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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA, MONTANA
Issue 2, Volume 2015
I have had the opportunity - no, the
outright pleasure - of journeying
with you for the last two years.
Thank you for your hospitality,
inviting me into your lives, and
walking together in our faith
journeys. I like FPC, Helena, and
Montana. So here are a few of my
favorite things:
I like that Helena is nestled into a
mountain canyon. I like that from
downtown (and many neighborhoods) it is a matter of blocks to a
National Forest and/or a city park
that is an entire mountain.
I took the Tour Train after being
here a few months. Part of the
tour is through the Mansion
District. The tour mentioned that
Helena had the highest number of
millionaires per capita of any US
city at one time, and they built their
fine homes in this district west of
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
downtown. I enjoyed the expansive
houses. What I enjoyed even more
was that among the mansions
were somewhat more modest
homes and very modest houses all there, right together - and it is
still that way today.
Another favorite: Les Cramer on
the accordion - oh, yes, he hasn’t
done that yet0
I like the fact that “gated communities” around Helena are called
ranches. And that their gates are
for retention, mainly keeping livestock in, versus gates whose sole
purpose is exclusion.
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy did a study of the 50
states and DC recently, finding that
when it comes to state and local
taxes “the less you earn, the
harder you’re hit.”
Our Pastor
Rev. Scott Wipperman
First Presbyterian Church
535 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
406.442.4775
fpchelena.org
ContinuedCHURCH
page 2 OF HELENA
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
“These Are a Few of My Favorite Things “ continued from page 1
Our close neighbor, the state of Washington,
was at the bottom of the list as the most
regressive. There the bottom 20% of earners
pay 16.8% of their income in state and local
taxes, the middle 60% pay 8.4% of their income, and the top 1% pay 2.4%. But, another
of my “favorite things” is that Montana is cited
first as being in the “list of the fairest states.”
These are just a FEW of my “favorite things”;
there are tons more, but I don’t have the
space to go into all of them. And it is not the
case that what is listed above are my “top” favorite things, for the members and friends of
FPC take that spot!
I like that people here have their opinions, yet
are open to the views of others.
P.S. I didn’t list you all as my top favorite thing at
the start of the article so that you wouldn’t acquire
“big headedness.”
Pastor Scott
Lent
What exactly is Lent?
When does Lent begin and end?
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter,
which is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. During this season of preparation, some people fast or give up something important to them. Some spend
time in study, devotion, and prayer. Others
cut back on their social life and give more
time to service in the community.
Lent lasts 40 days, beginning on Ash
Wednesday and ending at sunset on
Easter Eve. Lent begins on Wednesday,
February 18 Please join us for an Ash
Wednesday service at 6:00 p.m. Easter
Sunday is April 5th,
What does the word “Lent” mean?
The word Lent comes from the old English word lencten, which refers to the
lengthening of days and the coming of
spring.
Where is Lent mentioned in the Bible?
Lent is not specifically mentioned in the
Bible, but it is biblical nonetheless! Jewish
tradition, based on the laws given in Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, has always said that for every religious festival, there must be enough time
for preparation. This idea carried over,
without question, into Christianity.
Where did the number 40 come from?
In early times each number was felt to reveal a certain aspect of God. The early
church fathers felt that the number 40,
whether it was 40 hours, 40 days, or 40
years, was the necessary period for cleansing, testing, and strengthening. Using the
number 40 is based on the following:
● Noah’s ark floated in the flood for 40
days (Genesis 7:4).
● Moses fasted 40 days before he received the Ten Commandments
(Exodus 24:18).
● The Israelites wandered in the desert
for 40 years before entering the Promised Land (Exodus 16:35).
continued page 3
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
2
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
“Lent “ continued from page 2
● Jesus fasted 40 days between his
baptism and the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 4:2).
● The Risen Christ walked with his
disciples for 40 days between Easter
and Ascension (Acts 1:3).
Also, 40 days is approximately 10 percent
of the year. This is why Lent is sometimes
called a “tithe of the year.”
Why do people say Lent lasts 40 days
when it really lasts 46 days?
Sundays are not counted in Lent, since
Sundays are always considered to be “little
Easters.”
How Long has Lent been observed?
The earliest observances of Lent were in
the days of the apostles. At that time, they
observed 40 hours between Good Friday
and Easter morning to commemorate the
Crucifixion and Resurrection. The time
was extended to 40 days at the Council of
Nicaea in A. D. 325 and has remained unchanged since then.
The method of determining the date for
Easter has remained unchanged for more
than 1,600 years. Easter begins the first
Sunday after the full moon crosses the celestial equator, about March 21 of each
year. At this time, day and night are of
equal length everywhere. Easter will always fall between March 22 and April 25.
Once you establish when Easter is, you
simply count backward to determine the
beginning of Lent.
Why do people give up something for
Lent?
Many people give up something they enjoy for Lent. For example, many give up a
favorite food for all of Lent or fast for certain meals. Others give up a favorite activity, like watching television. Giving up
these things we enjoy become love gifts to
God, given to God in adoration and praise.
Making a sacrifice, even a small one, helps
people recall the great sacrifice Christ
made for us all.
Dearest Church Family,
ABIGAIL CIRCLE will
meet at 9:30, February 3 in
the Huxley Lounge here at
the church.
We have been
blessed to have
treats for the fellowship time following worship.
ESTHER CIRCLE will
meet at 9:30, February 3 in
the Ruth Room. (Lesson 5)
Charlotte Meyer is the
hostess-449-3030.
THANKS to all
who have contributed. Your time
and talent
are much
appreciated.
REBEKAH CIRCLE will
meet February 5, at 9:30
here at the church.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Why don’t Lent and Easter fall at the
same time every year?
3
With deepest appreciation, we
thank each of you for your gifts of
caring, kind words, hugs, food,
visits, cards, and comfort. Saying
goodbye to Mom in January and
Dad in December, with the long
journey in between, has been made
easier by the blessings you have
surrounded us with and we are
grateful. Thank you!
The Families of
Cliff and Helen Cason
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
Have YOU ever sat in your pew on Sunday morning looking around and wondering how all of
this comes together…..the sound room; the choir; the sermon; the fellowship with coffee and
goodies; the children’s time; the church upkeep; small groups??? Well, all of this happens because of COMMITTEES! No, not committees that come together and just talk, but come together
and PLAN!
God not only wants us to share some of the bounty He has blessed us with, but He wants us to
share our time and talents as well. Here are the committees at FPC that make things happen:
•
Administration Committee: Purpose: To interpret and educate the congregation on the
many facets of stewardship on a year-round basis and to serve our church by making and
maintaining sound fiscal policies and overseeing the income and expenses of the annual
budget. The work of this committee is both spiritual and practical. This committee meets the
second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm and is chaired by John Gneckow.
•
Building and Grounds Committee: Purpose: To care for our church facility and surrounding
Grounds, helping to express the glory of God. This committee meets the second Tuesday of
each month at 7:00 pm and is chaired by John Coefield.
•
Congregational Fellowship Committee: Purpose: To provide for the Christian fellowship of
our church family. This committee meets the first Monday of each month at 11:30 am and is
chaired by Rose Leavitt.
•
Education Committee: Purpose: To provide and oversee an educational ministry which will
help persons become aware of and respond to God’s love in Christ, grow in their knowledge
of the Bible, grasp the Church’s corporate history, seek to understand the faith and mission
of the Church, and make a conscious effort to relate the Good News of Jesus Christ to
personal and social problems. This committee meets the first Monday of each month at 2 pm
and is co-chaired by Marsha Davis and Deb Whitcomb.
•
Mission Committee: Purpose: To seek to express Christ’s conviction that we are to proclaim
the Good News in word and deed to the world. This ministry will be both a financial and a
“hands-on” service to the least, last, and lost of our community, state, nation, and world. We
will seek ways of doing this vital ministry both ecumenically and denominationally and we
will constantly seek ways to increase our mission giving. This committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm and is chaired by Melissa Stiles.
•
Personnel Committee: Purpose: To employ, oversee, support and evaluate the highest
quality of staff leadership in the church to fulfill the church’s ministry and mission. This committee meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm and is chaired by Rose Leavitt.
•
Worship Committee: Purpose: In order to glorify God and enjoy God forever, the committee
will maintain and enhance the quality, quantity, meaning, creativity, and beauty of our services of worship through the preaching, singing, praying, seasonal decorating of the church,
and liturgy. This committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 am and is chaired
by Dianna Goodman.
Continued on page 5
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
“How Does It All Work???” continued from page 4
Do YOU see a place on one of these committees where you would like to share your talents?
The church would like to see more people involved in these activities. Feel free to call Pastor
Scott or the chair of the committee that sparks your interest. We look forward to hearing from
you.
Special Note: There is another very important committee operating in the church….the Nominating Committee! However, the process for selecting/electing members to serve is different
from all the others.
• Nominating Committee: Purpose: Through prayer to find elder and deacon nominees that
God is lifting up to take leadership responsibilities in our church.
This committee meets for several months prior to the annual meeting and is chaired by
Rose Leavitt.
The chairperson of this committee is appointed by Session along with one other elder
serving as a member, one member appointed by the Board of Deacons and five members elected from the congregation at the annual meeting.
The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 1st immediately following worship. If
YOU feel called to serve as a congregation member of the nominating committee, please let a
friend know so that your name can be placed in nomination.
GAME NIGHT WAS GREAT!
On Friday, January 9th we had our first game night of the New Year! There were four
teenagers and six senior members of the church, including Pastor Scott.
Pastor Scott picked up pizzas from Papa Murphy’s and baked them in the church
kitchen and everyone else brought various goodies to fill our stomachs and satisfy our
sweet tooth. If you were in church Sunday (1/18), you would have heard that someone
spent quite a bit of time in jail! Jane Ogle purchased “Helena-opoly” and several people playing this game really enjoyed themselves.
Are there other games you would like to see offered for the Friday night game nights?
Perhaps you would rather play card games….gin rummy, bridge, or something else.
Perhaps Friday is not the best time. We really would like your input. This time of socializing, relationship building is for everyone. Come join us and have some fun!
If you have suggestions, please call Rose at 443-4783. The next game night is being
considered for February 13th.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
5
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
AFTER-SCHOOL
PROGRAM
of Greater Helena
First Presbyterian Church's next week with Family Promise will be
March 1 - 7. We will begin signups for the March date and will be
needing meals for Sunday and Monday dinner and hosts to spend
the night at First Baptist Church.
The family we hosted last time has recently graduated from the
program and moved into their new home.
The Board of Family Promise has recently hired a new Executive
Director, Nick Zollo, who comes with experience with non-profits
and a great amount of enthusiasm.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The Comfort Food Challenge,
where we all have an opportunity to try a great assortment of Comfort Foods is set for February 22 at 4 pm at the Fair Grounds.
If you know of someone who could use the help of Family
Promise, the contact number for Nick Zollo, Director, is 465-9467.
Questions or to volunteer, call Lucille Letcher at 443-3497 or
Elaine Gingery at 461-0561 or email at [email protected]
PW BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
12:00 Noon
Richardson Hall
Reservations should be made to Carol Gneckow, phone number
442-9309, no later than Sunday, February 8th. The price of the
luncheon will be $5.00. The Intermountain Children's Home
will be the focus of our program this year. Please join us for a
delicious lunch, fellowship with one another and important information about the Children's Home.
Remember your birthday offerings and we'll see you there!
An update on the after school
program: We have been having lots of fun this winter, going sledding at the hospital
and swimming at the Broadwater. When we haven’t been
out on field trips, we’ve been
playing games, organizing
scavenger hunts, and making
personalized t-shirts. Finally,
to wrap up the month, we will
be taking a trip to the Montana
Historical Society and going
ice skating. We are also working on planning a community
service project for this spring.
February 18, 2015
5:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday Service
and light supper
We will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a
light supper and proceeding to the
sanctuary for our worship service at
6:00 p.m. Impositions of Ashes will
follow.
HELENA FOOD SHARE
Helena Food Share continues to be one of the missions of this church. A box for
donations is located in the Church entry. Boy Scout Troop 228 graciously delivers
our contributions to Helena Food Share. Suggestions for February contributions
include:
Canned Meats (Tuna, Spaghetti, Chili, Salmon)
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
6
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
1st - Charlotte Meyer
2nd - Karyn Kovich
6th- Eileen Salo
10th - Phillip Borsberry
11th - Elaine Gingery
12th - Linda Granzow
13th - Sheryl Eriksen
14th - Arlene Carpenter
15th - Linda Egebjerg
16th - Stephen Bayless, Gail Danzer
17th - Tamara Laib, Randy Boysen
19th - Chris Shove
18th - Elaine Power & Pat Schneckloth
21st - Mary Craigle, Harold Paulsen
22nd - Jane Ogle
23rd - Jake Blade
24th - Craig Henrikson
1st- Les and Louise Cramer (1st Anniversary)
12th- Vern & Yvonne Moody
14th- Jeremy & Janet Fadness
22nd- John & Carol Gneckow
O u r c on d o l e n c e s g o o u t t o t h e f a m i l y of B i l l Sa m s o n , w h o p as s e d o n t h e e ve n i n g of
J a n u a r y 1 9 . B i l l w as a m e m b e r of t h e c hu r c h f o r 5 1 y e ar s a nd s e r v e d t h r e e t e r m s o n
t h e S e s s i o n b o d y a n d t h e B u i l d i ng & G r ou n d s a n d M i s s i o n C om m i t t e e s .
O u r c o n d ol e n c e s go t o Betty Bergstrom and family on the death of Carl on Monday, January 19th.
The Bergstroms were members at FPC when Rev. Banks was minister. If you would like to send a
sympathy card the address is: Betty Bergstrom – P.O. Box 5893 – Helena, MT 59604.
SPECIAL FUNDRAISER………
A special fundraiser is being held at Grace Community Fellowship in the Dunphy Block
on Saturday, January 31st from 9 am to 3:00 pm to assist with medical costs for Patrick
Sandiland, son of Roger and Tobi Sandiland. Patrick has been diagnosed with a very
aggressive form of leukemia.
Cards can be sent to:
Patrick Sandiland
525 Minor Avenue North #510
Seattle, WA 98109
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
1
8
15
22
FEBRUARY 2015
1
8
15
22
Elaine Gingery
Rose Leavitt
Bill Cook
Marti Cook
LaFournaise / Strasko
Strasko/Albright
Cramer / Albright
Moses
Carol Gneckow
Carole Massman
1
8
15
22
Jim & Jan Benjamin,
Mary Wright
John & Carol Gneckow
Elroy & Lucille Letcher
Linda Test, Judy Bayless
Carole Massman,
and Kathy Chambers
442-9309
443-5281
PENDING
If you would be interested in helping
out with the Helena Family Promise
by providing meals or other help,
please let Lucille Letcher or Elaine
Gingery know.
Merle Korizek
To Register email director@family
promisehelena.org or call 465-9467.
Jeannie Pullin
“Thank you so much!”
To all of the wonderful women of the church
who have been bringing treats for all to share
on Sundays during the coffee time following
worship. You make this fellowship time very
special!
Also, a special thank you to Tonna Strasko
and Stephanie Boysen for the monthly
birthday cakes!
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
SUN
MON
1
Worship 10:00 am
---------------------Godly Play
10:15 am
------------------------
Annual Meeting
11:15 a.m.
8
TUE
WED
2
3
Congregational Abigail Circle 9:30 am
Fellowship
Esther Circle 9:30 am
11:30 am.
----------------------------------------------Bridge Club 11 am
Education 2 pm
----------------------------------------Jesus: Forgiving
After-school
Victim 12 noon
Program 3 pm
----------------------------------------------ALANON 7 pm
Girl Scouts 7 pm ---------------------------Boy Scouts 7 pm
9
10
Worship 10:00 am
After-school
Worship
-----------------------Program 3 pm
10:00 am
Godly Play
---------------------- ---------------------------10:15 am
Girl Scouts 7 pm
Bridge Club 11 am
--------------------------------------------------Jesus: Forgiving
Victim 12 noon
---------------------------Mission 5:15 pm
---------------------------Admin 6:00 pm
---------------------------Bldg & Grounds
7:00 pm
---------------------------Alanon Meeting
7:00 pm
15
16
Worship 10:00 am
---------------------Godly Play
10:15 am
----------------------
22
Worship 10:00 am
---------------------Godly Play
10:15 am
----------------------
THUR
17
Bridge Club 11 am
---------------------Jesus: Forgiving
Victim 12 noon
----------------------SESSION 6:30 pm
---------------------ALANON 7 pm
---------------------Boy Scouts 7 pm
23
24
After-school
Bridge Club 11 am
Program 3 pm
------------------------------------------------ALANON 7 pm
Girl Scouts 7 pm ---------------------------Boy Scouts 7 pm
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
9
4
Willing Workers
9:30 am
----------------------After-school
Program
3 pm
----------------------CHOIR 7 pm
5
12
13
19
Bridge Club 11:00 am
----------------------Agents of the Apocalypse
Small Group Study
5:15 p.m.
----------------------It’s In the Book
AA Group
7:00 p.m.
25
Willing Workers
9:30 am
-------------------After-school
Program
3 pm
-------------------CHOIR 7 pm
6
7
14
Bridge Club 11:00 am Small Group Study
----------------------------12 o’clock noon
District # 11 7 pm
Thomas Room
----------------------------It’s In the Book
AA Group 7 pm
18
Willing Workers
9:30 am
----------------------After-school
Program
3 pm
----------------------ASH WEDNESDAY
SERVICE 5:30 P.M.
SAT
Rebekah Circle 9:30 am Small Group Study
----------------------------12 o’clock noon
Bridge Club 11:00am
Thomas Room
----------------------------- ----------------------District # 61 7 pm
Friday Night
----------------------------Speaker 7 pm
It’s In the Book
AA Group 7 pm
11
Willing Workers
9:30 am
----------------------After-school
Program
3 pm
----------------------CHOIR 7 pm
FRI
20
21
Small Group Study
12 o’clock noon
Thomas Room
26
29
Bridge Club 11:00 am Small Group Study
----------------------------12 o’clock noon
Agents of the
Thomas Room
Apocalypse Small
Group Study
5:15 p.m.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s In the Book
AA Group
7:00 p.m.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA
28
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
535 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
406-442-4775
www.fpchelena.com
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Don’t forget to tune-in to Channel 189 for sermons from our
Sunday services that are being broadcast on Helena Civic
Television (HCTV) , Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and
Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
We hope you will tune in and grow with
us! Have questions, please call us at 4424775 or visit our Web Site at
www.fpchelena.com
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HELENA