F i r s t C h u r c h

First
Presbyterian
Church
Newsletter
August 2014
Here and Now!
W h y D o We … L i g h t C a n d l e s ?
Inside this Issue
by: Rev. Dr. Matthew Zuehlke
Why Do We continued .. 2
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
~ Psalm 27:1
Stewardship Drive ‘15.... 3
This month I'm starting a multi-part series in our newsletter reviewing
some of the thoughts and beliefs behind Presbyterian practices, mostly
centered around worship. It is my hope that in sharing this series all of us
might develop a deeper appreciation for Presbyterian worship. Starting
us off this month, we will be looking at why do we light candles (in worship)?
Ice Cream Social............. 5
Save the Date! ............... 3
Fine Arts Festival News .. 4
Adult Mission Trip ......... 5
Congregational Mtg ....... 5
Bible Trivia Question ..... 5
Session Highlights .......... 6
Family News .................. 7
Neighborly Picnic BBQ ... 8
August Outreach ............ 8
Candles have a rich history in Christian worship. If you have visited a variety of houses of worship in your life you've likely seen candles used in a
whole host of different manners. Certainly there is the Advent Wreath,
but there are also the prayer candles common in many cathedrals, the
eternal candle (oddly, often electric these days) present in many UCC and
Methodist churches, as well as our own Christ & Communion Table candles. Do you ever wonder why there are so many candles – especially in
the modern day of LED's and electricity?
The answer comes from a rich biblical tradition in describing God and the
divine presence in terms of light and / or flame. Remember that for the
entirety of biblical eras as well as most of the history of the church, flame
and light were synonymous. You couldn't have light without flame. This
has only changed for us in relatively recent times. So whenever we read
… continued on next page.
Coffee Talk w/Pastor ..... 8
Montreat Youth Trip ...... 9
Lay Readers.................... 10
Communion Servers ...... 10
Communion@Home ...... 10
Munch & Mingle ............ 10
Prayer Chain .................. 10
Care & Concern.............. 10
July Birthdays ................. 11
July Anniversaries .......... 11
Church Calendar ............ 12
Financial Statement ....... 13
W h y D o We … L i g h t C a n d l e s C o n t i n u e d
by: Rev. Dr. Matthew Zuehlke
in the Bible about one, we should infer the other recognizing the realities of the ancient world.
Looking at the biblical account, as early as the Book of Exodus we hear God's presence and protection as the
pillar of fire leading the refugees out of Egypt (13:21). This pillar of fire illuminated the path for the people as
well as provided a measure of protection in the wilderness journey. This tradition continued throughout the
People's time, as we hear hundreds of years later in the writing of 2 Samuel 22:29 “Indeed, you are my lamp,
O Lord, the Lord lightens my darkness.” As well as the reflection that the Word of God illuminates our way
(Psalm 119). In the Old Testament, the presence of God or the Word is referred to as flame or light hundreds
of times! It is one of the most pervasive illustrations for the Divine. Even in Christ's own ministry, he describes himself as “the Light of the World” (John 8:12). And then again, we hear of tongues of fire coming upon the people at the first Pentecost! So clearly this is a rich image, yet you might wonder the relationship between this biblical view of flame / light to our use of candles in worship.
It is amazing, if we think about it, when the Reformation removed so many objects from the church as distractions, the fact that they kept the candles speaks to the power that their imagery held for the people. But
the early Reformers saw and understood this rich biblical tradition of the flame / light imagery. Even Calvin
mentions the power that they had in the early church. So, our spiritual ancestors of the Reformed Movement
adopted the use of candles as a way to continue this imagery in their worship. Today, we continue this tradition in three primary displays: Bringing in the Light of Christ, Illuminating Our Worship, and Carrying the Light
Out to the World.
Once the people are gathered, one of the first events of worship for many churches born in the Reformation
is Bringing the Light of Christ into worship. It is the symbolic representation that Christ has come among us as
we worship (“I am with you always, to the end of the age” Mt 28:20). This is also the sign that worship has
begun. Notice that the candles are lit as part of the worship experience for us to reflect upon. Keeping the
candles lit throughout the service reminds us that we are seeking God's help to illuminate our way, much as
we hear again from the Psalms. They also remind us that this time of worship is a special time (think about
how special a candle-lit dinner is!). We are gathered together as a spiritual family for a very special event, the
reflection on God's grace and love for us. And finally, one of the concluding acts is for the light to be symbolically carried out into the world. The image here is that we, the family that has been illuminated by the Word
of God, will now carry that light out to the world, as Christ himself said: “You are the light of the world.” (Mt
5:14). It reminds us that now our work as Christians begins. We cannot hear about God's grace and return to
our normal behaviors. Now, we are all carrying the Light of Christ into a needy world.
When we hear about the richness of the flames use in worship, we easily see how important the roles are for
those who share in this ministry of lighting and caring for the candles. For many congregations this traditionally is handled by the acolytes and their program. I know that it was being a acolyte that I first served the
church almost 25 years ago. This can be a powerful time for young people to learn that they too can have an
active role in worship. However, not all churches have this tradition or have had to break with it due to a
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variety of circumstances. So, it is not uncommon to see deacons, elders, ushers,
or volunteers take up the role of torchbearer. It is a role in which many hands
can serve.
Reflecting on the biblical themes of light and flame as well as hearing (again), I
can but hope that we may all be strengthened to see how God continually lights
our paths in worship as well as leads us out to bring God's light to others. And,
as always, if you ever have any questions about Presbyterian worship, please
contact me. It is only by asking questions, that we can learn. And through learning, we can become more effective disciples of Christ.
May you all find your place in the Light of Christ.
~ Rev. Dr. Matthew Zuehlke
Stewardship Drive 2015
by: Stewardship & Mission Interpretation Committee
Writing to the church of Ephesus, the apostle Paul wrote: “Now to Him who is
able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the
power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations forever and ever”. (Eph. 30:20-21) God is not just able to do
beyond what we ask, but abundantly beyond. But, that’s not enough. He is
able to do far more abundantly beyond what we are able to do on our own to
supply our needs. Each one of us was created and blessed by God with individual talents, abilities, and financial resources. We are called by God to be generous stewards of these resources.
In September we will be beginning a four-week
stewardship campaign. The theme for the campaign is “Fearless Generosity”. Most of us associate stewardship with money. But, being a generous steward also involves how we spend our time.
Do you end each day having had a full day of activities, but still feel that something is missing? During the month long stewardship drive you will
have an opportunity to examine how you can live
each day in gratitude to God for the many blessings you have received. Along
with your financial gift, you will be given the opportunity to consider becoming
involved in volunteer opportunities both in the church and the community.
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Mark your calendar!
Representatives from
Lifetouch will be here
October 14—18 to take
individual and/or family
portraits for a new
church picture directory.
(Our last picture directory
was done in 2006. )
Participants will have the
opportunity to purchase
a print or digital copies of
their photos. Various
pricing packages are
available starting at $25.
We encourage all
congregation members to
be included in this new
picture directory.
Additional details and
information for
scheduling portraits will
be provided soon.
Fine Arts Festival News
by: Fine Arts Festival Committee
It’s full speed ahead as we move into the final weeks of preparation for the Fine Arts Festival, scheduled for
September 20-21, Several items need your attention!
First of all, don’t miss the August 3 church service. That is the day set aside for the Mini High Tea, a preview
of the Silver and Crystal High Tea that will be held on September 20. Stop in the parlor following service for a
succulent preview of what’s to come. High Tea tickets will also go on sale that day, so make your plans to reserve a table for eight or whatever you will need. Ticket prices remain at $15 and two settings are planned
for 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
You should also be thinking about what you could contribute to both the Gift Gallery and Gwen’s Antique
and Collectibles Gallery. Gift Gallery items should include hand-made towels, napkins, cards, jewelry, and any
other items suitable for this bazaar-like event. Check with Nanc Skaret for any Gift Gallery questions.
It’s not too late to find that treasure that you no longer need and put it to good use in Gwen’s Gallery. Bring
your antiques, collectibles, and other forgotten treasures to the church office August 18 thru 20. Gwen’s Gallery items should be “old”, but anything you think would be of interest to gallery goers is welcome. Think
jewelry, artwork, interesting china, and pottery. If in doubt, talk to Ella Gutzke or Sue Sorlie.
Volunteers will be needed for most areas of the Festival, especially the two gift venues. Keep in mind that
this event has been growing exponentially each year since its inception in 2009 and has helped put First Presbyterian Church on the map! We know you will want to pitch in to make this the best Festival ever. You will
find sign-up sheets for the various categories in the narthex soon!
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A d u l t M i s s i o n Tr i p C o m p l e t e d
by: Outreach Committee
Church members Neva Carlisle, Jim Rambo, Kathy Wachter, and Daniel Wassim
joined forces with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) in Minot the
week of July 6-11. The Minot First Presbyterian Church allowed them to prepare
meals and sleep at their church. The YMCA graciously offered the use of shower
facilities. These volunteers spent the week on the installation of siding to homes
still in recovery from the flood of 2011. Thank you all for your hard work and contribution to this meaningful effort.
Congregational Meeting
by: Rev. Dr. Matthew Zuehlke
A brief congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, August 10, at the end of
worship, for the purpose of electing the at-large members of the Nominating Committee. This meeting will take place in the sanctuary. All members are encouraged
to attend.
When Solomon was
given the opportunity
by God to have anything
he wanted, what did
he ask for?
Submit your answer to
[email protected]
The first correct answer
will receive a prize.
There were no winner
to last month’s
question.
The answer was
Rueben and Gad.
Ice Cream Social
by: Membership Committee
After such a wonderful response to the May 25 ice cream social (134 people in
attendance), the Membership Committee is hosting another ice cream social on
Sunday, August 10, after the congregational meeting. This event will take place
in the parlor.
You will be able to create your own sundae (free) and enjoy the fellowship of
members and friends. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for a good
time and good ice cream.
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Session Meeting Highlights
by: Clerk of Session
My apology for not providing Session Highlights the last couple of months. I will capture items from those
meetings. Please excuse the length of the Highlights, much work has and is taking place.

A Security Task Force has been assembled to assess the safety and security of our church and to provide
recommendations. The challenge is to balance our desire to provide an open and inviting facility with the
reality of today’s environment.

The Bell Carillon is now repaired and restored and our church area is now blessed with the gentle reminder of our church’s presence and our message of fellowship. A number of members gave generously for
this special project. Completion of the project will be recognized at a Sunday Service this fall.

Our Hymnals have served us well for many years but are showing their age. The Worship and Music Committee is looking at alternatives for potential future replacement.

We have not had success attracting a part time Youth Ministry Coordinator. The Christian Education
Committee and Session feel that we need to expand the hours and role of the position to adult Christian
Education and beyond and seek to hire a full time person. This position is an important one for our
church and we need to place a strong person into the position.

A number of congregation members have asked Session and Pastor Matthew to reinitiate announcements and concerns related to hospitalizations. This was reduced a number of years ago due to privacy
concerns. Reassessment has taken place and there is common agreement that we should place greater
emphasis on this and still work to respect the privacy of those who have that preference. Look for more
announcements of this type during the church service.

We do rent out a number of parking lot spaces during the week to local businesses. Proceeds from the
rental help support our church and our activities. The Property and Equipment Committee has assessed
and revised rental rates to match comparative rates in downtown Bismarck.

Discussion and collaboration with the Child Care Center Board continues. Both Session and the Child Care
Center Board recognize, are sensitive to and respect there are differing views on this community mission.
Child care in our community continues to be a significant need and our child care center provides a valuable service to the community and especially with the assistance provided single parents and families who
are working to re-enter the work force. We are looking to grow the financial strength of the Child Care
Center by increasing numbers of older children who require a lower staff to child ratio (less cost per child)
as well as seeking grants and funds from sources outside of our church and from members who strongly
support the mission of the Child Care Center. Forefront in the minds of both Session and the Child Care
Center Board is to not interfere with the operations of our church but to utilize the gift and resource we
have for the benefit of our community.

The Stewardship and Mission Interpretation Committee continues to seek support from us as members of
the church to help with the Per Capita obligation. This is our contribution to sustain operations of our
larger Presbyterian Church. Thank you to all who have so generously responded.

Vacation Bible School took place June 15 to June 20 and was coordinated by the Christian Education Committee. The program was outstanding, with support from Clearwater Forest staff.
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
Session is developing a Welcoming and Hospitality group, comprised of Session and Session Committee members. Our goal is to
provide even greater focus on welcoming visitors to our church and
to further engage and encourage those new to our church family.
This is in additional support of our Membership Committee activities.

Our Outreach Committee is working to arrange for our church to
serve The Banquet in October. The Banquet is an evening meal
served to those who are in need.

The Fine Arts Festival Committee continues to plan for this year’s
festival. Volunteers are needed. The Festival (and Committee),
while providing a connection with our community and the arts also
raises money which they donate to help with special projects. Recently they helped finance the Bell Carillon repair and restoration.

The Stewardship and Mission Interpretation Committee has
planned for our annual Stewardship Drive September 28 through
October 19th. Our work, our mission and the good we do among
our congregation, within the community and beyond are so important and the financial support of our church family is not only
critical for us as a church family but makes this world a better place
for all.

The Membership Committee arranged for the multi-church outdoor worship service in July. Attendance was about 100! Well
done.

Session approved funds to replace the no longer functioning Sound
Board in our church sound system. It served us for 20+ years!
Funds were also approved to refurbish our Hand Bells. An appeal
will be made to the congregation to assist in the cost of the refurbishment. The Hand Bells hold a special place in the hearts of
many in our congregation and we fully intend for them to be a part
of our church well into the future.

Six of our youth attended Montreat this year. Karen and Duane
Ehrens took time from their work to serve as chaperones. Thank
you to the Ehrens and thank you to the congregation for helping
make this significant Christian life experience possible for our
youth.
Doug Bradford
Clerk of Session
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Family News
by: Church Office
Our prayers and deepest
sympathies are expressed to
Ted Gray, upon the death of his
wife, Mickey “Collen” Gray.
If you have a birth, wedding, death,
or other life-event announcement,
please provide the necessary
information to Gena Tavis in the
church office at 701-223-6091 or
[email protected].
A Neighborly Picnic Barbeque
by: Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee will be hosting a picnic barbeque for individuals and families from Budget Inn Express on Wednesday, August 20, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, in our church parking lot. We invite the congregation
to come join us in offering hospitality to our neighbors across the street. Brats, chips, and ice cream bars are
on the menu! Volunteers are needed to assist in set up, serving, and clean up. A sign up sheet will be in the
Narthex. Come join us for an evening of fellowship. Please bring a lawn chair.
August Outreach
by: Outreach Committee
Coffee Talk
with Pastor
will resume on
Monday, September 8,
at 8:00 AM, at the
McDonald’s
on the corner of
7th St. & Main St.
This is a casual time
each week to drop in
and chat with Pastor,
ask a question about
Sunday's sermon,
introduce a friend,
or just enjoy the
fellowship of others.
It’s the beginning of August and much too early to think about summer ending
and school starting, but onward we go. The Outreach Committee strives to continue providing support and build a partnership with Jeanette Myhre Elementary School. This would not be possible without the faithful support of this congregation and we are grateful for your efforts in this endeavor. Thank you!
During our conversations with the Myhre social worker, she expressed how our
donations had been so very helpful to the students in need at their school. We
intend to continue strengthening and nurturing our relationship with the children and staff at Jeanette Myhre, through our collective outreach of love and
caring. Please let us know if you have comments or questions.
In August, we will collect the following items for the new school year at Jeanette
Myhre Elementary School:

Sweat pants, sizes extra-small thru medium – black, blue, brown, gray
(gender neutral colors). Pants are their biggest need, as sometimes the
younger children have accidents and need dry pants.

Facial tissue

Markers, multicolored packages are great.

Crayons, 24 count

Toilet Paper

Laundry Soap
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M o n t r e a t Yo u t h C o n f e r e n c e
by: Christian Education Committee
Six youth from our church attended the Montreat Youth Conference in Montreat, North Carolina July 12 – 19.
The youth in attendance were David Bachmeier, Emily Ehrens, Erik Johnson, Sedalia Mahlum, Ben Strombeck,
and Zach Strombeck. The teens were accompanied by Duane and Karen Ehrens as chaperones. Our youth
worshipped with 1100 others from across the U.S. at the “Rooted and Reaching” conference. Through this
experience they learned more deeply about Bible stories, including those of the seeds in soils, how God tends
and prunes his church, and participated in energizers, recreation, small groups, and sharing. Thank you to
these teens for representing our congregation so well! And, thank you to Karen and Duane for giving their
time and effort to watch over our youth during this wonderful experience.
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Lay Readers
Singles and Couples of Senior Age
August 3
Shari Orser
August 10
Ann Gallup
August 17
Alice Nix
August 24
Volunteer Needed
August 31
Volunteer Needed
Communion Servers
2nd Wednesday
Each Month
12:00 Noon
Ramkota Hotel
S u n d a y, A u g u s t 3
Dale Hoerauf
Bob Tonolli
Kent Ellis
Becky Rosenkranz
Allen Hoberg
Dennis Rosenkranz
Mary Magnusson
Kim Eslinger
Audre Goll
Lorraine Dopson
Communion is available to be served at home,
hospital, or nursing home to anyone who is unable
to worship with the congregation. Please call the
church office at 223-6091 to schedule a time.
A prayer chain provides the power and
strength of collective
prayer for those in
need. If you would
like to join the prayer
chain, or have a
prayer need,
please contact:
Nanc Skaret at
[email protected]
or 258-4703,
Pastor Matthew,
or the church office.
Sharing Care and Concern
by: Church Office
Pastor Matthew invites and encourages all church
members and friends to notify the church office
anytime a congregation member or loved one is in
the hospital. The church office doesn’t always
know when someone has a health crisis and greatly appreciates the help of all congregation members to let us know when these needs arise.
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August Birthdays
August Birthdays
Cary Friez
1
Jennifer Mayer
19
Gaylene Massey
1
Penny Blotsky
21
Kim Wassim
2
Connor Hellman
21
Chad Hoge
3
Kenley Gratz
22
James Hughes
3
Winston Satran
23
Kim Christianson
4
Colby Wetzel
23
David Huey
5
Jaden Hoff
24
Matthew Skaret
6
Bryan Skager
24
Myra Larson
7
Sandra Cofell
25
Enid Thompson
7
Richard Hoberg
25
Joanne Pearson
8
Christy Smith
25
Tamra Hellman
10
Dale Lantz
26
Laurie Jeschke
10
Evelynn Bitz
27
Aaron Motter
10
Caitlin Monroe
27
Logan Motter
12
Terry Nelson
27
Jake Strombeck
13
Lorraine Vollan
27
Ruth Jensen
14
Britlyn Sturlaugson
28
Loren Fuhrer
15
Jessica Meyer
30
Kim Dixon
16
Nash Johnson
31
Lael Hoerauf
16
Carol McCullough
31
Aaron Cofell
17
Cole Svihovec
31
Amy Kinnischtzke
18
Lucy Morgan
18
All birthdays and anniversaries
are taken from the church’s
membership database. If we
made a mistake, or missed
you or a loved one, we apologize and ask that you please
let us know so we can update
our system. If you do not
want your birthday listed in a
bulletin or newsletter, please
let us know that as well.
Thank you!
August Anniversaries
11
David and Gaylene Massey
2
Doug and Mary Bradford
7
Tim Klug and Peggy Bartlett
9
David and Stacey Poffenberger
9
Winston and Barb Satran
10
Joe and Katherine Satrom
16
David and Marcia Huey
17
Todd and Jessica Huber
18
Larry and Peggy Hoge
19
Jerome and Phyllis Lindblom
19
Jay and Kathy Fuhrer
23
Nils and Joanne Pearson
26
Date
Time Meeting / Event
Location
Sunday, July 27, 2014
10:00 AM Worship Service with Baptism
Sanctuary
No meetings or events scheduled this week.
10:00 AM Worship Service with Communion
Sanctuary
11:00 AM Mini High-Tea Preview
Parlor
6:30 PM Outreach Committee
Conference Room
12:00 PM Stewardship Committee
Conference Room
6:00 PM Membership Committee
Conference Room
10:00 AM Worship Service
Sanctuary
11:00 AM Congregational Meeting
Sanctuary
11:15 AM Ice Cream Social
Parlor
7:00 PM Christian Education Committee
Conference Room
12:00 PM Admin. & Personnel Committee
Room 201
4:30 PM CCC Board
Parlor
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
12:00 PM Munch & Mingle
Ramkota Hotel
Sunday, August 17, 2014
10:00 AM Worship Service
Sanctuary
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
12:00 PM Business & Finance Committee
Conference Room
9:30 AM Fine Arts Festival Committee
Parlor
6:00 PM Picnic BBQ for Budget Inn
West Parking Lot
Thursday, August 21, 2014
7:00 PM Deacons Board
Room 202
Sunday, August 24, 2014
10:00 AM Worship Service (Guest Preacher)
Sanctuary
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
7:00 PM Session Meeting
Room 202
Sunday, August 31, 2014
10:00 AM Worship Service with Baptism
Sanctuary
Sunday, August 03, 2014
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Thursday, August 07, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Monday, September 01, 2014
All Day
Holiday - Church Closed
Labor Day
Tuesday, September 02, 2014
5:15 PM Property & Equipment Committee
Conference Room
12:00 PM Stewardship Committee
Conference Room
6:00 PM Membership Committee
Conference Room
8:30 AM Circle 3
Conference Room
8:30 AM Lay Preachers Meeting
Parlor
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Saturday, September 06, 2014
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Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship: 10:00 a.m.
First
Presbyterian
Church
Church Office Hours
Monday—Friday
8:00 AM—5:00 PM
Closed over Noon Hour
Church Staff
Pastor
Accounting
Secretary
Organist
Choir Director
Bell Choir Director
Custodian
Child Care Center Director
Membership Services
Membership Services
Rev. Dr. Matthew Zuehlke
Vickie Haas
Gena Tavis
Jan Candee
Debi Rogers
Lael Hoerauf
Les Hornbacher
Shawn Stettner
Judy Lentz
Shelli Peterson
13
214 E. Thayer Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: 701-223-6091
Fax: 701-354-2003
[email protected]
www.fpcbismarck.com