The Salt Shaker
D E C 2 0 1 6
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY REFLECTION
by Bill Serbousek, Nov. 6, 2016
Today is Stewardship Sunday. This is when we
request that you turn in your pledge cards which
helps guide us into the next year. But in addition,
our church members have pledged to share their
talents with all of us. They are trade skills, leader-
ship and teaching qualities, musical talents and
personal time that is donated to the church. We
say thank you to everyone for your personal
contributions. We are also blessed to be stable
with your financial donations. But the upcoming
year does create some challenges for us financial-
ly. But this church is known to accept the challeng-
es before them and overcome these hudles. Giving
is an expression of gratitude for what we have re-
ceived.
So, there is one subject that I have not addressed
in the past. It is the young people of this
church. They are the next generation that will con-
tinue the teachings of Jesus and spread the word of
God.
The following was written by a young farmer in
southern Iowa. With his permission, I want to ex-
press to you the meaning of a child in our church.
THE PRICE OF A CHILD
The government recently calculated the cost of
raising a child from birth to 18 at $255,000 for a
middle income family. That’s some sticker
shock! Keep in mind that doesn’t include college.
But it’s not so bad if you break it down.
$13,900 a year $1,160 a month
$38.50 per day
And only $1.60 per hour
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEAR ELY
11100 Spanish Road, Ely, Iowa 52227
319-848-4624 elypres.org
So what do you get for $255,000?
Naming Rights
You get glimpses of God everyday
You get giggles under the covers at night
You get more love than a heart can hold
You get a hand to hold that is covered in jelly
You get a partner for blowing bubbles
You get someone to laugh with after a bad day
For $255,000 you don’t have to grow up.
You get to:
Finger Paint
Play with Play-Doh
Go Hide and Seek
Catch lighting bugs
Go to a Disney movie
You get to frame rainbows, hearts and flowers under
refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle
wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for
Mother’s Day and cards with backwards letters for
Father’s Day.
For $255,000 you get to be a hero:
Taking training wheels off of bikes
First words
First day of Kindergarten
First date
First time behind the wheel
You get to be immortal. You get another branch add-
ed to the family tree, and if you are really lucky, a long
list of limbs called grandchildren and great grandchil-
dren. You get an education in psychology, nursing,
criminal justice, and communication that no college
can teach.
In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo,
scare away the monsters under the bed, and patch a
broken heart. You can ground them for life, but you
will love them forever.
So… like you, one day they will love without counting
the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!
They are the future of our church.
Thank you, Bill Serbousek
P A G E 2
Pledges for 2017
As of 11/29/2016, 29 pledges for 2017 were made
for a total of $75,076 plus an additional $1,428 for
per capita. Thank you. A good start to the 2017
commitments. Please consider making a commit-
ment or increasing your current donations. 2017
cards are available at church, or a simple note to
Recording Secretary Judy Serbousek will help out
greatly. The Session’s goal is $96,296 for 2017
pledges. In 2016, the pledged amount was $83,290.
The $13,000 increase is to compensate for 2015
surplus of $13,000. Thank you.
Guatemala Goods
The Guatemalan hand-
crafts goods are coming
to church soon. Come
shop in fellowship hall at
church and know that
you are supporting “Sharing the Dream,” an organi-
zation that provides for two elementary schools,
scholarships for teens, and an elder center in Gua-
temala! Please see Jodie Chadima for more infor-
mation.
SESSION NOTES - Oct. 20, 2016
1. Attendance in September averaged 85.
Congregation membership 217
2. Treasurer’s report: at 75% of the year 73% of the
budget has been allocated. Contributions are
lower than expected.
3. Soup Supper report. 350 served. $3515 in supper
sales. $2178 kolach sales, $544 frozen soup
sales, $446 donations, and $1195 Country
store.
4. CROP Walk had 49 walkers. Sharon Methodist
Church joined in the walk this year.
5. Motion approved to issue mission checks to
Helping Hands, CR Soup Kitchen, Food Bank,
Food Pantry, and Diaconia in Czech Republic
6. Motion approved to replace electrical panels in
the church for $2600 out of the maintenance
fund.
7. Stewardship materials will be shared in Novem-
ber.
The next Session meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Hello from the Youth Group!
It is the most wonderful (and busy) time of the year!
In Youth Group, we are taking a break from curricu-
lum to focus on Advent, what Christmas means to
believers, and how we can go out into this world dur-
ing advent, and every day, sharing God’s love and the
good news of Jesus!
Thank you to all of our senior meal guests; Youth en-
joyed the honor of sharing a meal with all of you!
Very special thank yous to those adults who guided,
taught, supported and fed the youth: Joanne Chadima,
Theresa Harder, Darla Meyer, Alyson Eadie, and also
Larry Harder for driving the youth who delivered
meals!
Thank you to each person who donated items, boxes,
and shipping funding for Operation Christmas Child!
Youth packed and wrapped 28 boxes – I believe this
is a new record for our Youth Group!
In December, Youth will be ringing bells for Salvation
Army, caroling with our congregation, performing in the Sounds of Christmas, going on a secret mission,
and having a Christmas party. In addition, we will be
going bowling in late December, and are inviting ALL
YOUTH GROUP ALUMNI to join us! If you have
ever been a Youth Group Member, please plan to join
us on December 28.
Youth will need a driver for our Secret Mission on
Saturday, December 10 – please contact Angie if you
can help drive in the afternoon.
As always, if there are any questions or comments
about the Youth programs, please feel free to contact
me at church, by phone.
Blessings, Angie
Advent Candlelighters Consider volunteering to light the Advent
candles this year during worship. Contact
Misti at [email protected] to schedule.
December 11, 18 & 24 are available.
P A G E 3
Sunday School December Schedule
Children's Sunday School schedule begins with 10:45 Sunday School Opening in sanctuary.
Adult Sunday School: Jodie Chadima concludes the study of the Book of Revelation this month. Watch for a
new study in January.
Christmas Caroling All are welcome to take part in Christmas caroling on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:00 p.m. We will share Christmas
joy with homebound church members and friends! Please consider bringing a dozen cookies to share as we
prepare plates of treats to give to those we will visit. No singing experience required! Families are encour-
aged to participate. Carolers are invited to enjoy a pizza lunch at noon before caroling begins.
Sounds of Christmas On Sunday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m., please join us for a musical celebration of the Christmas season. This is
open to everyone in our church family, whatever your ability/level may be. Please let Sharon Furler know ASAP if you
wish to participate at 319-360-1981.
Impromptu Children's Nativity on December 24
Parents can assist children in choosing shepherd, angel, or magi to participate in in nativity dur-
ing Children's Time on Christmas Eve. Each child will have a hat/headband for character they
can choose before service. Pastor Julie is looking for a Mary and Joseph for the event. Last
year Judy and Jim Serbousek did a great job in their roles as Mary and Joseph and assisting
children in front of the sanctuary.
Fairfax State Savings Bank The Fairfax State Savings Bank offers the “Spirit of Giving Program,” where the bank matches donations up to $20 for
charitable contributions made by its customers. In the past our church has received financial donations through the
Spirit of Giving Program. Thank you to Fairfax State Savings Bank and those who participate in this generous pro-
gram. Young Adult Volunteers
What is YAV? The Young Adult Volunteer program is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that sends
young adults age 19-30 into a year of transformational service at one of over 20 partner sites in the United States and
around the world. Application dates: Early Decision: Dec 1, 2016; Round 2: Feb. 1, 2017 (national and international)
Round 3: April 1, 2017. Last Call: June 1, 2017.
Apply by contacting Blake Collins at [email protected] or call 800-728-7228x5300.
Visit youngadultvolunteers.org for more information.
You can support YAV through monthly giving, or make a one-time gift online. Thanks for investing in young
adults in the church!
Sunday, December 4: Children’s Christmas program practice
Saturday, December 10:
Sunday, December 11:
10:00 a.m. Children’s Christmas Program practice
Children’s Christmas Program performed during worship;
No Sunday School. Sounds of Christmas program
Sunday, December 18: Sunday School Birthday Party for Jesus. Please bring a
small gift to donate in honor of Jesus’ birth. Children will
have games and activities and nativity story today.
Sunday, December 25: No SS. Blessings of the Christmas gifts during worship.
Each child is encouraged to bring a Christmas present to
talk about during Children’s Time.
WINTER WEATHER? If bad weather threatens, please check KCRG TV9 for church activity cancellations. We
will make every effort to update the church web site (elypres.org), Facebook, and send email alerts.
Annual Youth Group Poinsettia Sale Order Deadline: Sunday, December 18
This order form & payment may be mailed to:
Youth Group First Presbyterian Church near Ely
11100 Spanish Rd
Ely, IA 52227
Or placed in the offering plate by Dec. 18.
Number of Poinsettias ________ x $15.00 = $_____________
I enclosed my payment of (Circle one) CASH or CHECK
(Make checks payable to: Youth Group First Presbyterian Church)
Purchased In Honor Of: _____________________________________________
Purchased In Memory Of:_____________________________________________
You may pick up your plants after worship on Christmas Eve/the following Sunday
OR I would like to donate my plant(s) to a care center or homebound church
member. (Circle one) YES NO
Your Name: ______________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________________
Email address: __________________________________________ Return this form with payment by Dec. 18. THANK YOU!
Youth December 2016 Calendar
Sunday, December 4:10:45 a.m. Sunday School; noon – Lunch at the Manse,
then Caroling
Saturday, December 10: 10:00 a.m.- noon, Ringing Bells for Salvation Army –
NEW LOCATION is 1st Avenue Hy-Vee; noon-ish: Lunch, then Secret Christ-
mas Mission
Sunday, December 11: 11:00 a.m. Sounds of Christmas at church (no Sunday
School); 6:30 p.m. Youth Group
Sunday, December 18: 10:45: Sunday School; 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Youth Group
Christmas Party at Angie’s (Third Sunday Supper)
Sunday, December 25: NO Sunday School or Youth Group
Wednesday, December 28: FIRST “ANNUAL” Quartermania for Youth
Group and Alumni at 9:00 p.m. at Westdale Bowling Center.
Sunday, January 1: NO Sunday School or YG
P A G E 4
P A G E 5
December 2016
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Office Hours
9-12
2
Office Hours
9-12
3
4 Food Pantry
Sunday
Pizza lunch/
Christmas
Caroling
5 6
Office Hours
9-12
7
Bell Choir 6 pm
Adult Choir 7:30 pm
8
Office Hours
9-12
9
Office Hours
9-12
10
10:00
Kid’s Program
rehearsal
11 Children’s
Christmas Program
at 9:30 am
Sounds of
Christmas 11 am
12
13
Office Hours
9-12
14
Bell Choir 6 pm
Adult Choir 7:30 pm
15
Office Hours
9-12
16
Office Hours
9-12
17
18
9:30 am
Christmas
Cantata
Sunday School
Christmas party
19
Newsletter
deadline
20
Office Hours
9-12
21
Bell Choir 6 pm
Adult Choir 7:30 pm
22
Office Hours
9-12
23
Office Hours
9-12
24 Impromptu
Children’s Nativity
Christmas Eve
Service w/Communion
7:00 pm and Open
House at manse
following worship
25
9:30 Christmas
Day Worship
26
Church office
closed
27
Church office
closed
28
29
Office Hours
9-12
30
Office Hours
9-12
31
Sundays at First Presbyterian Sunday Services 9:30 A.M.
Sunday School 10:45 A.M.
Adult Forum 11:00 A.M. Youth Sunday School 10:45 A.M.
Youth Group, Sundays at 6:30 P.M.
(See page 4 for youth schedule)
ATTENTION church leaders: It’s time to start think-
ing about the 2016 annual report. Please prepare your
document and send to the church office via an electron-
ic file by Friday, Jan. 6. Direct questions to Misti at
[email protected]. Thank you for your help!
December 4 is Food Pantry
Sunday
Church Office Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tue., Thu. & Fri.
Phone: 319.848.4624 ... Leave a message!
The Rev. Dr. Julie A. Schuett
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage Paid
Ely, Iowa 52227
Permit #1
11100 Spanish Road
Ely, Iowa 52227
CONTENTS:
Page 1: Stewardship
Reflection
Page 2: Session
Notes; Youth News
Page 3: Christian Ed;
Advent Activities
Page 4: B-day/Anniv.
Poinsettia Orders
Page 5: Calendar
—————————
The DEADLINE for
submitting information
for the newsletter is
Monday, December 19.
NOTEworthy Music Events in December
Christmas Caroling; Noon pizza at church and
caroling at 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 4.
Children’s Program, 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 11.
Sounds of Christmas Recital. 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 11.
Choral Cantata of First Pres and St. John Lutheran choirs, 9:30 a.m. on
Sunday, Dec.18
WORSHIP HELPERS U=usher G=greeter L= liturgist
Sunday, Dec. 4
U: Jeff & Diane Smith
G: Scott Tedrow family
L: Advent Candlelighters
Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve
U:Carl & Barb Zahradnik
G: Everett & Linda Williams
L: Advent Candlelighters
Sunday, Dec. 11
U: Phil & Misti Huedepohl
G: Dick & Zelda Sherman
L: Advent Candlelighters
Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day
U: Gary & Pat Kilberger
G: Angie Ehle family
L: Jim Serbousek
Sunday, Dec. 18
U: Larry Harder family
G: Everett & Linda Williams
L: Advent Candlelighters
Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day)
U: Jim & Theresa Grieder
G: Janelle Benish
L: George Chadima