1. Art and Diseño

The Salt Shaker
FEBRUARY 2015
First Presbyterian Church Near Ely, 11100 Spanish Road, Ely, Iowa 52227
319-848-4624 www.elypres.org
From the Pastor’s Keyboard
This article recognizes the Johanna Society
which began in 1928 and disbanded in fall 2014.
(Abridged from church history documents)
On Tuesday, March 6, 1928, 12 women of the
church met in the basement of the church to decide where they would like the kitchen located.
Mrs. Pokorny, wife of Doctor Reverend Pokorny,
mentioned the advisability of organizing a Ladies
Aid Society. They decided to hold monthly meetings on the third Thursday, rotating alphabetically
in the homes of members during the summer and
in the church basement during the winter. The
dues were set at $.10 per month and were collected monthly for many years. One of the guidelines
of the group was that the lunch must not consist
of more than one item of food and coffee. "If any
member gives a more sumptuous lunch a penalty
will be imposed on said member."
sell. When they had enough material they also made
quilts.
The official Johanna colors were green and beige,
and once they saved enough material of the right
colors, they made Johanna Quilts. The Johanna
quilt hanging in the living room of the church was
donated by Wilma Carson. Each woman involved
in making the quilt has her name embroidered on a
square in 1935.
The first soup supper was held on September 23,
1938, with a charge of $0.25 a meal. They made a
profit of $43.14. The next year their profit was
$57.47. In 1940 they sold soup for $.20 a quart,
kolaches for $0.25 a dozen, and collected a profit of
$82.56.
While they were busy making money - the soup
supper every year, an ice cream social once in a
while, selling quilts and rag rugs they had sewed they were also busy giving, both money and materiThe first regular meeting was held on March 12 at al things. For many years they collected fresh fruit
the home of Mrs. Mary Becicka, and was opened and vegetables as well as canned goods for the
with Scripture reading and prayer by Dr. Pokorny. Children's Home in Cedar Rapids. For almost a
decade, they collected from 37 to 83 dozen eggs per
Fifteen members were present, and they cut and
year for the Children's Home. Cookies were also
sewed blocks for quilts.
taken to the Mentally Handicap Center in Cedar
The name of "The Johanna Society" was decided Rapids for the children's snacks. Very early in the
on in honor of Mrs. Pokorny.
life of their organization they decided to give $5 to
a worthy cause in the case of the death of a church
During the early years the women sewed carpet
member: the Children's Hospital in St. Paul, an orrags and quilt blocks at meetings. One of these
phanage in Czechoslovakia, Camp Good Health,
quilts was sent to a needy family in Texas about
the Red Cross, the Fund for Korean Children, the
whom they read in the Czech Christian Herald;
church endowment fund, church building fund, orIn August of the first year they held an ice cream gan fund, and memorial fund. In more recent years,
social - the profit was $18.90. They had no coffee many local, national, and international charities
have benefited from Johanna Society donations
maker and had to borrow a boiler to use. They
over the years including Presbyterian Women
passed the hat and collected $9.50 to purchase a
World Mission, Green Square Meals in Cedar Rapboiler.
ids, the Linn Community Food Bank, Camp WyIn December 1928, they held a bazaar in the Leoming, and 28 years of support for Christian
gion Hall in Ely. They charged $0.35 per meal.
Children’s Fund. They have also collected preThe Johannas sewed rags together to make rugs to scription bottles for recycling, and stamps for
sale. Continued on page 2.
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Continued from page 1. In more recent
decades, the Johanna Society sponsored
many things for the church and manse painting and papering in this church building,
at Rogers Grove church and the manse.
They purchased Bibles and hymnbooks
and the American and Christian flags in the
sanctuary. More projects included: carpeting
in both the church and manse; original basement lights; mimeograph machine; vacuum
cleaners; communion table linens; insulation
for the church and manse; tables and chairs in
the fellowship hall; wrought iron stair railings; and ovens for the kitchen.
In 1963, the "Cook Book of Family Favorites" was printed. There were 5,000 copies
made, and all were sold by the end of 1968.
In 1982, the "125th Anniversary Cookbook"
was printed. 2,500 copies were made and all
were sold by 1990. In 1987 1,000 copies of
the original cookbooks were reprinted.
Did You Know?
The Fairfax State Saving Bank offers the “Spirit of
Giving Program” where the bank matches donations
up to $20.00 for charitable contributions made by
bank customers. We wish to thank Fairfax State
Savings Bank for matching our members’ gifts.
Thank you to our members who initiated their donations and contacted the bank about the program.
KOLACHES FOR YOUR VALENTINE
Our kolach bakers will be busy baking for our fellow church members on Saturday, February 14.
We charge $10 per dozen, and limit 3 dozen per
order. You may order by signing up at church or
contacting Joanne Chadima.
Please let Joanne know as soon as possible:
1) number of dozens and 2) your preferred flavors
(apricot, cherry, poppy seed, or raspberry.)
Over the years, the Johanna Society has studied dozens of books in the Bible, sponsored
potlucks, and served meals for funeral luncheons; ordered and maintained the kitchen;
and served the church and community
through their dedication and faithfulness.
If you would like to help on February 14, please do
so – we can always use extra help especially for
packaging. Thank you!
We recognize and thank those who over the
decades have served in this ministry, mission,
and fellowship group for 86 years, from 1928
to 2014.
Sunday, Feb. 1: “What have you to do with us,
Jesus of Nazareth?” Mark 1:21-28
In Christ,
Pastor Julie and the History Committee of
First Presbyterian Church near Ely
The next Ladies Night Out is Monday, Feb.
24 beginning at 6:30 pm at 101 Gastro Pub &
Grill, 3701 First Ave. SE.
Ladies Night Out is a fun night
for ladies of the church (and
their friends) of all ages. Please
let Jennie Netolicky know if you
are available to attend.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday, Feb. 8: Beyond Capernaum, Mark 1:
29-39; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Sunday, Feb.15: JAZZ Sunday: Be inspired by
Sound Progression and other musical selections
on the Sunday before Lent begins. Plan to eat
pancakes before worship and discover a
Valentine for you, too.
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18: Validation,
Luke 18:9-14; Service at 7:00 p.m.
1st Sunday of Lent, Feb. 22: The Word: The
Sower and the Seed, Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23.
Holy Communion
2nd Sunday of Lent, March 1: Treasure:
Hidden Treasure and Priceless Pearls,
Matthew 13:44-46
PAGE
Synod School 2015
Synod School, an annual midsummer ministry of the
Synod of Lakes and Prairies of the Presbyterian Church
(USA) is for laity, clergy, families, and singles. It’s fun
and mind-stretching courses, worship and singing you’ll
long remember, and times for both fellowship and private reflection.
Discover Synod School and you’ll know why so many people keep
returning. Synod School will be held July 26-31, 2015 at Buena Vista
University, Storm Lake, Iowa.
Choose among over 60 courses. Convocation speaker Theresa Cho
is co-pastor of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. Evening worship will be led by Holy Enchilada, a group of creative and engaging worship leaders from across the church. They will also lead
youth convocation. They will all be exploring this year’s theme, “A
Future with Hope.”
Enroll is Synod School today at www.lakesandprairies.org/school.html
or phone 1-800-328-1880, ext. 207.
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course
Faith community nursing (also called parish nursing) is a recognized
specialty practice that combines professional nursing and health ministry. Faith community nursing emphasizes health and healing within a
family community. Mercy Medical Center will offer the Foundations of
Faith Community Nursing course on March 24, 26, 28, and April 7, 9,
11. This course will provide the basic foundation for the nurse interested in practicing in the faith community nurse role in his/her faith
community.
Notes of Thanks
Dear Congregation of First Presbyterian Church near Ely, We were flabbergasted to receive your gift. Things have been tough lately and it made a big
difference in our Christmas this year. Thank you!
~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for the generous gift. It definitely came in handy for
some bills. Really enjoyed seeing everyone for Christmas. Thank you so
much once again.
Wednesday Bible study
Wednesday morning Bible study continues in the Gospel
of Luke. It meets weekly at “The Retreat” coffee shop in
Ely at 9:30 a.m. Hope to see you there!
3
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH NEAR ELY
PASTOR Rev. Dr. Julie A. Schuett
CHURCH STAFF
Custodian, Betty Buresh
Choir Director, Stephanie Corkran
Youth Director, Angie Ehle
Organist, Sharon Furler
Secretary, Misti Huedepohl
ELDERS
Christal Bressler, Mission
Dan Chadima, Treasurer
Alyson Eadie, Clerk of Session
Theresa Harder, Worship
Barb Horak, Welcome/Outreach
Phil Huedepohl, Property
Bill Serbousek, Stewardship
Rene Tedrow, Christian Education
Everett Williams, Personnel
Matt Zacek, Fellowship
DEACONS’ FAMILY CARE LIST
Angie Ehle
Andrle – Coble-Frakes
Terry Zahradnik
Cook – Hamilton
Penny Serbousek
Harder – Mineck
Karen Zacek
Miner – Schuett
Bonnie Fencl
Serbousek – Whittom
Bryan & Elaine Bailey Wieneke - Zvacek
APPOINTED PERSONNEL
Children’s Choir Director, Dawn Zacek
Cemetery Sexton, Gary Kilberger
Recording Treasurer, Judy Serbousek
Funds Treasurer, Tom Vavra
CORPORATE OFFICERS
President: Tom Vavra
Vice President: Diane Reist
Secretary/Treas.: David Faltis
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Elaine Bailey
Bonnie Fencl
Jodie Chadima
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITEE
Alyson Eadie
Pat Kilberger
Penny Serbousek
Tom Vavra
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4
Our church is now equipped with an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), a device that may save a life in the event of a Sudden
Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA is the nation’s leading killer, taking over
300,000 lives annually. Our AED is located downstairs, across from
the restrooms. It is in an alarmed cabinet with an AED sign above it. An AED
is an FDA approved medical device that if necessary will deliver a shock to
the heart—and all that has to happen is the AED has to be turned on and
AED electrode pads be placed on the victim’s chest in the appropriate places
(as shows on the AED and pads.)
If, after analyzing a victim’s heart rhythm, the AED detects cardiac arrest, the
AED will audibly advise that shock be delivered. (All anyone has to do is
press the shock button on the AED). If you can use a cell phone you can use
an AED! A shock cannot be delivered if the AED does not detect cardiac
arrest in the victim. AEDs are proven to increase the chances of saving the
lives of cardiac arrest victims. Survival improves from under 5% to over 60%
by the use of an AED within 2-4 minutes of collapse!
If you have any question on the AED or would like further information on
our AED program, please contact Pastor Julie.
Session Notes from December 2014
1. Active Membership as of November 30 = 219; Average Sunday worship
attendance = 99.
2. Elder Vernon Zach died November 27, 2014.
3. Motion approved to transfer remaining money from 2014 annual budget
into a Contingency Account.
4. Motion approved to increase wages for church part-time staff (organist,
choir director, youth leader, secretary, and custodian) by 2% in 2015.
5. Motion approved that Pastor Julie receive a 1% increase in cash salary (line
item 8611), the church will pay for her family medical plan and pension and
insurance (line item 8620). This represents a 2.8% total increase.
6. Motion approved 2015 budget.
7. Motion approved to call for annual congregational meeting on January 25
with snow date of February 1. To be followed by potluck.
A joyful heart
makes a
cheerful face.
Proverbs 15:13
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5
Children’s Christian Education
Children's Sunday School schedule begins at10:45 a.m. with the Sunday School Opening in sanctuary. We start every
Sunday with the song "This is the Day."
Sunday School Weekly Schedule
 10:50-11:00 music in sanctuary; 11:00-11:45 classroom
 K-2nd: 10:50-11:30 Classroom, 11:30-11:45: Music in sanctuary
 3rd-6th: 10:50-11:30 classroom, 11:30-11:45: Music in sanctuary
Preschool
K-2nd Grade
3rd-6th Grade
February 1
Jacob’s family joins
Joseph in Egypt.
Genesis 42:1—47:12
Jesus and the Man Who Jesus and the Man Who
Was Blind John 9:1–41 Was Blind John 9:1–41
February 8
Teachers in the
Temple. Luke 2:41–52
“I Am the Good Shepherd.” John 10:11–16
“I Am the Good Shepherd.” John 10:11–16
February 15
Jesus teaches us how
to pray. Luke 1-2a
Jesus and Martha;
Scripture:
John 11:17–27
Jesus and Martha;
Scripture:
John 11:17–27
February 22
Jesus teaches us how
to pray. Luke 11:2b
Jesus and the Disciples; Jesus and the Disciples;
Scripture: John 13:1–17 Scripture: John 13:1–17
March 1
Give us each day our
daily bread. Luke 11:3
Hosanna! Scripture:
John 12:12–16
Hosanna! Scripture:
John 12:12–16
Adult Sunday School Class
Adult class meets in the church living room at 11:00 a.m. Join us as we explore A Study of the Letter to the
Ephesians: No Longer Strangers.
 February 1: Blessed in Christ, Ephesians 1:1-14
 February 8: Remembered in Prayer, Ephesians 1:15-23
 February 15: Our Way of Life, Ephesians 2:1-10
(During Lent, we will take a break from Ephesians and finish after Easter.)
 LENT STUDY: Parables of Jesus
 February 22: The Word: The Sower and the Seed, Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23
 March 1:Treasure: Hidden Treasure and Priceless Pearls, Matthew 13:44-46
Join us for Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. Ash
Wednesday begins the season of Lent where we acknowledge that we all have sinned and
fallen short of the glory of God, we stand in solidarity as fellow creatures before our Creator, acutely aware of our mortality. In the face of our transience, we pledge ourselves anew
to live unto God’s Word in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word that remains forever.
—Presbyterian Mission Agency
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6
Youth Ministry
Hello from the Youth Group! To begin the New Year, we:
Resumed regular Sunday School and continued studying the Life of Moses.
 Met with parents to discuss Montreat, fundraising, and other spring and
summer activities.
 Studied the Bible As a Rule Book and thought about the rules Jesus taught us by His example.
 Prepared for the Souper Bowl Sunday event (on February 1), when youth will be collecting food
donation for the Linn Community Food Bank and funds to help those who are hungry.
In addition, youth member Luke Huedepohl was ordained as Youth Elder
to serve on Session for 2015. We are excited about Luke representing
the youth program. Congratulations, Luke!
In February, Youth will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast for Jazz Sunday on
Sunday, February 15. Please join the Youth for a hot breakfast of sausage,
pancakes, and eggs. We look forward to serving you!
Also, in February, we hope to have a mission/service project on President’s Day. Details are being confirmed as of the writing of this report,
and will be emailed to families when firm. Look for an email from Angie
soon.
As always, if there are any questions or comments about the Youth
Luke Huedepohl
programs, please feel free to contact me at church.
Blessings,
Angie

February Youth Schedule
Sunday, February 1: 9:30 am Souper Bowl of Caring
10:45-11:30am Sunday School
6:30-8:30 Youth Group Super Bowl Party at Angie’s

Sunday, February 8: 10:45-11:30 am Sunday School
6:00 pm Second Sunday Supper; 6:30-8:30 pm:Youth Group
 Sunday, February 15: 6:30 am Pancake Breakfast prep
8:00 am Serve Pancake Breakfast
10:45-11:30 am Sunday School
NO Youth Group that evening
 Monday, February 16: Youth Mission Project, details TBA
 Sunday, February 22: 10:45-11:30am Sun. School
6:30-8:30 Youth Group
 Sunday, March 1:
10:45-11:30 am: Sunday School
6:30-8:30 Youth Group

Youth Pancake
Breakfast is Sunday,
February 15.
Serving sausage,
pancakes & eggs
8:00 –9:30 a.m.
See you there!
Save the Date:
July 17-26 for
Montreat Youth Conference
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7
February 2015
Sun
1 Food pantry
Mon
2
Tue
3
4
Sunday/
Office hours
9 am-1:00
SOUPER
BOWL OF
CARING
8
9
10
9:30 am Worship;
10:45 Sunday
School
15
8:00 Pancake
Breakfast by
Youth Group
9:30 am Jazz Sunday; 10:45 Sunday
School
Office hours
9 am-1:00
16
March
Newsletter
Deadline
22 Lent Begins 23
9:30 am Worship
with Communion;
10:45 Sunday
School
Ladies Night
Out 6:30 pm
Wed
17
Office hours
9 am-1:00
Thu
5
6
9:30 am
Adult Bible Study
Bell Choir 6:15
Chancel Choir
7:30 pm
11
9:30 am
Adult Bible Study
Sat
7
Office hours
9 am-1:00
12
13
9:30 am
Adult Bible Study
Bell Choir 6:15
Chancel Choir
7:30 pm
18
Fri
14 Kolach Baking
Corkran/
Buonadonna
wedding
Office hours
9 am-1:00
19
20
Session Meeting
6:30 pm
21
Office hours
9 am-1:00
7:00 p.m. Ash
Wednesday
Service
24
Office hours
9 am-noon
Men’s Night
6:30 pm
25
9:30 am
Adult Bible Study
Bell Choir 6:15
Chancel Choir
7:30 pm
26
27
28
Office hours
9 am-noon
Sundays at First Presbyterian
Worship Service 9:30 A.M.
Sunday School 10:45 A.M.
Youth Sunday School 10:45 A.M.
Adult Bible Study 11:00 A.M.
Youth Group, Sundays at 6:30 P.M.
(See page 6 for complete youth schedule)