upon a calendar, we can choose to bless others throughout the year. This is, in part, what we were created for. My point is that none of this happens unless we do what the holidays urge us to do, take a few steps back from the routine of our

normal lives and get the big picture. This is what the Fourth Commandment was all about; to take a Sabbath and connect again

with God and God’s blessings. Ironically, our own Christmas activities

can get in the way. If you have ever come home from a frenzied vacation needing a vacation to recover, then you know what I mean. We love all the activity of this time of year. We are decorating the church November 27. We are again hosting the Promise, a Christmas

musical extravaganza put on by several area churches on December 10. The Children’s Christmas program is on the 18th and our Christmas

Eve service is on Saturday night, December 24th at 7:00pm Christmas falls on a Sunday, so we are only having one service at 10:00am

Whew! And that is not counting Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, and Christmas travel plans. If we can’t see the forest for the trees we won’t be able to experience the holidays as God intended.

Merry Christmas! My prayer for you this season is that your eyes

and hearts are opened to the immensity of God’s blessings and that warms and expands your experience of this blessed season. Tiny Tim had it right, ―God bless us - every one!‖

See you in church!

Tis the season… for what? To be jolly? To get up way early and shop on Black Friday (or its internet equivalent Cyber Monday)? How about counting our blessings? Gathering with friends and family around over-loaded tables? Singing

Christmas carols? One of the local radio

stations has already adopted an all Christmas carol all the time-format and the Trans Siberian Orchestra has been

a holiday fixture for years. Of course, let’s not forget the kids. There is something magical about experiencing the holidays through the eyes of children. But the question remains - just what

is the purpose of holidays? I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but there is a purpose for the

holidays. Normally we think of holidays as relaxed, non-scheduled time, time to be spent with family and friends. Well, that’s part of it. Holidays, holy-days, are times when we intentionally step back from

our day to day routines to notice the good things in our lives, and

to give thanks. That’s what makes them holy. Most of the time, we

are busy; busy running here, driving there; busy planning what we are going to have to do once we get to wherever it is we are going.

Day blends into day, each day being more like the one before. Is it any wonder we look forward to the holidays the same way a prisoner looks forward to parole?

So starting at Halloween, then to Thanksgiving and all through the Christmas season we stop what we normally do and look

around. We see, with new eyes, what a blessing our family and friends are. So we plan activities, parties, and dinners. We buy candy for the neighborhood kids and fawn over their costumes. We

make cookies and pies to take to Grandma’s house to share with those gathering around her table. We go shopping to give gifts to

the people in our lives, to thank them for being who they are to us. Santa is icing on the cake, making a magical season even more so. Along the way we notice that there are people who are not as fortunate. Some face economic challenges; in this economy that is becoming more common. So we give money to charities and

participate in food drives. In other words, we translate our thankfulness into concrete action to share that experience with others. This is what is at the core of the Christmas Spirit - the

choices we make to enable others to feel as loved, as cared for, as blessed as we do. And since the Christmas Spirit is not dependent

Horizon Highlights

December 2011 New Horizon Presbyterian Church

30 Valley View Dr., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-5100

Phone # 712 323-7129 www.newhorizonpc.org

Vol. 7 No. 12

Mission Statement

New Horizon Presbyterian Church

Strives to know Christ and share God’s love.

Paul

December 2011 Page 1

December Family Fun Night Pack up the family and head to church on Sunday, December 4, at 5:00pm. This Christmas-themed Family Fun Night will feature a light supper of chili dogs, cookie decorating, crafts, music, childcare for the littlest ones and a special visit by Santa Claus. Mark your calendar for this great chance

to kick-off the holiday season with your church family.

Christmas Joy Offering Collecting Dec. 11 & 18 We find ways to share our Christmas Joy by

helping retired church workers with special needs. This offering also supports racial and ethnic education to give help to students so they can

develop their gifts and find their callings. This offering will be received on December 11th and 18th. The

envelopes will be in the pews.

Small Group Meetings in December Circles – AM’ers – Thu Dec 8, at 11:00am at the Dixie Quicks

Contacts are Cleo Croson and Vicki Holder Evening – Sat Dec 3, at 11:00am at Olive Garden

Contacts are Jan Christensen and Ellen Jaco Mary – Thu Dec 29, at 11:30am at Dixie Quicks

Contact is Cathy Born Sarah – Thu Dec 8, at 12:30pm in Hearth Rm

Contact is Sheri Wallace Mariners – Thu Dec 15, at 6:00pm Potluck in Fellowship Hall Program - Alice and Ron Gerard Contacts are Grant & Lois Nihsen Prayer Shawl – Mon Dec 12, at 4:00pm in the Hearth Room

Tue Dec 27, at 4:00pm, in the Office Area Contacts are Mary Alice Fehr & Vicki Holder Women’s Ministry Coordinating Team – Thu Dec 1, at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall Contact is Cathy Born Women’s Ministry Gathering – Thu Dec 1, at 12:00 noon in the Fellowship Hall Hostess - Coordinating Team Program - Phyllis Moser ―Shofer

Lady‖ Contact is Cathy Born

Page 2 December 2011

Session Highlights for October The Treasurer’s report was presented and accepted. Total general contributions for October were $20,932 and total expenses were $20,527 for a positive difference of $405. Total mortgage contributions for October

were $17,776 (which included a onetime gift of $11,732.) The monthly mortgage payment is $9,518, so there was a positive difference of $8,258 for the month of October, though the year-to-date mortgage contributions are still $3,120 behind the needed amount.

The Stewardship Committee reported that the stewardship drive is going well thus far. We have received 91 pledge cards for the general fund and 71 for the mortgage fund. The Stewardship Committee will eventually be contacting those people who have not yet pledged. The Buildings and Grounds Committee reported that all of our storm-

related insurance claims have been settled, though the two claims made on the attempted copper theft and the damage to the air-conditioner units are still outstanding. The cost of installing fences around the units, an alarm detection wire, and flood lights will be approximately $7,500. The Session

voted to approve a motion that would use money from the building fund to cover these expenses rather than take it from the general fund.

The Facility Use Committee presented three facility use applications that were approved by the Session. They reported that the recent voting held at

New Horizon went well, and around 300 people voted at our facility. The Memorial and Endowment Committee presented a proposal for up to $1,000 to be used to help purchase a 14½-foot pre-lit artificial

Christmas tree for the sanctuary. The tree will cost approximately $1,925 and be purchased from A Garden Paradise Landscaping in Council Bluffs.

For a $300 yearly fee, they will put up, take down and store the tree. An anonymous donor has offered to pay for half of the initial tree purchase

expense and this year’s installation/take down fee. The Session voted to

approve this proposal. It was determined that in the future, the yearly fee

should be taken from the Worship Committee budget. The Nominating Committee presented the names of their candidates for

Deacons, Elders, Nominating Committee and Memorial and Endowment Committee. The congregation will vote to approve those nominees at a congregational meeting on November 20.

The Worship Committee reported that in an effort to get more people involved in the serving of coffee and snacks on Sunday mornings, a general

sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex. The Christian Education Committee reported that the youth of New Horizon will be presenting their Christmas program, ―Do You Hear What I Hear?‖ during the 11:00am service on December 18. A family fun night will be held on December 4.

The Mission Committee reported that the Flood Dinner went well, with more than 100 people being served. A profit of $460 was made, which will

be donated to the mortgage fund. The Trunk-or-Treat event drew around 150 kids and 18 cars giving out treats. Around $800 was taken in for the Tool and Blanket offering. A $200 donation will be given to the Gethsemane Presbyterian Church food pantry, in addition to half of the food collected in the food drive. The Session voted to reinstate the membership of David Young, and to schedule a joint Deacons/Elders potluck on Thursday, December 8 at

6:30pm.

Attention all NHPC Members and Friends If schools are closed due to weather we probably will not meet.

All of the groups welcome you to join their activities.

If any questions please call the contact person listed above.

Blue Christmas A Service of Comfort and Hope Hosted by the

Faith Community Nurses of Council Bluffs Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 7:00pm

Community of Christ Church 140 West Kanesville

Just as the wise men walked through cold and darkness

toward the light of the star many people walk through the darkness of their burdens and grief. They may be facing the holidays after the death of a loved one or after divorce. Perhaps they have

been unable to have a child, or have suffered through an emotional

trauma. They may have lost a job, their home or finances. Or perhaps they feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations. This service of scripture, meditation, music and prayer provides a time of sacred calm to focus on the comfort and

hope God offers during dark times. It is an opportunity to come and be in the presence of God, acknowledge grief – despair-loneliness, and to give it all to God.

A period of fellowship and refreshments will follow the

service. Pastors will be available for individual counsel .

Mariners The Mariners met at 6:00pm for dinner on November 17. Present were 22 members, two guests and six men from the

IWCC Men’s Music Group and their director Arla Clausen. Following

dinner, the men performed some of their songs for the group. Devotions were presented by Lloyd and Dolores Brazelton. The

October and November birthdays and anniversaries were recognized. Lois Nihsen presented the Cargo Committee rummage sale proceeds distribution report. The Cargo Committee consisted

of Vicki Holder, Donna Pritchard, Jeff Sagert, Rollie Johnson and Grant and Lois Nihsen. The committee report was accepted by the

Mariners. (see below) The next meeting will be December 15 at 6:00pm for potluck dinner. The program will be presented by Alice Gerard and her

son Ron Gerard. Everyone is invited to attend. Please let Grant and Lois Nihsen know if you plan to attend.

Cargo Committee Report Church wide Rummage Sale proceeds given as Mission

Community Mission Camp Calvin Crest $ 500 Habitat for Humanity $ 100

H.E.L.P. Adult Services $ 100 Inter Faith Response $ 500 Iowa Cookie Crumbs $ 100 Meals on Wheels $ 100

Mohms House $ 200 Phillips Cupboard $ 100 $1,700

New Horizon Church Projects Bathroom Cabinet $ 50 Building Loan $ 500 Bulletin Board $ 50 Christmas Decorations $ 40 Clothes Hooks $ 10 Coffee Fund $ 50

$ 900

Reserve Amount for Future Spending $ 400 Total Amount Available $ 3,000

Youth Christmas Program On December 18, the sanctuary will be alive with the sounds of Christmas. During the 11:00am service the youth of New Horizon

will be presenting, ―Do You Hear What I Hear?‖ It is a play about the sounds of the Advent season which will feature favorite carols

and the Nativity story. A light lunch will be offered following the service.

Wednesday Night Youth Activities Throughout the fall, the Kids’ Club group has been studying the Lord’s Prayer. We talked about how we are being invited to be

part of God’s kingdom, and we made a list of what we thought God’s laws were, and talked about what the world would be like if everyone followed those laws. While learning about the passage, ―give us each day our daily bread,‖ we discussed how God will

always provide for our needs, but that we should not approach God with a ―grumbling heart.‖ While discussing ―forgive us our debts,‖ we talked about how even though God doesn’t like it when we sin, Jesus' death on the cross has taken all of our sins away. The Break Out group has been watching videos about and

discussing how to be a leader, and about staying strong in the face of peer pressure and outside influences. They have also been talking about the possibility of taking a canoe trip on the Niobrara

River this summer. The teen bells will be playing during the Christmas Program on December 18, and the Break Out group will be helping to lead the service that morning.

As always, we thank the generous people who have provided food for our Wednesday night activities - during November they

were Idella Spann and John and Nora Gibson, Murleen Reelfs, Sandy Bolte and Sandy Larsen, and Francoise and Greg Mathis. We have also received several donations to purchase food, and we

thank those donors as well. Wednesday night youth activities are open to all kids - even if

you have never come before, we would love to see you there!

Church Officer Potluck There will be joint potluck for all incoming, current and

outgoing Deacons and Elders, as well as their spouses, on Thursday, December 8, at 6:30pm. This will be a time for fellowship and to show our appreciation for those who serve as

Deacons and Elders. The main dish will be provided, so those attending should bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Deacons The discussion at the November 3 monthly Deacon meeting involved developing the plan for the paper gift bag decorating, stuffing and delivery to some of the homebound NHPC members. The plan is to decorate the bags by using stamp pads and stamps as well as stickers. The bags will be filled during the December meeting and will be delivered before Christmas.

Children’s Christmas Program The Sunday school children’s Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 18 during the 11:00am Worship Service, with a light fellowship luncheon to follow. Practice will be on Wednesday

evenings 6:00pm - 6:45pm and on Sunday mornings 10:00am -10:45am beginning Wednesday, November 30. Help is needed in

the areas of acting, costumes, music and organization. Please contact Heather Ploen at 712-483-2097 to offer any assistance that you can!!!!

December 2011 Page 3

Page 4 December 2011

Trunk or Treat ---Spooky and Safe Many thanks to creative NHPC folks for decorating their vehicle trunks, dressing like spooks and scarecrows and providing treats for over one hundred children on Halloween Eve. The young children and

their parents trick or treated from trunk to trunk down one long row

in our parking lot. The hot chocolate served from Grandpa Parrott’s

chuck wagon was a big hit with young and old alike. Thank you John Gibson for your ghostly display of decorating ideas and getting us in

the mood to provide a safe and fun evening for NHPC kids as well as invited guests from our neighborhood elementary school.

Mitten Tree will be taken down on December 19.

Please add mitten’s,

hat’s and scarf's to

the mitten tree. These items will be taken to local schools.

December 2011 Page 5

Presbyterian Women The NHPC Presbyterian women met on Nov, 3 at 9:30am to sew Christmas Stockings for the Prison Ministry program of H.E.L.P. Adult Services.

The Sarah Circle provided rolls, muffins and coffee for the

group. The women cut out and sewed about 150 stockings. NHPC Presbyterian Women will also send $200.00

to help buy items to fill the stockings. A fun time was had by all. The next meeting will be December 1 at 12:00pm in the Fellowship Hall, with lunch being served by the Coordinating Team. The program will

be presented by Phyllis Mosher of Council Bluffs

who has a shofar music ministry. She plays the

shofar, an instrument that is traditionally made of a ram’s horn that has

been used to summon people to worship since Old Testament time. Today, the Jewish

community uses the shofar primarily in synagogue rituals. It is

often used on Jewish holidays – especially Rosh Hashanah and

Yom Kippur – and to proclaim the Year of Jubilee. She has blown the shofar to open Christian concerts, motorcycle rallies and

congregational worship across the country, where she has earned the nickname ―The Shofar Lady.‖ Come join us for lunch

and learn more about the shofar horn.

December Elder of the Month Bob Karcher is Chair of the Stewardship and Nominating Committees and on Personnel and the Administrat ive Committees, the managerial arm of the Session. Bob’s favorite part of being on Session is the contact with the people

because we have such a great congregation!

December Deacon of the Month Amanda Petersen’s responsibility is to

contact the home-bound members to find out if they would like to receive home communion

for the month. She contacts about 15 members a month; usually there are 2 to 6 who request the home communion. She really enjoys touching base with members she

remembers from her childhood at Grace. Amanda is finishing her Deacon’s term this December.

Someone You Ought to Know Ellen Jaco attended the Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage this October. These events are planned for one in the spring and one in the fall.

Ellen said she went to Calvin Crest not knowing others at the meeting, but she left with many new friends. Some of the events over the three days promoted fellowship, study, shared spiritual experiences, setting priorities and lay people in the

church to mention a few highlights. Ellen remarked about the unique things that she experienced – no radio/TV, no cell phones, no computers, yet it is not a quiet place – lots

of people relating to others. Ellen plans to go again

next spring and would welcome other NHPC members to go with her. Darlene Grandia serves as a leader at this event. She, like Ellen, would welcome more NHPC members next spring. She posts information on the bulletin board for each event.

New Members Bill Wall is a new member of New Horizon. After a career in the Navy, Bill and his wife returned to Council Bluffs and joined Grace when Rev. Brewer

was pastor there. Bill then spent thirty years at Mercy Hospital and also volunteered for 18 years with the Sheriff’s Department. Bill’s wife has passed,

and his three sons live out of the area, one in Wisconsin and two on the East Coast, but he has five sisters here to ―keep him focused.‖ These days he stays busy working out at the Senior Center and volunteering. Elizabeth and David Bills are new members of New Horizon. David was

raised at Grace so it is kind of a coming home for him. Elizabeth is originally from Omaha and was raised in Dundee Presbyterian. They are the proud and

busy parents of two and a half year old Emily and one year old Garrett. David works in the family business for

Red Giant Oil, and Elizabeth considers herself so lucky to get to be a stay-at-home mom! They generally attend the 11:00am service.

Sarah and Tyler Burbridge have recently joined New Horizon. Tyler was originally from Woodbine and Sarah from Oakland. (Sarah

was raised in the Oakland-Sharon Presbyterian Church where Mike Harvey was

her pastor.) Tyler is a surveyor with the

Nebraska Department of Roads and Sarah is

an Admissions Counselor at Bellevue University. They have been married since 2006 and are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child

(and the first grandchild on both sides), a boy, due in March. You will generally find Sarah and Tyler at the 8:00am service.

Prayer Shawl Thank You Notes Dearest Members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, I have been so blessed with the love and comfort the beautiful prayer shawl has given me. It is so comforting to know that my sisters in Christ are praying for me during this rough time (breast cancer). I have had surgery, which was very successful and I am now doing radiation. I did not have to have chemo, PTL. I continue, to teach my 2nd grade class and I also teach the preschool Sunday School Class at our church. I am 48 years old, married to a wonderful man and have 3 children ages 24, 18 and 14 years. God has guided us every step of the way. We continue to praise Him, for all things. May God Bless each one of you and keep you in his care. In Christian love. Leslie Leroux ————————–——————————————————————————————————

My prayer shawl arrived on the day that I had the last of my chest drains removed after undergoing cancer surgery. It was a reminder that God is with us everywhere and I will think of ―friends‖ in Iowa and feel blessed to have it. May God continue to bless and enrich your wonderful project. Linda Goecker St. Pete Beach, Fl.

————————–——————————————————————————————————

Dear Davia, They were preparing me for surgery to put in my pacemaker when Marlene arrived with your prayer shawl for me. I needed that comfort at that moment. Thank you so much. Many times in the hospital and then at the rehabilitation center, someone would ask about the shawl. (I had it wrapped around me most of the time.) Therefore I got to share the details of your ministry. Blessings, Leslie Pahre

————————–——————————————————————————————————

Davia, The prayer shawl you made is really beautiful and the thought behind it is so special! Thank you so much!! I do some crocheting but don’t recognize the pattern you used. Would you share it with me? It is so pretty! Thank you again. Esther

————————–——————————————————————————————————

Dear NHPC and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Thank you so much for the Prayer Shawl to use during my recent surgery and recovery. It was very comforting to have and the first thing I requested after my surgery. Thanks to Jo Dryden for her beautiful handiwork. You have a great ministry and are a wonderful source of comfort to so many people, Sincerely Shelley Larsen

Thank You Notes Dear New Horizon Members, I would like to thank all of you who sent cards, your prayers, and telephone calls. Also, for the altar flowers delivered by Ellen Dugan and Jeff & Susan Sagert and to Paul for his special prayers. I deeply appreciate all your messages, concerns and thoughts. Sincerely, Helen Brownell

——————————–———————–———————————————————————

To New Horizon Church, Once again we want to thank you for your wonderful hospitality! The food was delicious and was so much appreciated! Again – THANK YOU! Lee Clayton & Precinct 10 Election Workers

——————————–———————–———————————————————————

Dear New Horizon Friends & Mission Committee, Thank you for your donation of $500 and for sharing your resources with Calvin Crest as we strive to impact our community. Lives are changed as children and youth experience God in a new way. Lives are energized as groups gather in the serenity of nature and shut out the distractions of everyday life. Families reconnect as they share time together during a family reunion. Each opportunity is possible through your generosity. Blessings, Craig Huffman, Executive Director, Calvin Crest

Page 6 December 2011

Building and Grounds Report This committee has had many serious problems, this fall with the storms and equipment damage. Insurance reports have been slow to come in to the committee. A tall fence has been placed around all new equipment. Plans have been made to add needed lighting and security – to the replaced equipment.

Thanks Be to God Dinner The Thanks Be to God dinner was a huge success, a huge thanks

goes to Linda Wagner and Glenda Doupe for doing all the planning and leg work. Two special people added their touches to make the evening a thing of beauty, Jean Marshall did the table decorations and Bill Wall

presented two lovely fruit plates that he and his sister created, Bill also took some pictures. We want to thank the pie makers, cooks, servers, and clean-up crew without whom we could not have had such a successful event. There is also a special angel in our midst who

donated the pork loins. Because of this angel, we took in $696.50; expenses were $230.00 leaving a balance of $466.50 that we will donate to the mortgage fund. Not only did we have a fine dinner, but

the leftovers were shared with Micah House and a local day care. All things were accomplished beyond our greatest imagination, Thanks Be to God.

A Tower of Food The front of

the church was filled with food at the end of

November - a result of the

f o o d d r i v e sponsored by

the Miss ion Committee. So

many items were collected that

Rev. Masters, as promised, kept his sermon to under one minute. The food will be divided between the

Gethsemane Presbyterian Food Pantry and the Community of

Christ Food Pantry, and will help to feed many people in our community. A donation of $200 will also be given to Gethsemane

to help them purchase bulk food at a discount rate from ConAgra. Thank you to everyone who participated in this food drive.

Contributions Oct 2011 General $ 20,933 $ 219,961 Mortgage 17,776 92,060 Total $ 38,709 $ 312,047

Expenses Oct 2011 General $ 20,527 $ 219,321

Mortgage 9,518 95,180 Total $ 30,045 $ 314,501

Contrib - Expenses 8,664 -2,480

Per Capita Total Received $ 5,795

Total Needed $ 12,684

Month 2009 2010 2011 Jan 169 152 160

Feb 182 163 186

Mar 187 209 * 200 Apr 225 * 203 222 * May 183 181 192 Jun 152 166 180 Jul 149 156 155

Aug 167 162 189 Sep 173 173 165 Oct 195 176 188 Nov 184 194 220 Dec 193 163

* Easter Weekly Averages

December Birthdays Name Date Name Date

Nancy Hale 1 Anne Christensen 2

Nathanial Kay 2 Jeanie Chambers 4 Denise Fauble 5 Dolores Brazelton 8

Anthony Rich 10 Jaidyn Elizabeth Russell 10 Joni Petersen 14 Tessie Whitman 14 John Gibson 17

Jeff Sagert 17 Dorothy ―Dottie‖ Young 17 Amanda Bryan 18

John Reynolds 18 Shelly Larsen 19

Betty Kerber 20

Frank Wallace 21 Connor Dobbs 22 Mary Jo Bailey 23 Paul Stuhr 23 Leonard Webster 23

Lue Peters 24 Illa Pfeiffer 25 Marial Kendall 26 Grant Nihsen 30 Diana Behring 31

Hollis Karcher 31

January Birthdays Name Date Name Date

Becky Kay 1 JoAnn Dryden 3

Mary Phillips 4 Amanda Michalski 5

Jacqueline McCoy 7 Bill Phillips 7

Ellen Dugan 8

Vicki Holder 8 Bonnie Quaas 8

Marcia Antworth 9 Carole Lane 10

December 2011 Page 7

Budget Breakdown The month of October showed steady giving in general contributions - we took in $405 more than we spent in general expenses. The mortgage fund received a boost, with a one-time gift of $11,732 - this helped us gain a bit of ground, though year-to-date, we have still taken in $3,120 less

than we have spent on our mortgage payments. We will have to wait to see what December’s numbers look like, but

right now our Treasurer is estimating that we will end up about $6,000 short for our 2011 expenses versus contributions. While that seems like a significant shortfall, it is actually less that we experienced in 2009 and

2010. We would like to thank everyone who has turned in their stewardship

pledge card for 2012. It helps us a great deal to have an idea of how much

income we can expect when working on the budget for next year. As

always, the New Horizon family has been generous and thoughtful with their pledges for next year. Thank you for supporting our church with all of your gifts of time, talent and ―treasure.‖

Coffee Schedule The duties include providing people to serve after each of the three ser-vices, preparing and serving beverages and food, as well as cleaning up the coffee area. December -Prayer Shawl Ministry

Synod School 2012 Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, Iowa July 22-27, 2012 Theme “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land”

AM’ers Circle will meet December 8 at 11:00am

at the Dixie Quicks for Christmas lunch Make reservations with Vicki Holder 712-322-7239

Mary Circle will meet December 29 at 11:30am

at the Dixie Quicks for Christmas lunch Make reservations with Cathy Born 712-325-4710

Unused Medicine Do you have unused medications that you would like to dispose of? Bring unused medications in their original

containers and leave with the Parish Nurses. They will take be taken to a free clinic in Omaha where they will be checked,

repackaged and given to the poor at this free clinic. No Narcotics Can Be Accepted

Evening Circle will meet December 3 at 11:00am

at the Olive Garden for Christmas lunch

COOKIE WALK ! COOKIE WALK ! Saturday, December 17TH

9:30am - 11:00am Westminster Presbyterian Church

517 South 32nd Street Delicious homemade cookies every kind ~ every size

COME AND FILL A BOX - for only $6.00

HOMEMADE CANDY SALE - CRAFT TABLES Free coffee and cookie samples!

Sit a minute and enjoy the fellowship!

New Horizon Presbyterian Church

30 Valley View Drive

Council Bluffs, IA 51503-5100

December 2011

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

U. S. POSTAGE PAID

Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Permit 67

Articles Locations Pastor’s Words/Joy Offering/Family Fun Night ------------------ 1 Small Group Meetings/Blue Christmas/Session Highlights -- 2

Mariners/Children’s & Youth Christmas Program ------------- 3 Weds Night Youth/Church Officer Potluck/Deacons ----------- 3

Trunk or Treat/Mitten Tree -------------------------------------------- 4 New Members/Someone You Ought to Know ------------------- 5 Presbyterian Women/Deacon & Elder------------------------------- 5 Pres. Women/ Mitten Tree/Someone You Ought Know ------- 5 Thank You Notes/Prayer Shawl Thanks/Tower of Food ----- 6

Bldg & Grnds/Thanks Be to God Dinner ------------------------------- 6 Financial//Budget Breakdown/Birthdays/Stewardship ------- 7

Coffee Schedule/Circle Lunches/Synod School/Cookie Walk 7 Calendar/Kids Page ---------------------------------------------- Insert Treasurer’s Observation/Month to Month Comparison Insert

“The Promise” A Community Christmas Celebration Saturday, December 10 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm

Hosted by New Horizon at 30 Valley View Drive Featuring the combined musical talents of First Christian, Broadway

Methodist, First Congregational, Epworth Methodist, New Horizon and Salem Methodist churches. Free and open to the public - invite your friends and family to attend with you!

Church World Service Tool and Blanket Collection The Church World Service Tool and Blanket collection brought in $854.00, thanks to everyone for your generosity!

Treasurer’s Observation Each year as we face a change in the weather, the church starts to plan next year’s programs and develops a church budget. Over the years, New Horizon has been very good at being able to meet expenses and pay all the bills. In the last three years, the general expenses have been around $260,000 a year or $21,600 a month. Income has been around

$264,000 a year or $22,000 a month with a positive $4,000. On the mortgage side of the budget we haven’t done as well. I anticipate we will receive about $104,000 for the year with an expense of $115,000 making us short about $11,000. When calculating the combined general and mortgage outcome for the year we will probably have a negative amount of $6,000.

In analyzing the General Expense and Contributions (see below), 90% of the budget supports the everyday expenses of running the facility and paying the staff while only 10% is for Mission, Programs and Ministries. If we would receive more income through contributions, we would be able to expand our Missions, Programs and Ministries. Unfortunately, the 90% must be paid while the 10% is spent when needed, though cautiously. If a church is to grow and minister to the community it needs to expand the programs and missions of the church.

When analyzing the Mortgage Expenses and Contributions, we are still falling short. New Horizon presently has an $1,530,000 debt on our wonderful facility. We must pay $9,518 a month for approximately the next 30 years. It would be nice if we could get to a point where we would receive additional funds to pay down the loan and save the amount we are paying for interest. (Last month we paid $6,588 of the $9,518 monthly payment in interest).

Another expense that was not anticipated is the five incidences which required insurance claims to be made this year. The instances are as follows:

1. The window shattered above the west Narthex door; 2. The lightening strike that shorted out the door entrance keypad and a circuit board in an air conditioner, forcing the

replacement of both; 3. The major hail storm on August 18 necessitated roof repair and repair to other items damaged; 4. The vandalism to the air conditioners for the theft of copper wiring;

5. A second vandalism of another air conditioner. While insurance will cover most of the expenses, we are still responsible for the $500 deductable for each claim so we will have a

$2,500 expense. The church is also going to spend $7,500 on additional outdoor security devices.

New Horizon has received the following: for the 2012 General Fund, 91 member-units have pledged $136,132, while 71 member-

units have pledged $74,920 for the 2012 Mortgage Fund. NHPC currently has 402 Members, comprised of 270 families. In order to meet our 2012 Proposed Budget of General Expenses of $292,000 and Mortgage of $114,000 for a total of $406,000, we need to

average receiving $1,500 per family. I know from history we have many members who do not pledge but give on a regular basis (about 20%). We need everyone to be a part of our church and help us to expand and grow our Ministries. Please pray and give to our future.

I am not sure if everyone is aware of the many components of our church budget, so following is a look at the past three years and a look at the projected expenditures for 2012. On the back side is the Month to Month Analysis of our Church Income and Expenses.

Expense Item % of Total 2009 2010 2011 (Est) 2012 Budget

Mission 6 % $ 14,055 $ 15,312 $ 12,000 $ 17,800 Programs of the Church 3 % 9,619 6,667 6,500 9,230 Ministries (Deacons) 1 % 456 704 600 874 Operations & Maintenance 20 % 50,953 53,353 58,000 72,574 Administration 9 % 22,081 25,702 27,000 26,694

Staff 61 % 155,457 159,197 157,200 165,231 Total $ 252,621 $ 260,236 $ 261,300 $ 292,403

Contributions and Income $ 271,327 $ 266,147 $ 265,000 Gain or (Loss) 18,706 5,911 3,700 Mortgage Expenses $ 137,096 $ 114,216 $ 114,216 $ 114,216 Mortgage Contributions $ 105,866 $ 90,048 $ 102,000 Gain or (Loss) (31,230) (24,168) (12,216)

Bob Stebbins

2008

to

2011

Mon

thly

and

Yea

rly

Inco

me

and

Expe

nse

Com

pari

son

fo

r bo

th G

ener

al E

xpen

ses

and

Mor

tgag

e