The 1st

Preaching

Dave Thompson Greeters

Tom & Ginny Helmer

Kay Doss

Ushers Bob & Cathy

Culbertson Earl & Sharon

Henderson

Liturgist Carol Harr

Key Elder Sandi Schoenberger

Care Board Chuck & Cindy

Leggate

Van Driver Chuck Leggate

Sound Booth David Bauer

Communion

Russ & Janet Kline Greg & Deb Wiens

Kathy Baskett

The 8th Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeters Bob & Linda Fedric

Edna Carlson Ushers

Chris Eriksen Orrin & Emily

Feddes

Liturgist Michelle Berger-

Reitz Key Elder

Kathy Baskett

Care Board Chris Eriksen

Van Driver Don Harr

Sound Booth

Jeff Gruizenga

The 15th Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeters Gary & Judy

Lohnbakken Megan Lorentz

Ushers Marlene Spencer

Sharon Brady

Betty Ann Nesmith Marian Shehein

Liturgist Shirley Shirley

Care Board

Ken & Ann Chase Van Driver

Kate Mitchell Sound Booth

Chuck Leggate

The 18th Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeter Bob & Norma

Thiesen Phyllis Brown

Ushers Jo Albin

Peg Ostlund

Edna Carlson Diane Noddings

Liturgist David Bauer

Key Elder

Jenice Fugere

Communion

Janet Brown

Bebe Spring Sharon Mathews

Marlene Spencer Sharon Brady

The 22nd Preaching

Dave Thompson

Greeter Ed & Alta Dakolios

Sharon Mathews Ushers

Ken & Barb Eichenberger

Paige Spalding

Jim Hummel Liturgist

Charlie Reed Key Elder

Ken Eichenberger

Care Board Sharon Lincoln

Van Driver Don Harr

Sound Booth Bob Culbertson

Sub. Ushers: Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Ruth Ewen Bob & Linda Fedric Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue JoAnn Jones Priscilla Laird Bob & Barb Muir Marge Myhra Ralph & Jane Myhre Betty Ann Nesmith Ray & Jean Noble Sub. Greeters: Kay Doss Tom & Ruth Drummond Ruth Ewen Bob & Linda Fedric Tom & Ginny Helmer Earl & Sharon Henderson Biff Hogue JoAnn Jones Priscilla Laird Bob & Barbara Muir Marge Myhra Jane & Ralph Myhre Betty Ann Nesmith John Reamy Charlie Reed Bob & Shirley Shirley Jerry Swanson Lucile Weisbeck

M e m o r y J o g g e r s f o r F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

Pa s t o r ’ s P e n

February

2015

“More Than the Numbers”

As a business major at Montana State University in the early 1990s, I had my share

of classes that dealt with numbers: accounting, statistics, and financial theory. I must ad-

mit that I don’t have the stamina, either mentally or physically to be a number cruncher. I

am thankful for those who work as accountants and tax attorneys, but for me this is not my

cup of tea.

I was reminded of this fact over the past several weeks as I have been crunching numbers in

preparation for our annual congregational meeting. I have been working closely with our church’s finance

committee in reviewing our 2014 financial year-end statements and helping to prepare the 2015 budget. I

have also assisted in submitting reports to Presbytery giving our updated membership statistics and an

overall review of our ministry from this past year.

In all respect, the numbers look good, very good. We had an exceptional year in terms of financial

giving and membership growth. We have seen a growth in Sunday school attendance and Wednesday night

youth involvement. Having said this, 2015 looks to be another strong year for our congregation.

However, as I have been looking at numbers and statistics over the past several weeks, I realize that

our church is made up of more than the numbers. Behind these numbers represent a wonderful group of

people who want to make a difference in our community and beyond. These numbers represent so much

more than the 242 women and 168 men who make up the active membership of our congregation.

Beyond these numbers are children and youth who attend youth events, retreats, camps. Many of

these young people’s only church connection is through these programs provided by our congregation.

Behind these numbers are the lives of many people locally, nationally, and internationally who have been

effected through our mission giving contributions. Behind these numbers are a number of sweaters collected

for Family Service, Inc.; many pounds of non-perishable food items collected for lo-

cal food pantries; many hours donated to building the Habitat for Humanity home for

the Michelle O’Neal family in Billings; a number of families beyond our church who

attend our Vacation Bible School program; families who receive shelter, food, and

showers in our church building through the Family Promise program; many who visit

the homebound and sick; as well as the joy we experience in worshipping and doing

ministry together.

Thanks for your involvement in our congregation and I look forward to all that

lies ahead for us in the coming years.

Blessings,

Pastor Dave

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Session Notes/

Finance/Church

Mice

2

Events/ Church

& Society 3

Mission/Notices 4

Birthday/

Personnel 5

PW/Calendar 6

Dinners of 8 7

Memory

Joggers 8

Coming Attractions:

Ash Wednesday service will be held in our sanctuary on Wed., Feb. 18 at 7 PM Family Promise here the week of February 22– volunteers are needed Lenten Lunch & Learn series begins on Tuesday, February 24 at 12noon Youth Ski Retreat in Butte coming March 13-15– see Orrin for details University of Jamestown (ND) choir concert: Sun., March 15 at 7:00 PM

P a g e 2

Church Info

Office Hours: Mon—Thurs 8:30 am— 4 PM 406-252-3434 mainoffice@fpcbillings.org www.fpcbillings.org Sunday School @ 9:15 AM Worship Celebration @ 10:30 STAFF Pastor: Dave Thompson

Youth Ministry: Orrin Feddes

Office Manager: Jeanne Thompson-Raney

Music Accompanist: Sandi

Rabas

Choir Director: Janie Sutton

Choir Accompanist: Bev Wornom

Custodian: Kent Fellingham

SESSION MEMBERS

Clerk of Session: Marlene Spencer

Class of 2016 Samantha Cormier Heidi Duncan Chris Eriksen Jenice Fugere

Class of 2017 David Bauer Ken Eichenberger Sharon Lincoln Sharon Mathews

Class of 2018 Kathy Baskett Marv Brown Jeff Gruizenga Sandi Schoenberger

SESSION MINUTES

Session Notes: The first meeting of the session in 2015 was on January 13.

The property committee reported that many tasks have been completed and others are in the process. The committee received approval to have some new outside entrance doors installed. The proposed budget for 2015 was presented. The congregation will have the opportunity to review it before the annual meeting on January 25. It will be adopted by the session at the February meeting. So far 136 pledges have been made for a total of $311,700. The personnel committee has completed all staff evaluations and is pleased with the performance of everyone. Sharon Brady was thanked for her six years of service on the session.

Financial snapshot

2015 Income Expense Net January $ 52,134 $ 16,630 $ 35,504

Per-capita: We are inviting our members to pay their per-capita share of $45 each. This goes to support the mission

of our presbytery, synod, and General Assembly. Please indicate on your check “Per-Capita.”

JANU-

ARY

2015

4th 145

11th 116

18th 202

25th 196

2015

Jan

Average

165

2014 Jan

Average

203

Flower Sponsorship Opportunities

Our flower sign-up sheet is located on the back table in the nar-thex. We invite you to sign up for a particular Sunday to sponsor the flow-ers either in honor or memory of someone or a special event such as an anniversary, birthday, etc. There are lots of spots available for flower do-nations in the New Year. Suggested donation is $25. Special thanks to those who donated flowers during the month of January. They include Tom & Ginny Helmer and Marjorie Stewart.

The Church Mice

Snow shoveling, lawn mowing, ushering, playing star roles in "Thompson Productions" on Sunday mornings - who else, but John Thompson meets this description. John willingly and cheerfully agrees to any task requested of him at the church. He is an asset to our congregation and we appreciate all you do, John. Thank you!

Food Bank Sunday Our church was one of the first churches in Billings to designate a monthly Food Bank Sunday. We invite you to bring some non-perishable food items with you on the first Sunday of each month as we help local people in need. Join us of Sunday, February 1 for our next Food Bank Sunday.

Church Women United Meeting Friday, February 6 at 1:00 PM

Location : Wayman Chapel Church 402 South 25th Street 406-252-2930 Program: “Black History”

Sermons available on-line

Did you know that you can listen to sermons on-line at our website at www.fpcbillins.org? Just click the “Listen to Sermons” tab on the upper right front of our church’s homepage. Stay connected even when you are away.

P a g e 7

Dinners of Eight

The winter months will soon be behind us, so let’s make the most of it and make sure we get together. DO NOT MAKE IT

HARD OR STRESS OVER IT. This is a fun time. If things are happening so you cannot have it in your home- go to a res-

taurant. If you find that you cannot host, give someone on your team to do the hosting. Do not let this time fall through

There are times that you just cannot host an event, but someone else may be happy to do it, give them a chance. The

Host(s) (first name(s) in cell) picks a couple of dates during the subject Month that is convenient for you and calls your

guests. If you are short of guests (someone may not be able to come), fill in the spaces with new faces with substitutes

listed below or anyone not involved in dinners of eight (don’t forget new members or older members). Let your guests

know when and where to come and what side dish or beverage to bring if any. (If you do not hear from your host call

them, they may have forgotten.)This is a very flexible program. Any activities to accompany or follow your dinner are up

to you. Even the dinner format can be modified to a brunch or whatever creative ideas you come up with including eat-

ing out. Enjoy your dinners! It is not necessary to have 8 people for dinner, any number is OK. If there are any ques-

tions or problems, etc., please notify Pat Hastings immediately at 696-0281 or pathast@msn.com (be sure to title it Din-

ners of Eight). Please note any new names on the list or changes. Also, if you have a change in your email please let me

know. I am getting some back. February/March

Brown Phyllis 652-3727

Wilson Peggy 254-6726

Repka Sarah 238-0092

Gore Pam 694-6381

Drummond Tom Ruth 656-5977

Eichenberger Ken Barbara 248-8563

Lorentz Bill Colleen

Erskine Tom 656-0469

Hastings Pat 656-0072

Muir Bob Barbara 256-6099

Albin Jo 656-5600

Stovall Juanita 259-9219

Morrow Beth 656-2292

Ascheman Jason Meghan 259-1336

Brady Sharon 655-9046

Lohnbakken Gary Judy 256-6099

Laftko Jody Boden 591-8060

Myhre Ralph Jane 656-8163

Hogue Jim Biff 259-9114

Basket, Kathy Bassingthwaite Mark 544-9857

Lorentz Megan 855-5427

Fugere Jenice 252-9641

Spring BeBe 252-7898 Substitutes

Mercer Wallace Jody 656-4150

Reineche Eleanor 248-8293

Culbertson Bob Cathy 655-7826

Leggate Chas Cindy 896-0686

Brown Marvin Janet 256-0257

Spencer Marlene 252-5027

Carlson Edna 534-6211

Thompson Dave Vicki 252-2562

Pierce June 245-7989

Dayton Bob Shari 256-3130

Taubert Carlene Mark Parker 698-2205

Reed Don 252-5316

Swanson Jerry 656-8104

P a g e 6

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 9:15 Sun. School 10:30 Worship Communion Ordination/Installation of Church Officers 11 WP Worship

2 6:30 Men’s Bible Study (MBS) 12 Bible Lunch Time (BLT) 4 Deacons Meet-ing

3 9:30 Staff Meeting 9:30 Women’s Bible Study (WBS) 12 Property Com-mittee Meeting

4 9-11 BSF Leaders 10 Grief Group 12 PW Luncheon 6 Youth Group 6 Deborah Circle 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Young Adults

5 9-11 Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) 12 PEO to use Coffee Room 1 Mission Commit-tee Meeting

6 Church Office Closed

7 10 Gluten Intolerance Group meets here

8 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship 11:00 West Park worship

9 6:30 MBS 10 Worship Com-mittee Meeting 12 Bible Lunch Time (BLT)

10 9:30 Staff Meeting 9:30 WBS 7 PM Session Meeting

11 9-11 BSF Lead 9:30 PW Board 6 Youth Group 6 Deborah Circle 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Young Adult Bible study

12 9-11 Bible Study Fellowship 11 Fellowship Committee

Newsletter Submission

Deadline

13 Church Office Closed

14

15 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship 11:00 West Park worship

16 President’s Day 6:30 MBS 12 BLT

17 9:30 Staff Meeting 9:30 WBS

18 9 BSF Leaders PW Circles meet 6 Youth Group 7 Ash Wednesday Service 7:30 Young Adult

19 9-11 Bible Study Fellowship

20 Church office closed Hall

21 10 Senior Singles meet at West Park Village

22 FP Here 8:15 Family Prom-ise Set-Up 9:15 Sun School 10:30 Worship 11:00 West Park Worship

23 FP Here Family Promise here this week 6:30 MBS 12 BLT

24 FP Here 9:30 Staff Meeting 9:30 WBS 12noon Lenten Lunch & Learn Series Begins in Fireside Room

25 FP Here 9-11 BSF Lead. 6 Youth 6 Deborah Circle 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Youth Adult

26 FP Here 9-11 Bible Study Fellowship

27 FP Here Church Office Closed

28 Family Prom-ise here PEO to use Fireside Room

Mission News The Mission Committee is excited to start a new year of helping God’s needy children. The session has generously given us a great deal of money. We feel an awesome responsibility to spend it wisely. If you have any ideas of places or charities who could use help, please share it with Dave or any member of The Mission Committee.

In 2014 the Mission committee made donations to charities totaling $29,437. The monies were given 63% in the Billings area (46% locally plus 17% to Yellowstone Presbytery), 25% within Montana and in the United States (7% out of state and 18% to PC(USA) missions, and 12% internationally. It was fun to deliver gifts to the Ponderosa Pines Nursing Home. Santa Dave led everyone in song. The resi-dents truly appreciate the gifts that you put under the angel tree for them. Also with the noisy offering money, we bought slippers for everyone at Ponderosa Pines. We are sure that it was a very Joyous Christmas for all of the resi-dents. Also Santa Dave brought a nice box of candy for the staff. At least 50 hygiene were donated for the teenagers that are serviced by Tumbleweed. Thank you! Recently Carol Harr spoke at the Church and Society class. She shared information about what the Mission Committee is doing with both the money we are responsible for and also with the giving of our time and talents. Hopefully that was a fun learning experience for everyone in attendance. Thanks to all who donated sweaters for our fall sweater. Family Service, Inc. greatly appreciated the many do-nations of sweaters for men, women, and children. We are currently collecting blankets for Gateway House, a place for abused women in the Billings area. Do-nations can be left in the receptacle in the coat closet.

P A G E 3

Youth News: The second half of youth group is upon us and we have had a great start so far! Erika and Alicia Nelson are doing a wonderful job in taking the lead with our middle school students, and along side with Pastor Dave we have the dynamic trio! We are planning a middle school event on Febru-ary 7th from 6 to 11 p.m. It is going to be a great night packed full of games, food, movie, and maybe a touch of craziness! Our high school group has had a great start of the year as well. The month of January we have been talking about how not to be a lukewarm Christian by looking at the life of Peter. We want to keep three things in mind; the first is putting our hope in Christ and not ourselves, the second is staying close in our relationship to Jesus by reading His Word and praying, and finally the third one is surrounding ourselves with other believers. People who can strengthen us, offer support, and daily encouragement. I am really excited for the month of February for the high school students. We are blessed with the opportunity to have 3 guest speakers come in and share their testimony about their journey in life and how they decided to make Jesus number one in their lives. A couple things that are coming up in the future to look forward to are, the winter retreat March 13, 14, and 15. We are headed to Butte and staying at the Presbyterian church there. Also, we will be having an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday and enjoying a wonderful breakfast as well. Please continue to pray for student and leaders. Thank you so much for your support of F.P.C. Youth! Your prayers, encouragement, and financial giving are doing more than you will ever know. In Christ, Orrin Feddes

Sunday school classes that are currently offered

Sunday school classes for all ages continue on Sunday mornings at 9:15 AM. Lots of great classes are provided for all ages! Hope you all with join us!

Classes for Kids:. Kindergarten through 5th grade: This class meets upstairs Middle School and High School: Youth meet in the downstairs youth coffee room. Sunday school during our worship service is held every week after the children’s sermon.

Classes for Adults: New Year, New You! With Pastor Dave Join Pastor Dave as he continues this six week class on Sunday mornings at 9:15 AM in the Fireside Room. He will help us set realistic goals and provide a biblical blueprint for change. This class will continue every Sunday morning through February 15. Church and Society guests for the month of February will be: February 1: Rich St. John, Billings Police Department Chief will be addressing, “BPD State of the Union.” With over 60 Bible verses related to crime how are we to view present day issues? The mission of the BPD is commit-ment to improve the quality of life through customer service and problem solving partnerships with the community. Chief St. John will discuss how this mission guides the way crime problems are addressed in Billings and reasons for increased crime. He will also discuss law enforcement issues both locally and nationally.

February 8: Pastor Rob Kirby of United Campus Ministry at MSUB, “Spiritual Lives of Young Adults.” The Millennial generation is forging a distinctive path into adulthood. Now ranging in age from 18-33, they are relatively unattached to organized politics and religion, linked by social media, burdened by debt, distrustful of people, in no rush to marry--and optimistic about the future. Pastor Kirby will be speaking about the dynamics of ministering with young adults; the challenges and the celebrations.

February15: Chris Anderson, Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter Executive Director, “Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter--Your Community Animal Shelter.” The YVAS mission is also the mission of our community; 'protecting and caring for all animals that live in our homes, neighborhoods, and on our streets. We are a community of people and animals together. One does not live without the other'. Chris will discuss the ways in which the Shelter accomplishes this mission, a mission that aligns with Biblical teachings that show how our lives have been intercon-nected with the lives of animals from the beginning of Creation and our need to care for those animals.

February 22: John Felton, President and CEO/Health Officer of RiverStone Health. Jesus healed the sick; how does RiverStone Health provide that care and healing? John Felton will provide an overview of RiverStone Health with an emphasis on the work of RiverStone Health Clinic and other safety net programs and services.

P a g e 4

Annual book sale is coming in February

The Presbyterian Women’s group will once again be having their annual book sale be-ginning on Sunday, February 1 through February 28 in the area in from of the Fireside Room. Please bring books during the month of January and leave them in the children’s library. All proceeds from the sale will go toward kitchen equipment for our church. All books, both religious and secular, are being received. If you have any question about the sale, please talk with either Marlene Spencer or Betty Ann Nesmith.

All women are invited to our “Birthday Luncheon”. You do not have to be a member of a circle to attend. If you wish to join us and are not a member of a circle, please RSVP to Phyllis Brown at 702-7040. The luncheon will be at noon in our fellowship hall on Feb. 4. We now have a sewing group that meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month. They are work-ing on making blankets at this time. Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be in a PW Circle to help. The more the merrier. They will meet on the 4th Wednesdays in February, March, and April at 9:30 in the Fireside room.

We will again be having a used book sale in February. Book donations are very welcome. Please bring books you want to donate to the children’s library during January. The sale will begin on February 1 and run through the month of February. We continue to support Gateway House with our donations. Now they are in desperate need of blankets. The blankets can be new or “gently used.” The best size is full/queen but any size will be greatly appreciated.

Elders and Deacons Elected We welcome the following elders and deacons who were elected at our annual congregational meeting on January 25. Elders: Kathy Baskett (2nd term), Marvin Brown (2nd term), Jeff Gruizenga (2nd term), Sandi Schoenberger, and Chris Eriksen. Deacons: Janet Brown (2nd term), Pam Gore (2nd term), Ruth Kaufman, and Charlie Pinnick Installation and Ordination of these new officers will be held on Sunday, February 1 during worship.

Souper Bowl Sunday recognized on February 1

Are you ready for the Big Game? Are you pulling for the Seahawks or Patriots? Perhaps you will be more interested in the commercials than the game. In recognition of Super Bowl Sun-day, we are once again promoting our own SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY! We invite you to bring some canned soup (or other non-perishable food items) with you to church on Super Bowl Sun-

day, February 1. All donations will go to the Billings Food Bank.

Lenten Lunch & Learn Series to begin on Tuesday, February 24

Join Pastor Dave for a special noon series offered during the season of Lent, beginning on Tuesday, February 24. Offered every Tuesday from 12noon– 1 PM in the Fireside Room, join Dave for some lunch and learning oppor-tunities as he helps to deepen our faith during the season of Lent. Dave will be teaching a series titled, “Glimpses of Hope,” based on the Old Testament book of Isaiah. This six week series will continue through March 31.

University of Jamestown Choir to present concert on Sunday, March 15

Join us on Sunday, March 15 at 7:00 PM for a wonderful evening of music provided by the University of Jamestown (ND) Concert Choir. With almost 50 voices, the University of Jamestown concert choir is known for its high quality of musical talent and ability. We are looking for a number of host families who are willing to provide accommodations for Sunday evening. If interested in serving as a host, please contact Pastor Dave.

P a g e 5

On a Personal Note

We extend our condolences to the family of Chuck Pemble who passed away at the Veteran’s Home in St. George, Utah on January 1. His funeral was held at our church on Saturday, January 17. Joan Bateman has returned home after being hospitalized with a broken leg. Bud Leuthold has retuned home following a ten day stay in the Billings Clinic with pneumonia. Thanks to all who provided chili, corn bread muffins, and brownies for our chili feed on Sunday, Jan. 25. Congratulations to Will White and Bethany Olson who were married at the Northern Hotel on Saturday, January 24. Will is the son of Bill and Trina White.

Grief support group continues every month

A grief support group within our church continues to meet the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11. This group is open to anyone in the church or community who is experiencing grief. Facilitated by Dr. Don Harr, this group provide support, encouragement, and help to those facing grief, loss, or transitions in life. All are invited to join this special group.

Volunteers Needed for Speech @ Debate Meet Billings will be hosting the Speech and Debate National Qualifiers on February 13-14 at West High School. Students from across the state will be coming to speak, act, and debate for a chance to go to the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Texas this summer. Many participating students are from local congregations. Please support them by volunteering to judge. Each judging slot is around two hours. All one needs to do is go to http://goo.gl/k4d9Lq and sign up. Training will be provided for those who want it. The only requirement is that judges graduated high school before 2014. Plan to join us for this exceptional event.

Pledge Update

Pledge cards for the coming year continue to be received. Your financial pledge helps us with the budget-ing process. As of date we have received 136 pledges for the coming year for a total of $311,700.

Senior Singles meeting on Feb. 21

February Senior Singles will meet in the Generations Room at West Park Village, 2351 Solomon Ave at 10 AM on Satur-day, February 21. Please call Marilyn Mahan at 652-2291 if you plan to come. She needs a head count for the room. See you there!

Upcoming Committee Meetings in February (All meetings are in the Fireside Room)

Deacons Meeting Monday, February 2 at 4 PM Property Committee Tuesday, February 3 at 12noon Mission Committee Thursday, February 5 at 1 PM Worship Committee Monday, February 9 at 10 AM Session Meeting Tuesday, February 10 at 7 PM Fellowship Committee Thursday, February 12 at 11 AM PW Board Meeting Wednesday, February 11 at 9:30 AM

February Birthdays 1 Leslene Cassel 2 Kerry Gruizenga Craig Hash

3 Nicholas Wiens John Wornom 5 Monica Parker 6 Marvin Brown David Bauer 8 Carol Harr 9 Shirley Harr Caitlin McRae 10 Earl Henderson 10 Chuck Leggate 12 Paul Crellin

12 Lauren Wright 13 Bill Letson Alex Repka Danielle Repka

John Quandt 14 Jody Mercer Wallace Halle Lynn Spring 15 Michael Repka 16 Jim Wempner John Reamy Tyler Carey 17 Carl Johnson Jack Quandt 19 Charleene Hayes 21 Nichole Ferestad

21 Curtis Pattee Lorrie Rimpe 22 Robert Thiesen Helen Montgomery

23 Bill Lorentz 24 Jean Marshall 27 Jason Pattee Delores Reinhart 28 Lewis Schoenberger 29 Ruth Kaufman

Anniversaries 9 John & Ruth Urbaska