Letter from Dave…...…....1 Lectionary Study…..…….2 Lent Activities …………...3 MPW News……..………..4 Library News…….……....4 Missions………..……...…6 Prayer Families………….7 Congregation in Action………….……7 Birthdays.……………..….8 Anniversaries…………….8 Calendar………….....…...9

February 2015

Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow… News for our Friends and Family

Morningside Presbyterian Church Is on a pilgrimage to resurrect and expand our church community and to share the love and grace of Jesus

Christ. We worship as an authentic expression of our gratitude to God for grace unimaginable and love unconditional. We strive to be God’s

heart, hands and voice to all ages as we grow in

faith and engage in mission locally,

nationally, and globally.

The deadline for newsletter

submission is the 3rd Wednesday of the

month prior to publication. Please

direct articles & questions to

Teri McCallum mpcsciasec@msn.com

FROM THE PASTOR'S KEYBOARD: Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope 2015 has started out for you all in a good way. With the spring-like temperatures it almost doesn't seem like it could be February, but since we just finished the Annual Meeting, it must be. We had a very good, very productive Annual Meeting, doing the business that needed to be conducted- thank you for voting me to serve as the pastor of MPC for another year- and sharing in the ministry of our community for the past year. And we also had a very helpful conversation on the possibilities for future ministry here at MPC and abroad, discussing how things like pastor sharing with some of our neighboring Presbyterian Churches might impact us. It was very helpful to hear the questions and comments from you all, and this information will certainly help the Collaboration Team and Joint Session conversations as they move forward. There will be more information to share with you in the future. In the between time we move forward in our witness as Morningside PC, in our outreach to the community, in our ministering to the needs of those in our congregation, in our seeking to serve and proclaim Jesus Christ in our particular context. The mission of the church is constant, whether we are involved in other conversations or not, and we have a few opportunities to serve the mission in the next few days and weeks: the Souper Bowl of Caring offering will be collected on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, after worship; $1 is asked from everyone gathered on that day, collected by the children and youth, and the total amount collected goes to a local hunger cause of our choosing. In the past we have given to the Food Bank, but we still need to decide this. As well, the church has purchased two tables for the upcoming "Empty Bowls" Hunger Auction and Soup Dinner, which id held on February 6th. At this time we still have 5 tickets available; if you would like to attend with us, contact Teri in the church office. The cost is $25 and all of the proceeds from the evening go to support the Food bank of Siouxland. Also, we will have another date to go and serve at the Soup Kitchen coming soon, and another trip to the Food Bank to pack backpacks for kids, along with friends from 3rd and Westminster PC's. And for those of you that would like to keep service as local as possible, there is a wonderful program that operates at St. James Methodist Church called Food 4 Kids, which is a backpack program for the children of Irving Elementary and Washington Elementary, and they could always use help. You can contact St. James Church, 276-2667, for more information. We will also recognize and celebrate Scouting as we celebrate Scout Sunday, on February 8th, during worship.

Con’t on pg 2

The church VISITOR is published monthly by Morningside Presbyterian Church - 4327 Morningside Ave. - Sioux City, IA.

2 - February 2015

Service times 9:00-11:00 Library Open 9:00 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Staffed Nursery Available

Worship Schedule Dec Attendance 10:30 Dec 7– 68 Dec 14 – 96 Dec 21 - 80 Dec 24 - 100 Dec 27 - 110 (joint w/3rd)

Please direct ideas, articles and questions to Teri McCallum

712-276-3121, mpcsciasec@msn.com

1 - Deut 185:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Cor 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

8– Isa 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Cor

9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39 15– 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Cor 4:3

-6; Mark 9:2-9 18 - Ash Wednesday - Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; or

Isa 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Cor 5:20b-6:10; Matt 6:1-6, 16-21

22 - Gen 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter

3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

Con’t from page 1 The Scouts and their leaders will be a part of the worship experience and we will have a chance to hear about what they are doing and how we can partner with them in this mission to our children and youth. There is always more to do than we have people for, so that means that EVERYONE has something to do. Come and join us. We offer our prayers for Bonnie Oliver and the family of Stuart Oliver at Stuart's death on January 24; there was a funeral service held at MPC for Stuart of January 28, and a wonderful time of fellowship followed the service. Our thoughts and prayers continue as well for Sue Gottsch and her family as they grieve the death of Sue' father recently. Our prayers, as the gathered community, are one of the chief ways we can enter into God's mission for those who are hurting. Please keep Bonnie and Sue and their families in your prayers, as well as all those who we know to be struggling in health, in aging, in relationship, in faith struggles, and those engaged in the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God's peace be with you all. Dave

LENTEN ACTIVITIES

The Siouxland area Presbyterian Pastors recently decided that we would offer a new worship experience for our Lenten programs this year, so we are gathering as community each Friday afternoon at First Presbyterian Church, for a noon lunch and a presentation from each of the Pastors on one of the hymns we sing during Lent. The schedule is as follows: February 20th- Paul Speidel, "Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley" February 27th- Tom Murray, "In The Cross Of Christ I Glory" March 6th- Dave Koehler, "Go To Dark Gethsemane" March 13th- John Pehrson, "What Wondrous Love Is This" March 20th- Stephen Niles, "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" March 27th- Katie Whipple, "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" On Friday, April 3rd, we will hold a Community Good Friday Service at 7 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Its hymn will be "Beneath The Cross Of Jesus" and Cathie Bishop will deliver the meditation. There will also be special music presented with a Community Choir. We will be holding our own Wednesday Evening Lent Gatherings, gathering each Wednesday during Lent for a time of worship and fellowship, with a soup meal as part of the evening. The theme for our gatherings will center on "Pilgrimage" and we will focus on a form of contemplative prayer during each of the gatherings. If you would like to volunteer to make soup or sandwiches for any of the gatherings, please visit with Pastor Dave. The gathering time for each week will be 6:15 pm

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4- February 2015

MORNINGSIDE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

February Circles will meet: Rebecca Circle Feb 4, 10:00 am Esther Bible Study Feb 12, 9:30 am Card Making Feb 11, 9:00 am Countryside Birthday Party Feb 27, 2:30 pm Coordinating Team Feb 27, 10:00 am Janet Ross

Written by Shirley Watson, chairman

OPEN: When ever the church building is open.

The library committee members have been busy setting up new displays of books for your reading pleasure. Please remember that your library is open for your use any time the building is unlocked. If you need assistance, please see a committee member Sunday mornings or either the second or fourth Tuesday morning of the month. We ask that you return your books to the library within one month’s time. If this is not possible, please let us know. We have perhaps the best church library in the city, but we need your support to remain viable. The Library Book Club is always looking for new members. We read one book a month and meet the second Tuesday of the month at 1:30pm in the Fireside Room to discuss that selection. We end with coffee, tea and snacks and a time of fellowship. This month’s selection is ORPHAN TRAIN by Christina Baker Kline. We would love to have you join us Tuesday February 11th.

Thank you, The Library Committee: Shirley Watson, Lorraine Edmunds, Marlene Downs, Fran Graham, Mary Michell and Audrey Fenton

Jan/Feb UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONALS ARE HERE!

The Morningside Presbyterian Church Women will hold a TOGETHER IN SERVICE PROJECT to make Alzheimer’s Sensory Lap Blankets, Monday, February 16, 2015 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in the dining room of the church. These will be made of many different textures and whatever you add to each piece to keep their hands busy fiddling with things on a small lap quilt. They will be donated to local Hospice, nursing home Dementia Units or Activity Departments. The snow date, in case of inclement weather, will be Monday, February 23rd. We would invite any person interested in helping with this project to participate in any way they can, all day or whatever time you can. We would encourage people at any level of skills who could cut, sew by machine or by hand, sort or press fabric. It should be a very productive and at the same time social day. We plan to have a “bring your own brown bag lunch”, beverages will be furnished. We have lots of space & tables to work on. If you can, bring your cutting mat and long ruler, thimble, scissors, etc. If you have materials to bring, we can use: scraps of ribbon, trims, buttons, zippers, snaps, pockets, sleeve cuffs with button or snap, Velcro, appliques, small empty thread spools, lace, elastic, cord, beads etc., fabrics of several types of textures - anything will work (even upholstery or drapery fabric, but best if they will wash well). Anything that can be securely attached can be added. We could use a couple more portable Machines also. We also are setting March 16, 9-11 am to bring in blankets that are completed after this work day. We can then pack and deliver them to the designated units. For more information and questions, please call the church at 712-276-3121 or email mpcsciasec@msn.com

5- February 2015

6- February 2015

Do you need to borrow some medical equipment for short-term use? The church has wheelchairs, walkers,

bath chairs, etc. available on a loan basis. If you would like to borrow

any of these items, contact the church office at 276-3121. Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Morningside Presbyterian Church provides stability for 12-step groups by providing space for five different groups’ meetings. If you know of people, who are looking for 12-step support,

please share this schedule. SUNDAYS - 7:00 p.m. - Steel Magnolias, Women’s Open AA - Meditation Rm. 8:00 p.m. - Big Book Group Study Open AA Fireside Rm. WEDNESDAYS - 7:00 p.m. - Gambler’s Anon.- Fireside Rm. (Hotline – 712-223-0909) FRIDAY - 8:00 p.m. - Morningside Fellowship AA Group-Dining Rm. 8:00 p.m. - Acceptance Al-Anon Meditation Room

Written by Lynda Miller, Kelly Berkenpas, Harriett Marsh, Karen Juhl

The next big event is Souper Bowl Sunday, February 1. This event was begun by a Presbyterian Youth Group and

has spread all over the country and into many denominations as a way to alleviate hunger in the United States. There will be more information in the bulletin and as a Minute for Mission later.

On behalf of the Community Action Agency of Siouxland, I would like to thank the members of Morningside Presbyterian Church for providing gifts again this year for some of the less fortunate children we serve. This time of year is so special and we really appreciate your help in making Christmas a little brighter for them. Through the generosity of so many, we can continue our mission of “Helping people, Changing lives”. With all the groups who helped this year, we were able to give gifts to approximately 900 individuals. We look forward to hearing from you again next year. Peace and happiness for the New Year. Caroline

Dear Members: On behalf of the Community Action Agency of Siouxland, we would like to thank Morningside Presbyterian Church and 3rd Presbyterian Church for the wonderful donation of school supplies, warm scarves, a stuffed animal and 58 packages of children’s underwear. Through the agency’s various programs, we see many families and children who are in great need of these basic items so your contribution will be so helpful to them.

1 - Jerry & Marilyn Erickson 8 - Elgerd & Marlyn Arnett 15 - Greg & Linda Puttmann 22 - Tom & Dawn Braddy

10:30 a.m before Worship

1– Gerald Erickson 8 - Clifford Huseman 15 - Bob Davis 22 - Merlin Berkenpas

1 - Elgerd Arnett & Gerald Erickson 8– Mary Michell & Karen Lien 15 - Marriett Marsh & Marilyn Erickson 22 - Larry Manker & Robert Rice

Karen Juhl

1 - Ralph Maslonka 8 - Rhonda Henry 15 - Merlin & Peggy Berkenpas 22 - Skip & Becky Trout

10:30 Service 1– Gerald* & Marilyn Erickson, Bob & Vina Rodecker 8 - Skip Trout*, Tom Braddy*, Audrey Fenton, Mary Michell

15– Jeff Arnett*, Merlin & Peggy Berkenpas, Ralph Maslonka 22 - Bob Ross*, Bob Davis, Richard Delfs, Josh Hicklin

February - OUR CONGREGATION IN ACTION

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Prayer Families for February 1– Larry & Sally Manker, Harriett Marsh, Valerie Marshall, Ralph

Maslonka, Betty Maxfield, Beverly Maxfield 8 - Virgil Meyer, Maria Meyers, Mary Michell, Charlene Mickey, Lynda Miller & David, Clyde & Elaine Millie 15 - Marion Molden, Richard & Ione Morgan, June Murkins, Lue Mutz, Alden Noble, Bonnie Oliver 22 - Anthony & Ellen Osborn & family, Jeff & Becky Paulsen, Karen Paulsen, Lyla Paulsen, Robert & Esther Peters, Bill Peterson

1– Bob & Vina Rodecker Marv & Lorraine Edmunds

1 - Carolyn Schmith 8 - Dick & Marcia Pruehs 15 - Marilyn Blatchford 22 - Helen Lehnertz

8 - February2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 1 3 4 10 am Rebecca Circle 12:30 Weight Watch 4 pm Music lessons 7 pm Gamblers Anon 7:30 Choir Rehearsal

9 am Library Committee 4pm Music lessons 7:30 pm Naomi Circle

6:30 am Study 8:30 am Men’s Club 10 am Weight Watchers 4 pm Music Lessons 7:00 pm Deacons 7:00 pm Scouts

8 pm Morningside Fellowship AA 8pm Acceptance Al-Anon

7 pm Steel Magnolias 8 pm Big Book Study

5 6 7 9 am Quilting Group 7 pm Cub Scouts

8:00 & 9:30 am Weight Watchers

12 - Wendy Collins Shannon Graves Alison Hansen 13 - Ron Anderson 15 - Sheryl Collins 17 - Lynda Miller 18 - Alden Noble 21 - Larry Manker Karen Paulsen 23 - Paul Campbell 25 - Tom Braddy 26 - Pat Herbold 27 - Vivian Busse Cheryl Carey Betty Grieve 28 - Betty Hass

1 - Christopher Amman 2 - Roxanne Bobolz 4 - Ben Daniels 5 - Marlene Downs 8 - Frances Quintard 10 - Lani Pettit 11 - Fran Graham

7 - Jeff & Becky Paulsen 10 - Bill & Susan Blatchford

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, phone calls and visits while in the hospital and since returning home. A special thank you to Pastor Dave for his calls, prayers and visits. I also want to thank those who have offered rides to the doctors and Cancer Center. It is greatly appreciated. Lyla Paulsen

I want to thank all my dear friends at Morningside Pres. For all your concerns, prayers, cards, flowers and the visits and communion from Dave. They were all very much appreciated. I’m recovering slowly, but I know its going to take more time for recovery. Thanks again for all the wonderful things you do for me. God Bless, Marlyn Arnett

Thank you to the congregation and Pastor Dave for the cards, visits and prayers. My family and I appreciated the support during this difficult time. Bonnie Oliver & family

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 9:00 Sunday School Worship Service 10:30 am COMMUNION 7:00 pm Steel Magnolia AA 8:00 Big Book Study Open AA

2 9:00 Quilting Group 6:30 Cub Scouts

3 9:00 Library Committee 4:00 Music lessons

4 10:00 Rebecca Circle 12:15 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons 7:00 Gambler’s Anon

5 6:30 AM Study 8:30 Men’s Club 10:00 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons 7:00 Deacons

6 5-7:30 pm Scout Pancake dinner 8:00 pm Morningside Fellowship AA 8:00 pm Acceptance Al-Anon

7 8:00 & 9:30 Weight Watchers

8 9:00 Sunday School Worship Service 10:30 am 7:00 pm Steel Magnolia AA 8:00 Big Book Study Open AA

9 9:00 Quilting Group 6:30 Cub Scouts

10 9:00 Library Committee 1:30 Book Club 4:00 Music lessons 7:00 Doll Club 7:00 Scout Committee Mtg

11 9:00 am Card Making 12:15 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons 7:00 Gambler’s Anon

12 6:30 AM Study 8:30 Men’s Club 9:30 Esther Bible Study 10:00 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons

13 8:00 pm Morningside Fellowship AA 8:00 pm Acceptance Al-Anon

14 8:00 & 9:30 Weight Watchers

15 9:00 Sunday School Worship Service 10:30 am 2-4 Sherry Collins Bday party 7:00 pm Steel Magnolia AA 8:00 Big Book Study Open AA

16 9:00 Quilting Group 9-4 Alzheimer’s quilts 6:30 Cub Scouts

17 4:00 Music lessons 7:00 Committees 7:30 Session

18 ASH WEDNESDAY VISITOR DEADLINE 12:15 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons 6:30 pm Worship 7:00 Gambler’s Anon

19 6:30 AM Study 8:30 Men’s Club 10:00 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons

20 12:00 pm Lent Lunch @ 1st Pres 8:00 pm Morningside Fellowship AA 8:00 pm Acceptance Al-Anon

21 8:00 & 9:30 Weight Watchers

22 9:00 Sunday School Worship Service 10:30 am 7:00 pm Steel Magnolia AA 8:00 Big Book Study Open AA

23 9:00 Quilting Group 6:30 Cub Scouts

24 9:00 Library Committee 12:00 Marterians 4:00 Music lessons 6:00 pm Fun & Fellowship

25 12:15 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons 6:15 pm Lent Devotion 7:00 Gambler’s Anon

26 6:30 AM Study 8:30 Men’s Club 10:00 Weight Watch 4:00 pm Music lessons

27 12:00 pm Lent Lunch @ 1st Pres 8:00 pm Morningside Fellowship AA 8:00 pm Acceptance Al-Anon

28 8:00 & 9:30 Weight Watchers

MORNINGSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF Pastor: Rev. David Koehler - Music Director: Ellen Osborn - Organist: Pat Herbold - Bell Choir Director: Peggy Reid - Office Admin./Asst. Treas.: Teri McCallum

Maintenance Services: Lindy Johnson - Nursery Care Coordinator: Connie Sponder - Finance / Membership Secretary: Gerald & Marilyn Erickson

Morningside Presbyterian Church 4327 Morningside Avenue Sioux City, Iowa 51106

Phone: 712-276-3121 E-Mail (Pastor): mpcscia@msn.com E-Mail (Secretary): mpcsciasec@msn.com Website: www.morningsidepres.com We’re also on Facebook

Sunday Services 9:00 Library Open 9:00 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service

Worship Hours

THE SESSION OF MORNINGSIDE PC

Clerk of Session– Connie Sponder

Jeff Arnett Kelly Berkenpas Marilyn Blatchford Dawn Braddy Karen Juhl Helen Lehnertz Dick Pruehs

Peggy Reid Bob Ross Connie Sponder Eleanor Tasker Shirley Watson Gary Wood

BOARD OF DEACONS

Elgerd Arnett Marlyn Arnett Merlin Berkenpas Peggy Berkenpas Sheryl Collins Audrey Fenton Carlotta Fox

Rhonda Henry Sherry Koehler Ralph Maslonka Carolyn Schmith Becky Trout Skip Trout Mary Kay Wood