 for Haiti relief efforts. But beyond the raising of money for good causes Trivia Night is just plain fun.

In our lives we tend to focus on big things. In truth, we need to get the little things right. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” As followers of Jesus we know that the little we do, coupled with the little others do, along with the blessing of God can accomplish a lot. More than that, our faithfulness with little things will lead to greater things. It may seem trivial. But it’s not.

As followers of Jesus we are to care about the unimportant people. We care about obscure things. We do that because Jesus did that. We serve a God that knows the number of hairs on a person’s head. (For some of us that is getting easier.) God cares about the details of our lives. The seemingly trivial things. God calls us to do the same.

Helping teachers. Supporting relief work in Haiti. In the grand scheme of things it may seem trivial. But it all matters. It all adds up. And the God who entrusts us with doing little things can make great things happen with what we are willing to do and give.

Do you know the answer to the trivia question above? The answer is: by the vote of the House of Representatives.

It’s wonderful to get the big things right. But it’s being faithful in the little things, the seemingly trivial things, that moves us farther on.

Pastor John

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Rev. John HougenRev. John HougenRev. John HougenRev. John Hougen Home: (319) 334-5175

Email: pastorjohn@indytel.com

Church OfficeChurch OfficeChurch OfficeChurch Office Phone: (319) 334-3523

Fax: (319) 334-4134

Office: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday

Website www.fpcindependence.com

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Mark Geertsma Christian Education Director

Janet Harms Youth Ministry Coordinator

Kathy Smith Secretary

Email: fpcoffice@indytel.com

George Hemmer Custodian

• Holy Week, March 28-April 3rd • Maundy/Holy Thursday, April 1st • Good Friday, April 2nd

• Holy Saturday, April 3rd • Easter Day, April 4th • Administrative Prof. Day, April 21st

APRIL 2010 P AGE 2

Our Military PersonnelOur Military PersonnelOur Military PersonnelOur Military Personnel

Jerome BowdenJerome BowdenJerome BowdenJerome Bowden - Jerome is undergoing

cancer treatment.

Jeannie NeeleyJeannie NeeleyJeannie NeeleyJeannie Neeley - Please continue to pray

for Jeannie as she battles cancer. She is

now under Hospice Care.

Mae KroegerMae KroegerMae KroegerMae Kroeger - Mae had hip surgery.

Deb WeisDeb WeisDeb WeisDeb Weis - Deb has been diagnosed with

cancer.

Ione AitchisonIone AitchisonIone AitchisonIone Aitchison - Ione is at West Village

Care Center.

Rick FiesterRick FiesterRick FiesterRick Fiester - Rick has been transferred to

BCHC.

Gene WestGene WestGene WestGene West - Gene is at UIHC Hospital.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all A HUGE THANK YOU to all A HUGE THANK YOU to all A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who helped make the those who helped make the those who helped make the those who helped make the Lenten Lunch a Success, we Lenten Lunch a Success, we Lenten Lunch a Success, we Lenten Lunch a Success, we received many favorable received many favorable received many favorable received many favorable c ommen t s f r om o u r c ommen t s f r om o u r c ommen t s f r om o u r c ommen t s f r om o u r guests.guests.guests.guests. A Special Thank You A Special Thank You A Special Thank You A Special Thank You to the Fidelity Circle, you all to the Fidelity Circle, you all to the Fidelity Circle, you all to the Fidelity Circle, you all

made my duties a Great deal easier.made my duties a Great deal easier.made my duties a Great deal easier.made my duties a Great deal easier.

Thanks a Bunch, Thanks a Bunch, Thanks a Bunch, Thanks a Bunch, Ruth Liscum Ruth Liscum Ruth Liscum Ruth Liscum

Relay For Life of Buchanan County,

I would like to make a special invitation to all of our church members and families to think about joining our teams this year. We have been blessed to have two teams, Presbyterian Walkers #1 & #2.

I think we all know of the research that is being done with monies raised from Relay For Life events all over the United States each year. In 1960, the survival rate for all cancers was around 40%, today the survival rate is over 65%. The fight goes on. If you have ever thought about what you can do to help in this fight, now is the time. When I think about the young people that we have lost right here in our area, I wonder what more we can do. We need your help!!

Don Mumm, Team Captain

Reservations call Donna at 334-4990 Free Childcare Available

“Where Did I Put That?” - Brunch $7.75

Feature: Organized For You by Jessica Crouch Music: Vocal by Bonnie Nelson Speaker: Jan Smith from Olathe, KS

“Getting In Touch With the Perfect Designer”

You and your friends are invited To INDEPENDENCE, IOWA WOMEN’S CONNECTION!

Friday, April 16th, 9:30 a.m. Independence Pizza Ranch

NEW TELEPHONE PRAYER CHAIN

If you are interested in participating in the new

telephone prayer chain, please

sign up in the Friendship Room

or call the church at 319-334-

3523.

KERYGMA P AGE 11

4/11: Kyle, Justin, Mickey,

& Hannah

HSF CALENDARHSF CALENDARHSF CALENDARHSF CALENDAR:

4/04: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

4/11: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

4/18: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

4/25: HSF 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Youth Highlights in March March 7 – Drama night! Like your Oreo cookies? Well that was the theme for drama night as the several groups each performed a skit about Oreos. We certainly have a lot of characters in this group.

March 14 – Game night. Thanks to Leah Geertsma who stepped in to lead for the night, everyone got to know each other better with a game that emphasized what everyone has in common.

March 21 – Business Before Pleasure night. The business was “pick up the church yard!” We found beverage cans, paper, car parts and an old pair of binoculars. It all went to the dump so we hope no one will miss any of that stuff. Then for pleasure we shared a few laughs during the game “Bippity Bippity Bop” and “Mafia Wars”.

A final note - We have been averaging attendance between 10 & 15 at each group activity!

MARCH 2010 P AGE 10

4/7: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. JEWELRY MAKING: bracelets and earrings this time, Kate brings the

bead supplies and snacks, you bring the creativity. If you finish early, feel free to bring your

favorite board games to share.

4/21: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. PARKS ‘N PIZZA: We will clean up one to two parks depending on

parent volunteer turn out and return for pizza in the youth room. Kate supplies bags, pizza,

and pop. You bring gloves if possible.

Spa Day was a big hit with the 8th

grade

girls’ group. Eighteen girls attended. The

whole group focused on inner

rejuvenation first with a yoga session

and a guided prayer meditation together

before breaking off to do journaling and

art by themselves. After that, they

focused on their outer selves. Several

centers were set up to allow them to

explore back massage, foot baths, nail

polish, facials, and healthy foods.

Earlier this winter the group enjoyed

activities such as a sledding party at

Kate’s house, filling the operation back

packs, and a skit day. This spring they look

forward to cleaning parks, offering a spa

night to their moms and having an end of

the year water fight night. This ministry to

the community is run by Kate Barloon and

currently supported entirely by a grant

from the Eastern Iowa Presbytery. It offers

two activities a month usually after school

on Wednesdays and has an average

attendance of about 15 kids per activity.

KERYGMA P AGE 3

It was so nice and surprising to be asked to be

member of the month. For those of you who

don't know, I am Mari Butler. My parents are

John Butler, who works at Pinicon Ford, and

Cathy Butler, who teaches English at the high

school. My sister, Hannah, is a sophomore in

high school. My Grandparents are Don and

Bette Butler, who have been members of this

church for around 40 years. I was born in

Waterloo, and have lived all my life in

Independence.

Growing up, I loved to play with my sister. We

played with Barbies, with sidewalk chalk, we

painted, and played at the park. We still enjoy

doing activities together today, like playing

tennis and singing. In high school I have

excelled in many different activities including

tennis, jazz band, marching band, concert

band, choir, musical, and speech. I play the

oboe for concert band, the piano for jazz band,

and play in the pit/drumline for marching

band. Since I love music, I've worked hard during my high school career. I made All-

State Choir my junior and senior year of school. A fun experience this year was being

able to sing a lead part with my sister in the musical. I'm sure some of you have heard

me sing in church. I just love music!

One joy in my life has been youth group at the Presbyterian Church. I went on two

youth trips with Jodi Behan, one to Ames and one to Peoria, IL. The time I spent with

Jodi is a cherished part of my life. I also enjoyed working in Cedar Rapids with Kate

Barloon for the flood relief effort. I am so glad youth group is a place I know I can go

where people will accept and love me. Our current youth leader, Janet Harms, makes

me feel like I have a second mother. Everyone is nice and we can all just be ourselves

and have a good time when we are at youth group. I also like to spend time singing in

the church choir, working in the nursery, and teaching children's music.

After I graduate this year, I plan to attend Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

MARCH 2010 P AGE 4

DEADLINE:

Newsletter articles must be submitted

to the church office by Wednesday,

April 21st to be printed in the May

Newsletter.

The Feinstein Foundation Challenge continues. This is the 13th year that Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide $1 million among non-profit agencies throughout the country helping fight hunger. The food and funds donated from now through April 30th will contribute to our Pantry earning some of the Foundations $1 million.

All cash, checks, pledges and food items donated through April 30th will be reported to the Feinstein Foundation before May 12, 2010. The more that is donated to the Independence Area Food Pantry - the more money we will receive from the Feinstein Foundation.

Donations can include cash, checks, pledges, and food items. The food items will be valued at $1 per item or pound. All record keeping will start March 1st so PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY TO THE INDEPENDENCE AREA FOOD PANTRY!!!!

Thank you, Frankie Bowden, Director of Independence Area Food Pantry

Tickets are $7 each or $12 for two in advance, $8 at the door and kids 11 & under $4. Proceeds will go to the In-dependence Area Food Pantry, the Ministerial Association’s One Another Program, and Operation Family Pack.

P AGE 9 KERYGMA

Presbyterian Women will meet Tuesday, April 6th at 9:30 a.m. at the church. The Hostess will be Shirlee Rathbun. The Bible Study for April is Lesson #7 - “God’s Concern for Justice - The City of Refuge” from Joshua 20 and 21 with all participating.

Spring Workshops held on Saturday, April 15th in Washington, Iowa.

Quilters meet this month on April 13 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to noon with a potluck immediately following.

Thank you to all who helped make our Lenten Luncheon so successful.

Overnight Casserole - Served at Lenten Lunch

1 can cream of chicken soup 3 cups chicken, turkey or ham cubed 1 can cream of celery soup 1-8 ounce can water chestnuts (drained) 2 cups milk 1-16 ounce bag frozen vegetables 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 pound shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) Mix all ingredients together, place in 9X13 pan. Place in refrigerator overnight. Topping (optional)-Add to casserole just before baking 2 cups corn flakes 2 tablespoons melted margarine Crush corn flakes, mix with melted margarine, sprinkle over casserole Bake at 350 degrees for about I hour until hot and bubbly.

When John was exiled to the island of Patmos, he wrote the

book of Revelation. In the first chapter, verse 10, John says he

was in the spirit on the Lord’s day (Sunday) and had a vision of

someone he called the Son of Man (meaning

Christ). Christ was dressed in a long robe with

something draped across his chest. What was it?

A. A golden sash

B. A towel

C. A ribbon with a cross sewn on it

D. A palm leaf

MARCH 2010 P AGE 8

Ushers: Co-Head Ushers: Roger Bahr, Don Mumm

4, 18, 25: Jim & Sally Peters, Ryan & Joni Ruffcorn 11: Kyle Harms, Justin Hougen, Michaela Geertsma, Hannah Butler

Elder Greeters:

April: John Butler, Eric Smith

Greeters:

4: Testrake Family 11: Van Buren Family 18: Bob & Cheryl Hanna 25: Martin Family

Children’s Sermons:

4: Youth 11: Lynda Fiester 18: Janet Harms 25: Melody Malek

Nursery:

4: Mari Butler, Brynn Martin 11: Olivia Kaiser, Avri Ruffcorn 18: Michaela Geertsma, Brian Smith 25: Hannah Butler, Chloe Kaiser

Flowers:

4: Easter - Lilies 11: Anonymous 18: Norm & Norma DeJong in Memory of Our Parents 25: Dorothy Malek in Memory of Loved Ones

Bulletins:

4: Sue Stilwell in Honor of Her Grandchildren 11: Jon & Kim Testrake 18: Don & Carole Mumm 25: Frankie Bowden

Fellowship Time:

4: Howard Miller In Honor of His Wife, Betty 11: ________________________________ 18: ________________________________ 25: ________________________________

Coffee Preparation/Clean Up: 4: Frankie Bowden, Margaret Ownby 11: Wayne & Sondra Seward 18: Jon & Kim Testrake 25: Lonny & Tammy Bathen

5 Dorothy Burkhart

7 Frankie Bowden

9 Paul Johnson

11 Leah Hood

Ray Temeyer

15 Kelly Johnson

Jena Siglin

16 Betty Temeyer

18 Juan Rodriguez

19 Leonard McClenathan

Logan Bevans

20 Lauren Rathbun

21 Keri Rodriguez

23 John Klotzbach

24 Nathan Rechkemmer

25 Maxine Maynard

26 Phyllis Blakesley

Charles Handy

Justin Hougen

30 Tosha Auer

Jennifer Bahr

Joni Ruffcorn

9 Carroll & Marian Conklin

20 Robbie & Marta Rouse

29 Jim & Carol Kelley

If we missed your birthday

or anniversary, please

contact the church office at

334-3523.

P AGE 5 KERYGMA

This is a busy time for the Community Life. The Community Dinner and Silent Auction will be Wednesday, April 28th,

with the proceeds benefitting the Independence Area Food Pantry, One Another, and the Operation Family Pack. We

need volunteers to help serve the meal. Also, if you have anything to donate to the silent action, please contact Eric

Smith.

HOT (Help Our Teachers) is going strong. The HOT bulletin board has been picked clean. We have re-stocked it with

more office supply needs, this time for the Early Childhood Center. The school district, in recognizing the PW for their

$200 donation of office supplies to West Elementary, appreciates our support. When you fill a need, please bring the

slip of paper back with the item. Like the Adopt-a-Family project, it helps us get the item to the teacher.

Teachers and other staff for the area schools, please keep your needs rolling in. Give the needs to church office or Eric

Smith and we will see that they get on the bulletin board.

As you have heard, the school district will move teachers and grades between buildings this summer. One key resource

that must move is the libraries. Not too many years ago, our community moved the public library to its new facility.

Now, the school district must move books between the four buildings. We want to help Judy Olsen pack, move, and

re-shelve the books in preparation for the new grade locations. The work will begin prior to the end of the school year.

I hope that you will be available to help Judy get the libraries moved. Watch the church bulletin and newsletters for

further details.

All this work and we are still packing backpacks of food. Wow, there is a lot of good stuff going on to support our

community.

Eric B. Smith

Chair, Community Life Committee

Remember the "Reverse the Arrow" campaign from a couple of years ago? The idea was for churches to determine how they could impact their communities to the degree that if for some reason they ceased to exist, their presence would be missed. First Presbyterian Church of Independence took that message to heart and was recently recognized for two of its community

projects.

The HOT (Help Our Teachers) program received the Friends of Education award by the local School Board. In response to

declining school budgets, the church solicits "grocery" lists from teachers for supplies they need and often end up purchasing out of their own pockets. The Presbyterian Women's group from FPC started the program with a $200 donation. Shown receiving the award from the school principal are Lynda Fiester (left) and Ruth Liscum (right).

Operation Family Pack was recognized by the Independence Chamber of Commerce as its 2009 Project of the Year. This program is operated in conjunction with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the Independence

School District. Every other week food is received at the church from the Food Bank and assembled by volunteers from the church and the community. Currently about 160 students take home a bag of food every week that is shelf stable, kid friendly, and healthy. Shown receiving the award are Randy Blin (member of the Community Life

Committee), Barbara Prather (Director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank), Jon Holland (Operation Family Pack Coordinator) and Rev. John Hougen.

MARCH 2010 P AGE 6

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

6:00 Potluck Supper

7:00 Tenebrae Service

2

5:30-7pm Silent

Communion

3

4

9:30 Worship (Communion)

10:30 Fellowship Time

5

3:30-5:30

Art & French

6

9:30 Fidelity

Circle

7:00 Ladies

Musical

Meeting

7

5:00 OBP Assembly

(Athletic Boosters)

6:15 Bells

7:00 Choir

8

9

10

11

9:30 Worship

10:30 Fellowship Time

6:30 HSF

12

3:30-5:30

Art & French

13

9:00 PW Quilters

& Potluck

14

5-7 Committee Night

6:15 Bells

7:00 Choir

15

16

17

10-2

Camp

Wyoming

Open House

18

9:30 Worship

10:30 Fellowship Time

10:45 Sunday School

2:00 Ladies Musical

6:30 HSF

19

3:30-5:30

Art & French

20

21

1:30 Operation Backpack

3:30 8th Grade Girls

6:15 Bells

7:00 Choir

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

22

23

24

25

9:30 Worship

10:30 Fellowship Time

10:45 Sunday School

2:00 Eagle Scout Award Ceremony

6:30 HSF

26

3:30-5:30

Art & French

27

9:00 PW Quilters

& Potluck

28

5-7 Community Dinner

& Silent Auction

7:00 Worship Team

29

30

115 6th Ave. N

W

P. O

. Box 188

Independence, IA

50644

Phone: 334-3523

Fax: 334-4134

Email address:

fpcoffice@

indytel.com

Website:

www.fpcindependence.com