The Purpose Statement for the First Presbyterian Church of Marshalltown

G Growing in Christ through worship.

R Reaching out in fellowship.

A Affirming faith through discipleship.

C Caring for the lost through evangelism.

E Embracing others in mission and ministry.

Confirmands Presented

The Confirmation class was presented to the congregation on Sunday, April 22, 2007, at the 10:30 a. m. service. Congratulations to each of them for their dedication to this class and to their church. Welcome to your church family.

Brian Bacon is the son of Doug and Karen Bacon. He has a brother, Darren, and a sister, Abby. His sponsor is Dick Mc Bride. Brian is an 8^th grader at Miller Middle School. He is involved in football, track and swimming. His interests are hunting, playing video games and working out at the YMCA. His favorite scripture is Genesis 1:1: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Ryan Butler is the son of Doug and Cindy Butler. He has two brothers, Jacob and David. His sponsor is Gerald Schaudt. Ryan also attends Miller Middle School. He is involved in wrestling and football. He enjoys hunting and fishing. His favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13: I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Dalton Henze is the son of Craig and Tedra Henze. He has a brother, Marcus, and a sister, Malory. His sponsor is Pat Hemming. Dalton is in 8^th grade at Miller Middle School. He is involved in cross-country and is currently running track. He plays tuba in the band, and is on the MHS drum line. His hobby is farming. He enjoys working at his grandparents’ house and helping at the Hemming’s home by mowing and splitting wood. His favorite scripture is John 10:1-6: I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.

Alaina Severson is the daughter of Kevin and Brenda Severson. She has two older sisters, Emily and Jacquelin. Her sponsor is Barb Hawkins. Alaina is an 8^th grader at Miller Middle School. She is involved in soccer, track and volleyball. She enjoys being with friends. Her favorite scripture is 2 Corinthians 12:9: But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Help us Honor Our Graduates!

Each year, we honor our graduates both by putting their pictures up on a poster displayed in the Narthex and by recognizing them during worship.

If there is a graduate in your family (high school or higher education), please fill out the information below and put it and a picture in Martha Hall or Jean Evans’ church mailbox. Include the name of the student on the back of the photo so it may be returned to you.

Join us at the 10:30 a.m. worship on Sunday, May 20, 2007 to salute our graduates! High school graduates should wear their caps and gowns to church that day.

Name:

School:

Certificate/Degree (post high school):

2007 Synod School

Synod School is a learning and personal enrichment experience for people of all ages. The week is designed for laity and clergy, individuals and families. Classes and activities are available for adults, youth and children.

“Five Smooth Stones: Biblical themes for Life and Ministry” is the theme of Synod School 2007. Come…

To participate in a unique experience of Christian community to worship, study, play and live together;
To grow in faith through action, relationships and a centering of the spirit;
For continuing education, for a special family experience or for individual growth;
Take it all in, then return home to share and serve.

This is one of the best educational and inspirational programs provided to Presbyterian churches throughout the country. The intergenerational atmosphere offers excellent programs for children and youth in mission, study and fellowship. High quality child care for infants and toddlers is offered as well.

A $50 scholarship will be offered to the first 50 first-timers. Additional Synod School scholarships are available by application (see Synod School catalog).

Catalogs and registration applications are available on the table in the church Narthex. Classes fill up quickly, so get your registration in early.

~~Look for the church ad on the A & E TV channel during the month of May.

Fellowship Time Reminder

Hy-Vee has raised the price of donuts, the cost of bananas has gone up and Hy-Vee now has a 50¢ delivery charge, so the cost of these items will need to be adjusted. Starting Sunday, April 1, 2007, the cost of providing the Sunday donuts was changed to $29 per week.

Christ In Theassover Celebration

Annual Bike Ride

The M&I Committee is planning a Spring Bike Ride to Riverview Park on Sunday, May 20, at 1:30 p.m. We'll meet at the 6th Street Softball Complex and ride on the bike trail to Riverview Park. When we arrive, an ice cream treat and liquid refreshments will be waiting for us! After enjoying our treat, and some fellowship time, we will head back to the softball complex. Please sign up in the Narthex so we can plan appropriately. We are hoping that you will join us for an afternoon of fun!!

**Coming up in June: An Iowa Cubs Game - Sunday, June 17, 2007. (Mark your calendars)

PWC News

Elizabeth Circle will meet Thursday, May 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the Lower Lounge. Members of Rebecca Circle are welcome.

Sarah Circle’s next meeting will be May 15, at 9:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. If any ladies are not members of a circle, please come join us.

PWC will meet Thursday, May 3, at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for a Mother-daughters dessert meeting. A “Least Coin” dedication will be held. Kathy Elliff will present the program on “Gardening A-Z.” Doris Langenbau will give the devotions and the serving committee is Marilyn Edsall, Mary Lovig, Char McGrew and Yasuyo Smith.

PWC-CT will meet Tuesday, May 22, at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

The parents of

Tressa Richelle Ridout & Eric Michael Voss

Request the honour of your presence

At their marriage

Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 3 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

101 S. Center Street

Marshalltown, Iowa 50158

A reception and dance will follow the ceremony at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 201 W. High Street in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Book of the Month

“Time of Storm” by Marianne Fischer.

Read the inspiring true story of a young Jewish woman who found Christ in wartime Hungary and survived the Holocaust. She and her husband, George, eventually escaped from the Communists and made their way to the United States. She shares her insights into family life under the greatest stress, and of the healing action of God’s love. Enjoy a great, uplifting story of faith, courage and hope that will strengthen your own faith also. Available on the book shelf in the narthex.

Church Women United

“May Fellowship Day” will be celebrated at Church Women United when they meet at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 4, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Trinity Lutheran Church and St. Paul Episcopal Church are co-hosting the meeting.

Foods Resource Bank

Mark your calendar to attend the fundraiser at Taco John’s Monday, May 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to support the Foods Resource Bank (FRB). A percentage of the money taken in between 5 to 8 p.m. will be given to the FRB project.

Luke’s Ministry Message

Sinus Infection

Inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose is referred to as sinusitis. Sinusitis is one of the more common conditions that can afflict people throughout their lives. Sinusitis commonly occurs when environmental pollens irritate the nasal passages, such as with hay fever. Sinusitis can also result from irritants, such as chemicals, smoking or the use and/or abuse of over-the-counter nasal sprays. Sinusitis can also be caused by viral or bacterial infection.

The frontal sinuses are positioned behind the area of the forehead, while the maxillary sinuses are behind the cheeks. The sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses are found deeper in the skull behind the eyes and maxillary sinuses. The sinuses are lined by mucous secreting cells.

Sinus infection can be caused by anything that interferes with airflow into the sinuses and the drainage of mucous out of the sinuses. The sinus openings can be obstructed by anything which causes swelling of the tissue lining and adjacent nasal passage tissue, for example colds, allergies and tissue irritants such as cigarette smoke and over the counter nasal sprays. Sinuses can also become obstructed by tumors or growths. The drainage of mucous from the sinuses can be impaired by thickening of the mucous secretions, by decrease in the water content of the mucous brought on by disease (cystic fibrosis), drying medications (antihistamines), and lack of sufficient humidity in the air. The mucous producing cells have small hair like fibers, called cilia, which move back and forth to help the mucous move out of the sinuses. These small cilia may be damaged by many irritants, especially smoke. Stagnated mucous then provides a perfect environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in the sinus cavities.

Most cases of sinus infection are initially diagnosed and treated based on clinical findings during examination. These findings may include redness and swelling of the nasal passages, purulent (pus like) drainage from the nasal passages, tenderness to percussion over the cheeks or forehead region of the sinuses, and swelling about the eyes and cheeks. Sinus infection can cause pain in the face, teeth or head.

Sinusitis is usually caused by uncomplicated virus infection. Sinusitis caused by virus infection does not require antibiotic treatment. Recommended treatments include pain and fever medications (such as acetaminophen/Tylenol) and decongestants.

Bacterial infection of the sinuses is suspected when facial pain, pus nasal discharge and symptoms persist for longer than a week and are not responding to over-the-counter nasal medications. Bacterial sinusitis is usually treated with effective antibiotic therapy, for a minimum of 10-14 days. However, it is not unusual to need to treat sinus infection for 14-21 days.

Your medical provider may recommend salt water rinses of the nose 2-3 times each day with a bulb/ear syringe, a large medical syringe or a Waterpik. This process can wash away crusts and other debris. The salty water also pulls fluid out of the swollen membrane to decongest the nose and improve airflow.

The Emergency Food Box

Please bring food offerings or cash donations to help the Emergency Food Box program provide emergency food supplies to those persons in need who are referred for assistance.

Items that are currently needed: dry cereals, canned tomatoes, fruits, pork & beans, creamed soups, chicken noodle soup, boxed pasta and macaroni & cheese. These items are not available from the Food Bank in Des Moines at this time. If you prefer to write a check; make it payable to Emergency Food Box and put it in the offering plate or mail to EFB, P.O. Box 391, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158. Funds are used to buy canned goods locally and to pay handling charges for items we are able to get from the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines and for vouchers for clients to obtain milk and bread.

We count on you to support the ministry of the Emergency Food Box. Thank you for donating.

Thank you to everyone for their cards, prayers and memorials following the death of my mother, Lois Bower.

---Tom & Jean Bower

Your contribution has helped to restock the shelves of the Supply Closet to meet the basic needs of many in our community. Thank you for offering these practical gifts of love to our neighbors. Your recent contribution was very timely because we were low on many items. Again, thank you for your gifts!

---Mary Bloomquist

House of Compassion Supply Closet

Thank you to ALL for the PRAYERS and VISITS during Jim’s recent hospitalization due to pneumonia and for all those who are so kind to help him be able to attend church. Everyone is so kind. We’re thankful for our Deacons Roger and Karen who visit Jim, bring flower, also Pastor Rich and Pastor Dave’s visits and encouragement. GOD is loving us through you dear friends. We truly appreciate each one of you.

---Jim & Marla Grossman

The Presbyterian Women thank you for donations of thrift items and baked goods to our fund raiser.

We appreciate Bob Boeyink putting a handle on the door of the Gathering Place, Flapjack members for helping set up and take down tables, and all the women of the church for your help. A HUGE thank you to each of your for making the project a success.

--- Presbyterian Women

Thank you to all who participated with the supplies for the House of Compassion Supply Closet. We appreciate your loyal support.

---The Missions Committee

"I recently had a problem with a vehicle which prompted me to take it to the dealer to repair. After checking a few times to determine if the repair had been made, I was wondering why they could not locate a part. After nearly 3 weeks of waiting, I stopped in at the church and ran into Pastor David. I told him about how long it was taking to get the replacement part.

David immediately got on the computer and located a part in Newton (I would guess within 5 minutes!). The shop manager at the local dealership in Marshalltown had told me that they had a nationwide search going on to find a part, but they never located one!

Anyway, Marge and I drove to Newton, picked up the part, we got the part put in, and it is working fine now.

This reminded me of how blessed we are as a church family since we have pastors who are willing to take the time to help members of the congregation when needs arise! I have known of other churches in which the pastors just cover their required weekly responsibilities and no more! We are so blessed at

First Presbyterian!

---Jim Wolfe

Thank you for your donation of quilts. Many of the infants inour program will stay warm because of your kindness. Thanks again.

---The Stork’s Nest

---Jan Stubbs and Nathalie Lynch for faithfully knitting prayer shawls for the Deacons to use.

---our loyal workers who served at, the House of Compassion in April; Roger Anders, Mary Baker, Carolyn Bell, Jean Evans, Pat Hemming, Ed Jackson, Betty Jacobs, Edith Rankin, Roger Schoell, Pat Smith, Steve Strand and Carolyn Wilkinson.

Recently, I had the privilege of spending four hours of my “day off” at the fabulous paradise also known as the Department of Motor Vehicles, or the DMV. You see, I was on a quest to receive the coveted “class C CDL license”, only given to those most advanced and proven drivers. Obtaining this noble piece of plastic requires one to pass not one, but two written tests as well as a driving skills test.

Note: this is not a commentary about the DMV or its quality of service, but rather a look at one day’s events from my perspective.

My four hours at the DMV began in the morning as I took the written test. After passing the eye test on three separate occasions I passed my written test on the first try. However, it was the wrong test and so I had to be retested…twice. After passing the written test, one must pass the driving test. Therefore, I had to return with a licensed driver and the bus. After waiting for an hour for someone to administer the test, it was time to drive. But wait… the bus won’t start. That is, until Orlyn came out and had the “touch” to get it going.

Once the bus was up and running, the test itself only took about ten minutes, and I passed with flying colors. From there it was back in line to wait for the official piece of plastic. While I was waiting I saw many strange things. For instance: a man with glasses wired to his head, another man wearing heavy clothing and a winter coat (in 80 degree weather), two gentlemen turning in their licenses due to OWI, and a woman who pulled out both a bottle of beer and tequila and placed them on the counter and told the DMV worker to “pick one.”

By now you are probably wondering where I am going with this rambling and so I will tell you. I am not the most patient person in the world. There is a reason why my family reunions incorporated the “Jon first” rule (the rule that I get to go first in the buffet line so they don’t listen to me bellyache). I don’t like to wait. My grandma used to tell me “don’t wish your life away.” But during those moments at the DMV, I could think of a thousand other things I wished I was doing.

Time is a funny thing. We only get so much of it, and its sum is privilege information that we are not entitled to. Now even though I didn’t particularly enjoy those four hours at the DMV, they were precious hours that God had blessed me with. I began to think of this time that was being “wasted” and I decided to not let it be wasted but utilized. I spent my time talking to Orlyn Langenbau, getting to know him a bit better, I talked to a mother and her 14 year old daughter there to get her first permit and offered some driving and life tips, I prayed for the woman who thought it o.k. to offer a bottle of tequila to a state worker in a state office, and I thought about the great memories that would come from driving youth around in our church bus. And you know what? The time went by pretty fast.

Each day and each moment is an opportunity. How are you using those “wasted” moments of waiting in the doctor’s office, stuck at a traffic light, in line at the grocery store, or commuting to work? Time is not wasted unless you let it be. Find something to make it worthwhile and thank God while you’re at it.

Jon

The Good News of

Marshalltown, Iowa Volume 72, No. 4

Confirmands Presented