December 2011 March 2013 May 2014

From the Pastor

This poem seems to encapsulate many of my post-Easter thoughts. I thought I would share it

with you. Would love to hear any comments or reactions. Happy Easter!

Peace,

Come to the Easter Party by Ann Weems*

I think on Easter morning we should throw confetti in church!

No?

What about a little fanfare? A deafening drum roll?

A three minute standing ovation?

What? Have we had the drums beaten out of us,

that we in the celebrative community can’t really

Get excited

About God’s aliveness

About God’s love given to us unconditionally?

Have we given Easter to the lily bearers, the bunny rabbits,

the patent leather shoes?

Let’s face it: We live as though we don’t believe in Easter.

We’re the crowd- easily swayed, easily scared,

easily calling for blood.

We’re the good church people

who can’t believe Jesus meant love one another-

Not all the one anothers, not drug addicts and criminals.

We hate injustice when it’s injustice towards us.

We love mercy when it’s mercy for us.

We walk humbly with our God when it’s convenient.

We’re babe believers who resist the resurrection;

We’re Christmas Christians who are very good at

celebrating Christ’s birth. We can cling to the babe.

We’re even Crucifixion Christians, agonizing, sympathizing,

relating to the hero on the cross.

We can rock a baby; we can weep for a Dead Man;

But what can we do with a 33-year old who won’t let the story end?

►Easter Party, PAGE 4

May 2014 Page 2

Session Notes First Presbyterian Church Stated Session Meeting April 15, 2014 Opening devotions were given by Chuck Peters. Fourteen members were present. Minutes of March 18 stated meeting and Statistical Report approved. YTD income will be improved when January direct deposits are made in April. Financial report was approved. ACTION ITEMS Special Business – Pastoral Transition / Interim Minister: Sally Brause reported that the Interim Pastor Nominating committee has elected to search for a Temporary Supply Pastor instead of an Interim Pastor, delaying the immediate need for completion of the Minister Information Form. Position Description for a Full-time Temporary Supply Pastor approved. The main reason for the meeting, facilitated by Leslie Wright, was to obtain from the Session inputs for the MIF. However, now that the need for the MIF has been delayed, Chuck proposed another session meeting to involve more session members and to also go back to the congregation for input. Nominating Committee chair, Rochelle Naylor, said her goal for having a Pastor Nominating Committee in place is August 1 COMMITTEE REPORTS A&P Committee: A&P is making arrangements for those times when Heather is away after Ted retires. CE Board: Education survey was reviewed, first with the aid of Laura Behrens, by the Adult Ed committee and then by the CE Board. Action items will be developed from those findings. Fellowship Committee: Atari group event planned. Media Committee: Current website has limited capability and does not bring all aspects together; needs to be updated. Preliminary estimates are in the $2,000 to $3,000 range. Membership Committee: Upcoming new member class is schedule. Mission Committee: Local Mission grant payments are underway. The relationship between Ceará Presbytery in Brazil and Presbytery of East Iowa was terminated by the Ceará Presbytery. This frees money for other mission work. Worship Committee: First Presbyterian will go to one worship service beginning June 1.

INTERSECTIONS

Meets the first Friday each month

from 11:45 - 1pm at First Presbyterian Church

310 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids (Across from Greene Square)

Reservations are required

Please make your reservation by the Tuesday before each lunch CRIntersetions@interfaithallianceiowa.org

or Phone 319-364-6148 Cost is $10 Payable at the door

PAUL GOWDER Associate Professor of Law

University of Iowa College of Law

Friday, May 2, 2014

Voting Rights

Property Committee: Committee will be looking into replacing the carpet in the South Lobby after fixing tiles and walls dam-aged by the water leak, which is now fixed. STAFF REPORTS Heather attended a two-day Next Conference in Minneapolis. Issues like declining membership were addressed. Parker Palmer will hold a retreat August 11-14 near Milwaukee, Wisc. that Heather plans to attend. The new Director of Family Promise has been named: Jonathan Chambers. Ted said his last Sunday would be June 8. He plans to work in the office the next week and take two weeks of vacation. He would end his Pastor relationship on July 1. This was approved by the Session to be brought before the Congregation, date TBD. Ted closed the meeting with prayer. David Kutter Clerk Pro-Tem

May 2014 Page 3

In the four week class, participants will be presented with the best information and speculation regarding the story of ancient Israel based upon the very latest archaeological and historical research. Old assumptions will be dashed and replaced with biblical insights that will make Hebrew Scripture a much more valued tool for the strengthening of wisdom and a living out of the Christian faith.

Classes will be led by Gary Connors-Boe

Starting April 27 9:50am

Wernimont Room

Four Wednesday evening classes will examine the growth and development of the Christian faith during the first generation after Jesus' death and resurrection using both the New Testament and other sources. Classes will be taught by Mike Bryant, a highly regarded historian with a master’s degree in medieval history.

April 30

May 7, 14, 21 7:00pm

Wernimont Room

May 4: Was There Really An Exodus May 11: The REAL Story of Israel May 18: The Stunning Importance & Value of the Biblical Stories

Sponsoring a Youth

We are looking for people to help sponsor a youth to go on one of this summer’s mission/youth trips. The middle school youth are going to the Estes Park, CO area June 14 thru June 19 to work on various volunteer projects. Participant cost is $350.

The high school youth will be going to Montreat Youth Confer-ence 2014 July 26 thru August 3. Participant cost is $475. Please contact Robb for more information.

VoiceMessage

Children’s Musical Sunday, May 18

During 11:00 Service

A story about how God’s word still exists in amongst the increases in technology

& social media

Donate Life Month

National Donate Life Month (NDLM) was instituted by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. Celebrated in April each year, NDLM features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation. On average, a single donor can save or heal the lives of up to 50 people.

To register as a donor in Iowa, or for questions about becoming a donor, visit www.iowadonorregistry.org.

You are Invited June 8, 2014 9:30 Worship

10:30 Program & Brunch All members and friends of First Presby-terian Church are invited to a morning of worship and fellowship celebrating the ministry of the Reverend Ted Miller. Make sure and mark the date on your calendar as we honor Ted and wish him the best in retirement after 40 years of ministry.

May 2014 Page 4

Easter Party

Easter scares us

because we’re the people who can’t believe that God

gives us abundant life.

We think we have to earn it.

In our pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps so-

ciety

It’s hard to remember that God doesn’t buy the self-

made person.

So we in the church spend our lives showing God

What good people we are,

What achievers we are,

How much we deserve God’s love.

We want to pay our own way but Easter says it’s

already been paid!!

Easter says, no matter how prodigal, we can go

home again!!

So come to the Easter party!!

Let’s celebrate the amazing grace that in Christ’s

resurrection

We are still loved even at our most outrageous.

The Lord has given us the music, all we need to do

is dance!

Come to the Easter party!!

Ann Weems, Reaching for Rainbows, Westminster

Press, 1980

Escape to First Presbyterian this summer for a week filled with fun crafts, games, snacks and Bible stories. We’ll become the wandering people of Israel as the church is transformed into a desert camp. Meet Moses and learn how God guides us and provides for us day in and day out.

We will be needing a number of pop-up canopies for the week. If you have one the church can borrow, contact Robb.

The Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale will present “Sunday in the Park” - a concert of Broadway selections - Sunday, May 18, 7:00pm at First Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, The concert will be preceded by a lasagna dinner, starting at 5:00pm. For more information and tickets, contact Randy Reynolds or Fred Kiser.

Sunday in the Park

May 18, 7:00pm

Summer Lunches

First Presbyterian is one of six churches working to see that

neighborhood children (and their families) can have fun, healthful lunches this summer.

Last year, many volunteers from FPC helped the Neighbor-hood Meal & Enrichment Program serve food, drinks and des-serts or cleaned up afterward at St. Paul’s down the street. We were a small part of 249 good friends who served 7,010 lunches at St. Paul’s over the summer.

Here’s our opportunity this summer: When: June 16-20 and August 4-8 Where: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Who: 10 volunteers each day

3 kitchen assistants 2 hrs/day 2 dishwashers 2 hrs/day 4 dining room servers 2 1/2 hrs/day 1 soap dispenser 2 1/2 hrs/day

Please consider a day...or two or five! Sign up after worship on Sundays starting the middle of May. Or call Deb Sedlacek at 365-1668, or 721-8776.

►FROM PAGE 1

VBS

July 14th - 18th 9:00-11:30am

Join us for snacks and drinks as we check out the latest new business in the NewBo area. Support locals, have fun and get to know your friends at FPC. As always, all are welcome to this event and make sure and invite your friends. You can RSVP - or just show up that evening. Hope to see you there!

A Gathering at

Lion Bridge

Friday, May 2 @ 7pm 59 16th Avenue SW

Youth News

Special Sundays in May

May 11 Youth Sunday May 18 Children’s Musical May 25 Summer Worship

Family Promise Paying it Forward Ever wonder how the time you spend volunteering at Family Promise makes a difference? Here are two stories of families that have graduated from the program into their own homes and are now sharing the care they received with others. While in the Family Promise program, Louise Brown and her family fell in love with Mt. Zion Mis-sionary Baptist Church. The Mount Zion congregation loved the Brown family right back and accepted them with open arms. That meant a lot to the Browns, a family of seven who had recently become homeless, and soon they became members. Louise never forgot the good food and hospitality that Mt. Zion's Chef Andre had provided them for Thanksgiving dinner. In a classic "pay it forward" story, Louise decided to show her gratitude by providing a meal to the new Family Promise families at Mt. Zion in February. Keily and her two daughters were guests in the Family Promise program this past summer. Little Destiny had epilepsy and was in a wheelchair but managed to steal everyone's hearts from the start. Danielle was the preco-cious teenager who de-voured a huge number of books from the First Lu-theran children's library. Well, mother Keily was very grateful for the time she spent here and de-cided to crochet several lovely scarves and give them to our current Family Promise families. How is that for a labor of love? Be a part of changing someone’s story. Your time, hospitality and the relationships built create ripples of compassion that are transforming our community. Next Host Week is May 25th-31st.

Transition Updates The Temporary Supply Pastor Search Committee has been meeting weekly to move forward in the search process as Senior Pastor Ted Miller pre-pares to leave our congregation. The committee, after some deliberation, made the decision to seek a Temporary Supply Pastor rather than an Interim Pastor. There are important differences in these position descriptions and the "temporary" designa-tion allows the committee to move more quickly, with more flexibility and a broader candidate pool. A job description has been written and is posted on the church website. We are already receiving inquiries and hope to be interviewing candidates in May. Members of the committee include Susan Baker, Ryan Buresh, Al Fisher, Betsy Cutter, David Gehring, Christine Wagner-Hecht, and Sally Brause. The Nominating Committee will be convening in May to begin the process of assembling a slate for the Pastor Nominating Committee. During the months of June and July the committee will be re-ceiving names, making calls and crafting a slate that is representative of the breadth of our congre-gation. It is hoped that the slate will be finalized and a congregational meeting called for election sometime in August. There are many steps in the process of searching for, calling and installing a new pastor. The Ses-sion, the staff and eventually the PNC will be com-municating frequently through newsletters, bulle-tins and website to keep you informed and answer questions. We are blessed with a strong congre-gation filled with many gifted people, and together we will navigate these waters smoothly as God’s Spirit leads us forward.

Senior Luncheon Sunday, May 4th

12:15pm Fellowship Hall

Don’t miss the next Senior Luncheon - you don’t have to be a senior to come!

Dave Davidson, our chef, will be making a delicious meal of stuffed pork tenderloin, party potatoes, string beans, Caesar salad and sticky toffee pudding cake. You won’t go away hun-gry. Please sign up in the Gathering Space after services or call the church office to make your reservations.

See you there!

Page 7 May 2014

Birthdays

Sarah Circle

Sarah Circle will meet this Thursday, May 1, at 1:00 PM in the church parlor. We will continue our lesson, “The Reign of God”, in Parables for Today. Lois Batson will be hostess. All interested women are invited to attend. For more information or questions contact Pam Reynolds at 378-9006.

5/1 Matt Davidson 5/1 Kolene Dill 5/1 Greg Thirnbeck 5/3 Rochelle Naylor 5/4 Carrie Bryner 5/4 Oliver Keuseman 5/4 Carly Ryder 5/5 Cheryl Stramel 5/6 Eva Andersen 5/6 Michael Maker 5/6 Judith O’Donnell 5/7 Bill Ryder 5/7 Barb Proctor 5/8 Lily Button 5/10 Tom Reed 5/11 Mike Davies 5/11 Pat Dreibelbis 5/11 Tom Polehna 5/12 Justin Adams 5/12 Cheryl Elliott 5/13 Andy Aalderks 5/13 Ryan Kiser 5/13 Larry Parks 5/14 Michael Davis 5/15 Wendy Frese 5/15 Jacob Orris 5/15 Megan Wesbrook 5/17 Charles Schlessleman 5/17 Alice Smith 5/18 Selma Brigham 5/19 Max Missall 5/20 Nancy Edmondson 5/20 Alex Missall 5/20 Tyler Thirnbeck 5/21 Helaina Thompson 5/22 Deb Hoy 5/22 Charlene Reeder 5/23 Joshua DeDomenico 5/23 Julie Hagerman 5/26 Ada Potratz 5/27 M J Barlow 5/27 Sean Carver 5/27 Dick Jackson 5/27 Alex Lederer 5/28 Darryl Button 5/28 Emily Cornish 5/28 Mandy Ellis 5/28 Kissy Heins 5/28 James Richardson 5/29 Nan Riley 5/30 Kristen Missall 5/31 Mindi Dixson

Anniversaries 5/1 David & Heather Hayes 5/3 Bob & Sue Mollman 5/5 Clark & Nancy Parks 5/5 Matt & Suzanne Weems 5/7 Tom & Carol Hamilton 5/17 Mark & Tracy Zimmerman 5/19 Philip & DeEtta Andersen 5/20 John & Sherry Purdie 5/23 David & Carolyn Crew 5/24 Matt & Deb Hoy 5/24 Carroll & Sue Edmondson 5/25 Steve & Nancy Barry 5/25 Bob & Luanne Greenlee 5/25 Chuck & Mary Ann Peters 5/26 Dustin & Lindsay Poe 5/27 Gary & Marjorie Connors-Boe 5/28 Michael Miller & Laura Runkle 5/28 Paul & Margaret Staman 5/30 Bill & Joan Kettelkamp 5/30 Ron & Maud Moore 5/30 Stephen Jr. & Beth O’Donnell 5/31 Dick & Crete Bobenhouse 5/31 Jim & Diana Richardson 5/31 John & Stephanie Wagor

The following are scheduled to host Fellowship in May:

May 4 John & Pam Baseler Charlene Reeder Melissa Randall May 11 Kyle Greenlee Allen Armbrecht Jamie Weldon Laura Runkle May 18 Gretchen Van Heukelom Barbara Hughes Bob & Cheryl Kolar May 25 Chad & Jennifer Pettyjohn Van & Sheryl Smiley

Fellowship Calling All Golfers! Family Promise Annual Golfing Fundraiser

4 Person Scramble Hunters Ridge Golf Course 2901 Hunters Ridge Road, Marion June 24, 2014 Tee Off at Noon

The cost per golfer is $100 and includes greens fees, cart, lunch and beverage. Put together your own foursome, or register as a single golfer to be placed on a team. There is a chance to buy mulligans and win prizes for your golfing prowess (or lack of it). A fun time will be had by all, and all proceeds will support Family Promise of Linn County and help assist families with chil-dren who are homeless achieve sustainable in-dependence. Registration forms and more infor-mation are located in the Gathering Space or talk to Pastor Heather.

**Organizers are still looking for a few more hole sponsors. If you would like to highlight your busi-ness’s commitment to our community by spon-soring a hole for $250, please see Pastor Heather for sponsorship form.

Dinner Group

The Dinner Group will be meeting at Granite City Food Brewery, 4755 1st Ave SE on Thursday, May 22, at 6:30pm. Please put your reservation in with Larry and Janelle Parks at 310-4759 or lpsplinter@gmail.com no later than Monday, May 19. All are welcome!

Congratulations to Amy Brause!

Good Luck at Coe

Kennedy Class of 2014

May 2014

Thursday, May 1 1:00pm Sarah Circle 6:00pm Worship & Music Committee Friday, May 2 9:00am KIVA 11:45am Intersections Luncheon Saturday, May 3 8:00am Organ Practice Neal Marple 10:00am Gehring Piano Recital 7:30pm Principles B4 Personalities Sunday, May 4 8:45am - 12:15pm Childcare 9:00am Worship/Communion 9:50am Faith & Life: The Old Testament 9:50am Fellowship 9:50am Sunday School 9:50am Deacon’s BP Sunday 11:00am Worship/Communion 12:15pm Senior Luncheon 4:30pm SEMP Monday, May 5 9:30am Witwer Bridge Tuesday, May 6 9:30am Worship Staff Meeting 11:30am Calendar Staff Meeting 12:00pm AA Meeting 6:00pm Mission Committee Meeting 6:15pm Youth Committee Meeting 6:30pm Principles B4 Personalities 7:00pm CE Board Wednesday, May 7 9:00am Foster Care Review Bd 9:30am Thrift Shop 10:30am Food Bank Task Force 3:00pm Bible Study at Cottage Grove 6:00pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:00pm Middle School Youth Group 7:00pm Youth Dinner 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Faith & Life: First Century Christianity 7:15pm High School Youth Group Thursday, May 8 9:00pm Foster Care Review Bd Saturday, May 10 8:00am Organ Practice Neal Marple 7:30pm Principles B4 Personalities

Sunday, May 11 8:45am - 12:15pm Childcare 9:00am Worship/Youth Sunday 9:50am Faith & Life: The Old Testament 9:50am Fellowship 9:50am Sunday School 11:00am Worship/Communion 4:30pm SEMP Monday, May 12 9:30am Witwer Bridge Tuesday, May 13 9:30am Worship Staff Meeting 11:30am Calendar Staff Meeting 12:00pm AA Meeting 5:30pm Deacons Meeting 6:30pm Principles B4 Personalitie Wednesday, May 14 9:30am Thrift Shop 10:30am Food Bank Task Force 2:00pm Bible Study at Meth-Wick 6:00pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:00pm Middle School Group 7:00pm Youth Dinner 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:15pm HS Youth Group Friday, May 16 9:00am KIVA Saturday, May 17 8:00am Organ Practice Neal Marple 7:30pm Principles B4 Personalities Sunday, May 18 8:45am - 12:15pm Childcare 9:00am Worship 9:50am Faith & Life: The Old Testament 9:50am Fellowship 9:50am Sunday School 11:00am Worship/Children’s Musical 4:30pm SEMP Monday, May 19 9:30am Witwer Bridge Tuesday, May 20 9:30am Worship Staff Meeting 11:30am Calendar Staff Meeting 12:00pm AA Meeting 6:00pm Fellowship Committee Meeting 6:30pm Principles B4 Personalities 7:00pm Session Meeting

Wednesday, May 21 9:00am Foster Care Review Board 9:30am Thrift Shop 10:30am Food Bank Task Force 3:00pm Bible Study at Cottage Grove 6:00pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:00pm Middle School Youth Group 7:00pm Youth Dinner 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Faith & Life: First Century Christianity 7:15pm High School Youth Group Friday, May 23 5:00pm Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, May 24 8:00am Organ Practice Neal Marple 3:30pm Weems/Troupe Wedding 7:30pm Principles B4 Personalities Sunday, May 25 Summer Worship Schedule Begins Family Promise Host Week 8:45am - 12:15pm Childcare 9:30am Worship 9:50am Fellowship 9:50am Sunday School 4:30pm SEMP Monday, May 26 Memorial Day Church Closed Tuesday, May 27 9:30am Worship Staff Meeting 11:30am Calendar Staff Meeting 12:00pm AA Meeting 6:30pm Principles B4 Personalities Wednesday, May 28 2:00pm Bible Study at Cottage Grove 6:00pm Bell Choir Rehearsal 6:00pm Middle School Youth Group 6:30pm Food Bank Board Meeting 7:00pm Youth Dinner 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:15pm HS Youth Group Friday, May 30 9:00am KIVA Saturday, May 31 8:00am Organ Practice Neal Marple 4:00pm McQuillen/DiersWedding 7:30 pm Principles B4 Personalities

First Presbyterian Church 310 Fifth Street SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Permit No. 124

Change Service Requested

News and Views

“At the Heart of the City”

Published Monthly Issue 5

SENIOR PASTOR Ted Miller tesm@fpccr.org

ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF FAITH DEVELOPMENT Heather Hayes heather@fpccr.org

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Dr. Fred Kiser kiserf@gmail.com

ORGANIST Neal Marple nmarple@fpccr.org

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & CHILDREN MINISTRIES Robb Missall rkmissall@gmail.com

TREASURER Joan Riley joan@fpccr.org

FACILITIES SUPERVISOR Eric Stark eric@fpccr.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Cathy Loshbaugh cathy@fpccr.org

RECEPTIONIST Virginia Lyttle virginia@fpccr.org

PARISH ASSOCIATES Robert Bouton Jeremy Brigham John Elliott

FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE Deb Sedlacek deb@fpccr.org

Contact Us Phone: 319-364-6148 Fax: 319-364-2110

Web: www.fpccr.org Office Hours 8:30am - 4:45pm M-F

Church Staff