Irena M. Kizer

Irena M. Kizer passed away January 22, 2013.  Funeral services were Thursday, January 24, 2013 at James and Gahr Chapel in Salem, MO.  Reverend Elmer Turnbough officiated.  Interment was in Cedar Grove Cemetary.

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February 3, 2013

The title of Reverend Gary Stratman’s sermon for the week of February 03, 2013 is “The Greatest” based on scriptures from Ps. 71:1-3 and I Cor. 13:1-7, 13. The hymns for Sunday are “Brethren We Have Met to Worship”, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”, and “Lord, We Have Come at Your Own Invitation”.

Worship begins at 9:45 am, followed by education and fellowship. Our church provides a Nursery during worship service. First Presbyterian Church is located at 919 E. Tenth Street in Rolla. Our website is www.rollapresby.org.

Sunday school is held every Sunday at 11:00 am. We offer a variety of classes for all age groups.

On February 9, 4-7 pm, Boy Scout Troop 83 will be hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner as a fundraiser for camping trips coming up this summer. The meal will consist of salad, spaghetti, garlic bread, and spumoni. Please come out and support our troops.

Please join us February 10 at 5 pm for a luau and the “Not So Newlywed Game”. We will start with a Hawaiian-themed dinner, and then Rob, our own Bob Eubanks, will host a fun spin-off of the old TV show. A signup sheet is in the office hallway.

The linen closet is in need of Queen sized bedding. We appreciate your donations.

February 03, the Sunday school children will be collecting canned food and money in “Souper Bowl” Sunday to support the food bank at GRACE.

 

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Greetings from our new Interim Pastor

My name is Gary Stratman.  I am a native Missourian and have been a Presbyterian pastor for 35 years.  Although we don’t know each other, I would guess that we have some thoughts and experiences in common.  This may include change, some of it anticipated and planned for, but much of it unexpected.  Perhaps you had a clear blueprint for your education or career, then the lines got a little blurry.  Maybe an illness, yours or that of someone close to you, caused a bumpy detour.  Unexpected change can also happen in the church with initial responses of distrust or even anger.  More often there are thoughts of a more vague anxiety about the future.  It has been my experience that God has a way of leading us through change that opens us up to unexpected spiritual growth.

After over 15 years as pastor of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, MO my wife and I believed that we would remain there until retirement.  God had other plans.  With some surprise and anxiety, Deb and I found ourselves going through Interim Ministry training.  Then we were on the road with interim pastorates in Austin Texas, Hollywood California and Boulder Colorado.  We would not trade the experience of the last eight years.  Now we have moved back to Springfield.  In retirement we look forward to part-time ministries as God leads us.  I hope to serve your congregation for the next two months until a longer Interim Pastor will be in place.

For now, I am thankful to the living Christ for bringing us together in worship and service.

Faithfully,

Gary

 

 

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January 27, 2013

The title of Reverend Lindy Hardwick’s sermon for the week of January 27, 2013 is “Sharing Our Gifts” based on scriptures from I Corinthians 12:12-31a and Luke 4:14-21. The hymns for Sunday are My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less; Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation; Now Thank We All Our God; and Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing.

Worship begins at 9:45 am, followed by education and fellowship. Our church provides a Nursery during worship service. First Presbyterian Church is located at 919 E. Tenth Street in Rolla. Our website is www.rollapresby.org.

Sunday school is held every Sunday at 11:00 am. We offer a variety of classes for all age groups.

Cantata CD’s are available to purchase in the church office.

Preschool registration for school year 2013-2014 will begin February 01, 2013 for ages 2 ½ -5 years of age. Contact Candace Ludden, Director at 364-0992.

The last Session of the Listening Groups will be held on Monday, January 28, 2013 from 4-6 pm.

Sunday, February 3, the Sunday school children will be collecting canned food and money in “Souper Bowl” Sunday to support the food bank at GRACE.

Sunday, February 10 will be Family night. Activities include meal, fellowship and the “Not-So-Newlywed Game”.

 

The next mission/work trip by JCPDA is March 17-23 in Joplin, MO. Contact 417-234-4643 for more information.

 

February 9, 4-7 pm Boy Scout Troop 83 will be hosting a Valentine’s Day spaghetti dinner as a fundraiser for camping trips coming up this summer. Please come out and support our Scouts!

 

 

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January 2013 Newsletter

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN TIMES

January 2013

First Presbyterian   Church Phone:  573-364-3852
919 East 10th Street Fax:  573-426-5320
Rolla, MO  65401 Email:  presby1@fidnet.com
  Website:  www.rollapresby.org
   
  Jeff   Sandquist, Choir Director
Kathy   Mazzeo, Organist/Pianist Candace   Ludden, Preschool Director
Betti   Jo Pyatt, Office Manager Robert   Garcia, Church Sexton

CHURCH OFFICERS

ELDERS

DEACONS

TRUSTEES

Mary   Kwantes (2012) Karen   Hudson (2012) Chuck   Bennett (2012)
Dixie Finley (2012) Pat   Joslin (2012) Ward   Merrell (2012)
Bob   May (2012) Judy   Fox (2012) Frank   Jessop (2014)
Katherine   Cook (2013) Carol   Jennings (2013) Robert   Anderson (2014)
Ming   Leu (2013) Jay   Turner (2013) Rhonda   Kimball (2014)
Jonathan   Kimball (2013) Carrie   Aswegan (2014) Ken   Kwantes (2014)
Susan   Murray (2014) Cheryl   Koederitz (2014)  
Vashy   Rahaman (2014) Pat   Look (2014)  
Britt   Whitaker (2014) Wendy   Wilbanks (2014)  
     

Cynthia Hobart –   Clerk of Session

We are trying to streamline our newsletter delivery!  At present, we spend approximately $45 PER MONTH on newsletter   mailings.  If you would prefer to   receive an electronic copy of our newsletters via email rather than have them   mailed or left to pick up in the hallway of the church, please email your   family’s name and email address to:  presby1@fidnet.com or use the signup   sheet on the hall table.

                               MISSION Committee

The Mission   Committee would like to thank the congregation for the support of the mission   work of the church this year.  You did   a wonderful job helping to spread the work of this church.  We especially would like to thank you for all the help with food, gifts, and monetary donations for the eight families that we adopted for Christmas, and thanks to the Retired Ladies for the family they adopted.  We appreciate all   those who helped deliver the food and gifts to the families.

GRACE for   Christmas served 433 families including those adopted done by the community,   Churches and other groups.  The family   and individuals counts through GRACE at the Christmas site are 382 families   and 1154 individuals.  Of the   individuals, 105 were handicapped adults from group homes and/or the   sheltered Workshop.  Truly this   community and church represents the true meaning of Christmas by helping   those families and adults in need.  We   must remember what Jesus said, it is “better to

give than receive”.

The Joy Offering   will be sent the second week in January.    If you have coin boxes, please bring them to the church next Sunday   and if you still would like to support the Joy Offering, please do so during   the next two Sundays.  Fifty percent of   the Joy Offering goes to support racial ethnic schools and colleges, and the   other fifty percent goes to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions.

Frank Jessop

Chair Mission Committee

 

                              Membership   Committee

With the holiday season behind us, it’s   time to start our member outreach anew.    Our next event is game night, scheduled for January 13, 2013 at 5:00   pm.  We will order pizza shortly after   5:00, hoping to eat around 5:30 or so. Bring a game, and come prepared to   learn new games, too.  This is a great   way to pass the time on a cold winter’s night and has always been lots of   fun.

Next, we’re planning on having a kids’   talent night on February 10.  More   details to come.

Finally, I would like to thank Mary Kwantes   for her leadership over the past 18 months or so, and her continued   dedication to helping our church grow.    I would also like to invite anyone who has an interest in helping out   to contact me.  I welcome involvement   at any level—help with long-term planning, or help with a single event, or   anything in-between.

Jonathan Kimball

 

                                Stewardship   and Finance
Happy New   Year!  Thanks to everyone who made our   recent Consecration Sunday a success.    Now is the time for all of us to move forward with our new commitments   to supporting God’s work in the world through our church.  For those of you who do not fill out   Estimate of Giving cards, I would still ask that you consider taking one more   step towards tithing.

A year or two ago,   my family started using online banking to fulfill our monthly giving.  The way it’s set up, our bank automatically   cuts a check and mails it to the church each month.  I like it because we are far less likely to   skip a month by accident or due to travel. If you do the same, please   remember to change your monthly amount to match your increased Estimate of   Giving.

 

                                     Thank You

Thank you from the Staff for the cards, gifts and well wishes during this holiday season.  We appreciate every one of you.  We hope you have a blessed New Year.

 

Thanks everyone for the great cakes, nice cards, hugs, and pats on the back.  You only reach 90 once in a lifetime.  I’ll shoot for 100 next.  It sure meant a lot to me.  Thanks again, Bud

 

A thank you note to my church family:  My dad lived at the Veteran’s Home in St. James for six years.  I want to thank you for the friendship and kindness you gave him over those years.  Your cards, emails, visits, and prayers were very much appreciated.  To those of you who brought chocolate and banana bread, well, you know how much he enjoyed his sweets.  I would like to especially thank Marie, Robert, Pat, Carrie, and Dixie who visited dad in his last days with us.  Friends are a blessing from God and dad was very blessed, as I am.

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and I wish us all a bright New Year.

Thank you,

Bill Neely, Jr.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A special meeting of the Session will be held on Monday, January 07, 2013 at 6:30 pm for the purpose of meeting with Diane Cooke, our liaison, during this time of transition.  Doug Scott, Pastor of Crocker Presbyterian Church, will be moderator.

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January 20, 2013

The title of Reverend Lindy Hardwick’s sermon for the week of January 20, 2013 is “Many Gifts, One Spirit” based on scriptures from I Corinthians 12:1-11 and John 2:1-11.  The hymns for Sunday are “God is Here”, “Open My Eyes That I May See”, and “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing”.

Worship begins at 9:45 am, followed by education and fellowship.  Our church provides a Nursery during worship service.  First Presbyterian Church is located at 919 E. Tenth Street in Rolla.  Our website is www.rollapresby.org.

Sunday school is held every Sunday at 11:00 am.  We offer a variety of classes for all age groups.

Our condolences to the Whitaker family on the passing of Mrs. Juanita Whitaker on Tuesday.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.

The office and preschool will be closed on Monday, January 21, 2013 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

February 03, 2013 the Sunday School children will be collecting canned food and money in “Souper Bowl” Sunday to support the food bank at GRACE.

Listening groups from the Presbytery will be held on Sunday, January 20 and Monday, January 28 from 4 – 6 pm for the congregation to express their views.  Sign up sheets are on the office hallway bulletin board.

January 20 Children (10 and up) will be meeting in the Sadler Lounge for an intergenerational class with the adults.  We will be discussing our favorite Bible passages this week.

Coming soon the adult class in the Sadler Lounge will study the book, “Christianity After Religion” by Diana Butler Bass. It is available as an ebook or in print.  This book discusses the change in American religion and how to create a thriving church in the era of “spiritual but not religious”.

February 10 will be a great setting for that cold weather getaway with your special someone.  We are having a Luau complete with glazed ham, rice and fresh fruit.  There will be a sign-up sheet for side items if you choose to bring something.  You can always come last minute with only your smile.  We will be entertained with the “Not-So-Newlywed Game”.  Rob, our own Bob Eubanks, will be the host of the spin-off of the old TV show.

Preschool registration for the 2013-2014 year begins soon.  Enrollment is open to children 2 1/2 – 5 years of age.  For more information, contact Candace Ludden, Director, at 573-364-0992.

2013 Fellowship and Flower Calendars are now posted.

 

 

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Juanita Hardin Whitaker

Juanita Hardin Whitaker, born February 4, 1923, in Conway, Arkansas, died January 14, 2013.  She was predeceased by her husband, Hall B. Whitaker, Sr.  She is survived by her son, Hall B. Whitaker, Jr. and wife, Amy, of Rolla.  She is also survived by two grandchildren, Hall Whitaker III ( Penny), of Nashville, Tennessee and Hillary Stout and  (Kory), of St. Louis, MO; five great grandchildren, her sister, Betty Jo Pagan and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 16, 2013 from 2 – 3 pm at James and Gahr Mortuary, 1651 Hwy 72, Rolla, MO.

Service will be Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 3 pm at James and Gahr Mortuary.

Light refreshments will be served at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice, The First Presbyterian Church of Rolla, 919 E. 10th Street, or the Phelps County Regional Medical Center Foundation, 1000 W. 10th Street, Rolla, MO 65401.

Juanita’s favorite epitaph was “She Done All She Could”.  THAT was an understatement.

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Listening Groups

On Sunday, January 20th and Monday, January 28th, representatives from John Calvin Presbytery will be here to hear concerns that church members have at this time of transition.  Our presbytery wants to provide support, encourage hope for the future, and assist in identifying challenges ahead.  Sign up sheets are posted on the Office Hallway bulletin board.

Sunday, January 20th 4 pm – 6 pm

Group 1     Group 2     Group 3

Monday, January 28th 4 pm – 6 pm

Group 1     Group 2

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January 13, 2013

The title of Reverend Lindy Hardwick’s sermon for the week of  January 13, 2013 is “A Firm Foundation for a New Beginning” based on scriptures from Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.  The hymns for Sunday are “Sing Praise to God, Who Reigns Above”, “How Firm A Foundation”, and “Baptized in Water”.

Worship begins at 9:45 am, followed by education and fellowship.  Our church provides a Nursery during worship service.  First Presbyterian Church is located at 919 E. Tenth Street in Rolla.  Our website is www.rollapresby.org.

Sunday school is held every Sunday at 11:00 am.  We offer a variety of classes for all age groups.

January 13 is game night.  Meet in the fellowship hall at 5:00 pm.  We will order pizza and eat at about 5:30.  Soda, coffee and water will be provided.  Bring your favorite table game, a snack to share, and a friend or two.

Retired Presbyterian Ladies will meet for lunch on Monday, January 14 at 11:45 at IMO’s.

Deacons will meet on Monday, January 14 at 7:00 pm.

Christian Education will meet Monday, January 14, at 11:00 am.  They will have a workday on January 17, 2013 at 9:30 am.

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