NEWSLETTER     September 2010

TO ALL THE GOOD AND GENTLE FOLKS OF THE COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LAC DU FLAMBEAU:

Greetings:

In my sermon last Sunday, which happened to be the Sunday we focus on “peace”, I related an experience Carolyn and I had coming home from a Howard Young visit on Wednesday evening—in the twilight hours.  It was a magnificent, moving sight—one which touches the heart and soul and has the power and capacity to lift one’s spirit almost into the presence of God.  There was not a cloud to behold anywhere, the horizon was crest with a brilliant red, tinged with orange and yellow and off to the left, high in the sky, was the glistening glow of the North Star.  I turned from looking up at the sky and focused on the road before me, State Rte. 47, and saw the tall spruce and birch trees lifting their branches toward the heavens, dark as the trees were, they nevertheless silhouetted the sky and the road before me.  How peaceful I thought!  How beautiful!  It was indeed a “soul-stirring” experience for both of us.

Then I returned to reality.  The world, though it is touched by such majesty; though it emanates a calm that soothes our spirits, does not reflect this wonder often enough, deeply enough, widely enough, but rather, seeks its own ends and tends to justify any means to accomplish them.  And then I thought, as members of the body of Christ, the “Prince of Peace,” “the Author of Life and Real, substantive Love,” we have much to do.  The life of faith is a continuous struggle of good vs. evil, of light vs. darkness, of power, greed and hate vs. equality, justice, peace and love for all.  And I immediately thought of Salvador Dali’s magnificent paintings: “The Christ of St. John” (painted in 1951) and his “Last Supper” (painted in 1955).  And I thought of our “simple—Northwoods Cross—so beautiful in its simplicity.  As I thought of these icons, which we so frequently take for granted, I remembered even though there is much work to do, even though there seems to be no end to the problems before us, good people of faith do have the edge, for we have the very same Jesus of Nazareth,  captured by Dali, the Christ of God symbolized in our sanctuary daily in our hearts and souls—and ultimately, it became clear as the night sky I had observed: this goodness, peace, joy, justice and love which comes to us from the ens entium—that is: from the very essence of our God—shall prevail!  Our God of Love, of Peace, of Joy shall be the victor!

On some other matters, now: the Congregational Meeting held after services on Sunday, August 22nd was recessed in order that we may reconvene on Sunday, September 12th to consider a change in the by-laws concerning our annual meeting.  The change recommended is simple: it enables us to comply with the Book of Order in that our Constitution calls for “an” annual meeting, not bi-annual meetings.  Further, the recommendation is for that meeting to take place in August, which is one of the dates we currently use for our bi-annual meetings, and conduct all necessary business due and proper to come before the congregations, e.g. election of officers, hearing of reports, etc.  The rationale for the change is simply that it will give many of our members who depart from the Northwoods in the fall to have full participation in the life of the church.  We are also recommending that the quorum necessary to conduct meetings be reduced from one-third of the “membership” to a quorum of 15%.  This quorum should be easily achieved and is 5% greater than our constitution requires.  If there is any need for a congregational meeting at any other time, the Session has the authority to call such a meeting and deal with any particular issues that may arise.  In addition, one-fourth of the congregation may petition the Session to call a congregational meeting as well.  If you have any comments, etc. on this issue feel free to email me at nicea325@frontier.com.

We have been having wonderful attendance at our services of worship this summer, with many visitors, some of whom are visiting with family members who live here, others from the campground, and many who are frequent visitors coming to worship with us on their own volition.  It has been a wonderful, joyous time and it is our hope that our visitors have been enriched by our services as we have been by their presence.

I am continuing my discussion class on the Gospel of John, using my brief commentary, A Cartoon Commentary of the Gospel of John, published by ACTA publishers in Chicago, IL.  We are presently up to chapters 7 & 8 and have had some very interesting insights, comments, questions, etc.  It has been, I hope, an enriching experience for all.

We continue to be hit fairly hard in the health area of our congregation, with many being hospitalized and /or undergoing lengthy, sometimes difficult rehabilitation.  Our prayer chain has been working overtime, but the prayers, concerns, thoughts are greatly appreciated by those who are experiencing these hard times.  Please continue to pray for all those who are in need, not only in our congregation, but throughout the world—especially those who are oppressed, disenfranchised, poor, etc.  Pray also for those who oppress and cause this pain and suffering, those who wish to dominate, to assume power, and who foster hate, prejudice and misunderstanding—pray the Lord “enlightens” them.

We look forward always to seeing you in our midst, but if you are unable to be here with us know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Now may God’s love surround you, may God’s power and strength be within you, may God’s “peace” fill your lives, and most especially, may God’s loving, sustaining grace flow forth from you reaching out to all you meet.

As Always,

Pax et Caritas,

Bill Anderson

NOTES FROM SESSION

Session held its regular Session meeting on August 12.  The treasurer’s report was given and the overall financial position of the church continues to be healthy.  A large upcoming expense will be the expenditure of the mission Budget, which will be coming up soon.  Dr. Anderson is continuing with the Study of the Book of John with brown bag lunches at noon on Wednesday.

It was with pleasure Session renewed Dr. Anderson’s contract for another year, beginning October 1.  Dr. Anderson will be finishing his fourth year on Sept. 30.  Bill and Carolyn’s ministry at Community Presbyterian Church of Lac du Flambeau has truly been a blessing, and we are looking forward to another year of their service.

Ralph Kerler, Building and Grounds moderator, reported that the loose pews have been fixed and that possible expenditures in the future will involve new siding for the manse and eventually a new roof for the church.  These will be expenditures from the capitol fund.

Nancy DiCristina, Worship and Music Moderator, was happy to report that the picture taking for the upcoming church directory is almost completed.  Dennis Gathmann and Bill Raduege took the pictures and Dennis is formatting the directory.  Several volunteers have been assisting with information for the directories.  All those who have helped are very much appreciated.  Nancy was commended for her outstanding work on the church directory project.  The picture taking has been finalized, and we will be anxious to see our new directory when it is finished, helping us match the names with the faces of our CPC church family members.  Nancy also announced that Grant Birmingham will be serving on the Worship and Music Committee.

We are pleased to have Barbara and Bob Metz and Barbara Streng serving as Triennium Visitors for Presbytery, and they visited the Ironwood Church on August 18th.

We were glad to receive Esther Meyer as a new Affiliate Member this past month.  If you haven’t had a chance to welcome Esther, please do so.

Congregational concerns were given for Sue Morlan, LaNita Hobbs and Carol Grahl.  Please continue to remember these members in your prayers.

The next regular Session meeting will be September 9th at 1:30 P.M. in Fellowship Hall.

Carol Gelwicks, Clerk

THANK YOU

Our sincere THANKS to our CHURCH FAMILYfor their prayers, cards, flowers, fruit baskets, food and visits during these past few months.  We are doing much better and pray for a complete recovery even though it is not always possible.  With folks like you praying for all the sick it certainly is possible.  THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!             Charlie and LaNita Hobbs

GOLF OUTING

Please mark your calendars to attend the 4th Annual CPC Golf Outing on Monday, Sept. 13, 2010.  It will be a nine hole tournament at Wildwood Golf Course.  The golf will start at approximately 3:00 P.M. followed by a reception and fellowship time at the Rusty Putter.  All golfers are invited to both the golf and the reception.  Non-golfers are invited to attend just the reception.  Final details will be provided at a later time.  If you have any questions, contact Ken Biek at 588-9101.

September BIRTHDAYS

CHOIR NOTES

With unrelenting crescendo, the symphony of a life replete with melodic progression hastens to its finale.  And a friendship that is ours to share, with it’s “Largos” and “Allegros” moves everlasting; onward in sweet memories.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule. Samuel Butler

Enjoy the season of “Oktoberfest.”

COFFEE HOUR

We thank Delma and Betty, the Grosch’s, the Days, the Hettingas and the Lockwoods for hosting the Coffee Hour in August. 

PICTURE DIRECTORY

We have completed the picture taking and are in the final steps for completing our directory.  It should be out in September.                

Thank you all for participating.  We have 124 people who had their picture taken.

Special thanks to the committee who gave their time, ideas and talents to make this happen.  They are Faye Evans, Dennis Gathmann, Ralph Kerler, Vera Kerler, Ruby Matz, Bill Raduege and Ginny Stiles.  You all kept me almost sane!!!

Nancy DiCristina

CHURCH HISTORY

The church history project has been put on hold but not forgotten.  My goal is to have it completed by October.  If anyone has pictures or items of interest that can be copied, please loan them to me.  They can be from the early years to the present.  Please put them in an envelope with your name on it and a brief description of what, who and approximate year.  I will return them to you.  This has been a fun and interesting project which I hope you’ll all enjoy reading.

Nancy DiCristina.

NEWS FROM THE DEACONS

The Deacons will be collecting money contributions for the Lakeland Food Pantry after the worship service on Sunday, September 19, 2010.  Please make the checks payable to the Lakeland Food Pantry.  CPC has been a very good supporter of this local charity in both monetary and time contributions.  Further reminders will be forthcoming.  If you have any questions, contact Ken Biek at 588-9101.  Your contributions will be greatly appreciated.

SEPTEMBER  SCRIPTURE READINGS

Sept. 5, 2010

Communion Sunday

23rd. Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jer. 18:1-11; Ps. 139:1-6, 13-18; Philem. 1-21; Luke 14:25-33

Sept. 12,  2010

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jer. 4;11-12, 22-28; Ps. 14; 1 Tim. 1;12-17; Luke 15:1-10

Sept. 19,  2010

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time                                   

Jer. 8:18-9:1; Ps. 79:1-9; 1 Tim. 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13

Sept. 26, 2010 

26th .  Sunday in Ordinary Time                

Jer. 32;1-3a, 6-15; Ps. 91; 1-6, 14-16; 1 Tim. 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31

These readings are suggested by the Presbyterian Planning Calendar and may be changed each week depending on the topic of the sermon.  Nancy Siroin will call the liturgists each week to let them know what the readings will be.   Liturgists for the month are Grant Birmingham, Sept. 5; Marie Peterman Sept. 12 and Kathy LaBarge on Sept. 26th.  We need someone to sign up for Sept. 19th.

THANK OFFERING

The Thank Offering began in 1888 when Eliza Clokey of Springfield, Ohio, urged each woman to give one dollar over and above her usual contribution to the Women’s General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church of North America as a “thank offering to her Lord.”  These gifts were presented at the annual convention and the  women’s giving saved the worldwide missionary movement at that time.  This thank offering has continued through the years and is usually collected in the fall.  Forty percent of this offering is used to support hospitals and community health programs that place priority on helping the most needy members of God’s community throughout the world.  The remainder is used for new creative ideas for mission.  We have attached an envelope for your convenience if you care to contribute.  This can be put in the offering plate throughout the month of September.  We thank you for your participation in this worthwhile mission.

NOTES FROM THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

A Biannual Congregational meeting of the Community Presbyterian Church of Lac du Flambeau was held on Sunday, August 22, 2010.  Annual reports were received and are on file in the church office.  A correction was made to the Clerk’s report that Dr. Anderson is completing his fourth year, not third,  A correction was also made to the Fellowship Committee’s report that there was a special Father’s Day Coffee hour.

The nominating Committee, consisting of Faye Evans, Charles Granger, Bob Nienaber, and Dave Peterman representing the congregation; Vera Kerler, representing Deacons and Barbara Metz and Carol Gelwicks, representing Session were thanked  for their service.  Ralph Kerler, Barbara Metz and Glenn Morrison were unanimously elected for second terms beginning in 2011.  Deacons who have been serving but are not continuing are Kathy LaBarge, Jan Gresmer and Ken Biek.  Those Deacons were thanked for their service.  Bob Nienaber, Arlene Morrison and Marie Peterman were unanimously elected to Deacon’s terms beginning in 2011.

The by-law changes are explained in Dr. Anderson’s letter and the meeting was recessed until September 12th when the by-law changes will be discussed and a vote may be taken at that time.

Carol Gelwicks, Clerk

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